Paris might be the capital of France, but when it comes to holiday festivities, the Strasbourg Christmas Markets are second to none. (One might even say the Christmas markets make winter the best time to visit Strasbourg.)
Below is a review of key dates and times to visit Strasbourg for the 2024 Christmas Market, as well as details on the best places to stay, how to get here, and what to wear when visiting Strasbourg in the winter.
This post is updated annually and was last updated in November 2024.
Strasbourg Christmas Markets 2024 dates
The Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024 will take place from Wednesday, November 27, 2024 – Friday, December 27, 2024.
This is notably different for two reasons. Firstly, the markets normally begin on a Monday. Secondly, the market normally ends before Christmas.
So, what gives?
Money-minded Americans might assume that the reason lies in the increasing popularity of the Christmas markets (read: there’s more money than ever to be made as a Christmas market vendor). For context, the 2023 Strasbourg Christmas Markets saw a record 3.3 million tourists visit the Grande Île during the Christmas season, a 17% increase from the year prior. (1)
And yet, the adjusted 2024 Christmas market dates of the market have nothing to do with tourism numbers from last year
The real reason is much more somber. November 23, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Strasbourg from Nazi rule. The liberation by French troops led by General Leclerc marked the end of over four years of German occupation and the beginning of a new era for les Strasbourgeois and Alsatians. A large commemoration ceremony is planned for the day of, which required moving the dates of the Christmas markets as well.
Hours of operation
The Strasbourg Christmas markets are open every day from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. (2) There are two exceptions to this schedule:
- On Wednesday, November 27th, the grand opening is scheduled for 2:00 PM. The markets will close at 9:00 PM.
- On December 24th and 25th, the markets will close at 6:00 PM.
Is the Strasbourg Christmas Market worth it?
The Christkindelsmärik (Alsatian for “Christmas Market) in Strasbourg draws millions of visitors to the city every year.
In my opinion, it is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Europe who enjoys the holiday spirit, mulled wine, sweet Christmas-themed treats, and holiday decorations.
To be sure, locals and foreign residents who call this city home will moan and groan about the increased security measures and crowds, both of which slow down everyday routines, but even though I’ve lived in Strasbourg for five years, the magic never fails to touch the child in me.
Psst: There are many other cities and towns in the Alsace region that celebrate the holiday season with fun and festive markets. I found the Mulhouse Christmas Market to be lovely, too!
Popular Christmas markets to visit in Strasbourg
Strasbourg may objectively be a medium-sized city with a small city center, but it packs in more Christmas cheer into every square foot than an American empty nester preparing to welcome back her adult children and young grandchildren for the holidays. Lights and decorations beckon everywhere you look, and wafting smells of sausages, spiced wine, and doughy sweet treats permeate the air.
But, where to start?
Place Kléber
Home to the enormous Christmas tree, Place Kléber is arguably the heart of the entire Strasbourg Christmas Market. The Alsatian buildings in the background form a storybook backdrop to a huge square bursting with the sounds and smells of the holidays. And towering above it all, the enorme sapin de noêl (enormous Christmas tree).
The story behind the supersize Christmas tree
Every year, a committee selects a massive tree to be cut down in the Black Forest, which is brought to Strasbourg and set up on Place Kléber.
Although locals grumble about the inconvenience of having to move their cars from the oncoming path of the tree, and environmentalists dislike the chopping of a perfectly healthy tree, it’s hard to argue that the final effect isn’t one of the most beautiful sights in the world.
Moreover, the lighting of this iconic tree signals the ouverture of the markets and, consequently, the holiday season in Strasbourg. If you start here, be sure to check out the others below (or just wander around – odds are you’ll stumble onto all of them at some point!).
Cathedral Market, (Place de la Cathédrale)
With the iconic, 142-meter high spire of the Strasbourg Cathedral rising grandly above you, this market is a can’t-miss.
Gutenberg Market, (Place Gutenberg)
Every year, the Strasbourg city council organizes a cultural “visit” from a country that invites them to share their local flavors.
Broglie Market, (Place Broglie)
This market always has a slightly regal vibe to it because it’s situated in front of the gorgeous city hall building.
Blink and you’ll miss ‘em… but don’t miss ‘em!
Below is a list of small, easy-to-miss markets that are tucked into corners and down side streets throughout the city. Be sure to keep an eye out, or you could miss them! (You can also pick up a map from the tourist office located in front of the Cathedral.)
