Strasbourg
Christmas Market Itinerary
Strasbourg is a beautiful city known for its unique blend of French and German culture, stunning medieval architecture, and the seat of the European Parliament, but when the festive season comes it transforms into the “Capital of Christmas”. This is why it becomes one of the best destinations for anyone wanting to visit a Christmas Market in Europe with its enchanting decorations, historic squares filled with wooden stalls, and magical atmosphere, Strasbourg’s Christmas markets offer an unforgettable experience.
Here’s our 3-day itinerary to help you explore Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets.
Day 1
City Center Christmas Markets
Morning
Start at Place Kléber: This is the heart of Strasbourg’s Christmas celebration, where you’ll find the famous Grand Christmas Tree. Standing over 30 meters tall, this tree is the symbol of Strasbourg’s festive spirit. Begin your visit by taking in the magnificent decorations and festive ambiance.
Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral Christmas Market (Place de la Cathédrale): Located right next to the stunning Gothic cathedral, this market offers a picturesque backdrop for your shopping. You’ll find handcrafted toys, artisanal candles, and beautiful Christmas ornaments. Be sure to take some time to step inside the Strasbourg Cathedral and admire its impressive interior.
Tip: For lunch try a Tarte Flambée, pretzels, or sausages, and warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Afternoon
La Petite France Christmas Market: Stroll over to the Petite France district, where you’ll find more intimate Christmas markets. The half-timbered houses and illuminated streets make this a magical experience. Enjoy the fairy-tale atmosphere and take in the festive lights reflected on the canal.
Ice Skating at Place du Château: For some winter fun, lace up your skates at the ice rink in front of the Palais Rohan. Even if you don’t skate, it’s a charming place to enjoy the festive atmosphere and watch others glide by.
Evening
Explore Christkindelsmärik (Place Broglie): Head to Strasbourg’s oldest and most famous Christmas market at Place Broglie. This market dates back to 1570 and is filled with stalls selling local handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and regional specialties like Bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies). Browse the stalls for unique gifts and enjoy a hot cup of Vin Chaud (mulled wine).
Day 2
Museums & Christmas Markets
Morning
Museum of Alsatian Christmas Traditions: Visit the Alsace Museum for a special exhibit on local Christmas traditions. Learn about the origins of the region’s unique customs, decorations, and festive dishes. The museum’s collection of historical objects and recreated interiors will transport you back in time to a traditional Alsatian Christmas.
Christmas Market at Place Saint-Thomas: This smaller, charming market offers a more artisanal experience. You’ll find local artists and craftsmen selling pottery, jewelry, and other handmade gifts.
Stroll Around Place Gutenberg: This market has a more international flavor, featuring goods from Strasbourg’s partner cities around the world. It’s a great place to find unique international gifts and food.
Tip: For lunch try some Alsatian comfort food like Raclette or Gratin de Munster, both perfect for warming up in the cold weather.
Afternoon
Visit the European Parliament and the European Quarter: While not directly connected to the Christmas festivities, Strasbourg’s role as the seat of the European Parliament adds a cultural layer to your visit. Tours are available if you’re interested in learning more about the European Union’s workings.
Parc de l’Orangerie: Take a break from the markets with a peaceful walk in this beautifully landscaped park. It’s especially magical when dusted with snow, and you might even catch sight of some festive decorations or winter wildlife.
Evening
Nighttime Walk Along the Illuminations Trail: Strasbourg’s Christmas lights and decorations are truly spectacular. After dinner, take an evening walk through the Illuminations Trail that runs through the city center. Streets like Rue des Orfèvres and Grand’Rue are particularly beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, garlands, and festive displays.
Day 3
Colmar Christmas market
Morning
Morning:
Day Trip to Colmar (45 minutes by train): Take a short train ride to the medieval town of Colmar, which is famous for its own magical Christmas markets. The town is beautifully illuminated, with five distinct markets spread across the old town. Start by exploring Place des Dominicains and the Place de l’Ancienne Douane.
Afternoon
Explore Little Venice: Wander through the charming streets of Little Venice, a picturesque area along the canals, and take in the stunning holiday lights and decorations.
Return to Strasbourg in the late afternoon.
Explore More Villages: Continue visiting nearby villages, all of which will be festively adorned and offer a magical Christmas atmosphere. Return to Strasbourg by evening.
Evening
Farewell Dinner: For your last evening in Strasbourg, enjoy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the illuminated streets. End your visit with a stroll through the markets one last time, soaking up the magical atmosphere.
Additional Tips
Market Hours: Strasbourg’s Christmas markets typically open from the last weekend of November until the 24th of December. Plan your days according to the opening hours (usually from 10 AM to 8 PM).
Getting Around: The markets are close to each other and can easily be explored on foot. Strasbourg’s tram system is also convenient for getting around.
Dress Warmly: The weather can be quite cold in December, so wear layers and bring warm accessories like gloves and hats.
Additional Days
We flew into Paris from San Francisco, and did a road trip to Strasbourg going through both Reims and Metz. The whole journey was about 6 hours, but with the overnight stops to visit the Christmas Markets it was a very relaxed trip.
Reims
The Reims Christmas Market is one of the most popular in the Champagne region of France, offering a festive atmosphere in a historic setting. Held annually in the city’s central area, particularly near the iconic Reims Cathedral, this market is known for its charming wooden chalets, sparkling lights, and variety of holiday activities.
Metz
The Metz Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful in northeastern France. Known for its magical atmosphere and blend of French and German influences, the market has become a beloved destination during the festive season.
Metz Cathedral, one of the tallest Gothic churches in Europe, is beautifully lit and adds a dramatic backdrop to the market. You can enjoy light displays on the cathedral’s facade and with the giant ferris wheel in front, you can see below it is absolutely stunning. Located at Place de la République the ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the city and the twinkling lights of the Christmas market.
Basel – Switzerland
Before returning our car and taking the train back to Paris, we did a day trip to the beautiful city of Basel.
The Basel Christmas Market is one of the largest and most beautiful in Switzerland, offering a magical festive experience in the heart of the city. Basel is known for its rich cultural heritage and is especially charming during the Christmas season, with twinkling lights, decorated streets, and an array of holiday activities.
