Is the Strasbourg Christmas Market Worth It? Pros and Cons

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Of all the famous Christmas markets in Europe, Strasbourg is definitely… well, one of them. Touted as the Capital of Christmas, it’s a place where fairy lights drip from medieval rooftops, the air smells like mulled wine and cinnamon, and you can’t turn a corner without stumbling into a stall selling something festive (and probably overpriced).

But are the Strasbourg Christmas markets worth visiting, or are they just too crowded, too touristy, and too damn expensive?

After spending two chilly December days wandering its cobblestone streets last year, I’ve got five solid reasons you might fall in love with it and two reasons you might want to save your euros for somewhere else.

And if I were to sum it up, I would say that if you thrive in festive, bustling environments, you will adore it, just as I did; however, if you’re searching for quiet and quaint, this is not your ideal market.

Split image featuring Strasbourg Christmas markets. Top shows a wooden stall serving Vin Chaud d’Alsace (mulled wine) with people gathered under the roof and festive greenery accents. Bottom shows market stalls selling spiced wine, gingerbread, and local treats under bare trees decorated with golden stars, with historic buildings in the background. Text overlay reads: "Strasbourg Christmas Markets — Is It Worth Visiting?" and "asinglewomantraveling.com"

Split image promoting Strasbourg, France Christmas markets. Left shows wooden market stalls in a cobblestone square with people browsing, bare trees decorated with golden stars, and historic buildings in the background. Right shows a small Christmas tree decorated with red ribbons and white ornaments outside a shop with dark wooden framing. Text overlay reads: "Christmas Markets Strasbourg, France — Is It Worth It?" and "asinglewomantraveling.com".

5 Reasons You’ll Love The Strasbourg Christmas Market

#1. It’s Idyllic, Like Something Out of a Fairytale

You won’t believe how unbelievably adorable this town is. Walking into Strasbourg’s old town feels like stepping straight into a Christmas card.

Half-timbered houses tilt over cobblestone streets, the cathedral looms in all its Gothic glory, and at night, the lights sparkle in the River Ill, like something from a movie set.

I honestly couldn’t believe how much visiting made me fall in love with France all over again.

A bustling street in Strasbourg leading to the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral, framed by half-timbered and classic European-style buildings. The street is adorned with festive decorations, including angel-shaped ornaments with trumpets. The lively crowd adds to the holiday spirit, while the intricate architecture of the cathedral dominates the skyline under a pale winter sky.

A beautifully decorated and illuminated Christmas tree towering over a festive market square. The tree is adorned with lights, red and white ornaments, and glowing decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. People are gathered around, enjoying the holiday spirit at the Strasbourg Christmas Markets.

Strasbourg Christmas Market Map

Start your trip with this pre-pinned Google Map of all the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg! I’ve saved all my favorite markets, coffee shops, bars & restaurants!

Get The Map

2. The Food Is Above Average at the Strasbourg Christmas Market

If you come to Strasbourg hungry, you are doing it right. Sure, there is the usual Christmas market comfort food like sizzling sausages, bretzels, and spiced pain d’épices, but there is also so much more.

The markets along the river behind the Palais Rohan are where I found all the artisanal wines and the man selling thick slices of toasted homemade bread topped with chutney and oozy French cheese.

It was hands down the best food I had at a market all year. The whole market has a more boutique feel than the bratwurst and funnel cake standard.

And yes, you can still warm your hands around a mug of vin chaud, but you can also sip proper local Alsace wine that is crisp, floral, and very much the real deal.

A festive scene featuring a decorated Christmas tree, a glass of white wine, and a slice of toasted bread topped with cheese and greens. The warm, colorful lighting adds to the holiday atmosphere.

A charming wooden stall at the Strasbourg Christmas Market offers "Vin Chaud au Blanc d'Alsace," written in white cursive on a wooden sign above the stand. The stall is decorated with holiday greenery and features barrels as part of the display. Visitors in warm clothing gather around, with the backdrop of historic architecture and a festive atmosphere.

Mülled Wine Lover? There is a tour for that! Sip your way around town on this mülled wine tour!

Gourment Private Food Tour

If you are afriad of missing the good stuff, then you should join this Strasbourg Christmas Market food tour! You get 5 tastings, including drinks!

Check Availablity

3. You Can Visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market as a Day Trip from Paris

Strasbourg is beautiful, but staying overnight in December will cost you. Hotels skyrocket in price during the Christmas market season, and finding something affordable can feel like a holiday miracle.

The good news is you do not have to stay there at all. Thanks to the high-speed TGV train, you can be in Strasbourg from Paris in just about two hours. **However, don’t think you can get these tickets at the last minute. They will 100% sell out, so book them well in advance.

