Why You Should Visit Strasbourg Christmas Markets

The Christmas season in Europe is my favourite time of the year. The festive decorations, the Christmas spirit, the sparkling lights, the snow – all this brings a little magic in our daily life.

The Christmas markets in Berlin were the first ones that I visited. When it comes to Christmas spirit, Germany wins hands down.

However, there is one place in France, that could compare with the German festive atmosphere. According to some, it even wins the first place. This region is called Alsace and it’s the most picturesque part of France.

The Christmas markets are not a traditional French thing. However, you can find plenty of them in Alsace, as this region was a part of Germany in the past.

The first market in Strasbourg took place in 1570 at Place Broglie. Initially, it was open for three days prior to Christmas Eve. Its main purpose was to sell provisions for the upcoming holidays such as spiced bread, candles, herbs, etc.

Although today Alsace is a French territory, the markets are still held every year as a part of a long-standing Christmas tradition.

Strasbourg is not huge, so you could imagine that one or two markets are enough for that size of a city. Apparently the French think otherwise. There are 11 markets (called Christkindelsmärik) spread out across the small centre of Strasbourg. The shortest distance between any two of them is 50m and the longest one – 800m.

Find a map with their exact locations here. The best way to explore the Christkindelsmärik is by taking a rickshaw ride.

The main Christkindelsmärik are at:

• Place de la Cathédrale
• Place Kléber
• Place Gutenberg
• Place Broglie
• Place du Château

There are six smaller ones at:

• Place du Marché aux Poisson
• Place du Temple Neuf
• Place Saint Thomas
• Place des Meuniers
• Place Benjamin-Zix
• Place Grimmeissen

They start from 24 November and end on 24 December 2018 (open daily from 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM). During the weekends, they run until 09:00/10:00 PM.

Mid-range – Hôtel Gutenberg – a boutique hotel close to the markets around the cathedral.
9.0/10 Rating – See hotel images and 2,250+ guest reviews

Luxury option – BOMA Hotel Nouvelle Generation – 4-star chic hotel with an ideal location to explore the Christkindelsmärik.
9.0/10 Rating – See hotel images and 1700+ guest reviews

Apartment – Les Appartements Place de la Cathédrale – comfy apartments next to the main markets in the Old Town.
9.5/10 Rating – See apartment images and 160+ guest reviews

See more hotels near Strasbourg Christmas market.

Each Christkindelsmärik has its own speciality. However at most of them, you’ll find ornaments, all kinds of gifts, mulled wine and of course plenty of tasty local food and sweets.

Located all around the cathedral, this market is a must-see, especially in the evening. Don’t miss to check out the big Nativity scene inside the cathedral.

This is the place where the big Christmas Tree (Grand Sapin) is. The minimum height of the tree is 30m and it’s provided by France’s National Forestry Office. They start the search for the perfect Christmas tree early in March every year. To get a really glamours shape, more branches from other trees are added.

And finally, the tree is decorated with 7km of twinkling lights, baubles, angels and stars. In the end, it’s all worth it. It was one of the most sumptuous Christmas trees I’ve ever seen!

In the past, people used to put presents for the poor under the tree. Today, there are more than 60 charity stalls, selling souvenirs and food for a good cause. This market is called the Village of Sharing.

Each year Strasbourg dedicates this Christkindelsmärik to a different country. During my visit the guest country was Iceland.

This is the biggest Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg. It is held on the place of the traditional Christkindelsmärik from the 16th century. Over 100 stalls offer festive decorations, pottery, glass jewellery, handmade toys and many more.

This market sells the best food and the variety is huge. If you look for a place to eat, go there. Also, I liked the mulled wine here most.

This small market right next to the palace is the most charming of all. The stalls are surrounded by half-timbered houses, decorated with bears and festive garlands.

I just loved this house with cute polar bears.

If you’re looking for some treats, visit the Christkindelsmärik at Place du Marché aux Poisson. The stalls are stocked with local wine, beer and tasty food from the region. Don’t miss to try Nut’Alsace, mouth-watering hazelnut cocoa spread (much better than Nutella).

It’s a lovely small market for handicraft items in front of a 19th-century church.

This small market for festive decorations and food is right next to Saint Thomas Church.

The Christkindelsmärik features products from small producers from Alsace.

Tucked away between half-timbered houses, it sells all kinds of decorations.

It’s an alternative market that features vintage furniture, original handicrafts and organic food.

At most of the markets, you’ll find the usual stuff such as red and white mulled wine (vin chaud in French), gingerbread and sausages. Besides that, there are a few typical Alsatian dishes that are not to be missed.

Bretzel
Bretzel is the French version of the German pretzel. It’s made from brioche dough and comes in different sweet and savoury versions.

Beignet
Beignet is a pastry made of deep-fried sweetened dough.

Chouquette
Chouquette is a Choux pastry sprinkled with sugar.

Flammekueche
Flammekueche is a wood-fired pizza topped with crème fraiche, bacon and onion.

Choucroute
Choucroute is a typical Alsatian dish. It’s a grated cabbage pickled in wine, accompanied by sausages and slow-cooked pork.

Explore the culinary scene of Alsace by taking a gourmet walking tour.

Take a full-day tour from Strasbourg and explore the enchanting region of Alsace.

 

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About the author

	Milena Yordanova
	I'm a travel blogger based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Travelling has always been my passion and I love to discover new places and cultures. I want to show you how easy it is to organize your vacation all by yourself.

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