Best Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, France 2023 Guide

Dates for the 2023 Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, France are November 24 – December 24, 2023

There’s no better place to explore the magic of Christmas than Strasbourg, France, the home of Europe’s oldest Christmas market. In this picturesque setting, visitors can indulge in the festive cheer while enjoying the delights of the Christmas markets. Strasbourg becomes a fairy tale setting at nighttime when the streets are lit with Christmas lights. It’s a wonderland of sparkle. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s so much to see and taste at the Christmas markets in Strasbourg. Once you visit the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, you will agree that Strasbourg is the capital of Christmas.

Our European Christmas Market Itinerary at a Glace

In 2022, we embarked on a dream adventure as we checked off our bucket list by visiting the Christmas Markets in Zurich, Strasbourg, Colmar, and Basel. Another couple joined us, and we set off on an unforgettable journey together. Below is a list of our 7-day itinerary. The only change we would make is eliminating Basel, Switzerland, and spending two nights in Colmar, France, instead. I hope this helps as you plan your Bucket List Christmas Market trip!

• ORD-ZRH redeye flight
• Zurich Switzerland – One Night
• Strasbourg, France – Two Nights
• Colmar France – One Night
• Basel, Switzerland- One Night
• Zurich, Switzerland – One Night

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on this blog are affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost, the author may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tips for getting the most out of your visit to Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

Step into the magical world of French Christmas Markets and discover the delightful tradition of Vin Chaud, also known as Gluhwein. Unlike the German Christmas markets we’ve seen before, they serve their Vin chaud in reusable, durable plastic cups instead of ceramic cups.

The markets are the busiest on weekends.  If you prefer less crowds, try to visit during the weekday.

French is spoken in Strasbourg, and the Euro is the currency. It will cost you more if you pay in your country’s currency. Always use the local currency for the best rate. Use Xe to determine the cost in your country’s currency. I like to use the Xe app.

• Two merino wool thermal shirts
• Two Long Sleeves T-shirts
• Two Long Sleeves blouses
• Pullover
• Three sweaters
• Packable down jacket
• Black puffer vest
• Long maxi dress
• Two jeans (black and blue)
• Two pants
• Two fleece-lined leggings
• Scarf
• Gloves, not mittens
• Beanie or stocking hat
• Waterproof Boots
• Walking shoes
• Thermal merino wool leggings
• Socks, merino wool
• Thick black tights
• Small cross-body bag
• Reusable, foldable grocery bag
  Carry-on versus check-in luggage tips

Best Christmas Markets in Strasbourg for 2023

 It’s no secret that Strasbourg, France is known for its festive Christmas markets. In fact, this charming city transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season, with numerous markets popping up throughout its winding streets.

With over a dozen markets to choose from, it’s safe to say that Strasbourg offers something for everyone. So grab a warm coat and get ready to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of one of Europe’s most beloved Christmas destinations.

2023 Christmas Markets is Strasbourg dates: November 24 – December 24, 2023
Every weekday from 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – 11:00 AM to 09:00-10:00 PM
24th December – from 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Place de la Cathédrale de Strasbourg

At Place de la Cathédrale, visitors can meander through the market featuring traditional Alsatian crafts and culinary delights. Marché de Noël de la Cathédrale has a beautiful setting of the Gothic Cathedral, but it can get quite crowded. If you visit at night, you will be rewarded with the Cathedral lit up as the backdrop of this market.

Place Kléber

Visit Place Kleber to be transported to a fairy-tale winter wonderland with dazzling light displays, wooden chalets, and an impressive Christmas tree (Grand Sapin). In the evening, the almost 100-foot tree is lit and has a sound show, a fantastic sight to behold. At this market, you will find everything from Beer, Vin Chaud in red or white, bretzels, and loads of crafts to shop for gifts. It has over 130 wooden stalls. At this market, there are booths of organizations, and locals bring gifts to place under the tree for those in need.

Place Gutenberg Christmas market

Every year, this market changes its theme. It invites an International country as a guest to feature tasty food and unique gifts of their culture. In 2022, the featured country was Lebanon.

Place Broglie Christkindelsmärik

At the Place Broglie, the Christkindelsmärik offers an exceptional selection of gourmet food and drink, perfect for satisfying any cravings. Christkindelsmärik (Christ Child Market) is France’s oldest traditional Alsatian market, dating back to 1570. It is where you can sample local delicacies like pretzels, gingerbread, and mulled wine. It is the largest Strasbourg Christmas market with over 100 stalls.

