Christmas Market Magic in Strasbourg, France
Your Ultimate Guide to the Enchanting Markets, Food, and Hidden Gems of Capitale de Noël
Ever since I can remember, I have loved the magic of Christmas. So when someone mentioned to me the existence of the Christmas Markets in Europe, I began to dream of an enchanting, Christmassy adventure abroad.
The real challenge with planning a Christmas Market adventure isn’t the going itself, it’s the planning. If you’re opting to create your own adventure instead of booking tours or going on a cruise, the planning can consist of hours of figuring out where to go, stay, eat, transportation, etc. When my family first started discussing this adventure, we went through all the motions and eventually landed on creating our own itinerary.
This method involved a lot of planning, a lot of booking, and a lot of moving around suitcases, but ultimately it allowed us to see everything we wanted to see on our first trip. While I might do things a bit differently next time, the create your own method allowed us to get a feel for what we truly liked about this trip AND the things we’d change. And that’s where this blog series comes in to help you!
To help you plan your own trips, I’ve put together mini guides on everywhere we stopped, the Christmas markets we wandered through, everything we did, where we stayed, restaurants, a few of our favorite things about each stop, and I’ve even included some of the things we didn’t get to, just in case you find yourself with more time.
Our Christmas adventures around Europe included stops in:
Heidelberg, Germany (coming soon!)
Cologne, Germany (coming soon!)
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany (coming soon!)
Nuremberg, Germany (coming soon!)
Munich, Germany (coming soon!)
Today, we’re headed to Strasbourg, France. I can’t wait for you to join me in this enchanting French city that makes you feel like you’re walking straight into the pages of a fairytale.
Allons à Strasbourg!
P.S. If you'd rather watch our adventures in Strasbourg, enjoy a video recap of our trip here.
Stay
My review from our stay with Eddie in Strasbourg: “Our stay with Eddie was wonderful! From excellent communication to his thoughtful recommendations, everything was fantastic.
We visited Strasbourg for the Christmas markets and found this accommodation perfect for our needs. As a group of four, we appreciated the split bathroom layout, allowing multiple people to use the facilities at once. Parking was convenient, the coffee was delicious, and the home was clean and secure. The location was ideal, with a short walk to the bus stop and a quick drive to the tram. The home was peaceful, and we loved the reading lamps by each bed.
What really made this stay special, though, was Eddie’s kindness and attention to detail. He was communicative before and during our visit, providing helpful maps and directions. He also left us a homemade bag of Bredele, which added a lovely holiday touch. We couldn't have asked for a better experience and highly recommend staying with Eddie!”
We planned our adventure a bit last minute so our options on where to stay were limited, however we really lucked out with the accommodations we found. And by staying in spots like AirBnb’s we were also able to interact with the people that lived in certain places and receive recommendations from those who know the area best. It made our trip all the more meaningful.
Christmas Markets
After visiting quite a few Christmas Markets in Europe, I can undoubtedly say they are worth planning a trip. And the ones in Strasbourg are no exception. Known as the Capitale de Noel or Capital of Christmas, the city of Strasbourg boasts a handful of markets, all with their own themes and mesmerizing decor that will have you reaching for your camera every few seconds. Although I do think we missed a market here or there, we visited all of the big ones around Strasbourg (and a few of the little ones) and they all held their own sense of Christmas wonder that will leave us dreaming about this place for Christmases to come. So without further ado… the Christmas Markets of Strasbourg.
Map of Strasbourg Markets - I cannot take credit for the creation of this map but it was really helpful to see how far apart the different markets were when we were actually in Strasbourg. Be sure to uncheck all locations but the Strasbourg map.
Admittedly, not all the markets were clearly labeled, so we may have gone to a few more than this and I just didn’t even realize we were there. But here is the official Strasbourg Christmas Tourism website to make sure you don’t miss any.
The Grand Sapin at Place Kléber
This market is accurately named and known for its Grand Sapin which means Big Tree. The Grand Sapin which is meticulously decorated is the focal point of this market in terms of decor. Though they also have a gorgeously lit up carousel in the square near the tree as well, the tree takes the cake. And when I say viewing this Christmas Tree is magical, that is downplaying just how lovely it is. To me this tree embodied Christmas magic.
It did start sprinkling so I couldn’t gaze at this tree *quite* as long as I would have liked too but this market was the perfect way to start out our grand European Christmas Market Tour.
Besides the tree, the other notable thing I recall about this market was it being the first place we witnessed the cheesy goodness of raclette. Raclette is “based on heating cheese and scraping off the melted part, then typically served with boiled potatoes”. Ours was served on a bratwurst and let me just say, my inner cheese rat loving heart was in heaven.
The Carré d’or Market at Place du Temple Neuf
This market is a perfect example of one that I didn’t realize we’d visited until I googled the name 😅The Carré d’or Market is a beautiful streetway adorned with lights and beautiful Christmas decor. It was lined with stalls of sweets, candles, jewelry, and beautiful shops.
