Traditional Christmas markets have been held in Strasbourg since 1570 and have become part of the centuries-old history of this beautiful city. The atmosphere of this magical holiday spreads throughout Europe. Strasbourg invites you to the heart of the historic part of the city, to the beautiful cathedral, for a walk through one of the twelve Christmas markets.
Audio guide: sightseeing tour of StrasbourgAnd we invite you to join our tour! Download the audio guide app here, and it will tell you as much as a live tour guide. For more details, follow this link!
» READ MORE – 10 ways to celebrate Christmas in Strasbourg
The history of Christmas markets
Since the days of the Roman Empire, fairs and bazaars have been held in large cities to prepare gifts for children for St. Nicholas Day. They were called Klausenmärik or St. Nicholas Market.
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On 22 December 1570, the municipal council decided to preserve the principle of fairness, but from then on the fairs would be dedicated to the Baby Jesus. Thus, the Christkindelmärik was born. Later, in the Middle Ages, the tradition of decorating Christmas trees at the Christmas markets of Alsace (Christkindelmärik) emerged.
Since 1870, Place Broglie has been the main venue for Christmas fairs. This tradition has been preserved to this day. The same goods are sold here as several centuries ago – Christmas trees, decorations, cribs, figurines, folk art, confectionery, food, and, of course, mulled wine!
Since the 1990s, Christmas markets have also been held in other places: at the station square, the cathedral square, the palace square, and in all districts of Strasbourg. The markets feature concerts, exhibitions, and small performances on Christmas themes.
Tour of the Strasbourg Christmas MarketFor those who truly appreciate such places, we recommend reading our article and, of course, hiring a local guide. With them, you will not only taste the most delicious local sweets but also learn many secrets about the Christmas markets of Strasbourg.
Christmas tree
The tradition of putting up and decorating a Christmas tree originated in Alsace. It is deeply rooted in church chronicles about the paradise apple trees. In 1521, a municipal decree was signed in Sélestat allowing foresters to select and cut down small trees for Christmas Eve. Soon, the custom spread throughout Alsace.
Initially, the trees were decorated with apples, sugar, colourful roses, and traditional Alsatian biscuits made especially for Christmas.
Christmas market tourIt is said that in 1850, there was a poor apple harvest due to drought. Then glassblowers from Meisenthal created glass Christmas balls. Thus, thanks to the shortage of apples, glass Christmas ornaments appeared.
The war of 1870 forced many people to emigrate from Alsace. Christmas customs gradually spread to all regions of France. Later, the tradition of decorating Christmas trees took root in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Scandinavia, England, and the United States.
» READ MORE – New Year and Christmas in France: rules for celebration
Useful information
The entire city centre takes part in the Christmas celebrations. If you stay in one of the hotels in the Old Town, you will be immersed in the festive atmosphere. However, you can also find safe and comfortable accommodation in other parts of the city.
There will probably be a small Christmas market nearby, but you should also visit the city centre.
When planning your trip, estimate your future transport costs. Bus and tram prices are the same.
| Purchase | Replenishment | |
| 1 ticket (Badgeo, Appli or BSC) | 2,1 € | 1,9 € |
| 2 tickets (Badgeo, Appli or BSC) | 3,8 € | 3,6 € |
| 10 tickets (Badgeo, Appli or BSC) | 17,3 € | 17,1 € |
| 30 tickets (Badgeo and CTS) | 47,5 € | |
| Purchase | Replenishment | |
| 24 hours for one | 4,6 € | |
| 24 hours for three | 10,4 € | 10,2 € |
| 3 days per person | 10,4 € | 10,2 € |
» READ MORE – Sights of Strasbourg: what to see in one day?
We recommend experiencing the Christmas spirit and stepping into a fairy tale by walking through the streets of old Strasbourg with a guide on a tour (you can sign up at this link).
Have a magical Christmas!
Hugues de BUYER-MIMEURE / Unsplash 
Filiz Elaerts / Unsplash 
Pierre Blaché / Pixabay
Florian Pépellin / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
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