CHRISTMAS MARKET STRASBOURG. The most famous Christmas market opens its doors at the end of November. On the program, hundreds of wooden chalets, a large tree, an OFF market but also illuminations.
Deeply anchored in Alsatian folklore, Christmas markets take place in every town and village throughout the Advent period. The Christmas markets offer many treasures to put under the tree: objects from local or regional crafts, gourmet products and traditional Christmas sweets. A purely local tradition, the Strasbourg Christmas market is an international event that attracts more than 2 million people each year.
The city of Strasbourg has not been declared “Christmas Capital” since 1992 for nothing! Its reputation has continued to grow, and today people come from all over the world to admire the chalets and decorations, as well as to taste bredele, gingerbread and drink mulled wine. You won’t miss the orchestras, choirs and gospels, the series of conferences dedicated to the symbols of Christmas, the exhibitions and activities. Finally, absolutely do not ignore the OFF Christmas market, around the social and solidarity economy, which is held at Place Grimmeissen.
What are the dates of the Strasbourg Christmas market in 2024?
The Strasbourg Christmas market is open from Wednesday November 27 to Friday December 27, 2024 in the streets of the Alsatian capital. Please note, December 25 and 26, public holidays in Alsacesome stands may be closed. The OFF market ends earlier, on December 24, 2024.
What are the hours of the Strasbourg Christmas market in 2024?
The Strasbourg Christmas market is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Fridays until 9 p.m. and Saturdays until 10 p.m. The hours change for these specific dates: on Wednesday November 27, opening day, it takes place from 2 p.m. and on December 24 and 25, it takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What is the program for the Strasbourg Christmas market?
Strasbourg’s traditional Christmas market occupies the Broglie and Kléber squares, the cathedral square and its surroundings, the Gutenberg square and the Petite France:
- Christkindelsmärik, Place Broglie
- Cathedral and Castle Square
- Alsace delicacies market, terrace of the Palais Rohan
- Place Kléber with the big tree
The alternative marketbaptized Christmas market OFFtakes place on Grimmeissen Square.
- OFF market for a united and ecological Christmas, Place Grimmeissen.
- Advent village Louise-Weiss square
- The Irreducible Small Producers of Alsace, square Louise-Weiss
- The Village afterward, square Suzanne-Lacore
What is the history of the Strasbourg Christmas market?
Founded in 1570, the Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe and serves as a highlight of winter in eastern France, alongside the Saint-Nicolas festivities in Nancy. Animated by Christmas legends, the “child Jesus market” or “Christkindelsmärik” (in Alsatian dialect) is essentially devoted to crafts, regional food products and typical Alsatian Christmas decorations. From a purely local tradition, the Strasbourg Christmas market has over time become an event of international scope. The sense of Alsatian tradition and the European dimension of Strasbourg have also made it the capital of Christmas. Thus, its Christmas market has become the first in importance in terms of attendance: 2 million people visit it each year.