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 2023 is a train ticket to Strasbourg’s Christmas market.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrea Pucci. Image Location: Colmar, Alsace, France
All about the Strasbourg Christmas Market 2023
🎄 When: November 25, 2023 through December 24, 2023
🎄 Where: Place Kléber and surrounding areas
🎄 Times: 11am to 8pm | 11am 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.
Need to know: Tips for visiting the 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.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jon Hicks. Image Location: Strasbourg Christmas Market, Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg, France
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.
Can you take a day trip from Paris to Strasbourg? You bet your tinsel you can.
Do we recommend attempting a day trip to the Strasbourg Christmas market in 2023? Only if you’re a Scrooge who cares little about Strasbourg’s effervescent Christmas spirit.
The last train back to Paris leaves just after the market shuts down, so it’s a feat you can accomplish when you’re pressed for time. But to end your trip in a time crunch isn’t the merriest thing to do.
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.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, serts. Image Location: Strasbourg, Alsace, France