- Place du Château
- La Place du Marché aux Poisson
- La Place du Temple Neuf
- La Place Saint Thomas
- La Place des Meuniers
- La Place Benjamin-Zix
- La Place Grimmeissen
- Square Louise Weiss
My personal favorites
So, which markets live up to the hype? Which markets fly under the radar?
My personal favorites are the Place du Marché aux Poissons and Place Kléber.
The former is situated right along the canal and you have dreamy views of the lights and decorations glowing over the water. It also has a reliably good vin chaud blanc – not too sweet, in my opinion. (Not pictured below, maybe I’ll get a photo this year!)
The second is because I simply adore the enormous Christmas tree. Every year, I allow myself to surrender to a childish feeling of smallness, feeling pleasantly hypnotized by the slowly changing colors of the tree.
Strasbourg Christmas market map
When planning your trip, be sure to review the complete map of the Strasbourg Christmas markets 2024. (3) This resource includes descriptions of the various markets and their (many) festive characteristics.
Where to stay in Strasbourg for the Christmas market?
Visiting Strasbourg during the famous Christmas market season is truly magical.
In all honesty, though: The planning and logistics that go into a successful visit, however, are not.
And with interest in visiting Strasbourg during the holiday season peaking in recent years, I would highly recommend planning your trip at least 6-9 months out.
In order to enjoy your visit, you’ll want to have a good understanding of how the influx of tourists affects the city, assess your tolerance for crowds and noise, and review a map of the city accordingly.
(Also, having a go-to guide for the best coffee in Strasbourg for a caffeine pick-me-up isn’t a bad idea.)
Grand Île: The heart of the festivities
“Île” means island in French, which is appropriate given that the Strasbourg city center is ringed by canals.
Grand Île is essentially the downtown area of Strasbourg. Highly walkable, it’s less than a mile long, yet manages to hold every one of the city’s 12 markets.
If you’re looking to stay in the midst of the holiday bustle and cheer, look for places that note proximity to Place Kléber, Petite France, the Carré d’Or, Place Gutenberg, or Grand Rue.
Special mention: Krutenau.
This neighborhood is located just outside the Grande Île and offers prime access to both the city center and the lively Place Corbeau and Place Austerlitz.
Just note that the pricing of accommodation here reflects this ideal, which you’ll want to keep in mind when assessing accommodation options.
Important note on entering/exiting Grand Rue
Entering the city center is a hassle during the Christmas market period due to the increased security necessary during these high-tourist season times.
Pedestrians and bikers entering the Île can expect to wait in line for upwards of 10 minutes during high-traffic periods. Security guards will also check your bag thoroughly prior to entry, so if you want to pass by quickly, stick to small items.
For women, I highly recommend a crossbody purse and wearing your coat over the purse as this cuts down on the risk of pickpockets.
Additionally, none except registered vehicles are allowed in, and security checks those registrations too.
A note on terrorist activity in France and Strasbourg
Although many American tourists don’t associate France with terrorist attacks, according to recent data from the Council of the European Union, the country is the most targeted in the EU. (4)
Cities like Strasbourg are particularly vulnerable due to its symbolic importance as the co-capital of the European Union (with Brussels).
On December 11, 2018, the city experienced a terrorist attack during the Christmas markets, resulting in five deaths, 11 injured, and the city going into lockdown. (5)
A personal anecdote
At the time, I was living in Paris doing long distance with my then-boyfriend, now-husband who was in Strasbourg. I vividly remember sitting in a friend’s apartment chatting with a group of women when the host suddenly got an alert on her phone about a shooting in Strasbourg and suspected terrorist activty.
It was a surreal moment when he called me in response to my panicked text asking him if he was OK. He said the manhunt was underway and he was fine, just biking home from the markets because the Île and surrounding area was in lockdown. Everything was spookily quiet, he reported.
It’s funny because in moments of panic you grasp for concrete facts to ground you: safety, biking, lockdown, silence.
To date, that was the closest thing to gun violence I’ve experienced in France. What surprises me to this day is that the suspect and his accomplices were ultimately apprehended without further loss of life, and their trial began earlier this year. (6)
Taking safety precautions when you visit Strasbourg
Now, this story didn’t put me off France, or Strasbourg, clearly, since I live here. And yet, I would urge American travelers to France to register with the STEP program, which is a US government database recording the trips and locations of Americans worldwide. (7) It’s self-reported information, so there’s no active monitoring happening.
