Strasbourg, France - A Christmas Market like no other.
Christmas markets in Strasbourg France
When we had heard that one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets to see in Europe was Strasbourg France. Well, we just had to jump the train and see for ourselves. A couple hour train ride and a couple switches and we had arrived in Strasbourg and upon first impressions, if Strasbourg is anything like its train station, we were in for an adventure.
One of the prettiest Train stations we’ve been in.
Strasbourg, France is a charming city. The picturesque lanes, half-timbered houses and incredibly detailed cathedral all contended for our attention as we soaked in the charm of the city. Bathed in Christmas bliss, we had few days in Strasbourg to explore the city that is both historic and modern with landmark architecture and a unique culture that is both French and German. The idea to visit Strasbourg first came about when we were researching European Christmas Markets.
Strasbourg is a small town in the Alsace region of France, which borders Germany. A mere 5 kilometers from the German border, Strasbourg is historically a German-speaking city. Today Strasbourg remains a hybrid, part German, part French; part medieval village, part modern Europe powerhouse. It is a fusion of the two countries in many ways. Though French in many ways, a heavy German influence is distinctly present which makes the Christmas festivities that much better.
Strasbourg has had a Christmas market since 1570. Many consider it to have the best Christmas markets in Europe. With over 100 stands this year throughout the city, the tradition is definitely still alive and well.
Strasbourg is a place where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life – browsing shops along cobbled streets, indulging in a snack from the many pastry shops, and watching swans elegantly float by as you walk along the banks of the river.
One of our first stops was Strasbourg’s Petite-France district which many believe is the heart of Strasbourg - with its narrow streets of half-timbered houses lining the canal-side, decked out with colorful baskets of flowers. Originally the houses here were built for tanners, fishermen and millers, but today you will find restaurants, hotels and gift shops occupying there spaces. Despite being busy it’s a really charming place to wander around the backstreets or stop for a drink along the waterfront.
There are not one, two, or even seven Christmas markets in Strasbourg. There are ten. For a city of this size, that’s absolutely unbelievable, but in the best way possible. This city is adorned from street to street with lights, wreaths, and ornaments. It’s easy to walk around the city to see all the markets in a day or two. The Christmas Markets typically start the last week of November (the 24th) and end on Christmas Eve (December 24th).
Walking through Strasbourg is like walking back in time, with narrow streets surrounded by colorful houses and with a characteristic design more similar to the ones often seen in Germany or Switzerland.
Of course, there are many Christmas markets around the world, and particularly in Germany, but the Strasbourg Christmas market seems to have an extra twinkle in its eye. The markets represent a time of the past, with families coming together to celebrate, indulge, and share. It’s unique that Christmas markets are here and echoes back to the fact that Germany once ruled over this area. The Christmas market tradition is markedly German, so it’s special that this tradition still remained in France. You’ll find the most famous is Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie which dates back to 1570 which is one of the oldest markets in France
During regular seasons, Strasbourg is as charming as it gets but during the winter holidays, this beautiful town turns into a magical Christmas land, and it can get chaotic with the thousands of people who migrate here for the markets. But, it is absolutely worth it.
Christmas lights and ornaments adorn every inch of the town. The many - yes, many - Christmas markets fill the atmosphere with the powerful smell of warmed wine. Visitors from around the world wander from stall to stall searching for souvenirs to bring back home or sweets to try - that would be Lisa and I.
But my absolute favorite part about Christmas in Strasbourg were the stores. It was fun, it was magical, and it was absolutely beautiful. I lost count on how many stores or buildings decorated their store fronts in Christmas attire. It was as if the stores in Strasbourg were competing for the best decorated front.
Of course, there is a Christmas market outside of the cathedral and is one of the most historic. You can sip on heated wine as the bells of the cathedral occasionally ring. Here there are over 100 chalets (these are stalls or booths) that are offering Christmas ornaments, sheepskins, gloves, warm drinks, and delicious food.
You can easily spend several days exploring Strasbourg to admire its eclectic architecture, learn more about its colorful history at its museums and palaces, and soak up the wonderful medieval atmosphere. We only stayed a couple days, but as we stood in the beautiful Christmas market sipping on our warm Gluhwine we knew we’d be back! I definitely recommend adding Strasbourg to your travel destinations.