That means you can book a cheaper hotel in Paris, enjoy the Christmas markets in Paris, and still spend a full day soaking up the festive atmosphere in Strasbourg without draining your travel budget.

A festive scene at the Strasbourg Christmas Market featuring beautifully illuminated half-timbered buildings adorned with holiday decorations. Twinkling lights and intricate displays hang across the street, creating a magical atmosphere under the dark evening sky. Visitors are seen enjoying the lively surroundings.

View of the Strasbourg Christmas Market with vibrant holiday stalls and visitors in front of the towering Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral, creating a festive and historic atmosphere.

Pro Tip: If you’re only in town for the day, join this small-group walking tour to see all the highlights.

4. If You Love Taking Photos, Strasbourg Is Definitely Worth Visiting

I love getting festive pictures, and Strasbourg is one of the prettiest Christmas markets I have ever photographed. But there are a few tricks to actually getting good shots.

At night, it can be hard to capture anything cute because it is so busy, and you will probably have more strangers in your pictures than fairy lights. The best time is that magical hour just as it starts to get dark. You still get the glow from the lights, but you can actually see the buildings and the crowd has not completely taken over.

If you are filming, turn off the auto settings on your phone camera. Lower your exposure slightly to avoid the flashing effect from the market lights, and lock your focus so your videos do not keep adjusting with every flicker.

For photos, try steadying your phone on a wall or a stall counter to avoid blur. With the right timing and a couple of quick adjustments, you can come home with photos that look just as magical as it feels in person.

A peaceful corner of the Strasbourg Christmas market with wooden barrel tables on cobblestone streets, surrounded by charming wooden stalls offering festive treats like mulled wine and Christmas beer. Golden star decorations hang from bare trees, adding a festive sparkle.

Wooden market stalls adorned with festive decorations at a Christmas market in Strasbourg. The background features a grand historic church with a tall spire, and bare tree branches frame the scene under a light blue sky. People stroll through the market, browsing the offerings.

5. You Can Explore More of Alsace from Strasbourg

One of the best parts about visiting the Strasbourg Christmas Market is that it is right in the heart of Alsace, which means you are surrounded by some of the most charming towns in France.

Colmar is just a short train ride away and looks like it was made for a Christmas movie set. From there, you can hop to smaller villages like Riquewihr, Eguisheim or Kaysersberg, where the markets feel quieter, more local and just as magical.

If you have the time, plan a couple of extra days to see them. The contrast is fun too. Strasbourg gives you the big, glittery, bustling Christmas market experience, while the smaller towns offer narrow lanes, half-timbered houses, and stalls run by locals you will probably end up chatting with.

Visiting both lets you see two very different sides of Alsace at Christmas.

A serene riverside view in Strasbourg, showcasing charming half-timbered and traditional European houses with colorful facades. The reflective water adds a tranquil ambiance, while the historic architecture and cozy atmosphere capture the essence of Alsace's timeless beauty.

A closer view of a historic riverside building in Strasbourg, adorned with a French flag, featuring festive Christmas market stalls, evergreen trees, and a vibrant holiday atmosphere.

2 Reasons to Skip the Strasbourg Christmas Market

1. It Gets Very Crowded

Strasbourg at Christmas is beautiful, but it is no secret. On weekends in December, the narrow streets around the markets can feel like you are moving with the tide. Getting from one square to another can take much longer than you expect, and you should be prepared to wait in lines for things like mulled wine or popular food stalls.

If you are traveling alone at Christmas like I often do, my tip is to start your market wandering earlier in the day. The lines are shorter, the crowds are lighter, and you can actually see the decorations without feeling rushed.

Then, once the evening crowds start to build, take yourself to dinner somewhere nice to escape the chaos and enjoy the festive atmosphere from a calmer spot. If you are looking for traditional food, then check out Fink Stuebel!

This image captures a lively Christmas market in Strasbourg with a festive atmosphere. The iconic spire of Strasbourg Cathedral stands tall in the background, creating a stunning contrast against the historic half-timbered architecture surrounding the square. Crowds gather around charming wooden market stalls adorned with decorations, showcasing a variety of holiday treats and crafts. The hanging flower baskets and the blend of modern and historic details add to the charm of this bustling holiday scene.

A festive market stall in Strasbourg decorated with evergreen garlands, ornaments, and string lights. The stall displays colorful candles and small handcrafted items. In front of it, a person wearing a long coat, scarf, and beret poses with a fluffy dog. The cobblestone street and the intricate façade of Strasbourg Cathedral in the background add to the charming holiday atmosphere.

