In the case of journey, I subscribe to a couple unpopular opinions. Similar to: we’re all vacationers, and the “traveler vs. vacationer” debate is silly; everybody has the proper to recline a recline-able airplane seat even when I do not prefer it; I do not give a crap if folks journey simply to take Instagram selfies; and I do not consider in gatekeeping the outside.
However maybe my hottest scorching take with regards to journey is that this one: Strasbourg, France does NOT have one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
There, I lastly mentioned it! It feels good to get that off my chest. However earlier than you come for me together with your France-loving pitchforks, let me clarify why I really feel this fashion.
Strasbourg at Christmas
We’re all acquainted with the custom of Christmas markets by this level, proper? (If not, for about 4 weeks main as much as Christmas, cities and cities throughout Europe arrange charming vacation market stalls the place distributors promote all the things from handmade items to mulled wine. The custom began in Germany centuries in the past, and has now unfold far and extensive. Read more about Christmas markets here.)
I am a giant fan of Christmas markets; I’ve visited actually dozens of them (simply greater than 40+) throughout a number of nations, and I feel a Christmas market trip is likely one of the most magical issues you possibly can plan in Europe.
And town of Strasbourg, France, is well-known as a superb Christmas metropolis in Europe. In reality, it even refers to itself because the Capitale de Noël, or “Capital of Christmas.” The Christmas markets in Strasbourg are a number of the oldest in Europe, courting again so far as the 1500s, and there are a number of completely different markets of various sizes unfold all through town every year.
However this is the reality about Strasbourg at Christmas: whereas the Christmas *decor* is unimaginable and exquisite, I feel the precise Christmas *markets* themselves are simply okay. That is proper: I do not suppose Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are notably particular in any respect.
Why Strasbourg at Christmas IS price it
Let’s speak about why you *ought to* nonetheless go to Strasbourg at Christmas. As a result of, regardless of the title of this put up, I am not really suggesting that you just skip Strasbourg altogether. But when you are going to Strasbourg at Christmas, go for town itself and the vacation decor somewhat than for the Christmas markets.
Strasbourg Christmas decor
Strasbourg is a brilliant stunning metropolis any time of yr, with gingerbread buildings and a historic middle positioned on an island (the Grande-Île de Strasbourg). The entire island is generally closed to vehicles (and doubly so through the Christmas market season), making it a captivating slice of France everytime you go.
However throughout Christmas, the festive spirit explodes everywhere in the streets and buildings of Strasbourg. Companies embellish their home windows and doorways, and slender streets are draped with twinkle lights and paper lanterns. A large Christmas tree is put up on Place Kléber, and the vibe all through town is simply overflowing with vacation cheer.
Among the streets with one of the best Christmas decorations in Strasbourg embody Rue du Maroquin (discover the well-known homes lined in teddy bears right here), Rue Mercière (for the lighted angels in entrance of the cathedral), Rue du Chaudron, Rue des Orfèvres, and Rue des Hallebardes.
Additionally try Galeries Lafayette (outdoors, at the least), and the streets in Petite France.
The center of the Alsace
Strasbourg additionally makes a superb base within the Alsace area of France through the Christmas season. You’ll be able to simply get to smaller cities/cities like Colmar, Eguisheim, Obernai, Kaysersberg-Vignoble, and extra, most of which have Christmas markets that I feel are higher than those you will discover in Strasbourg.
Why Strasbourg at Christmas is overrated
I’ve visited Strasbourg twice through the Christmas season. The primary time was in 2015, and whereas I loved town itself, I discovered myself type of unimpressed by the Christmas markets after having visited a number of markets in Germany.
I assumed it was simply me; I assumed that absolutely I would just had a foul day, or misremembered one thing since so many individuals gush over the Strasbourg Christmas markets.
However then I went again to Strasbourg at Christmas in 2023, and I felt the identical approach. Strasbourg is gorgeous at Christmas, however its Christmas markets are kinda… meh.
The Strasbourg markets really feel the identical
Strasbourg has a couple of dozen completely different markets of various sizes. The most important markets are: the one close to the Strasbourg Cathedral (the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg) that extends into Place du Château and down Rue des Hallebardes; the Chrìstkìndelsmärik on Place Broglie close to Hôtel de Ville (Metropolis Corridor); and the market at Place Kléber, which is residence to the Grand Sapin, or Christmas tree.
Smaller markets round Strasbourg embody the Le Quai des Délices at Place du Marchéaux-Poissons; the kid-friendly Creation Village with storytelling exhibits and native merchandise on the market; the choice Le Marché OFF at Place Grimmeissen, the place distributors are arrange in transport containers; and several other small markets in Petite France (like on Place St-Thomas and Place Benjamin Zix).
And whilst you’d suppose that having so many alternative Christmas markets can be cool, in actuality all of them really feel just about the identical. There are loads of the identical chalets at each little market, typically promoting the identical items (many not locally-made), the identical meals, and the identical drinks.
The chalets in Strasbourg basically aren’t adorned, both – which appears so incongruous with the remainder of town, which is so decked out in decor!
Add in plastic cups that the recent drinks are served in (as an alternative of the lovable ceramic mugs you discover at German Christmas markets), and the markets in Strasbourg simply do not feel tremendous particular or memorable to me.
It will get actually crowded
Strasbourg is a highly regarded Alsatian metropolis to go to, and I am fairly certain each single bus tour and river cruise brings folks right here at Christmas. You’ll be able to’t go anyplace close to the Cathedral between the hours of about 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with out working into dozens of huge tour teams following a information with a paddle.
I’ve nothing in opposition to organized excursions like this (I’ve been on some!), however the recognition of Strasbourg implies that it may well get very, very crowded through the holidays.
The markets at all times get extra busy after darkish, too. The one evening we visited Place Kléber to see the sunshine present on the large Christmas tree, we in a short time left after seeing how crowded the market space round it was.
The inflow of individuals to Strasbourg round Christmas additionally implies that motels are dearer (and have extra of an opportunity of promoting out), and you will most likely have to make reservations for any eating places you actually wish to eat at whilst you’re on the town.
And, lastly, one other factor that’s tied to crowd numbers is the elevated police/navy presence in Strasbourg round Christmas. Town sadly suffered a terror assault at a Christmas market in 2018, which implies that right now there’s at all times an armed presence on the markets. I am American and am used to seeing armed law enforcement officials, however I am not gonna lie: it is jarring to see women and men in fatigues strolling round Christmas markets with weapons strapped to them.
Must you skip Strasbourg at Christmas?
No, I would not go that far.
Strasbourg does not have my favourite Christmas markets in Europe (and even in France), however I do not suppose you might want to utterly skip town. It is nonetheless price it to see all of the Christmas decor – however I would not go for the Christmas markets alone except you are ready to be a bit of underwhelmed.
What different markets would I like to recommend as an alternative? In France, I favor Colmar to Strasbourg (the Colmar markets are simply as busy as those in Strasbourg, however they’re extra distinctive and I feel provide higher procuring), and I additionally love a number of the tiny cities within the Alsace (Obernai was my favourite).
However that is simply my private opinion, in fact, and it is wonderful in the event you disagree!
On the finish of the day, I am glad I have been to Strasbourg at Christmas to see all of the decorations. However I am unsure I will be speeding again for its Christmas markets for a 3rd time.
Have you ever been to the Strasbourg Christmas markets? In that case, what did you consider them?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her residence base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by means of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!
