Event Details
Welcome to the Strasbourg Christmas Market 2026
The Strasbourg Christmas Market, officially known as the Christkindelsmärik (Market of the Christ Child), is the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the most celebrated in Europe. Since 1570, this Alsatian city has transformed into the self-declared Capital of Christmas (Capitale de Noël) each winter. In 2026, the market runs from 25 November to 24 December, attracting around 2 million visitors to the UNESCO-listed historic centre known as the Grande Île.
Highlights
- More than 300 decorated wooden chalets spread across twelve historic squares
- The iconic Grand Sapin de Noël: a 30-metre Christmas tree at Place Kléber with hourly light shows
- Historic Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie, running continuously since 1570
- Alsatian specialities: vin chaud, bredele, tarte flambée and mannele
- Traditional crafts: Soufflenheim pottery, Meisenthal glass ornaments and hand-carved wooden toys
- Children's carousel, festive city tours and Advent concerts
- Festive illuminations throughout the entire city centre
- Free entry to all outdoor markets and open-air events
Program & Opening Hours
The market officially opens on 25 November 2026 at 2:00 PM. From 26 November onwards, all markets operate daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. On 24 December, markets close at 6:00 PM. The twelve market locations include Place Broglie, Place Kléber, Place de la Cathédrale, Place du Château, Place Saint-Thomas in Petite France, Place Grimmeissen (the Off Market for upcycled and vintage goods) and Square Louise Weiss for local Alsatian producers.
Admission & Tickets
All outdoor markets and open-air events are completely free to enter. Visitors pay only for food, drinks and items purchased directly from vendors. Certain concerts or guided tours may require tickets. Note that bag checks are in place at the bridges leading into the Grande Île, so it is advisable to carry a small bag and avoid bringing large luggage into the market area.
Food Specialities
- Vin chaud: Mulled wine served in a collectible ceramic mug; the local white wine version (vin chaud blanc) is unique to Alsace
- Bredele: Alsatian Christmas biscuits flavoured with aniseed, cinnamon or almonds
- Tarte flambée (flammekueche): Crispy Alsatian flatbread with crème fraîche, onions and bacon
- Mannele: Brioche buns shaped like little figures, traditionally eaten on Saint Nicholas Day (6 December)
- Gewürztraminer hot chocolate: A creamy regional speciality unique to Strasbourg's markets
- Baeckeoffe: A slow-cooked Alsatian casserole of pork, lamb, beef and potatoes braised in white wine
- Pain d'épices: Alsatian gingerbread, the ideal edible souvenir
Shopping & Souvenirs
The historic Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie offers the widest selection of traditional Alsatian crafts, including hand-painted glass ornaments from Meisenthal, blue-glazed pottery from Soufflenheim and Betschdorf, embroidered linen and carved wooden figurines. For regional products direct from local makers, head to Square Louise Weiss. Visitors looking for sustainable and second-hand finds should visit the Off Market at Place Grimmeissen.
Visitor Tips
- Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning to avoid the biggest crowds, which peak on weekends and in mid-December.
- Arrive by TGV from Paris in 1 hour 46 minutes, or from Cologne by ICE in approximately 2 hours via Karlsruhe.
- Use Strasbourg's tram network (lines A, B, C, D, stop Homme de Fer or Langstross) or simply walk through the compact historic centre.
- Book accommodation several months in advance as hotel prices in the Grande Île spike sharply in December.
- Download the free StrasApp for an interactive market map and real-time car park availability.
- Carry a small bag only, as bag checks are carried out at the bridges leading into the city centre.
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable, waterproof shoes for the November and December weather.
- Beware of pickpockets at busy stalls and around the cathedral; keep valuables secure.
