Discover the European Christmas capital with a Christmas trip to Strasbourg

Discover the European Christmas capital with a Christmas trip to Strasbourg

10 properties for Christmas Holidays. Compare and book at the best price!

Embrace the magic of Strasbourg at Christmastime

Strasbourg has been holding Christmas markets and delighting festive visitors since 1570, so no wonder it's known as the Capital of Christmas. This is the place to go if you want your Christmas to really feel like a fairytale. Gasp in awe at the enormous Grand Sapin Christmas tree, marvel at the beautiful lights and decorations, and explore France's largest Christmas markets. Christmas has never been so magical.

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Planning a Christmas holiday in Strasbourg

What can I do on a Christmas break in Strasbourg?

During the festive season, Strasbourg is totally transformed into a city entirely dedicated to the celebration of Christmas. One of the most exciting sights is the enormous Grand Sapin in Place Kléber, which is usually around 30 metres high and utterly spectacular. Of course, you should also plan to visit the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, which are located around the Grande Île. There are several different markets, so allow yourself plenty of time to explore them all. The Petite France neighbourhood is another highlight of Christmas in Strasbourg. Its traditional, half-timbered buildings, narrow streets, and canals are all beautifully illuminated during the holiday season. Don't miss the chance to combine the festive atmosphere with a food and wine break in Strasbourg, sampling regional specialities in the chalets and cosy winstubs throughout the old town.

Where should I stay during a Christmas trip to Strasbourg?

Many visitors to Strasbourg look for accommodation in the Grande Île area. This is the city's old town, and it offers wonderful opportunities for sightseeing and exploring the Christmas markets. That being said, it does get crowded over Christmas, so if that's a concern for you, look for holiday lettings in Strasbourg elsewhere. Petite France is another popular neighbourhood, as its traditional, old-fashioned buildings look like something out of a storybook. Foodies may prefer to stay in Krutenau, which is renowned for its superb restaurants. For a more quiet, rustic alternative to a Christmas break in Strasbourg, consider holiday lettings in the Alsace outside Strasbourg city centre. Villages like Obernai and Kaysersberg, located on the traditional Route du Vin, are close enough for you to easily visit Strasbourg, but you'll enjoy peace and tranquility when you return to your holiday home in the evening.

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FAQs: Christmas Holidays in Strasbourg

What's the weather like at Strasbourg over the Christmas period?

Strasbourg is known for its cold Christmas weather, which helps add to its fairytale charm. By day, the temperature hovers between 3°C and 6°C, while it regularly drops below freezing at night, often reaching -2°C to -5°C in the early hours. There's a chance of snow, but a white Christmas is not guaranteed. The wind off the Rhine plain can make it feel even colder, so pack thermal layers, a warm waterproof coat, sturdy boots, gloves, and a hat. The good news is that the markets are full of warming food and drinks: vin chaud, hot chocolate, and roasted chestnuts will keep you cosy as you wander through the illuminated streets and admire the festive displays.

Are most shops and restaurants closed in Strasbourg over Christmas?

Yes. Most businesses have reduced hours on 24 December, so workers can spend quality time with their families. Keep in mind that, unlike in most of France, 26 December is a public holiday in the Alsace. This means that most shops close early on Christmas Eve and do not reopen until 27 December. Many restaurants remain open over the holidays, serving fixed festive menus; you will usually need to book several weeks in advance. The Christmas markets typically wrap up on 24 December, although a handful of stalls reopen for a final flourish between Christmas and New Year. Supermarkets and bakeries generally run on reduced hours too, so it's wise to stock up on essentials before 24 December if you're self-catering.

Is there any special food I should try in Strasbourg at Christmas?

The Alsace is famous for its hearty fare with a unique blend of French and German influences. Tarte flambée, a crispy flatbread topped with crème fraîche, bacon, and onions, is the perfect warming snack on a cold December day. If you have more of an appetite, go for choucroute garnie, a dish of sauerkraut, sausages, and potatoes. Don't leave without trying baeckeoffe, a slow-cooked casserole of marinated meats and potatoes traditionally baked in a sealed clay pot. For dessert, you'll find a huge array of festive baked goods to sample, including bredele biscuits and the lamb-shaped lammele, usually washed down with vin chaud, the Alsatian version of mulled wine spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel.

What family activities can I do with my kids in Strasbourg at Christmas?

Kids will love the magic of Christmas in Strasbourg: the lights, the markets, the huge Grand Sapin...it's all sure to dazzle and inspire them. Head to Place Broglie, home to the oldest market (Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570), and let little ones ride the traditional carousels dotted around the city. The Village des Enfants on Place Saint-Thomas is dedicated to families, with workshops, story-telling sessions, and visits from Saint Nicholas, who traditionally arrives on 6 December. Older kids may be too big for the rides, but they can still have fun indulging in hot chocolate and gingerbread, or skating at the open-air ice rink. Round it off with a ride on the festive mini-train that loops through the illuminated old town.

How can I celebrate New Year's Eve in Strasbourg?

Most French people enjoy an indulgent meal on New Year's Eve, and Strasbourg's restaurants follow suit with multi-course Réveillon menus featuring foie gras, oysters, and Alsatian sparkling crémant. Restaurants tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to make your booking several weeks in advance. At midnight, people gather in Place Kléber to enjoy a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the cathedral spire and the surrounding squares. There are also lots of great spots along the Ill river and near the Barrage Vauban to watch the fireworks - but get there early, as they usually fill up fast. Afterwards, many locals continue the celebration in the bars of Petite France and the Krutenau district, which stay open well into the early hours.

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