Strasbourg has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
That’s a bold claim, especially considering that this city shares a border with Germany, but it’s true nonetheless.
Christmas in Strasbourg, France, is as magical as you’d imagine, with colorful lights reflecting off of the Rhine River and half-timber houses holding tight to the few snowflakes that grace its roofs.
Allow us to write your Christmas list for you: Dear Santa, all you need to set under the tree in 2024 is a train ticket to Strasbourg’s Christmas market.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrea Pucci. Image Location: Colmar, Alsace, France
Strasbourg Christmas Market: need to know
🎄 When: November 27, 2024 to December 27, 2024
🎄 Where: Place Kléber and surrounding areas
🎄 Times: 2pm to 9pm on Nov 27 | daily 11:30am to 9pm | 11:30am to 6pm on Christmas Eve | Closed Christmas Day
🎄 Nearest train station: Strasbourg Gare Centrale
Strasbourg’s annual Christmas market is the oldest in the country, first popping up over 400 years ago. Since the 1570s, the city has embraced the holiday season, now stretching over 300 market stalls across the city. Though Place Kléber is the center of the market where you’ll find an ice skating rink beneath a gigantic Christmas tree, don’t be afraid to meander merrily away from the main square to find mulled wine, carolers, and more market stalls.
On its opening day, November 27, 2024, the market starts from 2pm to 9pm. Then, it is open every day from 11:30am to 9pm.
On Christmas Eve (December 24) it closes at 6pm, and the market is closed on Christmas Day. It reopens on December 26 and 27 at the usual times.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jon Hicks. Image Location: Strasbourg Christmas Market, Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg, France
Tips for visiting Strasbourg Christmas market
What is the best season to visit Strasbourg?
Christmas time is one of the best seasons to visit the city. Strasbourg, France’s weather in December gets rather cold, so pack appropriately. Expect 30s and 40s which warrant more layers than simply your favorite ugly Christmas sweater. Unfortunately, snow is seldom seen, but the lack of flurries does nothing to diminish the Christmas decorations adorning the city.
Why is the Strasbourg Christmas market famous?
Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe, but its acclaim doesn’t ride on age alone. Once part of Germany, you’ll spot Alsatian traditions like homemade Advent wreaths and fresh bredele cakes throughout the market. If you’re looking for a Christmas experience less commercial and more cultural, Strasbourg’s Christmas market won’t leave you saying "bah humbug".
Is Strasbourg Christmas market worth visiting?
Strasbourg is not called the Capital of Christmas for nothing. It’s got the highest decorated Christmas tree on the continent and dozens of events filling the month-long calendar.
Why is Strasbourg so famous?
Strasbourg’s Christmas market didn’t put the city on the map. This city, now one of the European Union capitals, has a long history of both conflict and cooperation dating back to Roman times. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though its population of students and immigrants gives it a diverse cosmopolitan feel. And if you can believe it, it’s one of the best cities in France to visit yet simultaneously is one of the least-French-feeling cities in the country.
Image Credit: Getty Images, jeangill.
5 things to do in Strasbourg in December (besides the market)
- Climb to the top of the Notre-Dame de Strasbourg cathedral.
- Snap photos of La Petite France’s picturesque half-timbered houses.
- Attend a Christmas concert at the Opéra national du Rhin.
- Snuggle up with your partner on a boat tour.
- Treat your taste buds to a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Getting from Paris to Strasbourg during the holiday season
Getting from Paris to Strasbourg’s Christmas market requires no magical reindeer or sleigh.
A high-speed train will whisk you from Paris Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg Gare Centrale in less than 2 hours. On-board amenities on the TGV trains include power outlets and WiFi, so you can make sure your phone is charged enough to upload reels and reels of yuletide cheer.
You can even take a day trip from Paris to Strasbourg by train if that's your Christmas wish. However, remember this: the last train back to Paris leaves just after the market shuts down, so it’s a feat you can accomplish, but to end your trip in a time crunch isn’t the merriest thing to do. Instead, you could extend your trip and see more Christmas in Strasbourg.
The joys of train travel
Download the Trainline app, stuff your stocking with cheap tickets from Paris to Strasbourg, then enjoy a silent night in France’s festive Alsatian capital. For even more European winter holiday adventures, hop on a train and explore the enchanting Christmas Markets in Germany.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, serts. Image Location: Strasbourg, Alsace, France