Place du Château

Located in a square near the Cathedral, it is lined with chalets. At this market is the famous Kathe Wohlfahrt, a Christmas shop.

Place du Marché Aux Poissones

This market, lined along the water, is great for sunset views. The chalets sell beer, wine, and beautiful crafts. Here, you will find all kinds of Bredeles to taste.

Place du Temple Neuf

It is a small, cozy market with a dozen stalls where you can find foie gras and Vin Chaud.

Place Saint Thomas

A small, less crowded market offers unique gifts like local beer or wine, gingerbread, and socks.

Place des Meuniers

Place des Meuniers is for those seeking unique handmade crafts. It is a whimsical market with enchanting starlight displays.

Place Benjamin-Zix

The Magi (Three Kings) market is a cozy market at Place Benjamin-Zix along the wandering street of Petite France along the canal. It features handicrafts from the Alsace region.

Place Grimmeissen

Also known as the OFF Christmas Market. This market focuses on mindful consumption.

Terrace of the Palais Rohan

Adventurous foodies will appreciate the Marché des Délices, where local gastronomic delights are served up along with vin chaud (mulled wine)

What to eat and drink at the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

If you’re a foodie, the Christmas markets in Strasbourg will be a feast for your senses. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine fills the air, alongside the sizzle of freshly grilled sausages and the sale of freshly made beignets. Traditional Alsatian specialties such as baeckeoffe, which is a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew, as well as flammekeuche, a pizza-like flatbread, are not to be missed.

Bretzel

Also known as pretzel, it is a highly popular and beloved snack from Germany. Its distinctive twisted knot shape and coarse salt-sprinkled surface make it a distinct and recognizable delicacy. They can be enjoyed in various ways, from being enjoyed on their own as a quick snack to being served alongside a variety of dipping sauces or even used as a bun for sandwiches.

Beignets

One of the most iconic French Christmas treats is Beignets, and it would be a sin not to try them while visiting the markets in Strasbourg. These donut-like treats are best served piping hot, dusted with powdered sugar, and filled with a warm and gooey Nutella center. Beignets are made with a classic dough mixture and then fried to a light, golden brown. Similar to Italian zeppoles or American doughnuts, beignets have a soft and airy texture on the inside while being slightly crispy on the outside. Be sure to grab one (or three) of these sweet treats while strolling around the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, and prepare for your taste buds to be utterly delighted.

Chouquette

Chouquette, a classic pastry in Strasbourg, is a must-try treat at the city’s Christmas markets. These small, airy dough balls are sprinkled with crunchy sugar crystals on top, giving them a sweet and delicate taste. Chouquettes are especially popular during the holiday season and are often enjoyed alongside a hot cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate.

Baguette Flambée

Baguette Flambée is a must-try dish when visiting the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, France. A traditional Alsatian dish is a thin-crusted bread dough topped with crème fraîche, white onions, and lardons (bacon bits) baked in a wood-fired oven. The finishing touch is a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The result is a mouth-watering combination of salty and tangy flavors with a crispy and chewy texture.

Its origins can be traced back to the 14th century, and it was traditionally made by farmers in the Alsace region to use up their leftover bread dough and dairy products. Today, it has become a beloved dish not only in Strasbourg but throughout France and Germany. So, if you’re visiting the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, make sure to try the authentic and delicious Baguette Flambée!

baeckeoffe

If you’re visiting the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, you must try baeckeoffe. This traditional savory dish hails from the Alsace region of France and features layers of meat (typically beef, pork, and lamb) marinated in white wine and herbs, along with potatoes and onions. It’s slow-baked in a ceramic dish for hours until everything is tender and infused with flavor.

The name “baeckeoffe” literally translates to “baker’s oven,” referencing the dish’s origins when locals would bring it to their village baker to cook in the communal oven. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly winter day, and it pairs perfectly with the local Alsatian wines. Trust me, one bite of baeckeoffe and you’ll be hooked on this delicious, centuries-old recipe.

