Top things to do in Strasbourg at Christmas 2024: join us at one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets! The Christmas markets in Strasbourg date back to 1570! Each holiday season, the city attracts over 2 million visitors who come to experience its festive atmosphere. The markets spread throughout the city, featuring more than 300 stalls and chalets that offer a variety of holiday goods. Visitors admire dazzling lights and explore charming timbered streets filled with festive cheer. Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg transforms into a winter wonderland.
Let’s dive into what makes Strasbourg a must-visit this season!
Watch this ⬇️ Top Places to enjoy Christmas in Europe!
How to get to Strasbourg
Here’s how to get to Strasbourg from major cities like Paris & Lyon:
Paris to Strasbourg
- By Train: The TGV (high-speed train) from Paris Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg takes aprox 2 hours.
- By Car: Via the A4 motorway takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Lyon to Strasbourg
- By Train: Direct TGV (high-speed train) from Lyon Part-Dieu to Strasbourg takes aprox 4 hours.
- By Car: Via the A4 motorway takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Be sure to check schedules in advance, especially during busy holiday seasons.
Best Christmas Markets in Strasbourg
Here’s a list of some of Strasbourg’s best Christmas markets in 2024, which will be open from the 27th of November until the 27th of December 2024, featuring top things to do in Strasbourg at Christmas 2024.
- Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie – One of the oldest Christmas markets in France, this market is a must-see for its traditional Alsatian crafts, treats like mulled wine and gingerbread, and seasonal ornaments.
- Cathedral Market (Place de la Cathédrale) – Located by the Strasbourg Cathedral, this iconic market dazzles visitors with holiday lights and features artisanal stalls showcasing handcrafted gifts, making it perfect for soaking in the historic setting.
- Place Kléber – Home to the giant Christmas tree, a symbol of Strasbourg’s holiday spirit. It’s the ideal spot for festive photos, and you’ll find stalls lining the square that offer seasonal snacks and warm drinks.
- Place Gutenberg – Known as the “International Market,” this area highlights a different guest country each year. Expect unique foods, crafts, and traditions from the guest nation’s Christmas celebrations.
- Carré d’Or at Place du Temple Neuf – A smaller, cosy market with specialty goods like foie gras, handmade gifts, and warm drinks served in ceramic mugs. It’s a charming place to find unique items.
- Place du Marché-aux-Poissons and Square Louise-Weiss – Foodies will love these spots, as they offer a range of Alsatian delicacies like spätzle and choucroute, along with craft beers and wines.
Best Christmas Market Food in Strasbourg
- Mulled Wine (Vin Chaud): This classic winter drink is made with red or white wine, blended with spices, sugar, and citrus fruits. It’s a warming treat perfect for sipping while you explore the market.
- Bretzel (Alsatian Pretzel): The Bretzel is a soft, twisted pretzel sprinkled with coarse salt, perfect for snacking. It’s a must-try at Strasbourg’s Christmas markets, available in both savory and sweet varieties!
- Flammekueche, also known as Tarte Flambée: Is a delicious Alsatian dish that’s like a thin pizza. Traditionally topped with creamy crème fraîche, crispy bacon, and onions, it’s baked until the edges are perfectly crispy.
- Bredle: These traditional Alsatian biscuits come in many varieties, such as Butterbredle and Anisbredle, and are often gifted during the holiday season. You can find them in local bakeries and market stalls.
- Crepes: You can find stands offering both sweet and savoury crepes, including classic options like ham and cheese.
- Roasted Chestnuts: A quintessential winter snack, these are commonly found at various stalls.
- Gingerbread (Pain d’Épices): A star at the markets, gingerbread comes in various forms, including the traditional lebkuchen, known for its subtle honey flavour.
- Choucroute: A classic Alsatian dish made with fermented cabbage and often served with sausages, it’s hearty and perfect for winter.
