One of the areas I like most in France is Alsace. In it, without a doubt, Strasbourg is one of the most impressive places thanks to its architectural beauty, a reason why it was declared UNESCO World Heritage since 1988.

Walking through Strasbourg is like walking in the past, with narrow streets surrounded by colorful houses and with a characteristic design more similar to the ones often seen in Germany or Switzerland.

As it was not enough beauty, every year, since 1570 the city is filled with lights and decorations to wait for Christmas night. This is one of the oldest and largest Christmas market in Europe or Marché de Noël in French.

This year, Strasbourg Christmas Market was chosen as the second “Best Christmas Market in Europe 2017”

I’m always really happy to go back to Strasbourg as it was there where I was the first time in a Christmas market in Europe.

Visiting the Christmas Markets is a good reason to travel around Europe in the coldest time of year, you will find the cities beautifully decorated and many available activities too.

The Christmas market in Strasbourg has as its predecessor the “Christkindelsmärik” that was developed at one side of the cathedral.

This year, for the 446th edition, the Markets are held in different squares of the city and the great novelty of this year is that the more than 300 seats are located in the historic center or Grande-Île, which is reserved at this time only for pedestrians.

This year Christmas Market in Strasbourg has Portugal as a special guest, with a market especially dedicated to the handicrafts and delicacies of that country (Oooh Yeah, Pasteis de Natal!!), in Gutenberg square.
Designed as a small Portuguese village, traditional artisans and producers of wine, beer, sausages and also guitars and ceramics showing the richness of Portuguese culture.

My favorite points are two: first, due to the impressive proportions of the building, those located outside the Gothic Cathedral. It is a characteristic icon of the city center and a must to visit in Strasbourg.

The other must-see and by far my favorite area of the city (and I would say, it is the favorite for all the visitors) is in the so-called ‘Little France’.

An area of narrow and cobbled streets, with houses of old constructions and very colorful. A walk near the river accompanied by a hot wine is something that will always remain in your memory.

Tips for travelers

There is free WIFI access in most of the Christmas market in Strasbourg: Search the WifiLib network.

Available in the main squares of the city and adjacent streets: Kléber, Broglie, cathedral, Gutenberg, Hans Arp.

Opening hours

• The Christmas Markets will be open from 26 November to 23 December from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., on December 24th until 6 p.m.
• Between December 24 and 31 you can continue enjoying the Christmas atmosphere with the illuminations and animations throughout the city.
• The shops will be open the 3 Sundays of Advent
• The stores will be open on Sundays December 4 and 11, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

How to move around while visiting the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

To get there, there are several routes as it is one of the most connected cities in the area.

• It has an international airport where you can fly from Paris in an hour for example. Strasbourg-Entzheim International Airport
• The train is always a good option and if you travel by car, the motorway network connects the city with neighboring and German cities very easily.
• If you go by car, there is a daily pass that includes called Park & Ride, it combines the price of the parking plus the tram and bus system. The roundtrip ticket is valid for up to 7 people for the day and costs only €4.10. You can get more information HERE and HERE

Tourism in Strasbourg

If you plan to visit the city and not only see the Christmas markets, there is the “Strasbourg Pass” which for € 18.90 per adult (€ 9.45 to € 12.45 for young people) allows discovering monuments and the most important areas of the city for 3 consecutive days. Sales and information at the Strasbourg Tourist Office.

Tickets and information at the Tourist Office in Strasbourg located at Place de la Cathédrale

More information about the Christmas markets in Strasbourg HERE and their Facebook Page.

Here you can find a Map with all the Christmas markets in Strasbourg

Where is your favorite Christmas market? Do you already know the Christmas markets in Strasbourg?