The Christmas Market In Strasbourg: A Magical Event
For almost 500 years, the city of Strasbourg has been perpetuating the tradition of the Christmas market, the famous 'Christkindelsmärik'. During the month of December, the city center hosts small wooden stalls where many regional products and crafts are presented, while the streets of the city are dressed in light. This event attracts visitors from all over the world every year.
The oldest Christmas market in France
The Christmas market Strasbourg or Christkindlmärik ('Market of the Christ Child' in Alsatian) is the oldest Christmas market in France.
This market dedicated to handicrafts and Christmas decorations has been held annually in Strasbourg since 1570. Unlike other markets of this type, which flourish all over France, this event has managed to preserve its authenticity over the centuries.
It features products and traditions related to the Christmas holiday: Christmas decoration items and small gifts, regional or artisanal products, and gourmet specialties such as mulled wine, Cinnamon and Advent cakes (the Bredle).
A Christmas market in the purest tradition
The first Christmas Markets were held in the 14th century in Germany and Alsace. In Strasbourg, the market was first held under the name of Marché de la Saint Nicolas.
It was in 1570, that the 'Christkindelsmärik' replaced the St. Nicholas market, under the influence of the Protestants of Strasbourg.
In the 19th century, the Christmas market of Strasbourg was held at the Frohnhof (the place aux corvées), between the cathedral of Strasbourg, the Rohan palace and the museum of the Œuvre Notre-Dame (the current Place du château).
It took place during 8 days before Christmas, until the midnight mass.
The most famous Christmas market in France
The Christmas Market in Strasbourg is the oldest Christmas market in France and the most famous of all, although popular markets are held in other villages and towns in this region, including Selestat, Colmar, Kaysersberg or Mulhouse.
This market takes place every year in the heart of Strasbourg at the end of November.
Most of the animations take place in the pedestrian streets located around the famous Cathedral of Strasbourg.
In addition to the stalls that celebrate the region's gourmet tradition and exude the scent of mulled wine, sweets and Cinnamon pastries, the shop windows and streets are decorated and illuminated.
The city of Strasbourg is transformed into a magical place where the magic of Christmas operates thanks to the Christmas trees, illuminations, horse-drawn carriages and carols. The market itself is accompanied by numerous concerts and animations.
Market dates and times
This year, the Strasbourg Christmas market is held from November 25 to December 24, 2022 in the heart of the city, particularly on the square of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg.
The merchants' chalets will be open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm every day (except on December 24, when the chalets will close at 6:00 pm).
You will have to wander around the city to discover the different Christmas markets spread out on the squares Broglie, Cathedral, Castle, Kléber, Marché-aux-Poissons, Temple Neuf, Saint-Thomas, Benjamin Zix, on the terrace of the Palais Rohan as well as in the streets Gutenberg and Hallebards.
And after Christmas?
The animations of Strasbourg Christmas Capital will continue until January 1, 2023 at the Village of the After.
The Christmas lights will continue to shine from 4 to 11 p.m. every day until January 8, when they will be gradually dismantled.
Be sure to check out the Big Tree on Place Kléber: it comes alive with lights and music every hour between 5pm and 8pm, then without music between 9pm and 11pm. From January 2 to 8, the Big Tree will simply be illuminated, without music, but it will lose none of its beauty!