But if an emergency happens and local US government officials need to communicate with or understand how many Americans are in the vicinity, they can access and use the information you’ve provided to ensure you’re accounted for.
It also helps the government do its job of providing you with all information and assistance that you’re entitled to as a US citizen.
Now onto cheerier things: Hotels near the Christmas market in Strasbourg, France
If you want to be right in the center of the action, booking your accommodation to enjoy the Strasbourg Christmas market holidays on the Grande Île is about as Christmas-y as it can get. From the moment you arrive to every time you step out of your building, you’ll be awash in fairy light twinkle and likely the smell of delicious local Alsation cuisine.
Don’t wait too long to book, though! Every year, last-minute planning leads to disappointing locations and sky-high prices, and the choicest hotels tend to be the first to get snapped up and the first to hike their prices. Research hotels in Strasbourg here.
On the outskirts: Economic and safe options
Although staying on the Grand Île can be a magical way to experience the markets, it’s far and away the more expensive option.
And, if you plan at the last minute, there may not even be any hotel or Airbnb availability left. So, it’s important to be aware of what other options exist.
Poincaré
Located beside the enormous shopping center called Les Halles, this is a little corner of the city tucked just outside the “gare” (train station) neighborhood. Although the gare can leave some feeling uneasy, Poincaré is a reasonably safe area located 5-10 minutes walking from an entrance to the Grand Île. Other options in the vicinity include Faubourg Saint Pierre, and near Place Haguenau.
Neudorf
This calm neighborhood is helpfully located a stone’s throw from the bus station and is easily accessible from the train station (tram lines C and D). While it does take around 15-20 minutes to walk into the city center, the route is straightforward and typically safe.
Illkirch
Even further outside the city is a nicer neighborhood called Illkirch, easily accessible from the train station (tram line A). Staying out here will require a daily tram ride into the city, so if you’re just here for a couple of days, I’d recommend getting a 48-hour public transport pass.
Contades
This is a quiet family neighborhood with beautiful architecture. While it is a short tram away from the city center, staying here puts you in close proximity to the European Parliament, Parc d’Orangerie, and a lovely, little-known restaurant.
Orangerie
Located about a 10-15 minute tram ride outside the city, the official neighborhoods here are “Quinze” and “Vauban,” but most ads will likely note proximity to the lovely park nearby. (Definitely worth a visit in and of itself during any time of the year!)
Kehl, Germany
Located at the end of the “D” tram line, this small German city on the border with France is also a viable option. If you book well in advance and don’t mind the slightly longer commute into Strasbourg (about 25-30 minutes), this is likely to be the most economic option.
Note that Germany has recently announced tighter border controls, meaning that you’ll need to carry your passport with you if you intend to stay in Kehl and travel back and forth across the border to visit the markets in Strasbourg. (8)
Neighborhoods to exercise caution
Gare
The neighborhood by the train station gets a bad reputation, however, during the day I’ve found it to be a lively and dynamic place with nice people. I will say that as a woman it can feel a little uncomfortable in the evenings when it’s dark, especially if you’re alone and not sure of your way around.
For this reason, and considering that the Christmas markets are at their most beautiful in the evening, I would recommend that tourists staying in this neighborhood exercise increased caution when leaving their accommodation in the evening.
Musée d’Art Moderne
Technically part of the Gare neighborhood, this area is just beside the Ponts Couverts. Ponts Couverts is less than five minutes’ walk from the nearest market. If you’re looking for a place to stay here, try to stay closer to the city than further away from the Île.
Esplanade
This is a very student-heavy area, which isn’t to say that it’s unsafe per se. However, it can get quite noisy and overwhelming in the evenings.
Meinau
This neighborhood is adjacent to Neudorf, however, it is far more dynamic. Some parts are quite calm and safe, while others are the opposite. You can feel that it is a neighborhood in flux when you look at the buildings – many are new builds and clearly designed to cater to the young professional. The neighborhood does have a stadium which local sports fans love, but I wouldn’t recommend this area for a prospective Christmas market tourist who would just like to fill up on mulled wine and safely wander back in the evenings.
Note: The places described in the above section reflect recommendations I would make to someone who has never visited Strasbourg before and is coming specifically to enjoy the Christmas markets.
How to visit the Strasbourg Christmas market
There are several different ways to come to Strasbourg for the Christmas market.
