Strasbourg Christmas Markets Guide
There’s no place like home for the holidays. But a very close second would easily be the Christmas markets in the region of Alsace in France. This year I had the opportunity to visit the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, and it was just as magical as it sounds. The city was transformed into a winter wonderland playground with lights and decorations on every last square inch. It’s like Disney World but make it Christmas and European. Visiting the Alsace Christmas markets has been on my bucket list for years. I visited the Vienna markets several years ago and wanted to compare with France. And after more than 5 years in France, I finally made my pilgrimage to Strasbourg. I’m sharing my pro tips on how to best enjoy the Strasbourg Christmas markets, my favorite markets and what to eat.
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Pro tips for the Strasbourg Christmas markets
Start early
With the markets only being open a limited number of weeks, it’s packed. It’s still so worth it to visit the markets, but be prepared for crowds. One way to have a more enjoyable experience is to start the day early. The markets seemed to get progressively more crowded as the day waned on. The early bird gets the worm — and fewer crowds.
Book early
Holy cow, it was extremely difficult to find a bed available in Strasbourg. And that was when I started looking in October. The hotels were completely booked, and the ones left were extremely expensive and far from the city center. Book your lodging long in advance. We lucked out with one of the few remaining available Airbnbs on the city skirts but with convenient tram access. Another important note: many restaurants don’t take reservations during the Christmas market season. If you’re hoping to get a sit-down reservation, book at least one month in advance.
Store your luggage
Our Airbnb check-in was in the afternoon, but we wanted to hit the ground running. The markets become extremely crowded, and having to lug a backpack is no fun. The luggage lockers at the train station were full. So, we stored our luggage in City Locker, baggage lockers close to the train station. This is another something that you’ll want to book in advance, as many luggage lockers throughout Strasbourg were full. City Locker was a bit more expensive, but you could return as many times as you wanted throughout the day and pickup was at 10 p.m. I appreciated that you had a unique code to get into the building and another one to get into the locker. It felt much more secure than many other luggage lockers I’ve used.
Bring cash
Many markets accept credit cards, but there’s often a minimum amount to spend before they accept credit cards. And there are several stands that are cash only. And of course, you’re bound to fall in love with something at the one stand that doesn’t take card. I had made it through most of the weekend without using cash. And then I saw it: a crêpe stand that made my mouth water — and only took cash. I trekked to the ATM and returned to order one of the best savory crêpes (or galettes) of my life with raclette and Black Forest ham. Worth it! But pull out cash before and save some time and steps.
Bundle up
When I visited the Vienna Christmas markets several years ago, I was naive. I came with a winter coat and a scarf. Wrong! The beginning of the trip was miserable in the wind and snow, and I ended up buying gloves and a hat on the spot because I was frozen. I learned from my mistake and packed hat, gloves, thermal leggings and tights and thick sweaters. Err on the safe side because freezing your booty off at a Christmas market is no fun.
Strasbourg Christmas Markets
The markets are scattered throughout the city. Each one has a different feel and may offer completely different products. Be sure to take a look at the Christmas markets website to get your bearings and make your list of where you want to visit. This year, they featured 8 different markets. Word to the wise: the markets close early at 9 p.m. We made the mistake of taking our time at dinner and hoped to get dessert at the markets. Nope, too late 🙁 Here are some of the markets we visited and what makes them special.
Au pied du Grand Sapin at Place Kléber
This market housed the mega Christmas tree along with a variety of different stands with food and gifts along with several stands for charities. The tree is a must on your visit to the Strasbourg Christmas markets.
Chrìstkìndelsmärik at Place Broglie
All the markets had their charm, but I think my favorite was Chrìstkìndelsmärik at Place Broglie for its food and shopping. It had so many food choices and was spaced out well. Here we ate spätzle (pasta) and grumbeerekiechle (potato pancakes). From hot wine spices to candles, postcards to tea leaves, I shopped to my heart’s content.
La Petite France at Places Benjamin Zix et Saint Thomas
When you think of Strasbourg at Christmastime, this is what it’s all about. La Petite France market is straight out of a fairytale inspired by Beauty and the Beast. You can’t miss the many maisons à colombage, or half-timbered homes. The decoration in this neighborhood is all-out, and you will have ample opportunity for photo opts.
Autour de la Cathédrale at Places de la Cathédrale et du Château
Hot take: the Strasbourg Cathedral took my breath away much more than Notre Dame in Paris. The stained glass, the intricate detail and sheer size are sure to capture your breath. We passed by the cathedral several times throughout our weekend in Strasbourg. But each time, I had to stop and marvel. All with the cathedral backdrop, the lights and street decor are what made this market a true gem.
Where and what we ate
It’s nearly impossible to go hungry at the Strasbourg Christmas markets. We ate most of our meals at the markets but did do some sit-down restaurants. Here are some specialities you’ll want to try at the markets:
- Spätzle: an Alsatian pasta
- Grumbeerekiechle: a very long word to mean potato pancakes. You can have them nature (plain) or with muenster or emmental cheese.
- Vin chaud : spiced wine. You can find it made with white or red wine. Oftentimes, they hand it to you in a reusable cup or mug. If you bring it back, you’ll get a euro back; or you can keep it as a souvenir. You can also try spiced cider.
- Bretzels: hot pretzels often with cheese and ham. You will see these all over Alsace.
- Munstiflette : a mix of potatoes, ham bits, cream and muenster cheese
- Roasted, caramelized nuts: one of my favorite wintertime treats
- Kouglof: similar to bundt cakes
- Mannele: gingerbread man cakes
- Bredele: regional cookies of different flavors
- Crêpes and gaufres: you’ll have ample opportunity to find crêpes, waffles and galettes (savory crêpes) at the markets.
- Chocolate: I definitely passed by the Jacques Bockel stands several times. I enjoyed their free samples of their nocciolata, caved and bought a couple jars! Chocolate lovers will also enjoy hot chocolate, chocolate chestnuts, chocolate sculpted into figurines…
Mama Bubbele
As much fun as it is to eat at the markets, it’s also nice to eat in a warm, dry restaurant. On our first night, we lucked out with a table at Mama Bubbele, a chic yet affordable restaurant serving up tarte flambée. This regional classic is similar to a flat bread. I ordered the raclette and onions tarte flambée and ate every last crumb!
L’Ours Blanc
One of the few restaurants that took reservations for 6+ people. (Merci!) This restaurant isn’t in the heart of the markets but a short distance from Place Kléber. It was nice to get away from the crowds and enjoy a cozy meal.
L’Éden Boulangerie Libre de Gluten
I had already ordered their products online but was thrilled to visit their boutique in person! I ordered several bretzels with cheese and ham bits and had them vacuum-sealed so that I could take them back home. Bon appétit !
And that’s a wrap on the Strasbourg Christmas markets. From the out-of-this-world decor to the scrumptious food, our weekend was a magical way to start the holiday season.
You might also be interested in the best places to visit in Alsace.
