Strasbourg, nicknamed the Capitale de Noel or “capital of Christmas,” is one of the most famous cities in the world for Christmas decorations. And aptly so! I was enamored with the incredible array of Christmas decor everywhere, from department stores to random streets to insanely decked-out houses and bakeries.
Strasbourg is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Alsace region of France. Set against the backdrop of half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, Strasbourg particularly shines during the Christmas season, exuding a fairytale charm that sweeps visitors off their feet. Established in 1570, the Christmas market here holds the distinction of being the oldest in France, and its rich traditions are woven deeply into the fabric of Strasbourg’s identity.
Every year, Strasbourg dons its holiday attire, transforming into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. Its cobbled streets are lined with twinkling lights, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air. The city’s radiant Christmas decorations and bustling markets have earned it a reputation as one of the most enchanting Christmas destinations in the world!
As you read on, you’ll discover how this charming city comes alive with festive magic, making it an unparalleled destination for Christmas enthusiasts. But when it comes to planning a Christmas trip, there’s a lot to know and think about! Here is your ultimate guide to spending a very merry Christmas in Strasbourg, France.
When to Plan Your Strasbourg Christmas Trip
The postcard town of Strasbourg, France is cute all year round. However, it really shines at Christmas! (No pun intended.) To make the most of your Strasbourg Christmas trip, you’ll want to plan your trip dates when the holiday decor is up, which is usually from the last 2 weeks of November through Christmas.
If you want to visit the Strasbourg Christmas market, the official dates change every year, so you’ll want to check official sources for the year to make sure your dates are confirmed.
The Christmas market season in Europe always kicks off with a bang and it will always be crowded no matter what time you go. However, the least crowded time is on a weekday morning just after the market opens—which is usually around 10-11 AM. The Christmas markets are also generally less busy in November and gradually become busier and busier until the end of the season, when everyone and their families will be out at the Christmas markets celebrating the holidays.
And if you’re less interested in the Christmas market and more interested in just chasing the decorations, you have a lot more flexibility. Strasbourg really goes all-in on Christmas decor and you can see it all around the town without any trouble. In fact, it’ll be harder to miss them!
📰 Read more: 1 Week European Christmas Market Guide: Cologne, Frankfurt, Strasbourg, & Colmar
How Many Days to Spend in Strasbourg, France?
Strasbourg is a small city in France, if you can even call it that. It feels more like a town than a city! The entire town is walkable within a day, and you can easily explore all the charming corners of Strasbourg on foot.
I recommend spending 1-2 days in Strasbourg. If possible, stay for at least one night so you can experience the twinkling Christmas lights and lively Christmas market at its peak popularity! While Strasbourg is seriously beautiful during the day, nothing can compare to seeing the lights at night.
Weather in Strasbourg During Christmas Season
Depending on when you plan your Strasbourg Christmas trip, the temperatures can range from mildly chilly to quite cold. In France, temperatures range from about 48°F or 9°C at the end of November to 32°F or 0°C in December.
One major thing to note is that it can be quite rainy during this time of year. We actually got quite lucky and only experienced one day of mild drizzling during the week that we were in Europe, but it’s not uncommon to experience light rain throughout the days and weeks. Even if it’s not actively raining while you are out and about, the ground tends to be quite wet. Make sure to pack an umbrella just in case!
What to Pack For Strasbourg Around Christmas
During the Christmas season, Strasbourg, France can get quite cold. Even though it’s not located in the northernmost section of the country, you’ll want to have plenty of coverage so you can explore the gorgeous Christmas decorations outside without shivering. Especially because the weather can be a bit wet, the cold really soaks into your bones if you aren’t adequately prepared.
My tip is to also wear a double layer of socks, since walking around can get quite chilly for the feet. Especially if it’s a bit rainy outside, you’ll thank me later!
Gloves: Since you’ll be shopping, eating, and drinking, you’ll be using your hands a lot. Having gloves can help protect your hands from the cold! I like these ones from Amazon. They’re pretty cute and stylish but also have those little touchscreen fingers so that you can use your phone without taking them off.
