i 🎄 Festivals & markets
Strasbourg Christmas Market – Christkindelsmärik
France’s oldest Christmas market (1570): eight markets across the historic centre and more than 3 million visitors.
Overview
Every year as the festive season approaches, Strasbourg's Grande Île is covered in markets. You'll find them around the cathedral, on Place Kléber at the foot of the Great Christmas Tree, and on Place Broglie, home to the Christkindelsmärik since 1870. Others fill La Petite France, Place du Temple-Neuf with the Carré d'Or, and the Terrasse Rohan, devoted to sweet treats. The historic centre is closed to cars during opening hours, making it a pleasure to stroll from one square to the next.
Alongside the chalets selling decorations, bredele (Alsatian Christmas biscuits) and mulled wine, the programme gives pride of place to solidarity and local creativity. The Village du Partage (Sharing Village) brings together charities on Place Kléber. The OFF market on Place Grimmeissen, set up in shipping containers, showcases the social and solidarity economy. Families will find stories, workshops and concerts at the Village de l'Avent (Advent Village) in Square Louise-Weiss. After dark, an illuminated trail links the cathedral, La Petite France and the Neustadt. For 2026, the city has announced an opening date of Friday 27 November.
Where to do it
In Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin (67)), in Alsace. Best season: ❄️ Winter.
Good to know
The Christkindelsmärik (since 1570) is the oldest Christmas Market in France.
Tips
Come on a weekday or early in the day to avoid the crowds; take the train, as the centre is pedestrianised.
Location
Frequently asked questions
When does the Strasbourg Christmas Market open in 2026?
The City of Strasbourg has announced the opening for Friday 27 November 2026. The closing date hasn't yet been published on the official website; previous editions ended on 24 December. On opening day, the chalets only welcome the public from early afternoon.
What are the opening hours of the Strasbourg Christmas Market chalets?
According to the official FAQ, the chalets open daily from 11:30 to 21:00. There are two exceptions: opening day, when they don't open until 14:00, and 24 December, when they close at 18:00. Check the detailed opening hours for the 2026 edition before you go.
Where can you park to visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market?
The Grande Île is closed to cars during market opening hours. The easiest option is to leave your car in a park-and-ride (P+R) on the outskirts: the ticket includes a return tram journey for all passengers. From the station, the first chalets are about ten minutes' walk away.
Can you bring a dog or visit in a wheelchair?
Dogs on a lead are allowed at all the markets. With a dog, go in the mornings and early in the week, when it's quieter. For people with reduced mobility, the city lends wheelchairs and walking frames free of charge at the information chalet on Place Kléber, and publishes an accessibility map.
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: check the official website before you travel.
Nearby (within 20 km)
Weekend idea around Strasbourg
- 1Strasbourg Christmas Market – ChristkindelsmärikStarting point · Strasbourg
- 2La Petite France, StrasbourgMust-see place · on site
- 3Cycling the Rhine (EuroVelo 15)Must-do activity · 3 km away
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