Why you should visit Strasbourg at Christmas

December is one of my favourite months in France and although Strasbourg is a beautiful city at any time of year, at Christmas, it comes into its own and transforms into a winter wonderland straight out of a fairytale.

It’s the stuff Hollywood Christmas movies are made of. The cobbled streets are lit up with hundreds of lights twinkling from every building as far as the eye can see.

It’s hard to know where to look, and it’s the perfect place to go Instagram crazy. 

Add to that the smell of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine, and you have yourself a stunning Christmas scene right off one of the old-style Christmas cards.

Things to do at Christmas in Strasbourg, France

Christmas in France is all about family and food. The French love their food and wine and Christmas gives them a legitimate reason to indulge in both.

If you’re spending Christmas in Strasbourg you’ll never be stuck for things to do.

The Christmas Markets

You can’t come to Strasbourg at Christmas and not go to the Christmas markets. After all, it’s the home of Christmas in France.

The oldest and perhaps the most iconic is “Christkindelsmärik”, dating back to 1570.

Here, you can expect a bustling atmosphere, a stunning backdrop of mediaeval architecture, and an array of traditional Alsatian crafts and culinary delights, including vin chaud (mulled wine) and gingerbread.

But the Christmas Market you won’t want to miss is the one at Place de la Cathédrale de Strasbourg.

With the gothic cathedral as the backdrop which is completely illuminated at night, it is simply magical.

Top Tips for Visiting the Strasbourg Christmas Markets

A few things to remember when you’re visiting the markets:

• Wait Till It Gets Dark: The best time to visit is at night so you can enjoy the lights
• Try the Local food: Don’t miss out on Alsatian specialities like tarte flambée as they’re a big part of the experience
• Cash is King: While some stalls may accept cards, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases and snacks
• Plastic Cups: Pay one euro deposit for your plastic cup so you can enjoy a vin chaud and get it back when you return the cup

See the Christmas Tree at Place Kléber

Place Kléber, Strasbourg’s main square, is home to a magnificent Christmas tree that stands tall and proud as the city’s centrepiece during the holiday season.

This towering tree typically reaches a height of around 30 metres (about 98 feet), making it an awe-inspiring sight to behold. Its branches are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and ornaments, casting a warm and festive glow over the square.

It’s a Christmas Tree that would make Kevin in the movie ‘Home Alone‘ very proud.

But the tree doesn’t just miraculously appear.

The quest for the perfect tree begins months in advance in March, with experts scouring the region’s forests for a tree that meets the city’s exacting standards and approval.

Place Kléber is also a great place for shopping, as there are plenty of streets filled with boutiques, as well as the Galleries Lafayette and lots of well-known brands.

Strasbourg Cathedral

The Strasbourg Cathedral, Cathédrale de Notre-Dame, is the main landmark in the city and can be seen for miles around.

If you ever get lost just look for the spire and follow it and you’ll know where you are.

It’s absolutely spectacular with stunning Gothic architecture and is the fourth largest in the world, so well worth a visit.

Not only does it have beautiful stained glass windows, but it’s also home to an Astronomical Clock. The clock’s construction began in the mid-19th century, and it was completed in 1843 by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué, a skilled horologist.

Each day at 12.30 pm, it comes to life and puts on a show for visitors.

During the show, the clock’s various mechanisms start to move, with figurines representing the twelve apostles parading in front of Christ, while various celestial elements move in sync.

It’s a crowd pleaser and people start queuing to watch, so get there around noon if you want a good position to see it.

At Christmas, there is a lovely traditional nativity scene inside the cathedral, which reminds me of the old church we used to go to when I was a child.

But if you really want to take in the Christmas sites, you should climb the 332 steps to the top. From there, you have a panoramic view of the Christmas markets, lights and decorations.

The cost for the climb is €8 for adults and €5 for children. Entry to the inside of the cathedral is free.

ADDRESS: Pl. de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg WEBSITE: For opening hours

Walk around La Petite France

La Petite France is the most picturesque district in Strasbourg, with its half-timbered houses, winding canals, and cobblestone streets, and is completely pedestrianised.

The district is crisscrossed by narrow canals and at Christmas, the water reflects the festive lights adding a touch of Christmas magic.

You’ll find picturesque footbridges, like the Ponts Couverts, offering views of the canals and surrounding buildings.

Perfect for an Instagram selfie.

La Petite France is steeped in history. Its mediaeval buildings once housed millers, tanners, and fishermen. T

he district gets its name from the hospital that used to be here, where soldiers from the “Petite Armée” (Little Army) were treated during the 17th century.

The preserved architecture and layout of the area offer a glimpse into Strasbourg’s rich past.

It really is like stepping into a Christmas fairytale scene.

Ice Skate under the Stars

I can never resist an outdoor ice skating rink. My daughter was a figure skater and represented Great Britain, so I’ve spent many, many hours by the side of ice rinks over the years. 

But there is something wonderful about an outdoor rink and the one at Place Kléber doesn’t disappoint.

Right next to the Christmas Tree and with the illuminated Aubette building as a backdrop, it really doesn’t get any more Christmassy than that.

And if it snows in Strasbourg it’s even prettier.

The Best Instagram Spot in Strasbourg at Christmas

Love it or hate it, Instagram is still the App to use for beautiful pictures. If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable spot in Strasbourg at Christmas, it has to be Le Tire Bouchon.

The restaurant goes out of its way to decorate for Christmas, and the outside of the building is covered in Teddy Bears. It’s beyond cute and the perfect place for a selfie.

I hear the food is pretty good too although I haven’t eaten there myself.

ADDRESS: 5 Rue des Tailleurs de Pierre, 67000 Strasbourg WEBSITE: Book a Table

Eat at Chez Yvonne

Is Strasbourg worth visiting at Christmas?

Strasbourg is definitely worth a visit at Christmas. Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” the city goes all out when it comes to festive decorations.

When you stroll through the streets of Strasbourg during Christmas, you’ll feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.

The entire city centre is transformed into a magical Christmas village, complete with charming wooden chalets selling all sorts of Christmas goodies, from ornaments to gingerbread cookies.

But what makes Strasbourg extra special is its blend of French and German culture. You’ll notice it in the architecture, the food, and even the language. It’s like getting the best of both worlds in one picturesque city.

Food you should try in Strasbourg

Choucroute Garnie: A sauerkraut dish served with a medley of smoked sausages, ham, and often garnished with juniper berries. The perfect hearty meal for meat lovers.

Tarte Flambée (Flammekueche): A thin, crispy flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon, often described as Alsatian pizza.

Bretzels (Pretzels): Strasbourg’s answer to a salty breaded pretzel.

Tarte à l’Oignon: A savoury onion tart combining caramelised onions, cream, and bacon in a flaky pastry crust.

Kugelhopf: A traditional Alsatian cake made with almonds and raisins, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Munster Cheese: An iconic Alsatian cheese, with a pungent aroma and creamy texture often enjoyed with a glass of white wine.