It’s time to add Strasbourg, France, to your travel bucket list! Check out our guide and a few key reasons to visit Strasbourg during Christmas.

What a privilege to travel to France for the renowned Alsace Christmas markets, window shop along beautifully lit cobblestone streets, and bask in the shared joy of Christmas. Come for the markets and historic vibes. Stay for elegance, shopping, and the grandeur of Strasbourg.

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FIVE RAPID-FIRE FAQ'S

Should I use card or cash? Mostly cash. Find a bank or ATM and withdraw euros in advance. (More about this later in the blog.)
What are the hours of the Christmas Markets? Strasbourg's markets are open 11 am-8 pm daily during the Christmas season.
Can you walk from one Christmas Market to the next? Yes! It's easy and highly encouraged.
Do I need to eat before I come? No! Christmas markets are basically a food crawl.
What should I wear? Check the weather before, but typically a sweater, pants, a good jacket, and comfy shoes will do just fine. There are very few places to sit, so you'll be on your feet a lot!

How to Get to Strasbourg for the Christmas Markets

By Air:

If you're traveling within Europe, Strasbourg Airport (SXB) is your most convenient option. It offers direct flights from various European cities. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by train. The train station connects to the airport and provides regular service to Strasbourg's main train station (Gare de Strasbourg-Ville) in about 10-15 minutes. This is a fast and efficient way to get into the heart of the city.

For those arriving from outside Europe, major international hubs like Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), or Zurich Airport (ZRH) are excellent options. Frankfurt (FRA) is approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) northeast of Strasbourg. High-speed ICE trains connect Frankfurt Airport to Strasbourg Gare de Strasbourg-Ville in roughly 2 to 2.5 hours. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is approximately 480 kilometers (300 miles) west of Strasbourg. High-speed TGV trains provide direct connections from CDG to Strasbourg Gare de Strasbourg-Ville in about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. Zurich (ZRH) is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Strasbourg. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) trains connect Zurich Airport to Strasbourg Gare de Strasbourg-Ville in about 2.5 to 3 hours, often requiring a change in Zurich Hauptbahnhof. When arriving at these larger airports, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and catch your connecting train.

By Train:

Strasbourg Gare de Strasbourg-Ville is Strasbourg's central train station. It’s a major railway hub with excellent connections to cities across France and Europe. High-speed TGV trains offer fast, comfortable travel from Paris (about 1 hour and 45 minutes), Lyon (about 3.5 hours), and other major French cities. To reach other beautiful towns in the Alsace region like Mulhouse or Colmar, take the train for about 30 minutes to reach these stunning destinations.

To travel outside France, direct trains connect Strasbourg to German cities like Frankfurt and Stuttgart, as well as Swiss cities like Zurich and Basel. These trains take 1 to 2 hours to reach their destinations.

Book train tickets in advance, especially during the Christmas market season, to get the best rates! French trains generally run on schedule, but because France does love a good strike, we’ve found they can be unreliable during the winter months. Strikes are always possible around the holidays, and winter weather can slow time frames down. Be sure to check out our blog on what to do if a train strike affects your trip so you have a plan A, B, and C!

Navigating the French Language

French is the national language. We found that most people we met spoke enough English to get what we needed. If you hit a language barrier, you can quickly fix it with Google Translate and plenty of hand signals and pointing. While you definitely don’t need to know French to enjoy Strasbourg, here are a few words that are helpful to know while exploring during Christmas:

Bonjour/ Bonsoir – pronounced bohn-joor / bohn-swah – means hello / good evening
Merci – pronounced mare-see – means thanks/thank you
Vin Chaud – pronounced vahn showd – means mulled wine

The Highlights of Strasbourg at Christmas

Strasbourg exudes understated elegance at Christmas time. From streets lined with angels, chandeliers, and dangling white lights to high-end designer stores, it will be hard to keep your jaw from hitting the floor around every corner of the city center.

