Strasbourg Christmas Market: A Magical Alsatian Tradition

Alsace is well known for it’s beautiful Christmas Markets. The Strasbourg Christmas Market is the oldest Christmas market in France. Way back in 1570 at Place Broglie. The Christmas Market takes place every year around the end of November to the end of December. The best way to avoid crowds is to come on weekdays in the first half of December. The last week before Christmas is when you’ll see the biggest crowds.

To visit the entire market requires a lot of walking. The entire city center is ornately decorated. You will find Christmas lights illuminate every street. I just can’t stop taking pictures everywhere I go! This is just winter-wonderland overload.

The Strasbourg Christmas market is very widespread throughout the public squares of the central island. The best attraction would be the large Christmas tree in the town square (Place Kléber). Place Kléber is the largest open square in Strasbourg. It is full of historic buildings and fine architecture.

We walked by Place Kléber numerous times during our 2 night stay in Strasbourg. The tree was decorated with blinking lights and stars. The surrounding buildings with lighting looked spectacular too. It is beautiful in the evening when all the lights are on. Spectacular at night for photos.

A City Transformed into a Festive Wonderland

Our visit was filled with awe at the sheer scale and beauty of the market. Booths sprawled across numerous squares, each adorned with glittering lights, pine boughs, and festive decorations. The aroma of mulled wine (vin chaud), gingerbread, and grilled sausages filled the crisp winter air, creating an irresistible invitation to explore. Grand Sapin, the towering Christmas tree at Place Kléber, stood majestically, adorned with thousands of lights, casting a warm glow over the entire city. Its impressive height and dazzling decorations served as a central beacon for the festive celebrations.

Traditional Crafts and Culinary Delights

Wandering through the various market areas, we discovered an array of traditional Alsatian crafts, from intricate wooden ornaments and hand-blown glass decorations to warm woolens and unique regional pottery. Each stall offered a glimpse into the rich local heritage. The culinary offerings were equally tempting, ranging from classic bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies) and flammekueche (thin-crust tarts) to hearty choucroute and roasted chestnuts. Sipping on warm spiced cider, we soaked in the vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by joyous chatter and the harmonious sounds of carolers. The festive spirit was palpable, making every moment feel like a cherished holiday memory. Strasbourg’s Christmas Market is truly an unforgettable spectacle, a perfect blend of tradition, charm, and festive cheer.

The Batorama boat tour offers an excellent way to experience Strasbourg from a unique vantage point on the River Ill. The 70-minute “Strasbourg, 20 centuries of history” tour is highly recommended, covering the charming Petite France district, the Imperial German Neustadt, and the modern European institutions. The audio guide is informative and engaging, providing fascinating historical anecdotes in multiple languages, including a fun version for children. Passing through the locks is a particularly memorable part of the journey. This relaxing and comfortable cruise provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s diverse architecture and rich history. This is the most delightful way of viewing Strasbourg. The views from the canals are great. Each seat has its own personal headset for the audio tour and you can select your language.

Colmar Christmas Market

by Wen Christmas Market

The city feels like it was pulled straight from the 16th century. The fairy-tale setting of the old town is even more magical at Christmas. The whole town is decorated like in a dream. The old town of Colmar hosts 5 magical Christmas markets with a variety of food , trinkets, wines and rides for children.

Another big reason to visit Colmar is the incredible food options throughout the city. There are lots wooden stalls are dedicated to local produce, such as foie gras, Christmas sweets, and Alsatian wines.

It is a great place to take postcard-like pictures, in the storybook-like towns along the colorful tinted houses. The houses are decorated and lit up. You could easily spend a few days here wandering the cobbled streets from market to market especially at night.

Aachen Christmas Market

by Wen Christmas Market

The location of Aachen is very accessible from the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Try their Punsch or Glühwein (the local mulled wine). Aachen’s Cathedral is the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Germany. Aachen’s main Christmas market is concentrated on the large squares around the cathedral in the old town area. There are around 120 stalls at the main market.

The local specialty is the Aachener Printen (a type of Lebkuchen with Christmas spices). You will find the giant Printen cookies guard the entryway to the Christmas market.