Arriving from Paris
One of the most common is to take the train from Paris. You can book your tickets on the SNCF Connect website. (9) If you take the train, you will arrive in the city center and be well-positioned to access accommodation anywhere in Strasbourg, but particularly the Grand Île.
Technically, you can also fly into Strasbourg, however, if you’re coming from Paris I would not recommend this as it’s far simpler and less time-consuming to simply take the train.
Finally, you can take a bus (e.g., FlixBus or BlaBlaBus), which is often the most economical option and will drop you off at a bus station near some of the neighborhoods mentioned in the outskirts section above. For the best prices, be sure to start looking at prices months in advance.
Arriving from other major cities in France
I always recommend reviewing train routes first, from certain areas it is simply more time-efficient to fly from France, particularly if you don’t have a lot of time to visit the Christmas market. Additionally, the Strasbourg airport is excellently located and it’s very easy to connect to a train to take you into the city.
Personally, I tend to fly with the Spanish budget airline Volotea because they have very competitive prices and offer many routes. However, they have recently become far more stringent on the carry-on baggage size and weight allowance, so take care here as not following the instructions could result in an unpleasant fee to pay at the airport.
Also, you’ll want to budget to bring holiday-themed snacks and souvenirs home, so don’t forget to factor that variable into your packing plan!
For a complete list of airlines to research flights, you can check the Strasbourg airport website. (10)
Arriving from major cities in Germany
Munich, Frankfurt, or Stuttgart: Taking a train or bus is likely the easiest option.
Berlin: Volotea recently added routes to Strasbourg, and in 2024 there is a new Strasbourg–Berlin train route, too!
Related reading: Baden-Baden, Germany: A Christmas Market in the Black Forest
Arriving from major cities in Switzerland
If you’re traveling to Strasbourg from places like Bern, Zurich, or Lucerne, the train will be your best bet!
Public transport in Strasbourg
Trams and buses are readily accessible in Strasbourg, however, these services tend to be much slower, less convenient, and more crowded during the Christmas markets. If you’re researching accommodation relative to the Christmas markets, I like to use the Citymapper app for a localized understanding of transport options and timelines.
You can purchase tickets for public transport in the train station, on many tram platforms, and via the CTS mobile app.
Validating your tram ticket
If you purchase a physical ticket to use for a tram, take care to validate it prior to entering the tram as the ticket scans are only available on tram platforms.
Fines for incorrect use of public transport vary but tend to be on the heftier side (around $50) depending on if you have a ticket but didn’t validate it correctly, or decided to risk not purchasing a ticket at all.
Considering tickets cost about $2 a piece, it’s worth it to just purchase and use them as intended, in my opinion. There are also multi-day passes that may be more efficient if you’re just here for the weekend.
What to wear when visiting the Strasbourg Christmas Markets
Strasbourg tends to get very damp and very cold in the winter.
Occasionally, we get snow, but more often than not, it’s just gray and cold.
While the decorations and Christmas market festivities help to offset the gloomy sky, it’s very easy to underestimate how important layers and outerwear are when heading outside for any significant period of time.
Personally, I would recommend the following
- Long-sleeve shirts (can be a fitted sports long-sleeve)
- Chunky sweaters
- Long underwear or thermal tights, to wear underneath your pants
- Thick socks, ideally designed to retain heat
- Sturdy walking shoes made of quality material (good to insulate your feet and for walking on cobblestones)
- A heavy coat (ideally to the knee or thereabouts)
- A hat/headband and gloves
- Thick scarf (truly a non-negotiable accessory I swear by since coming to France)
Lingering questions? Let me know in the comments! Also, if you’re looking for more general ideas on what to do in Strasbourg, be sure to check out my article with over 30 ideas!
References
- Le marché de Noël de Strasbourg a accueilli plus de 3,3 millions de visiteurs en 2023, un record
- Dates and Times of the Strasbourg Christmas Markets
- Map of the Strasbourg Christmas Market
- Terrorism in the EU: Facts and Figures
- Strasbourg Christmas market attack trial begins
- Strasbourg terror attack: Four men on trial over shooting that left five dead in 2018
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Germany announces temporary border checks at all land borders | Euronews
- https://www.sncf-connect.com/
- Airlines – Strasbourg Airport
I love your blog! Keep it up! Your photos are beautiful and I appreciate your helpful details as well as personal experience. You keep reigniting my desire to move to France and you make me feel like I can do it (even at 47). Merci!