I will admit that I was so mesmerized by the lights, I didn’t pay much attention to the wares. My favorite part about this market was definitely enjoying the walk thru. And just steps away from this market you’ll reach Rue des Orfèvres which I talk more about below and it leads you to our next market The Cathedral at Place de la Cathédrale.
The Cathedral at Place de la Cathédrale
Breathtaking. That’s the best word to describe my favorite of the many wonderful markets in Strasbourg. After walking the narrow streetway and then watching it open up to a view of the Cathedral, although all the markets were beautiful, nothing quite compared to the grand beauty of the Strasbourg Cathedral. The way it somewhat intimidatingly looms in the background of this market felt like we were in the pages of a fairytale and also that we had taken a step back in time.
Honestly that’s one of my favorite things about Europe in general - it is so old that it has these magnificently historic buildings. Not only does it have these older buildings, but they appreciate them and maintain them instead of just tearing them down to replace with new… I’m looking at you U.S.
Besides the downright breathtaking sight of this market, with the stalls, the cathedral, and the brightly lit carousel, it was at this market where we found our first Christmas Market Mugs.
If you don’t know about mugs (which I didn’t before this whole adventure planning began) basically what happens is when you buy glühwein (or other specialty drinks for sale) you usually get it in a ceramic mug. You give a pfand which is a deposit for the mug and when you bring it back you get your money back. Or if you choose to keep the mug, you’ve already essentially paid for the mug. Many of the European markets do this as a way to lessen waste (as a tree hugger I LOVE this and wish we did this in the U.S.) but it has also become a way for visitors to take a piece of their travels home with them. I have a friend who told me that she’s admired her grandmother's Christmas Market Mugs for years and it has always made her want to visit the markets. So the mugs are a thing.
I had told myself I would only bring a few mugs home… fast forward we have 9 new mugs in the cabinet, but I digress. Strasbourg was our first Christmas Market stop and the Cathedral Market is where we first collected a beloved, squatty red mug that said Strasbourg on it. I don’t drink much alcohol and I can’t say I loved the glühwein but Barbie was happy to down it for me. I was exuberant about my new cute mug and Christmas Market souvenir.
Moral of this market story is, don’t miss the Cathedral Market in Strasbourg. It is lovely and magical and they may have the cute, squatty Christmas mug of your dreams.
*I will note that there is potential for the mugs to change every year, so it will probably be different whenever you go.
Chrìstkìndelsmärik at Place Broglie
The Chrìstkìndelsmärik is the original and most famous market in Strasbourg. After passing under the famous Chrìstkìndelsmärik arch, you are immediately surrounded by stalls full of yummy food and beautiful goods, all adorned in twinkling lights.
It was at this market where Barbie and I enjoyed a few last minute late night snacks & treats. A bag of bredele here, a couple of boules mousse there, and I’m sure Barbie snagged something else because he was not empty handed of food our entire trip 🤪
We were not able to explore as much of this market as we would have liked. By the time we wandered our way to it, many booths were starting to shut down. Besides its historical significance and simply enjoying all the markets, I would recommend this one simply for the food - the treats were worth it. Plus, you can’t miss out on taking a photo under the iconic arch.
One thing I really liked about the Christmas Markets in general was that they closed at 9 or 10 in the evenings. Since I love to get to bed early, it meant we had plenty of time to get back to wherever we were staying and get to sleep at a somewhat decent hour. But it did mean you needed to plan your route accordingly.
La Petite France at Le Village De L’avent
As much as I absolutely loved the Petite France section of Strasbourg, this was my least favorite of the markets we wandered through. Based on the name I had high hopes for this market, but for me it just fell flat in the Christmas magic I had expected.
With a name like “Le Village De L’avent” my advent calendar loving heart was desperately hoping for a come to life advent calendar or even something remotely close. Instead I got a Christmas Market with a handful of stalls that were mostly alcohol. The idea was nice and the views of the half-timbered buildings of Petite France were beautiful, but this market did not match up to the enchantment of the name or the area. Despite my disappointment, Barbie did enjoy an alcohol filled, glass gingerbread man (he said it tasted like fireball 😜).
Things to Do (that we did)
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg
From the evening we arrived in Strasbourg and first laid eyes on the stunning cathedral, we knew we couldn’t leave without climbing to the top. The line was long (partially because at one point the ticket takers went on break 🤷♀️) but the beauty of the stairwell as we climbed, the architecture of the pink sandstone, the scenes that you could see from the tiny, picturesque windows, and finally the panoramic view from the top, was very much worth it. As someone who has always loved to dive into the pages of a fairytale, climbing up the 330 steps felt like we were in the pages of one.