Fleece-Lined Hat: Having a knit beanie in the winter is a must, not just for the warmth but also for the aesthetic! Having a hat will keep your head nice and warm through the wintry days and nights of exploring Christmas markets. I got this adorable one with double faux fur pom poms which you can see me wearing in the photos in this very guide!
Heat Stickers: This is my secret weapon for staying warm during the winter. These are a trick that I learned from Chinese social media! These heat stickers are similar to hand warmers, except they’re adhesive on one side. You can stick it to your clothing and it’ll keep you warm for the whole day. The package says it’ll keep you warm for 10 hours, but I’ve worn them for 14-15 hours and they’re still warm when I take them off!
Earmuffs: I recently started really enjoying wearing earmuffs during the winter season! They really add that cute and cozy holiday vibe while also keeping your ears nice and warm. Seriously, you won’t realize how much you need a pair of these until you put them on. I got these super-cute fluffy lavender ones off of Amazon and wore them while I was in Strasbourg. They add such a feminine and cute touch!
Where to Stay in Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg isn’t a huge town, but you can still pick a strategic location for your trip. I would recommend staying near the Strasbourg Cathedral if possible. It’s located in the center of Strasbourg and makes walking to all the beautiful spots and sights very easy!
Budget Hotels in Strasbourg:
- Hotel Roses
Walking Distance: 5 minutes
Hotel Roses offers affordable and comfortable accommodation just a short walk from Strasbourg Cathedral. It’s an excellent choice for budget travelers looking to explore the city’s historic center without breaking the bank. - Ibis Strasbourg Centre Historique
Walking Distance: 10 minutes
The Ibis Strasbourg Centre Historique is a budget-friendly hotel within walking distance of Strasbourg Cathedral. It provides simple yet modern rooms, making it a convenient base for tourists on a budget.
Upscale Hotels in Strasbourg:
- Hôtel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery Walking Distance: 2 minutes Hôtel Cour du Corbeau is a luxurious boutique hotel located just steps away from Strasbourg Cathedral. This upscale hotel offers elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a charming courtyard, providing guests with a luxurious and historic stay in the heart of Strasbourg.
- Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île Walking Distance: 5 minutes The Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île is a 5-star upscale hotel located a short walk from Strasbourg Cathedral. It features luxurious rooms, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, ensuring a lavish and memorable stay in the city center.
What to Do and See in Strasbourg at Christmas
Strasbourg has plenty to do and see at Christmas—this is the capital of Christmas, after all! Between gawking at the gorgeous and over-the-top Christmas decor and indulging in the food and drink at the Christmas markets, you’ll have your hands full (literally) enjoying Strasbourg to its fullest.
The stores, streets, and houses here are bedecked with tinsel, wreaths, gingerbread, and even teddy bears! There’s absolutely nothing else like Strasbourg at Christmas, and their decorations are truly world-class. Here are some of the best spots that you must check out in Strasbourg, France at Christmas.
Restaurant le Tire-Bouchon
Le Tire Bouchon is the most famous building in Strasbourg, and it’s just a restaurant. However, it’s not the delicious Alsatian cuisine that wows most visitors, but the stunning exterior decorated with gigantic teddy bears, colorful ornaments, angels, and pine garlands! While Le Tire-Bouchon isn’t the only building in Strasbourg to use teddy bears as decor—it seems every building on the street does it—this narrow and tall building with its beautiful half-timbered exterior has captured the hearts of visitors and photographers for years.
For what it’s worth, the food at Le Tire-Bouchon is actually quite good! I’ve only heard rave reviews from others and they boast a fairly good 4-star-plus rating on Google reviews. However, you’ll want to make a reservation in advance, since as you can guess the most Instagrammable building in all of Strasbourg gets quite a lot of customers.
Cathedral Notre-Dame
As you wander through the enchanting streets of Strasbourg during Christmas, you’ll no doubt notice the Cathedral Notre-Dame towering marvelously over the city. The Cathedral Notre-Dame, often referred to as Strasbourg Cathedral, is an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral that takes center stage during the city’s Christmas celebrations.
