Updated November 12, 2025. Strasbourg Christmas Market is known as the Capital of Christmas – and for good reason! It first began in 1570 and was known as Christkindelsmärik (basically, baby Jesus market). Some like to claim markets originated here, but although Strasbourg is one of the oldest Christmas markets, the first market Striezelmarkt (or strudel market) was actually in Dresden, Germany beginning in 1434. Still, Alsace has become a world renowned capital of Christmas, with Strasbourg at the top of the list of best in the region – after all, it is the oldest Christmas market in France!

Although you can appreciate the markets of the city in one day, I recommend an overnight – or at least plan to stay late – so you can appreciate the city all lit up with twinkling lights. We visited in 2021 and covid restrictions were still partially in play, but it didn’t seem to affect the markets except for one area where children could do Christmas crafts. Read on to learn about each market area and all the important details of Strasbourg!

DATES & INFO

• DATES: This year the Strasbourg Christmas Markets will run from November 26 to December 24, 2025. Markets are open every day from 11:30 AM to 9 PM.
• PARKING: If you’re visiting for the day, I recommend parking here outside the city and avoiding the need for an emissions sticker. From there you can hop on the trolley into town for super cheap. Another option is parking in this garage and walking through town. If you’re lucky, you could try to park in the center of town in this garage. Note: as of this writing, when driving into the city, you need to have a Crit’Air sticker on the windshield that you can get for your personal vehicle here. I’m not sure how strict they are in enforcing these stickers, but if you park inside a garage or outside city limits you are less likely to be flagged if you don’t happen to have one. If you rent a car in France, it is the responsibility of the rental company to provide a sticker.
• BATHROOMS: Strasbourg has your back – er – butt! Bathrooms are decent and everywhere. The best ones are here near the cathedral and here in Petite France neighborhood. There is also a public restroom here in Place Kleber, where you’re sure to spend some of your time.
• LODGING: Strasbourg has many good apartment and hotel options but keep in mind it will be very expensive inside the city during the holidays, and things book up quickly. We loved our family studio apartments through Strasbourg Life iNCity. If we visit again, we would consider staying at Hôtel Origami for its comfort, value and location near the Rotonde tram station. For a splurge (and if you’re not planning to drive into the city), check out Pavillon Regent Petite France. Its location is amazing, it has family rooms, and it gives you the full Alsace experience.
• TIPS: Listed here are the Christmas markets, but don’t miss walking down the Grand Rue. The decorations are so festive and there are plenty of places to stop and shop and eat, too! Another noteworthy street is Rue des Hallebards. Also, if you want to ice skate, there is a small rink at the Centre Commercial Rivetoile (basically inside of a mall). This may not be the best place to skate, but it is available.

MUGS

Strasbourg has some of the cutest mugs available (rivaled only by Cologne – see full guide here.) The small round red mug and tall opaque mug can be found at the Place Cathedral market. The boot mug was at the Place Broglie market. I recommend keeping an eye on what people are drinking and then just ask around “Hey, where did you find that mug?” It’s a fun way to treasure hunt these cutie booties!

NOTE: Strasbourg has made every effort to make their market as earth responsible and charitable as possible. If you have a plastic cup purchased for 1 euro, you can return it at one of the automated kiosks instead of at a stall, and the dollar donation goes to charity. Paying it forward!

FOOD & DRINK

Strasbourg is in France, so you know the FOOD is going to be great. We always love the potato pancakes, but there are so many things to try, it’s impossible to try them all. The creamy potatoes with bacon or the spaetzle with mushrooms are always a hit, as are crêpes, bretzels, waffles, and beignets. Gingerbread is popular as is roasted nuts (chestnuts especially) and candied nuts. Shortbread cookies are everywhere as is raclette and suckling pig, along with savory options like sausages. Tarte flambée is common as is wood roasted salmon. And of course don’t miss the sweets like chocolate and macarons. For something unique, try choucroute garnie (sauerkraut and meats) or beer braised pork knuckle. And finally – DRINKS! Vin chaud, hot cider, hot juice for kids (different flavors), Christmas beer, and even mulled beer! Hot cocoa is also available but it is much thicker than Americans are used to. Mmmm!

MARKETS

There are over 300 stalls in 13 squares dotted across the city in various locations. There are maps all over town to follow and a small trolley that can take you from place to place, but the easiest thing to do is mark the general areas on your google map and visit the markets in a clockwise fashion. I recommend starting in Petite France or Place Kleber and visiting the four main market areas (highlighted below) first, and then wandering to see if you can find any of the other smaller spots listed.

