Strasbourg Christmas Market 2025 – Dates, Locations & Things to Do

Strasbourg at Christmas Time

If you are visiting Paris in December and have a couple of extra days, why not jump on a train to explore the Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of the best Christmas Markets in Alsace? There are beautiful Christmas markets in Paris and other cities in France, but for the quintessential fairytale Christmas Market, Strasbourg is the place to go.

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region and home to one of the best Christmas Markets in France. The Christmas Market in Strasbourg is also the oldest, dating back to 1570! I visit Strasbourg at Christmas time almost every year to update this article (that’s my excuse) and to do some Christmas shopping and sightseeing.

If you decide to visit Strasbourg at Christmas time this year, here’s a quick guide to the Strasbourg Christmas Market 2025 – dates, locations, and things to do. Expect over 300 wooden chalets spread around different squares in the city, offering unique gifts, Christmas decorations, and delicious food in a fairytale atmosphere.

Strasbourg Christmas Market Dates 2025 and Opening Hours

The Strasbourg Christmas Market dates 2025 are from 26 November (evening) to 24 December 2025.

The best time to visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market is the last week of November rather than December, and ideally during the week. There are always many people in Strasbourg during the Christmas weekends!

Strasbourg is one of the best winter destinations in France, especially during the Christmas holidays, so booking accommodation and train tickets in advance is essential.

Christmas Market Strasbourg 2025 – Locations

The Christmas Market in Strasbourg is huge: you can easily spend a whole day strolling around, more if you participate in the workshops and activities. Actually, the Strasbourg Christmas Market comprises several Christmas markets located in different areas.

All the Strasbourg Christmas Markets are located on the Grande Île de Strasbourg, which is entirely pedestrian during this time of the year. The distances are short, and you can easily walk from one market to another while admiring the Christmas lights and decorations.

Here are the main places of the Strasbourg Christmas Market 2025; the whole historic center is celebrating! To find your bearings, the Strasbourg Christmas Market map, available at Place de la Gare and the Tourist Information Office (located in front of the Cathedral), will come in handy. 

2. Place Kléber

Place Kléber is one of the main squares in Strasbourg, and it hosts the famous Grand Sapin (Giant Christmas Tree) every year. Thirty meters high, the Strasbourg Christmas Tree is the tallest decorated Christmas Tree in Europe, and it is stunning!

Ice skating – Strasbourg Christmas Market: the Strasbourg Christmas Market ice skating used to be located in Place Kléber, but it was not there in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 editions. In 2024, the small Christmas Market at the Hotel Sofitel Strasbourg was the place to go for ice skating (entrance fee 5€).

3. Place de la Cathédrale

This Christmas Market is located at the foot of the Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Gothic Cathedrals in France. The Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale is especially beautiful at night, but the crowds are insane here.

The Christmas Market continues on the Southern façade in a much more relaxed atmosphere and more space (and chalets) to eat. Access to the Cathedral and the bell tower is through this Southern façade.

4. In front of the Palais des Rohan and Place du Marché aux Poissons

Here, you will find the Marché des Délices, with local specialties and food workshops for the little ones. It is the place to taste Alsace’s traditional Christmas sweets: bredele, mannele, and gingerbread.

From here, there’s a nice view of the Ill River and the boats sailing on it.

5. La Petite France

Located in the famous La Petite France, and more precisely in Place Benjamin Zix and Place Saint-Thomas, this is the most picturesque Christmas Market in Strasbourg.

This Market is dedicated to small Alsatian producers. It offers unique, quality handmade gifts and excellent local products (cheese, beer, honey, sweets).

Because La Petite France is such a picturesque neighborhood, this is one of the most popular Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, but it is also one of the most crowded.

GOOD TO KNOW: In La Petite France, you will also find a chalet selling the famous Meisenthal Christmas decorations (picture above). Located in a small village north of Strasbourg, Cristallerie de Meisenthal was founded in 1792 and became internationally renowned for producing beautiful and high-quality glass products, often involving intricate techniques passed down through generations. Today, Meisenthal’s Christmas balls are highly coveted by collectors and design enthusiasts due to their unique design, which combines tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation in a distinctive way. Although they are not cheap, all the stock of the day is usually sold out before noon, so arrive before they open for the best choice (there’s often a long line).

6. Place du Temple Neuf

The Carré d’Or Christmas Market is brimming with beautiful decorations, candles, jewellery, and both sweet and savoury treats… there’s something for everyone!

