Year-End in France: Strasbourg Christmas Market

Today, we bring you a tip for your year-end in France. If you want to experience something completely different from our tropical year-end, take a trip to Strasbourg in Alsace. Cold and snow are guaranteed, along with the largest and most famous Christmas market in France.

Germany has 2,234 Christmas markets, France has 37, and England has 15. Although the Strasbourg Christmas market originated in 1570, the boom of Christmas markets in France is a relatively recent phenomenon, officially starting in the 1990s.

Despite being a "young" event, the French love it, and in 2013, the Tourism Office expects 26.8 million visitors at the various markets spread throughout Paris and the interior of France.

In France, of the 37 official Christmas markets, the most famous and interesting one is in Strasbourg. This market opened on November 29 and will remain open until December 31.

Two million visitors will be welcomed in the Christmas Capital of France to visit the 300 wooden chalets scattered throughout the city.

Children and adults meander among bredeles (small dry cookies), Christmas breads and wreaths, cakes, Christmas decorations, glühwein (German hot wine), and local handicrafts.

The chalets are spread across Strasbourg forming mini markets. The most important ones are:

1 - Christkindelsmärik, at Broglie Square.

2 - Marché de Noël de la Cathédrale, at the Cathedral Square.

3 - Marché des délices de Noël d'Alsace, at Austerlitz Square. This is the market for the culinary delights of Alsace, featuring bakers, wine producers, foie gras, and cookies. This market offers entertainment and tastings.

Opening hours of the markets:

. Until December 23, from Sunday to Thursday, from 10 AM to 8 PM; Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM.

. On December 24, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

. On December 25, from 2 PM to 6 PM.

. From December 26 to 30, from 10 AM to 7 PM.

. On December 31, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

At the markets, you will also find Christmas carol concerts and street performances. Get information on the Strasbourg Tourism Office website.

The best way to travel from one market to another is by tram. Buy a 24-hour individual ticket for 4.10 euros with unlimited use.

In addition to the specific hours for the Christmas Markets, know that the shops in Strasbourg are also open on the following Sundays:

. December 8 and 15, from 2 PM to 6:30 PM, and on December 22 from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

The Strasbourg Tourism Office is open every day from 9 AM to 7 PM. You can find it at two addresses: at the Cathedral Square and at the Strasbourg train station.

How to get from Paris to Strasbourg? Read this article here.