Strasbourg (F) - Marché de Noël

The Marché de Noël de Strasbourg is a historical and cultural event that transforms the Alsatian metropolis into a sparkling winter wonderland every year. Founded in 1570 as Christkindelsmärik, it is the oldest and largest Christmas market in France. The event spans several squares throughout the historic city centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The heart of the market is traditionally Place Broglie, where the historic Christkindelsmärik originated, and the extensive market on Place de la Cathédrale in front of the impressive backdrop of Strasbourg Cathedral.

An absolute landmark and main attraction is the Grand Sapin (the Great Fir Tree) on Place Kléber. Not only is this tree the largest decorated natural Christmas tree in Europe, but its installation and illumination are a festive event every year, marking the official opening of the Christmas season. The entire city centre is illuminated by elaborate and magical lighting that guides visitors through the famous alleys and across the squares. The illuminated decorations and picturesque half-timbered houses are particularly enchanting.

The market's more than 300 wooden chalets offer an immense variety of traditional Alsatian handicrafts, nativity figures, Christmas decorations and gift items. Strasbourg attaches great importance to preserving Alsatian Christmas traditions, which are strongly influenced by German culture. The market treats its visitors to regional specialities such as Flammekueche (tarte flambée), Bredeles (Alsatian Christmas cookies), Spätzel (noodles) and hearty Bière de Noël (Christmas beer), alongside the classic Vin chaud (mulled wine), of course. The ‘Allée des Saveurs’ on the Place des Meuniers is a popular place to sample the gourmet offerings.

Another important part of the market is the guest country concept. Each year, a different country or region is invited to present itself and its Christmas traditions on Place Gutenberg. A rich cultural and musical programme consisting of concerts, choirs and traditional performances in churches and squares accompanies the market and contributes to the unique festive atmosphere in the European capital.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- By train: Strasbourg station (distance 400 m)

- By tram: Langstross Grand'Rue stop (lines A, D)

By car:

- Venue: city centre

Parking:

- Parcus Parking Gutenberg (Pl. Gutenberg)

- Parcus Parking Austerlitz (Rue des Bœufs)

- Parcus Parking Opéra Broglie (Imp. de Bischheim)

- Parcus Parking Saint-Nicolas (Rue de la Prte de l'Hôpital)

- Parking Indigo Strasbourg Kléber (Pl. Kléber)

- Parking Indigo Strasbourg Wodli (1 Bd du Président-Wilson)

- Parcus Parking Halles P2 Sébastopol (Rue de Sébastopol)

- Parcus Parking Centre historique Petite France (Rue de Molsheim)