The Markets

Discover the spirit of solidarity behind ‘Strasbourg, Christmas Capital’: the Wishes Tree, the Village of Sharing and fundraising initiatives. A magical and socially conscious celebration for everyone.

A unique opportunity to meet the people who create, design and craft original pieces.

Discover these places where you can find unique gifts, original pieces and works crafted by passionate designers.

Strasbourg is not known as the Christmas Capital for nothing: as the festive season approaches, the whole city embraces the tradition of sharing.

For its second edition, Sapin Solidaire invites you to bring joy to 300 children in vulnerable situations.

In the main courtyard of the Town Hall, a giant Advent wreath illuminates the cobblestones and warms the long winter evenings, providing a sumptuous backdrop for celebrating December.

With their rich buttery flavor and vanilla aroma, Butterbredle are the sweet heart of the Alsatian Advent season. These golden shortbread cookies, once baked as a family tradition, are now enjoyed alongside a glass or two of mulled wine. A timeless classic.

Soft, crumbly, and dusted with powdered sugar, Snowballs are the ultimate winter treat. Their cinnamon aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture evoke cozy evenings by the fire. A delicious comfort food to enjoy without restraint.

Spritzbredle, the golden gems of Strasbourg's Christmas markets, combine tradition and refinement. Their delicate shapes, created using a piping bag, and their melt-in-the-mouth texture make them an essential part of the festive season in Alsace. A recipe that has been passed down through the centuries to warm up your Christmas tables.

Zimtsterne, or cinnamon stars, have been lighting up the festive season in Strasbourg since the Middle Ages. Their white icing, like a touch of snow, and their spicy softness make them a delight for both the eyes and the taste buds. A recipe that makes Christmas shine.  

For over 450 years, Strasbourg has been bringing the magic of Christmas to life. It all begins with the Chrìstkìndelsmärik, one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, where history blends with enchantment.

After enjoying the delicacies offered by the Irréductibles Petits Producteurs d'Alsace, come and recharge your batteries and prepare for the festive season with friends or family at the Advent Village.

It was in 1994 that two members of KIWANIS Strasbourg, André Boursin and Jean Louis Hering, came up with the idea of erecting a large Christmas tree on Place Kléber and, in keeping with the club’s motto, creating a place of sharing “for the children of the world.”

As it does every year, the City of Strasbourg supports local charities by welcoming them to the foot of the Grand Sapin Christmas tree. This tradition provides an opportunity to share, listen and discover these charities, fostering a spirit of solidarity during the festive season.

Strasbourg, the Christmas Capital, is known and celebrated for the splendor of its many lights, which transform the city into a veritable sea of light. 

Dive into the behind-the-scenes of Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas, and discover the collective effort that makes the city and its Christmas market shine every year.

At Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas, craftsmanship takes centre stage: local creations, Alsatian know-how, and events dedicated to the arts and crafts.

Discover the flavours of Christmas in Strasbourg with Bredle, Männele, gingerbread, and white mulled wine—delicious symbols of the Alsatian festive season.

The Catholic Saint Nicholas has his counterpart in Chrìstkìndel, originally a Protestant figure. This young woman, dressed in white and linked to the Scandinavian Saint Lucia, showers well-behaved children with gifts on the evening of 24 December.

Standing in the heart of the square, the Grand Sapin is one of the symbols of Strasbourg, the Christmas Capital. Every year, the public follows its journey from the forests of the Vosges to Strasbourg, like a thrilling soap opera! Felling, transport, installation on the square, decoration… every step is closely watched and, starting in October, heralds the imminent arrival of the long-awaited annual event. At its base, a magical setting invites you to immerse yourself in a special atmosphere, whether for a moment of reverie or a beautiful photo.

Christmas in Alsace is, of course, synonymous with Strasbourg, the Christmas capital, home to Europe's oldest Christmas market with its illuminations and giant Christmas tree, but there are also many other Christmas markets to discover throughout the Alsace region.

In order to address the challenges of ecological and social transition, the City of Strasbourg has been implementing an environmental and social policy for several years, particularly focusing on its event activities.

Discover Alsace’s Advent traditions — wreaths, candles and calendars — timeless symbols of joyful anticipation before Christmas in Strasbourg.

Since the Middle Ages in Alsace, as in the rest of the Rhine Basin, children have looked forward to a visit from Nikläus (Saint Nicholas) on December 6. Indeed, the 4th-century bishop of Myra in Asia Minor is considered the patron saint of children, and his veneration has been documented since the 11th century.

Christkindelsmärik, or ‘market of the baby Jesus’, is the name in Alsatian dialect for Strasbourg's traditional Christmas market. Established in 1570, it is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe and was for a long time the only one in France.

According to legend, he was originally a robber knight with a sinister reputation named Hans von Trotta or von Dratt.

The American Santa Claus originated from Saint Nicholas, who was brought to America by Dutch settlers. He first appeared under that name in 1823 in a poem attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, *The Night Before Christmas*.