Strasbourg's ultra-grand Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is utterly jaw-dropping; this cathedral and the market surrounding it combine Christmas's awe and wonder with oversized yet intricate architecture.

Strasbourg offered some of the best shopping at the Christmas markets we've seen in our European Market adventures. Shopping outside the markets is easy, since the markets are scattered throughout the city's main shopping streets.

You'll find many teddy bears adorning the outside of many shops in central Strasbourg! Perfect for photo ops and inspiration for little ones' souvenirs.

Licorice fans rejoice! Mulled wine (known in France as vin chaud) relies heavily on star anise. Not a fan of the pungent taste? Try the hot apple cider (jus de pomme chaud) instead.

Strasbourg Christmas Markets Opening Dates & Times

The Strasbourg Christmas market is scheduled to start on November 26, 2026. The closing date(s) and hours have not been released yet, but based on last year’s schedule, it’s expected to run until Christmas Eve. The Strasbourg Christmas markets are typically open from 11 am – 9 pm daily. Always check the Strasbourg Tourism website for the most up-to-date information.

Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends. Visiting during the day is also a way to avoid some of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, especially on the weekend, though there's something undeniably magical about the buzz of evenings.

Strasbourg Christmas Market Locations

With almost a dozen Christmas markets in Strasbourg, it's nearly impossible to see them all in one day. Instead of rushing to see everything, take your time and visit a handful of the most central markets.

The Strasbourg Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale is the best place to start. Walk down the street, lined with floating angels and teddy bears adorning the shops, to see the jaw-dropping backdrop of the massive cathedral behind the glowing Christmas market stalls. Within a few steps of this market, you'll find two other smaller markets on either side of the cathedral's market.

The Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is also one of the largest markets. You'll find many shopping booths, plenty of sweet treats, and good options for grabbing a hearty dinner that isn't a form of sausage. We had a delicious pork knuckle and spaetzle that hit the spot in the misty evening after a long day of munching around!

For a taste of charitable giving, look for the "Village du Partage" (Sharing Village), often found on Place Kléber, where various associations and charities showcase their work and offer festive items. Additionally, many smaller markets pop up in different neighborhoods, offering a more local and authentic experience. All of these markets are generally within easy walking distance of each other, so you can fully immerse yourself in Strasbourg's festive spirit.

The Petit France area also has a few small popular markets. While the walk from Place Kléber is full of charming little shops, we wouldn't say there's too much to do or see. Hence the "petit" (small) in Petit France. That being said, the stalls there offered a few unique gift ideas that we didn't see anywhere else.

A short walk away, along the picturesque streets and squares, you'll discover themed markets, each with its own unique charm. Place du Marché-aux-Poissons often hosts a market dedicated to local Alsatian producers, featuring regional food and drink specialties. The area around Petite France offers a more intimate and romantic market experience, with its half-timbered houses and canals creating a magical backdrop.

Markets & Money Matters

In France, you'll need euros when you visit. If you're wondering if you should bring cash or card to the Christmas markets, the answer is yes - both! Some vendors take cards, but you'll almost always need cash for smaller purchases (less than $20).

How much cash do you need?

It's best to assume about $15-20 per meal for markets in France. Hot drinks typically cost between 3-7 euros, with an additional average 3-euro deposit for mugs. Dishes such as tarte flambe cost around 9-10 euros. Hot dogs of most kinds cost between 5 and 10 euros, depending on the type. Sweet treats and desserts, on average, range between 3 and 12 euros.

If you're looking to buy a more expensive souvenir, you'll be glad to have your card on hand so you're not limited by small bills. Always ask the vendor before ordering or buying anything which payment method they take. (Even if your German is poor and your English is limited, you can easily ask by holding up your credit card and asking, "Do you take card?") They will quickly answer with either hand gestures or a verbal yes or no.

A helpful note about taking out foreign currency in cash:

The best practice (and cheapest) way to have cash on hand in a new country is to go to your bank 5-10 business days before your trip and ask for the local currency. Depending on your bank, this transaction will be either free or cost just a few dollars.

