Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024 – 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 for Christmas shopping and sightseeing.

For the Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024, expect over 300 wooden chalets spread around different squares in the city, offering unique gifts, Christmas decorations, and delicious food in a fairytale atmosphere. If you decide to visit Strasbourg at Christmas time this year, here’s a quick guide to the Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024 – dates, locations, and things to do.

Strasbourg Christmas Market Dates 2024 and Opening Hours

So, what are the Strasbourg Christmas Market dates this year? The Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024 dates are from 27 November (evening) to 27 December 2024.

What is the best time to visit Strasbourg Christmas Market? If possible, visit Strasbourg in November rather than December, 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 everything in advance is essential!

Christmas Market Strasbourg 2024 – Locations

The Strasbourg Christmas Market is huge: you can easily spend a whole day strolling around, more if you participate in the workshops and activities. Actually, it is made up of different Christmas Markets set in different locations.

All the Strasbourg Christmas Markets are located on the Grande Ile de Strasbourg, which is entirely pedestrian throughout the Christmas Market. The distances are short, and you can easily walk from one market to another while admiring the Christmas lights and decorations.

Exactly, where are the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg? Here are the main places where the Strasbourg Christmas Markets are located; the whole historic center is celebrating!  

3. Place de la Cathédrale

This Christmas Market is located opposite the Strasbourg Cathedral, one of France’s best Gothic Cathedrals. This Market is especially beautiful at night.

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.

5. Petite France

Located in famous Petite France, and more precisely in Places Benjamin Zix and 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).

6. Place Grimmeisen

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

This market is aimed mainly at locals, but of course, you will be most welcome.

Strasbourg Christmas Markets 2024 – Things to Do

What to do in Strasbourg at Christmas time? Apart from strolling around the different Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg Market Christmas Illuminations and Decorations

In the Strasbourg Christmas Market, there’s something to see everywhere, but don’t miss the Christmas illuminations in these places:

• Rue du VieuxMarché-aux-Poissons. Go through the Porte des Lumières to enter the magic of Strasbourg Capitale de Noël.
• Intersection Rue du VieuxMarché-aux-Poissons /Rue Mercière
• Place de la Cathédrale
• Rue des Tonneliers
• Rue des Hallebardes
• Rue de la Mésange
• Grand’ Rue
• Rue du 22 Novembre
• Place des Halles

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 the Alsace by car, you can venture to other Christmas Markets in Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Ribeauvillé.

Where to Stay in Strasbourg for Christmas Market

The Strasbourg Chrismas Market is big, spread through many locations in 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 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 less than 500 meters from the historic center.

Trains from Paris to Strasbourg leave from Paris Gare de l’Est train station. The distance from Paris to Strasbourg is 438km, 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 leave from Lyon Part Dieu train station. The journey is 504km and takes 4 hours – Click here to book your train from Lyon to Strasbourg

You can travel to Strasbourg with SNCF, InOui, and Deutsche Bahn (from Paris). TGV InOui is SNCF’s low-cost line (lesser space, only online booking & assistance), while Deutsche Bahn is the German train company. SNCF and Deutsche Bahn offer the same comfort level (I prefer Deutsche Bahn trains, though…), so I would choose based on the price.

If you want to visit Strasbourg for the day and carry heavy luggage, use 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 opening hours of the Christmas Market. It is not possible to park in the Old Town during this period either.

If you want to visit Strasbourg by car, I recommend staying in the lesser 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 our 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 and an excellent breakfast.

So there you have it, a quick guide to the Christmas Market in Strasbourg 2024 with everything you need to know to plan your Strasbourg Christmas trip.

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