Somewhere on the internet I read it only cost €5 to climb to the top, it ended up being €8 but it was still absolutely worth it for the experience.
Located in Place Kléber and the focus of one of the Christmas Markets I mentioned above, the Grand Sapin made me feel like a kid at Christmas. From the simple elegant decor of soft, white lights to the little gingerbread shapes in the tree, and my personal favorite, the big bright red baubles that added some contrast, this tree truly brought the Christmas magic. For me, it was the best tree we saw in all our adventures and it is definitely a must see if you are in Strasbourg during the Christmas season. Guaranteed to give you the Christmas warm & fuzzies.
Note: I do not know if the decor changes each year. So your experience could be different.
One of the most picturesque areas in Strasbourg, Petite France appears as if it was literally plucked off the pages of a your favorite medieval fairytale. With its half timbered buildings and the cobblestone streets, it felt like we had taken a step back in time. I truly love how instead of replacing all of their old buildings, Europe has truly mastered how to blend the old with the new, and it makes visiting these places a truly magical experience. One last magical tidbit about Petite France, I read this is one of the areas that inspired Belle’s town in Beauty and the Beast.
We didn’t get to spend quite as much time in Petite France (or Strasbourg) as I would have liked (so many Christmas markets and so little time!). I literally could have spent a few weeks in Strasbourg, just to soak it all in. Needless to say, although Petite France isn’t HUGE (it’s in the name) I definitely wouldn’t miss it on your trip to Strasbourg.
P.S. I did pull the tidbit about the buildings being half timbered off of google and then I proceeded to google what it meant.
Half Timbered - “A half-timbered building has a wooden frame whose spaces are filled with brick or stone to form the walls, so that the wood still shows on the surface.”
This was one of the most beautifully decorated streets in Strasbourg. Strasbourg’s streets were very narrow (which is a trend I’m noticing a lot in Europe) and this one looked like a magical Christmas alleyway. All above you were lights that ran down the street and made it feel like you were walking through Christmas magic. I will note that we did see this at night and during the day, but at nighttime when everything’s aglow, that’s when you really feel the Christmas magic.
Rue du Maroquin (House of Bears)
This is one of the most famously photographed spots (especially by Instagrammers) in Strasbourg and I have to admit, it is worth the photo. Besides the beautiful Grand Sapin, this was my favorite display in Strasbourg. I am a stuffed animal fan AND a Christmas lover. For me, the use of the giant teddy bears amidst Christmas greenery and big red baubles + stars was adorably elegant during the day and magically enchanting at night. Though there will be lots of others photographing these cuties, this spot is definitely worth a stop.
As a family we were debating whether or not they replaced the bears every year, so my mom walked in and asked the restaurant that displays them 😅They do not replace the bears every year. The same cutie bears come out to decorate the building every year. The more you know. But we truly loved this display and all the effort that goes into putting it up every year.
Restaurants We Savored
Admittedly I was influenced into visiting this spot by Instagram. I use a lot of different tools to discover spots, but I love discovering cute gems on the ‘gram. It was noted that this spot had some of the best croissants in Strasbourg and as someone who loves treats, I knew I had to go try one (plus I knew Barbie would want breakfast).
Their pastry display was beautiful and the staff couldn’t have been kinder as I attempted to order in French. Although I wanted to taste everything they offered, I settled on a chai with a chocolate croissant and Barbie ordered a croque monsieur.
I have to admit, neither my croissant or my chai was anything special which was slightly disappointing. BUT, Barbie’s croque monsieur was to die for. We both thought it was so good that Barbie debated getting a second to go.
I did not discover this spot on Instagram but instead by doing some good ol’ Google searching for the best desserts in Strasbourg. Because I am Treats, I am truly always on the hunt for treats and this spot had rave reviews about their eclairs. Although we were enjoying some amazing food at the Christmas Markets, I wanted to make sure I enjoyed a few spots in the towns we visited too. And classic French pastries (like eclairs!) sounded like the perfect French treat to enjoy.
Not only was this space adorable, but the eclairs were absolutely stunning - they almost looked too pretty to eat. While so many flavors made my mouth water, I settled on a tiramisu eclair to honor the time we had spent in Italy earlier in 2024. It was the right choice and this gem was every bit as delicious as it seemed. I did however make the mistake of giving my mom a bite and she loved it so much she ate half of it 😅but I guess that just tells you how yummy it was. A very worthy treat spot.
A Few of My Favorite Things about Strasbourg
Now that I’ve shared all the nitty gritty of our 2 day stint in Strasbourg, I want to share some of our other favorite moments. Because even if you don’t dream of being a Christmas elf who frolics through Christmas markets, you’ll enjoy Strasbourg.