If you're like us and realize the airplane tires hit foreign soil and you forgot to do this, then find an ATM and withdraw euros in cash! Yes, you can do this even with an international debit card and even some credit cards (though that’s not recommended). You will typically pay a small transaction fee in addition to the exchange rate. It's still cheaper to withdraw cash this way than to use a money exchange or Western Union.

Food and Drinks to Try in Strasbourg

Tarte Flambée – imagine a flat, savory crepe with a creamy sauce, ham, and onions. It’s a local specialty!
Alsace wine – this area of France boasts its own wine region, and it doesn’t disappoint! Our favorite local wine was the pinot blanc.
Crêpes – can’t leave France without trying one of these favorite French desserts made right before your eyes at a market stall!
Foie gras – if you’re a little more adventurous, we found it absolutely delicious…even though it’s duck liver. Trust us! The French know their flavors.

What to Shop For at the Strasbourg Christmas Markets

Alsatian Christmas Decorations: Look for handcrafted wooden ornaments featuring traditional Alsatian motifs, such as storks (a symbol of Alsace), half-timbered houses, and bredele cookie molds, as well as hand-painted glass ornaments with intricate designs inspired by Alsatian landscapes.
Bredele Cookies: Strasbourg and the Alsace region are renowned for their bredele, small Christmas cookies with a variety of flavors and shapes. From anise to cinnamon, these cookies are a must-try and make excellent gifts. In addition to scoping out the markets, check local bakeries for cookies in decorative tins.
Alsatian Wines and Spirits: Explore the region's renowned wines, such as Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Crémant d'Alsace. While you’re at it, look for local fruit brandies (eaux-de-vie) and liqueurs.
Linens and Textiles: Alsace is known for its beautiful textiles. Look for table runners, napkins, and other linens with traditional Alsatian patterns.
Christmas spices: Many of the booths sell bags of mixed Christmas spices, perfect for recreating the taste of Christmas at home.

Where We Stayed

Hôtel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg - MGallery

4-Star luxury around $300 right across the walking bridge from Strasbourg City Center.
The staff was very helpful, friendly, and spoke excellent English. When we arrived a few hours before check-in, they offered tea and coffee and stowed our bags. When it was time to check in, the porter showed us to our room and gave us a tour of its features, along with a few tips for our stay.
Make sure to book the deluxe room for access to the absolutely stunning terrace. Instead of individual balconies, this hotel features one long wooden terrace for the deluxe rooms, overlooking the charming patio, cheerfully decorated for Christmas.
The rooms offer plenty of little touches of luxury. Chocolates on the bedside table, a toilet room separate from the bathroom, cozy robes & slippers, towel warmers, and vanity kits which include nail files, cotton pads, and a hair tie - this hotel really thinks of everything.
The breakfast is a little pricey, but worth the convenience and atmosphere. At $26 per person, you get access to any cooked-to-order hot foods such as omelets, eggs, or crêpes, as well as an unlimited breakfast buffet of fresh oats, yogurts, juices, coffee, and, of course, a variety of flavorful cheeses and freshly baked French breads, and much more.

How to Get Around Strasbourg

Get your walking shoes on! The only ideal way to navigate the city is on foot. You could rent a bike through Velhop, but why not take the opportunity to stroll around town and visit the sites? Much of the city is blocked off to cars during Christmas to ensure the markets are safe for pedestrians. The best way to get to Strasbourg from other cities is by train or car. If you'd like to rent a car, keep in mind that you will only use it for a little while in the city. The central train station in Strasbourg is about a 5-15 minute rideshare (Uber or FreeNow work just fine!) from almost anywhere in the city. They also have a fantastic inner-city metro system with trams that take you around the city center. There's even a major stop outside the Place Broglie market for easy access elsewhere.

2026 Strasbourg Christmas Markets Guide