Welcome to Strasbourg, the capital of Christmas. Strasbourg is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas getaways not only in France but also in Europe. It is located in the heart of the Alsace region, very close to the German border. During this wonderful time of year, Strasbourg is home to many Christmas markets and one of the tallest Christmas trees. What makes it truly magical are the facades of the buildings decorated with amazing Christmas ornaments. In this article, we will find the ultimate guide for your next Christmas trip to Strasbourg in the Alsace.
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Things to know before visiting Strasbourg at Christmas
As the capital of Christmas, it fills up with thousands of tourists from late November. So, you should expect overcrowded tourist attractions such as the Strasbourg Cathedral, La Petite France, the Christmas markets, etc. That is why we highly recommend starting your days early to get the most out of this amazing city. You should also be aware that the weather is quite unpredictable. It can be rainy or moody, but there is also a small chance of snow in December. Therefore, make reservations at your favorite restaurants every time. Otherwise, it will be quite difficult to find a place, as most of the restaurants in the city center are quite small. The same goes for Strasbourg’s Christmas markets, which are packed at peak times.
Why is Strasbourg the perfect getaway for Christmas?
There is no doubt that a trip to this charming French city will leave you with the best impressions. We have visited Strasbourg 3 times already, and 2 of them were in December. This month is the best time to visit it. Christmas lights, decorations, trees, markets, food, hot chocolate, and mulled wine are the main reasons to add it to your Christmas bucket list. However, as it is one of the most popular Christmas getaways, you should expect huge crowds. So, if you are planning to stay in Strasbourg in December, we strongly recommend that you book your accommodation in advance to save money and have more options available.
How to get to Strasbourg?
It is not complicated to get to Strasbourg. You can fly into Paris or any other major French cities (Lyon, Marseille, etc) and then take the train to Strasbourg. Almost all French cities are connected to Strasbourg, as it is the largest city in Alsace. You can alternatively visit it from the nearby countries like Germany or Switzerland. Another option would be to rent a car either in a nearby city or in Strasbourg to enjoy the absolute freedom. However, if you don’t have enough time in France, we won’t recommend it, because of the cost, traffic, and difficult parking, especially in the city center.
Visiting the nearby fairytale town of Colmar
You can’t leave Strasbourg and Alsace without visiting Colmar. This hidden gem of the Alsace is one of the most picturesque places we have ever been to. Colorful half-timbered houses, canals, Christmas decorations, trees, and markets create the perfect festive ambiance. If you get the chance to visit it, you will feel like stepping into a Christmas fairytale.
Best Christmas Markets in Strasbourg – Alsace
One of the main reasons to consider Strasbourg as one of the best Christmas destinations is its Christmas markets (“Marchés de Noël” in French). Every year, they are open between November 24 and December 24 (Christmas Eve). Walking around enjoying the cheerful Christmas ambiance is one of the best things to do in Strasbourg. There are 13 Christmas markets. You will find them in the center called “Grande Île”. They are some of the best and oldest in Europe, dating back to 1570. You should expect classic wooden chalets, delicious market treats, Christmas trees, and beautiful Christmas decorations. In case you are looking for an organized tour, we highly recommend booking the Christmas markets walking tour.
Strasbourg Christmas markets :
- Place Kléber
- Place de la Cathédrale
- Place du Château
- Place Broglie
- Terrasse Rohan
- Place du marché aux poissons
- Place du Temple Neuf
- Rue Gutenberg
- Village d’Advent
- Rue des Hallebards
- Place Grimmeissen
- Place Benjamin-Zix (Petite France)
- Place Saint Thomas (Petite France)
Best places to visit in Strasbourg at Christmas
1-The Strasbourg Cathedral
The Notre Dame de Strasbourg is one of the main tourist attractions. Since it is one of the oldest Cathedrals in France, it has a great reputation. At this time of year, you will find one of Strasbourg’s best Christmas markets near the Cathedral. Imagine walking through the wooden chalets with this masterpiece in the background. It is pure magic. However, be prepared for a busy Christmas market, especially if you come at peak time. The Cathedral and its Christmas market are full of lights at night. So, they deserve a night visit as well.
2-Place du Château
The Place du Château is just a few meters from Strasbourg Cathedral and hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets. The photogenic teddy bear Christmas house is the main attraction and one of the cutest spots in town. In this charming square, you will also find small souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés.
As you can see from the photos below, these adorable souvenir shops will leave you in awe with their amazing decorations and Christmas vibes. You can easily spend hours there to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Don’t miss this wonderful square straight out of a Christmas fairytale.
3-Place Kléber
Place Kléber is another must-visit place in Strasbourg. It is located in the heart of the city center. You can easily spot it because of its huge Christmas tree. It is one of the largest Christmas trees in Europe. The same goes for the Christmas market, which is the largest Christmas market in the city with more than 130 stands. They sell almost everything related to food, crafts, Christmas decorations, and wine. If you are willing to donate to various charities, the Christmas market at Place Kléber is the right place for you. It’s even more magical at night with the Christmas lights of the giant tree and the market. You will find even light shows in the evening. There are also many cafés, restaurants, fast food chains, and big shopping chains.
4-La Petite France
La Petite France is the most picturesque area in Strasbourg. It hosts 2 Christmas markets (Place Benjamin-Zix and Place Saint Thomas). We could not imagine a more quaint place than this area to host a Christmas market! The colorful buildings, the canals, and the Christmas markets create the perfect Christmas backdrop. Although it is a bit colder and maybe windy because of the river, you will fall in love with this medieval area.
During our last trip to Strasbourg, we came across this lovely little restaurant called “L’éveil des sens”. There is no doubt that it is one of the most photogenic restaurants in Strasbourg. Unfortunately, there were no tables available, but we loved its elegant yet authentic decor. It serves French and Belgian cuisine. Since we didn’t get a chance to try its food, we cannot recommend it. However, the ambiance was amazing, and the reviews are high.
Final Thoughts
Once you have decided to go to France during Christmas, Strasbourg should be at the top of your list. As the capital of Christmas, it will leave you speechless with its festive atmosphere, Christmas ornaments, and delicious local specialties. You should visit Strasbourg at Christmas at least once in your life.
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