The market at Place du Temple Neuf is small, intimate, and easily overlooked on the way to the Cathedral. However, it was in this market that I saw the most beautiful offer.

And if you want to take your shopping one step further, the surrounding streets are lined with famous boutiques and artisan pastry makers, chocolate makers, restaurateurs, bakers, cheese makers, and more.

7. Place Grimmeisen

Le Marché Off is Strasbourg’s social and solidarity Christmas Market. Here, thirty or so local companies involved in responsible purchasing have united to offer an original, festive, and committed market.

This market is primarily aimed at locals, but you are, of course, most welcome!

8. Square Louise Weiss

Place Louise Weiss hosts Les Irréductibles Producteurs d’Alsace, a group of farmers and artisans offering local products that are 100% made in Alsace. Located between the Covered Bridges and La Petite France, this market is less central, with a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for exploring and sampling their offer: homemade jams, hot apple juice, sweets, chocolate, and biodynamic Alsace wines.

There’s also Le Village de l’Advent here. With its magical, timeless décor, it is the perfect place for children and families to socialize. Every year, Le Village de l’Advent hosts a wide range of activities, workshops, and shows focused on the little ones, as well as Christmas concerts.

This is also a beautiful part of the city featuring traditional architecture and canals, and you’ll be able to take lovely pictures without the crowds.

Strasbourg Christmas Markets 2025 – Things to Do

What to do in Strasbourg at Christmas time? Apart from strolling around the different Christmas Markets and soaking up the city’s unique atmosphere, here are the things you don’t want to miss. Ask at the Strasbourg Tourism Office (17 Place de la Cathédrale) for the full program and times.

Cathedral’s Christmas Crib

Don’t miss the Cathedral’s Christmas Crib! Presented at over 18 meters long, this nativity scene, dating back to 1907, is a true marvel. The Cathedral is free to visit, but there are usually long lines to access.

While the exact opening hours may vary slightly due to special events, the Cathedral is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit Other Christmas Markets Near Strasbourg

You can also visit other Christmas Markets in Alsace on day trips from Strasbourg.

From here, the Alsace Christmas Markets in Obernai, Sélestat, and Colmar are easy to visit by train. If you visit Alsace by car, you can venture to other Christmas Markets in Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Ribeauvillé.

Where to Stay in Strasbourg for the Christmas Market

The Strasbourg Christmas Market is vast, spanning multiple locations throughout the city. Therefore, plan at least one night in Strasbourg if you want to get the most out of it.

The advantage of staying overnight is that you can enjoy the city when the day crowds are gone. La Petite France and the Cathedral Square are wonderful late at night or when everybody is still asleep early in the morning. With two days in Strasbourg, you can also visit some of the city’s tourist attractions.

How to Get to the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

Strasbourg Christmas Market by Train

A trip to Strasbourg by train is very easy to plan. The central station (Gare de Strasbourg-Ville) is very central. The distance from the Strasbourg train station to Christmas market is less than 500 meters.

Trains from Paris to Strasbourg leave from Paris Gare de l’Est train station, and most trains are direct. Count on taking it 2 hours from Paris to Strasbourg. – Click here to book your train from Paris to Strasbourg

Trains from Lyon to Strasbourg depart from Lyon Part Dieu train station, and it takes 4 hours – Click here to book your train from Lyon to Strasbourg

If you plan to visit Strasbourg for the day and need to carry heavy luggage, consider using the lockers at the train station. However, at this time of the year, all the lockers are occupied before 10 a.m.

Christmas Market Strasbourg by Car

Do you want to visit the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg as part of an Alsace road trip? Having a car in Strasbourg at Christmas time is always challenging!

The Grande-Île is entirely pedestrian during the Strasbourg Christmas Market period. It is also not possible to park in the Old Town during this period.

If you plan to visit Strasbourg by car, I recommend staying in the less central neighborhoods of Strasbourg, ideally with private parking for its guests, or using the Park & Ride System (P+R) available in the city. Thanks to the Relais-Tram car parks, you can park your car inexpensively and use the tram to get to the city center. The tram ticket is valid (both outward and return) for all vehicle occupants up to 7 people.

If you don’t have a car in the country, check out my best tips for renting a car in France.

TIP: If Strasbourg is part of an Alsace road trip, the Hotel Strasbourg – Montagne Verte is the place to go. The hotel is a lovely 20-minute stroll along the Ill River to the center and offers free private parking, as well as an excellent breakfast.

So there you have it, a quick guide to the Christmas Market in Strasbourg 2025 with everything you need to know to plan your Christmas trip.

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