Strasbourg France Christmas Guide : A Christmas Lover’s Paradise !
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Europe is a known Christmas-time destination. Elaborate Christmas markets that bring your Hallmark visions to life seem to take over in winter months there. Especially Germany, where Christmas markets first originated.
So it’s no wonder that one of the truly best Christmas markets is in the same city that is considered the official seat of the European Parliament — Strasbourg, France. Wait, what? France? Yes. But the Strasbourg Christmas market tradition likely owes its roots to the city’s own historic roots in Germany.
You see, over the years Strasbourg has taken turns under both German and French rule. And while Strasbourg has been a part of France since 1944, the German influences are still evident throughout the city.
So when I found myself in Frankfurt, Germany of all places one winter I had a choice to make — travel to a larger German city for the Christmas market experience or head to the smaller town of Strasbourg in France, known to experience and explosion of Christmas each year.
I chose Strasbourg. I was able to take a train from Frankfurt to Strasbourg to spend Christmas weekend there. You can also find Strasbourg to Paris trains and like I did, more Strasbourg to Germany transfers.
If you have an opportunity to visit Strasbourg in winter for Christmas-season, take it. The town becomes filled with Christmas markets everywhere you turn and the decorations are beautiful.
It’s small enough to allow you to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time so a weekend in Strasbourg or even a Strasbourg day trip if you’re really pressed for time can prove to be worthwhile experiences!
Common Questions About Strasbourg, France
Should I visit Strasbourg or Annecy?
I had this same question before setting out on my last visit to France, and was lucky enough to make it to both cities. My recommendation? If you’re specifically looking for a Christmas in Europe then there’s no question, Strasbourg Christmas markets are your scene.
What is Strasbourg famous for?
In addition to offering a unique cultural and architectural blend thanks to its German and French history, Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region of France. And, it is the primary seat of several European institutions including the European Parliament.
Is Strasbourg safe for tourists?
As a solo female traveler I felt very safe in Strasbourg. The city felt small and lively, very walkable and not shady. That said, the main safety concern to be aware of in most European cities is mugging.
Always be mindful of your possessions and your surroundings. I always travel with my anti-theft crossbody travel bag, for example. I tend to avoid being out alone too late in the evenings, and aim to stay in well-populated areas.
Strasbourg — where to stay?
I found Strasbourg to be small enough to walk from pretty much anywhere to any other side of town, so it’s tough to go wrong in my opinion. Personally I always love staying at an apartment with my own kitchen and space, so I recommend booking a VRBO. I tend to research accommodations pretty thoroughly, here are some of my specific recommendations:
- This bright and airy 2-bedroom walking distance to many main attractions
- This cathedral-view duplex with a chic white-black interior
- This affordable downtown 1-bedroom that sleeps 4 guests
- This upscale cottage that is reminiscent of something out of Beauty & the Beast!
- This third-floor apartment with penthouse terrace that offers quant views
For shorter visits, I sometimes prefer hotels and I personally always book using booking.com to help me find the best rates. Here are some Strasbourg, France hotels that stand out to me:
- Le Grand Hotel, Strasbourg only 10-minutes walking from the train station with a bar and terrace where you can enjoy their breakfast buffet
- Voco Strasbourg Center – The Garden an IHG hotel with a beautiful ambiance
- The ibis Strasbourg Historic Center that’s affordable and well located with a bar and restaurant on site
The key is to book your accommodations as early in advance as possible. As you can imagine, demand and price go up the closer we get to the Christmas holiday season!
When is Strasbourg Christmas market?
Well, this would certainly be helpful information to have as you plan your trip wouldn’t it! I find this official website to be the best source for all up-to-date information related to the Strasbourg Christmas markets. More specifically, you can find dates and times for Strasbourg Christmas markets here.
Things to do in Strasbourg
Explore Strasbourg Christmas markets
Of course, this is a top activity in Strasbourg winter time. You don’t really need to make a specific plan for which markets you’ll hit or how. Simply wandering through the city you’ll run into them at every turn.
Strasbourg during Christmas especially is a wonderful city in which to put your phone and maps away and simply stroll along on your whims. At the markets, be sure to try everything from mulled wine to the sweet and savory pretzels and beyond!
Enjoy a Canal Boat Ride
Book a tour with Batorama through the canals of Strasbourg. Take in the sights from a different angle and relax as you learn a bit more about the beautiful city.
Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral
Revel in the stunning gothic architecture of the Strasbourg Cathedral. During the Christmas season, enjoy the markets that set up all around this beautiful structure. Watch the small show put on by the tower’s astronomical clock daily at 12:30pm.
See the Great Christmas Tree in Place Kleber
You won’t miss the largest square, Place Kleber, in Strasbourg. Enjoy the festivities here but don’t forget about the additional decorations all across the city!
Stroll Through La Petit France
This historic neighborhood, with its cobblestone lanes and 16-th century buildings, reminded me strongly of Beauty & the Beast. It’s a small and adorable area of town you simply can’t miss strolling through when in Strasbourg!
Take a Half-Day Alsace Wine Tour
Visit a couple wineries and get a taste of some of the best wines France has to offer on this easy, guided half-day tour! Alsatian wine is primarily white wine but likely drier than what you’re used to. Spend a relaxing afternoon tasting for yourself with this tour.
Explore More of the Alsace Region on a Day Tour
To really make the most of your visit to Strasbourg, consider exploring more of the Alsace region as a whole. This one-day tour through the Alsace region is a great way to do it. And if you’re a solo traveler like me, you may even make some new friends along the way!
Strasbourg Restaurants
Did you know Strasbourg is a haven for foodies? If you’re wondering where to eat, Strasbourg food is unlikely to steer you wrong.
Le Petite Mairie
For a traditional meal outside of the hubbub of the direct city center head to this wonderful bistro. Only a short walk away from the cathedral, yet far enough away to dodge the crowds that begin to take over the more central areas of town.
I made a same-day reservation online here and came in for an early afternoon solo lunch. I asked my waiter to recommend a traditional dish and ended up with a delightful white fish on a bed of choucroute which is their traditional version of sauerkraut. Delicious!
La Binchstub
While I didn’t make it here myself, this is the place to go for the traditional dish of tarte flambee. My airbnb host also said as much (and also specifically advised avoiding the chain of Les brasseurs). Tarte flambee is an Alsatian flatbread.
There are different varieties but the most traditional way it is served is fresh, spreadable cheese topped with onions and bacon. Give it a try while you’re in town!
The Meteor
Near to where I was staying, The Meteor is where I decided to try my tarte flambee. I don’t eat pork, so mine was a flatbread with cheese and onions. Honestly, I likely wouldn’t order the same again but I’d love to try different varieties next time I have the opportunity! From an ambiance perspective, The Meteor is a laid back brewery where it’s easy to spend some time as a solo traveler. And, it’s more on the affordable side.
Le Kiosque d’Omnino
An adorable coffee shop outpost to pop in on a chilly day and grab a takeaway coffee. It’s an adorable glass dome that’s an experience in and of itself!
Boulangerie Woerle
Stop by here for a taste of traditional kougelhopf, similar to a brioche. If you can find a praline brioche in town grab one as well. It usually looks like a bun with pink nuts in it! The place I visited for some seems to be permanently closed but no doubt you’ll find some in another shop.
Traditional Food Walking Tour
Still hungry? Join a local food guide and potential new friends on this group walking food and drink tour!
I’ll also share with you some restaurant recommendations offered to me by my airbnb hosts, who are local to Strasbourg. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to try all of these recommendations during my short visit but I imagine it’s worth checking them out if you have the time:
- La Corde à Linge : their specialty is the spatzel and it’s a super nice setting on the edge of petite France
- Les 3 chevaliers (on the quays)
- La Maison Kammerzel : the most famous, near the cathedral, typical setting, their specialty: sauerkraut with fish
- Le Diable Bleu: meat restaurant (more on the expensive side)
- La Hache: French terroir
- Les Haras: chic restaurant
- Les Fines Gueules: French tapas
- l’Alambar: carpaccio and pizza
- Il Felice: Italian pasta and pizza restaurant (beautiful setting)
- The Drunky Stork Social Club: in addition to making excellent cocktails, their dishes are excellent
- L’académie de la Bière: for tarts flambé and burger but especially for beer
- Tonton gateau pastry shop which makes divine brunches on Saturday morning (be sure to make reservations) and Aedaen Place on Saturday and Sunday all day
There you have it! A detailed guide to help you make the most of visiting Strasbourg Christmas markets. What activity or meal are you most excited for?