Top things to see in Strasbourg France
Alsatian Half-Timbered Houses
Alsatian Half-Timbered Houses are a hallmark of Strasbourg’s architectural charm, blending medieval design with a warm, inviting character. These distinctive structures feature exposed wooden beams and often come in vibrant colours, creating a picturesque backdrop, especially during the festive Christmas season.
The Strasbourg Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Strasbourg Notre-Dame Cathedral is a true gem during the Christmas season. This stunning Gothic cathedral, with its intricate façade and towering spire, becomes even more enchanting after dark when festive lights and decorations adorn it. Visitors can often catch beautiful Christmas concerts held in the cathedral, adding to the magical atmosphere. Plus, the backdrop of the towering cathedral visible from the Christmas market is simply spectacular!
Christmas Lights Strasbourg Christmas 2024
In Strasbourg during Christmas 2024, you’ll find stunning displays of lights throughout the city, adding to the festive atmosphere. One of the highlights, part of the top things to do in Strasbourg at Christmas 2024, is the Grand Sapin at Place Kléber, where a magnificent 30-meter tall Christmas tree will light up daily between 4 PM and 9 PM, featuring a delightful light show set to music.
Day Trips from Strasbourg
Strasbourg to Colmar at Christmas
If you have time, Colmar is approximately 67 kilometers (about 42 miles) from Strasbourg and has some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in the region. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to visit the Colmar chocolate factory, where you can indulge in delicious chocolate treats and learn about the chocolate-making process. We highly recommend going to the Exhanting Christmas Experience in Colmar to explore the magic of Christmas in typical Alsatian villages during Christmas. You can also taste local wines and Christmas foods. To find out more read: Top things to do at Christmas in Colmar, Alsace.
Strasbourg to Egusheim at Christmas
If you’re looking for a charming day trip, head to Eguisheim from Strasbourg! It’s only about 65 kilometers (around 40 miles) away, making it a quick and easy ride—just an hour by car or about 1.5 hours by train. Eguisheim is like stepping into a fairy tale with its cozy streets and cute half-timbered houses.
To travel from Strasbourg to Eguisheim, you’ll start at Gare de Strasbourg, which is about 10 minutes walking from the city centre. From there you´ll take the train to Colmar Gare. In Colmar you will swop trains to Eguisheim – Eguish de Gaul, located 200 metres from the village centre. The journey typically lasts around 60 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day, allowing for flexible travel plans. For the most current schedules, visit platforms SNCF.
While Strasbourg is bustling with its big Christmas markets, Eguisheim has its own smaller market that’s equally delightful.
Strasbourg to Kaysersberg at Christmas
Kaysersberg is a quaint village in Alsace that really comes alive during Christmas! It’s about 79 kilometres (49 miles) from Strasbourg, making it a great option for a day trip. The village is filled with beautiful half-timbered houses and twinkling lights and we definitely recommend you visit the enchanting Kaysersberg Christmas market.
Strasbourg to Riquewihr at Christmas
Riquewihr is a charming village in Alsace known for its half-timbered houses and beautiful vineyards. Just about 70 kilometers (around 43 miles) from Strasbourg, it’s an easy day trip. During Christmas, Riquewihr lights up with festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for exploring quaint streets and enjoying local delicacies. The Riquewihr Christmas market is amazing too!
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Top European Destinations to Visit at Christmas
Looking to make this Christmas unforgettable? Europe has some of the most magical places to celebrate the season! From charming Christmas markets to historic towns filled with festive lights, here are the top spots to visit. Explore my blog posts on each destination below for more tips and ideas.
- The Best Places in Europe to Experience the Magic of Christmas
- Basel at Christmas, Switzerland
- Best Things to See in Riquewihr, Alsace, at Christmas
- Top Things to Do in Madrid, Spain, at Christmas
- Weekend Getaways from Madrid at Christmas
- Top Things to Do at Christmas Time in Paris, France
- Freiburg im Breisgau Germany at Christmas time
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