Choucroute

If you’re planning on visiting Strasbourg’s famous Christmas markets, you cannot miss out on the traditional Alsatian dish, Choucroute. This hearty and savory dish consists of slow-cooked sauerkraut accompanied by various meats such as smoked sausages, pork knuckles, and bacon. The dish is usually served with boiled potatoes, giving you a taste of traditional French cuisine.

The Choucroute originated in Alsace-Lorraine, a region that borders France and Germany and is now considered one of the ultimate comfort foods in the country. It is incredibly flavorful and will warm you up on even the coldest winter day. Make sure to try this delicious dish and experience one of the hallmark culinary delights of the region!

Vin Chaud

Also known as mulled wine, it is a traditional warm beverage that originated in European countries during winter. The drink is made by simmering red wine with various spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and sometimes adding fruit like oranges or apples. So, there’s no better way to experience the Christmas Markets than with a glass of warm Vin Chaud.

Souvenirs to Buy at the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

• Alsace wine
• Alsatian linens and textiles
• Handcrafted Christmas Ornaments
• Gingerbread molds
• Bredele

Where to stay when visiting the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is very popular during Christmas, so I recommend booking your accommodations well in advance.  I started planning our 2022 trip in June of 2022.

Activities to do Beyond the Christmas Markets

Walk around the street of Strasbourg and take in all the festive Christmas Lights.
Stroll along the Rue des Orfèvres. It is a beautifully lit street with sparkling Christmas Lights. Walk down the Rue des Grandes Arcades towards Place Gutenberg, this street has Gingerbread men strung with red curtains.
The Rue Mercière leads to the Gothic Cathedral lined with floating angels. At the Cathedral there is one of the largest nativity scenes in France.
Rue du Maroquin is decorated with snowflake Christmas lights lining the street.
The famous Strasbourg Gates of Lights is at the intersection of Rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons and Pont au Corbeau.
On the Rue des Tonneliers, there are lighted barrels along the street, giving a nod to the history of the street when barrels were rolled down it to the shops.

Take a self-guided tour of the Strasbourg Cathedral.

Take a boat ride on the canal in Little France.

Explore the Alsace Wine Route. We took a day trip to visit a winery, and it was a wonderful side trip to do while at the Christmas Markets. In the future, I would love to do the entire route.

Getting to Strasbourg

By Train – the best mode of transportation to Strasbourg is the train. If you are planning a visit to Paris, there is a high-speed train from Paris to Strasbourg that is approximately 2 hours.

We took the train from Zurich to Strasbourg, which took us less than 3 hours.

By Air – Fly into Basel (BSL), Karlsruhe/Baden Baden (FKB), or Zurich (ZRH) as Strasbourg sits on the Germany, France, and Switzerland borders.
We flew into Zurich, and it took us less than three hours to get to Strasbourg by train.

By car – Ensure you have an International Driving Permit if traveling from a non-EU country. There are beautiful cities to visit in the Alsace region, renting a car would be useful.

Getting Around Strasbourg

Strasbourg is centrally located and easily accessible by train or car, and the entire town is pedestrian-friendly, which makes exploring the markets a breeze.

Travel Insurance for Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, France

While nobody wants to think about accidents, illnesses, or other unforeseen events during their travels, being prepared is essential. That’s why getting travel insurance is crucial for any traveler. This can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Travelex and Travel Guard are some of the best travel insurance companies that provide comprehensive coverage at reasonable rates.

Stay Connected while in Strasbourg, France

French phrases To use While at The Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

• Bonjour – Good Morning, Hello
• Au revoir – Goodbye
• Pardon, excusez-moi – Pardon, excuse me
• Merci – Thank you
• Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much
• Parlez -vous anglais – Do you speak English?
• Merry Christmas – Joyeux Noël
• Happy Holidays – Joyeuses fêtes

Final thoughts on the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a beautiful city that would also be worth visiting in the warmer months. I hope that one day, we can return and do the Alsace Wine Route. This area has captured my heart.

Overall, the Strasbourg Christmas markets are a must-visit destination for anyone who loves festive markets and warm, welcoming atmospheres. With our tips and advice, you’ll be able to experience all the wonders of Strasbourg without any worries and with all the reassurance and trustworthiness that you need. So why not book your trip now and see the magic of Christmas in Strasbourg for yourself?

Are you planning to visit more than one Christmas Market in Europe? Read our posts: Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in Colmar, France 2023 and Best Christmas Markets in Basel Switzerland 2023 Guide .