Its majestic spire, reaching for the heavens, is a sight to behold, especially when adorned with shimmering lights and festive decorations. This iconic cathedral becomes a focal point for both locals and visitors, drawing them in with its timeless beauty and the warm glow of holiday cheer.
The inside of the cathedral is similarly beautiful, with stunning stained glass windows, intricate sculptures, and a serene atmosphere perfect for quiet moments of reflection amidst the holiday hustle and bustle. The cathedral often hosts special Christmas concerts and events that add to its allure, making it an essential stop on your Christmas journey through Strasbourg.
Place Kléber
Place Kléber, the largest square in Strasbourg, becomes a dazzling centerpiece of the city’s renowned Christmas market. Each year, as the holiday season approaches, the square transforms into a picturesque wonderland adorned with sparkling lights and charming wooden stalls. Visitors can immerse themselves in the scents of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts while admiring the beautifully decorated Christmas trees that grace the square.
The main tree in the plaza center is quite massive and deserves its own moment. Towering at a minimum of 30 meters tall over the Christmas market, both locals and visitors alike flock to the base to take a closer look at its beautiful decorations and enormous branches. It’s the heart of Strasbourg at Christmas and cannot be missed!
Petit France
Petit France is a charming historic quarter in Strasbourg with canals and half-timbered houses, like a French version of Venice. Because the city of Strasbourg was owned by both France and Germany at different times in history, “Petit France” gets its name from a time possibly when it was actually under the jurisdiction of Germany.
While Petit France doesn’t get particularly dressed up for the Christmas holidays, it’s one of the cutest parts of Strasbourg and well worth a visit. Stroll across the picturesque little river and through the alleyways with pastel-colored houses, their exteriors marked with the classic half-timber pattern that is characteristic of the Alsace region.
Place Gutenberg
When you think of the magical charm of Strasbourg during Christmas, one place that encapsulates this festive spirit is none other than Place Gutenberg. As Christmas approaches Strasbourg, the square comes alive with the joyful sights and sounds of Christmas, adorned with twinkling lights, beautifully decorated stalls, and the irresistible aroma of traditional Alsatian delicacies.
The Christmas market at Place Gutenberg is possibly larger than the one at Place Kléber and has the added benefit of boasting a famous and very charming carousel. Children will absolutely love this carousel, but it’s quite beautiful and enjoyable to watch even as an adult! (Or just spend the money and take a ride…no one will bat an eye! It’s Christmas season, after all.)
Rue de Orfèvres
Rue de Orfèvres is a charming street that we stumbled across while exploring Strasbourg. The street itself doesn’t boast any particular attractions or views, but I was instantly charmed by the plethora of stunning Christmas decorations across every storefront and intersection that we saw!
One of my favorite spots on this adorable street is Pains Westermann, a bakery that dresses up perfectly in gingerbread theme every Christmas season. Don’t forget to pop in for some delicious bread! Even in the morning, plenty of people were streaming in and out to get their own freshly baked goods for the day. Then, take a quick stroll down the narrow alleyways, getting lost in the gorgeous and intricate Christmas arrangements!
Beyond Strasbourg…
Don’t let the Christmas festivities stop with Strasbourg! France and neighboring Germany are famous for their Christmas celebrations, markets, and decorations that turn up the holiday cheer to the maximum.
Consider taking a week to cover both France and Germany with my 1-Week European Christmas Market Guide that covers Cologne, Frankfurt, Strasbourg, and Colmar.
Or if you only have time to pick one country and already are planning to go to Strasbourg, check out my list of Instagrammable Spots in Colmar at Christmas! When I tell you that I’ve never seen a more photogenic town in my life—well, you have to see it to believe it.
And don’t forget to experience more of Alsace by exploring teeny-tiny French towns like Eguisheim or Ribeauville! Don’t worry, I’ve covered all of this in my European Christmas Market Guide.
Now, don’t forget to enjoy the holidays! And—merry Christmas!
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