Christmas walks in Strasbourg

Walk Strasbourg's Christmas markets in the snow and at night, from the stalls around the Gothic cathedral to the giant tree on Place Kléber. The city has held its Christkindelsmärik since 1570 and calls itself the capital of Christmas.

The market is not one square but about a dozen, with around 300 stalls spread across the old town on its island in the river Ill. The oldest and largest is on Place Broglie, the most photographed is in front of the cathedral, and the tree on Place Kléber, around 30 metres tall, is one of the biggest decorated Christmas trees in Europe. Between them, whole streets and the half-timbered houses of Petite France are hung with lights, teddy bears and garlands.

Alsace has its own Christmas food: bredele, small butter biscuits baked in dozens of shapes in every family, pain d'épices (spiced honey bread), and vin chaud made with white wine as well as red. The markets open in late November and close on 24 December.

Strasbourg city guide and walks →All Christmas walks →