Christmas in Strasbourg: A Guide to Markets, Lights & Calories in France’s Christmas Capital

When it comes to Yuletide street cred, few events in the world hold a candle to Strasbourg Christmas Market, a place so magical, it’s known as “the capital of Christmas”… In fact, it’s a title so official, you see it emblazoned in glittery lights upon arrival to the city. But while that’s one wildly bold (borderline braggy) reputation to uphold, it seems Strasbourg does so with ease. One quick Google of the world’s best Christmas markets and you’re bound to find Strasbourg on the list.

And, after experiencing a truly unhealthy amount of Christmas markets in my lifetime across Germany, Switzerland and now the Alsace, I knew I needed to see for myself. And this year was the year! I’m happy to confirm that after rolling through the streets of Strasbourg like a doughy gingerbread ball (for “research”), Strasbourg does indeed live up to all the Chrismagical hype that surrounds it, and somehow even exceeds expectations.

With 10 markets to explore, there’s a little something for everyone whether you’re after a traditional market experience, a place to shop for local foods, or an alternative twist on Yuletide fun. Spoiler: the best markets aren’t actually the most famous ones… so keep reading if you want to find out alllll about the best gems in this Christmas capital, along with where to find the best Christmas facades, where the prettiest lights are, what to eat, and um, where to find a Lebanese dance party.

Strasbourg Christmas Market: Important Must-Knows

Alright before we get to the good stuff, here are some practical Strasbourg Xmas market facts for you:

• Strasbourg Christmas Market Dates: The official dates for 2021 have not yet been announced officially, but we do know that they have submitted a plan for approval that would involve a 4 week market. Based on prior years’ patterns, we can expect the 2021 dates to be around Nov 26 – Dec 30.
  

Strasbourg Christmas Market Locations

There are several Christmas markets scattered around the Strasbourg city center. Here are the main locations that you can’t miss: 

1. The Strasbourg Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale 

While this is hands down among the most touristy Christmas market in Strasbourg, the stunning backdrop in this square (coupled with a buzzing atmosphere) makes it well worth a visit. Located around Strasbourg’s most famous landmark, the Strasbourg Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale features a few clusters of stalls surrounding the majestic Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg.

Here, you’ll be able to throw your coins at the usual suspects of every Christmas market haul, including cookies, tree decorations, and of course, vin chaud, AKA mulled wine. Personally, I didn’t find a ton of great stalls for unique shopping here, but big chalets serving hot goblets of vin chaud are a dime a dozen, so this is a nice market to visit for a warm drink and to enjoy the beautiful backdrop… although the crowds at peak hours can make relaxing tough.Don’t worry though, there are plenty of other Christmas markets in Strasbourg to enjoy that are way less crowded and more intimate. I’ll share some of my favourites below.

2. The Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie

Before we hop onto the more alternative recommendations, I need to quickly mention Strasbourg’s oldest Christmas market: the Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie. This is definitely among the liveliest of Christmas markets in Strasbourg, but its beautiful central location and fame comes with one consequence: painfully large crowds.

While I really liked the location and food options at the Christkindelsmärik, I would also say it’s not my favourite for shopping or relaxing, mainly because many of the stalls sell mass produced goods that you find at most other European Christmas markets, and the market paths can get really congested. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t visit this historic market.

After all, it’s one of the oldest in Europe and set in a beautiful square. While I wouldn’t come here to do all my shopping or hang out for a long time, I would 100% come here to eat, because the food selection here is leaps and bounds better than most of the other Christmas markets in Strasbourg. From fresh pretzels and spaetzle to knack sausage and crepes, you’ll find loads of potential indulgences.

3. The OFF Christmas Market at Place Grimmeisen 

Alright, now we can move onto some of the cooler more offbeat markets we visited! For an alternative Christmas market experience in Strasbourg, be sure to head over to Place Grimmeisen where you’ll find the OFF Christmas market. In a sea of traditional Christmas markets, this too-cool-for school market really is something special.

A dazzling LED tree shines in the corner, with vendors all around, wares displayed in repurposed shipping containers, transparent igloos and wooden chalets. In the center, there’s a dining space where keg-turned-stools offer plenty of seating for locals and tourists alike, and really, this is a much more relaxed place to unwind than some of the more well-known markets above. While the product selection here is quite small, it’s nice and unique, with a variety of local products like chutneys, wines, and art on sale, along with a little area selling used toys for low income families.

Be sure to grab yourself a cup of their plum mulled wine too – it’s slightly spicy and delicious! For the ultimate guilt-free sip, be sure to return your cup to one of the red cup collection boxes. Doing so will turn your deposit into a 1 euro donation to support homeless residents of Strasbourg. 

Article issu du blog HappyToWander.

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