2. It Is Expensive in December

Hotels in Strasbourg during the Christmas market season can be brutally expensive. When I stayed at the BOMA Easy Living Hotel in September, it was €127 a night.

In December, the exact same room was €435 per night. I am not kidding. And it is not just that one place. Every hotel within walking distance of the markets does the same thing, and forget about Airbnb as a cheaper option because they raise prices too.

There is really no way around it, unless you have credit card points to redeem for a free night. Otherwise, you are looking at some of the highest hotel rates of the year for the area, and that can eat up your budget fast.

💳 These are the top cards that I always use when traveling to get the most rewards!

A charming wooden stall at the Strasbourg Christmas Market is adorned with festive garlands, ornaments, and candy cane decorations. It offers an array of sweet treats and handcrafted goods, with neatly displayed items visible through large glass windows. A historic stone building with grand columns and arched windows serves as a striking backdrop.

A close-up of a Christmas market stall displaying gingerbread figures and orange-spiced gingerbread loaves, wrapped with festive red ribbons, showcasing traditional holiday treats in Strasbourg.

If Strasbourg Sounds Like Too Much…

If the crowds and prices at the Strasbourg Christmas Market have you rethinking your trip, there are plenty of other festive spots in France and nearby that offer plenty of charm without quite so much chaos.

Kaysersberg

Smaller and more intimate, with cobblestone streets and stalls run by local artisans. One thing to note is that the Kaysersberg market is typically only open on Advent weekends, so it’s essential to check the dates before planning your visit. In 2025, this starts on Friday, November 28th.

Obernai

Just a short train ride from Strasbourg, Obernai’s market has a cozy, old-world vibe with Alsatian food specialties and a more relaxed pace. It typically runs every day in December, but weekday mornings can feel very quiet until late afternoon. In 2025, this starts on Friday, November 28th.

Ribeauvillé

The Ribeauvillé Christmas Markets are renowned for their medieval theme, featuring costumed vendors and street performances. This one is only held on specific weekends in December, so it is more of a special event than a daily market. In 2025, you can join on 6-7 and 13-14 December 2025.

Metz

In Lorraine, about an hour by train from Strasbourg, Metz has a lovely cathedral backdrop, multiple smaller market squares, and fewer international tour groups. Metz’s markets generally run every day, so it is a good midweek option if you want a guaranteed festive atmosphere.

The smaller towns can be magical, but they require a little more planning. Always double-check market dates and opening hours before you go, so you don’t end up wandering through a quiet village, wondering where all the Christmas magic has gone.

Quick Tips for Visiting the Strasbourg Christmas Market

Have coins for toilets – Public toilets usually cost around €0.50 to €1, and a card is not accepted.
Bring cash for stalls – Some vendors do take cards, but plenty are still cash-only, especially smaller artisanal stalls.
Go early in the day – Mornings are quieter, and lines for mulled wine, food, and photos are much shorter.
Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes – You will be outside most of the day and walking on cobblestones.
Check the market map – The Strasbourg markets are spread out across multiple squares, so plan your route to see them all without doubling back too much.
Book trains and hotels early – December sells out fast, even for day trips.
Use golden hour for photos – That moment just as it starts getting dark is when you get both the lights and the buildings in your shots.

A charming food stall at the Strasbourg Christmas Market, specializing in Alsatian delicacies like Flammekueche (a thin, pizza-like dish topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons) and choucroute (a traditional sauerkraut dish). The festive decorations, including evergreen garlands and red cutouts of houses and Christmas trees, add a warm holiday vibe. Did you try anything from here? Flammekueche is a must-have if you’re exploring Alsace!

A charming market stall at the Strasbourg Christmas Market displaying an assortment of handcrafted holiday decorations, festive figurines, and jars of colorful sweets. The warm red-and-white decor, along with strings of greenery and lights, creates a cozy and cheerful holiday atmosphere. A vendor is seen arranging items.

So, Is the Strasbourg Christmas Market Worth Visiting?

If you love festive, bustling environments and do not mind paying a premium for the experience, Strasbourg absolutely delivers on the Christmas magic.

The setting is beautiful, the food is better than most markets, and the atmosphere will have you humming carols for days. I love it, and I am already planning to go back.

But if you prefer a quieter, slower holiday experience, or if high hotel prices make you cringe, you might be happier exploring some of the smaller towns in Alsace or heading to another region entirely.

Either way, with a little planning, you can find a Christmas market that matches your style, and that is the real holiday win. Have questions on how to plan this trip? Contact me!

Where to go after Strasbourg

Looking for another Christmas Market Destination not too far from Strasbourg?

I can highly recommend visiting Heidelberg, Germany! The train is just under 2 hours!