Although we went to Strasbourg specifically for the magic of their Christmas Markets, I can without a doubt confirm that we would gleefully go back at any other time of year and Christmas again too. Strasbourg is considered a city (I have Google, double-checked this fact many a time, because I want it to be a town) but it very much had a smaller town vibe. Domestically and internationally I love small towns. In fact, I prefer them over big cities but something about Strasbourg… maybe it was how it was laid out in different sections of the city or it was how the Christmas Markets broke it into smaller chunks (that were like their own little towns), or maybe it was simply those stunning half timbered storybook-esque houses - whatever it was, Strasbourg is somewhere I could spend a lot of time.
I talk A LOT about the Christmas Markets above so I am going to use this section to highlight some of things that I didn’t focus on as much that I think are worth noting.
Let’s start with cheese, because we know I live to eat good food. You know how people always say how much better the food is in Europe? Well, they’re not wrong. Stop in the cafes, the bakeries (patisserie), the cheese shops (fromagerie) - if it looks yummy, stop in. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good American cheeseburger but between the cheeses, treats, bakeries, all the cute cafes, did I mention TREATS, I could be convinced to trade in my cheeseburgers.
One thing I fail to mention above in my restaurants section, is the cheese place. Do I have any idea what it was called? No. Which is highly unlike me, but I think I was distracted by the GIANT wheels of cheese. My mom and Barbie both bought a hunk and us rats nibbled on it all throughout our trip. I think about that cheese every time I bite into a processed hunk of cheese here at home. Despite the fact that I don’t remember where we stopped, my point is, make the stop and eat the cheeses.
I talk in more detail above about one of my favorite treat stops in Strasbourg (the eclairs!) and honestly I wish I stopped at more… but I also ate a lot of treats at the markets. I had to find some kind of balance. My note for you here is to stop at any and all of the bakeries you want - it will be worth it. All the deliciousness people ooze about French bakeries is correct. So, eat the treats, because it was one of my favorite things.
The Christmas Markets really were the focus of our trip, but I couldn’t be in France and not pop into a bookstore. Luckily we stumbled upon Librairie Kléber and I was able to immerse myself in bookstore land. This wasn’t the most aesthetically adorable bookstore I’ve ever been in, but it did have an amazing variety and 3 stories of books. I know very little French, but that did not stop me from spending a half hour wandering this bookstore looking for all my favorite books in French. It was so much fun to see series in a different language and to see the beautiful covers that are so vastly different from the ones on my shelves. I didn’t find any books for me (I was looking for copies of my favorite series in French, but couldn’t find it), I did grab something for a friend who is currently learning French. If you’re a fellow booknerd, be sure to pop in and just savor the bookiness.
My last favorite thing that I haven’t mentioned elsewhere is Barbie and I’s French Turkey Trot. We didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S. this year since we were in Strasbourg but Barbie and I did go run a 5K Turkey Trot on a fun path near our AirBnB. The Forest in Neuhof-Illkirch Nature Reserve was a mix of forest paths and one of those outdoor workout stations. You know, the ones where they have pull up bars and other equipment for you to do exercises outside? We didn’t use any of the equipment along the trail but we did enjoy winding through this forest for a chilly 3.1 mile run. I was just excited to say I had gone on a run through France and we also enjoyed exploring this fun little park. It didn’t have magnificent views or much of anything to note, but it was a fun way to get outside in nature during our trip. Plus, something I found really interesting is that to the entrance, they had a sign warning people about TICKS! I didn’t realize they had issues with those outside the U.S.
Things on my List that We Didn’t Quite Make It To
Just in case you want to plan to visit these spots on your visit
Park L’Orangerie - pretty public park with green space
Boat Ride with Batorama - recommended on multiple blogs and by our Airbnb Host (should take it at night so we can see Strasbourg all lit up)
We did not book this far enough in advance and when we tried to do it the day of, it was full - this is your poke to book this activity in advance.
La Corde a Ligne - Restaurant
Cafe Bretelles - Coffee Shop / looks cute
Oh My Goodness Cafe - Coffee Shop
Salon de the Grand Rue - Coffee / Treat Shop
Omnino - adorable looking cafe
Madame Julia - breakfast + brunch
Le Meteor - Restaurant
Naegel - Patisserie
Bistrot & Chocolat - treats and apparently delicious hot chocolate
La Cloche à Fromage - Restaurant
Hey Mama - Breakfast and Lunch
Coffee Stub - Coffee Shop
Strasbourg is known as the Capitale de Noel for a good reason. Everywhere you turn you’re surrounded by magical decorations, breathtaking lights, and the feeling of Christmas in the air. It’s like the whole city participates in the festivities. But even if you’re not visiting this charming gem during the Christmas season, there is an enchantment in the air about Strasbourg that made it one of my favorite stops along our trip. It was my mom and Barbie’s favorite stop. Needless to say, if you’re planning a Christmas Market adventure or just a trip to France, I highly recommend putting the city of Strasbourg on your itinerary.