Strasbourg Christmas Markets Travel Guide
Introduction
- Location: Strasbourg, Alsace, eastern France
- Known for:
- Timber-frame buildings
- Gothic cathedral
- Foodie culture
- Capital of Christmas
- Annual visitors: Up to 2 million people visit the Christmas markets each year
History of Strasbourg's Christmas Markets
Origins
- 1570: First Christmas market held in Strasbourg
- Context: Protestantism had arrived; St. Nicholas feast seen as Catholic symbol
- Compromise: Stall sellers continued selling goods under "feast of the Nativity"
- Evolution: 3-day market grew to 36 days by end of 19th century
- Earlier precedent: Similar markets existed in Holy Roman Empire (including Vienna) where gingerbread, soap, and candles were sold
Practical Visitor Information
Payment Tips
- Not all stands accept cards
- Many card-accepting stands have minimum payment requirements
- Recommendation: Bring cash for wine and small purchases
Best Time to Visit
Night time:
- Beautiful illuminations
- More atmospheric
Daytime/Midweek:
- Fewer crowds
- Quieter experience
Key Areas & Neighborhoods
Petit France
History:
- Inhabited since Paleolithic period
- First written records: 12 BCE (Roman military camp)
- Middle Ages: Area for fishermen, millers, and tanners along River Ill
- Name origin (15th century): Not as cute as it sounds—hospital built here treated soldiers with syphilis (called "French disease" after Italian wars under Charles VIII)
Attractions:
- Covered Bridges: Three bridges and four towers from Middle Ages defenses
- Timber-framed houses
- Historic atmosphere
- The Mill: Very photographic (covered in wisteria in springtime), but private property—exterior viewing only
Christmas Market:
- Advent Village: Cozy market in heart of Petit France
- Few stands selling chocolate, honey, jams
- Very local feel
- Beautiful architecture surroundings
Grand Isle
Overview:
- Historic city center
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988
- Island formed by River Isle and Canal de Foulin-Pix
- Location of all main Christmas market areas
Individual Christmas Markets (13 Total)
1. Place Kléber
- Features the giant Christmas tree (30 meters tall, 7 kilometers of fairy lights)
- Annual tree tradition with different theme each year
- Charitable Christmas market
- Traditional market selling hats, gloves, wood carvings, snacks
- Picnic benches available
- Note: Many stalls sell mass-produced goods (less unique gifts)
2. Off Market (Place Cromycin)
- Focus on sustainability
- Shipping container stalls instead of wooden chalets
- Sustainable gift ideas and produce
- Large central stage for eco-friendly events
- Quieter, different vibe
3. Place Benjamin Zix
- Small market (around a dozen stalls)
- Hot wine, soup, and snacks available
4. St. Thomas Church Market
- Located beneath Protestant church
- Small market with gifts and snacks
- Focus on locally produced food from Alsace region
5. Place Gutenberg
- Technically a Christmas market
- Only four chalets (mostly selling vin chaud/hot wine)
6. Place de La Cathédrale & Place du Château
- Wrap around the cathedral
- Some of the best Christmas markets in Strasbourg
- Everything from gifts to hot wine to food
7. Terrasse Rohan
- Near the cathedral along the water
- Small local delicacies market
- Alsatian treats and drinks
- Beautiful backdrop of Palais Rohan (former residence of Prince-bishops and Cardinals, now Fine Arts Museum)
- Less crowded than other markets
Major Attractions
Strasbourg Cathedral
- Historic significance: Tallest building in the world (1647-1874)
- One of Europe's most striking Gothic cathedrals
- Queue required but moves quickly
- Inside:
- Astronomical clock (roots date to 14th century)
- Free to visit
- Christmas nativity set (over 20 meters long—one of France's biggest)
Unusual Find
- British postbox in shadow of cathedral
- Still in use by French postal service
Rue du Maroquin
- One of most vibrantly decorated streets
- Iconic teddy bear decorations
- Beautiful illuminations
Additional Tips & Highlights
Getting Around
- Majority of Grand Isle is pedestrianized
- Tourist train available for easier mobility
Information Resources
- Chalet Info stations throughout markets
- Brochures available in multiple languages
Cultural Note
- Alsace traded hands between France and Germany for centuries
- Many Germanic names despite French location
Day-to-Night Experience
- Recommendation: Walk the same streets twice (day and night)
- Experience transformation with illuminations
- Mesmerizing atmosphere change
Local Shops
- Many shops decorate for Christmas season
- Add to festive atmosphere