PLACE KLEBER

Begin at the Place Kleber – a market is known for its GIANT tree over 30m high that stands in the center of the square. It is one of the largest living trees in Europe! The tree is brought in from the Vosges forests, the same place the pink stone was sourced for Strasbourg cathedral. The entire area is transformed into a Christmas village with 85+ stalls, making it the largest market in the city. Here you can find lots of gifts, treats and delicious food. It is one of the most photogenic spots in the city as well. This market is known for being eco-friendly and responsible. From 4-9PM on the hour there is music at the tree every day!

PLACE DU TEMPLE NEUF

After Place Kleber you can head straight to Place Broglie or take a roundabout route through Place du Temple Neuf. There are only 18 stalls here, but they call it the “Golden Square” because it is full of indulgent gift ideas. The word bougie comes to mind! At the very least, walk through and appreciate the decor here. It’s lovely! From here you can continue on to Place Broglie.

PLACE BROGLIE

Place Broglie is a great second stop after Place Kleber. There are 64 market huts in what is known as the “Historic” market because this is the original location for the first market in Strasbourg. This long, narrow street is framed with trees with limbs pruned to look like bones. There are Christmas trees for sale and lots of decor for the tree – and the delicious smell of food beckons.

PLACE DE LA CATHEDRAL & PLACE DU CHÂTEAU

After visiting Place Broglie, head towards Place Cathedral where the “Traditional” market is set up. This is an iconic spot as the market surrounds one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France. There are about 47 stalls on one side and 30 on the other, and more drink options than I could count. Great mugs are available here and the smells are intoxicating! Here you can find lots of decorations and crafts for sale, lovely gifts from artisans and plenty of food and hot drink options. There is a beautiful 19th century carrousel here for kids as well! TIP: Bring a few paper towels or moist towelettes to wipe down your mugs before putting them in purses or bags.

TERRASSE ROHAN, MARCHÉ AUX POISSONS, PLACE DU CORBEAU

From the Cathedral make your way down to the river and walk along the canal past the small markets at Terrasse Rohan (“Christmas Delights,” 24 stalls), Marché Aux Poissons (6 stalls), and Place du Corbeau (“Small Market,” 6 stalls). These three markets together are known as the Le Quai de Délices. This area is known for its gourmet offerings and is a great place to sit, eat, take a break and people watch.

PLACE SAINT THOMAS

From Le Quai de Délices, make your way along the river towards Place Saint Thomas (13 stalls). It is known as the Children’s Village and stays true to the theme. The Village des Enfants has special hands-on activities for kids – decorate Christmas cookies, make paper stars and cards, play board games. There’s a play area for kids under 6, and visits from Pere Noel (Father Christmas). The Children’s Village is operating afternoons Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 2pm – 6:30pm.

PETITE FRANCE: SQUARE LOUISE WEISS, Place Zix, Place des Meuniers

Next up is Petite France! Last but not least, Place Benjamin Zix and Place des Meuniers has 9 stalls and is known as the “Village of Advent”. It celebrates local artisans and producers of Alsace including local biodynamic Alsace vinters. Square Louise Weiss has a more open, park feel and is wonderful for families. There are huts for kids to do Christmas crafts and playgrounds if it’s not too muddy. Plenty of little giveaways and even treasure hunts for the little ones. Here kids can meet Santa as well! Finally, see a light show after dark projected on the buildings – wonderful stories about Christmas in Alsace.

OTHER MARKETS

Le Marche “OFF”

This last and lesser known market is not a market at all – in fact that’s why they call it OFF. Located in Place Grimmeissen, 14 non-stalls have various eco-friendly offerings. Here, international “responsible” vendors are invited to display all sustainable goods.

The International Guest Market

This market, located in Place Gutenberg, has a revolving vendor theme based on international guests from various places. All food and gifts from from the host country. In the past, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Lebanon hosted, and this year’s guest country is to be determined!

Christmas in Alsace is wonderful, and most villages have markets. Strasbourg is by far the biggest, but try to visit Colmar as well. Colmar feels like a Christmas village year-round! Other noteworthy places in Alsace are Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kayersberg and Eguisheim. Closer to Strasbourg is the village of Obernai. We stayed near Bouxwiller when we visited the Alsace markets and also enjoyed the small market in Bouxwiller.

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