Strasbourg with Kids: Complete Family Christmas Guide (2025)
Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Strasbourg Christmas Visit with Kids
“We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.”
The Christmas Tree at Place Kléber looks even more stunning at night when thousands of lights are switched on.
Content updated on November 30th, 2025
Strasbourg Christmas Market 2025: Why It’s Still Europe’s Most Magical (& Kid-Friendly) Holiday Destination
Every December, Strasbourg Christmas Markets (officially named the Capital of Christmas) transform into a real-life snow globe. The air smells of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and fresh pretzels while twinkling lights bounce off half-timbered houses that are literally 500+ years old.
As soon as we found out we'd be in France in November, we knew we had to bring our three kids to the Strasbourg Christmas Markets, and it instantly became one of our family's most memorable Christmas experiences ever!
The 2025 markets run from November 26 to December 24, with over 300 wooden chalets spread across 12 squares. It’s not only the oldest, but still the most authentic and family-friendly Christmas Markets in Europe in 2025. Most stalls open 11 am to 9 pm (10 pm weekends).
If you’re searching for a 2025 European Christmas market that delivers pure fairy-tale magic without sacrificing stroller-friendly paths, endless hot-chocolate stations, or real activities for kids, put Strasbourg, France, at the very top of your list.
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Why the Strasbourg Christmas Markets Are So Special
Strasbourg, the capital of the Grand Est Region in northeastern France, is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. This traditional Christmas market, known as "Christkindelsmärik" (“Christ Child Market” in Alsatian), dates back to 1570 and represents centuries of holiday tradition.
Strasbourg's Christmas Markets stand out not just for their age but for their sheer size and beauty. The city is adorned with twinkling lights, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and festive stalls spread across several locations.
The markets are centered around the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that towers over the city. The combination of the historic setting, the warm glow of lights, and the joyful atmosphere makes Strasbourg a magical place to experience Christmas.
Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.
History of the Strasbourg Christmas Markets
The roots of Strasbourg's Christmas Markets date back to the Middle Ages, making them among the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. These medieval Christmas markets began as simple winter gatherings where local craftspeople sold their wares during the darkest time of year. Over the centuries, they evolved into the elaborate celebration we see today, while maintaining their traditional Christmas market authenticity.
Nestled in northeastern France along the German border, the Alsace region has a rich and complex history. For centuries, it has been a cultural crossroads, blending French and German influences in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The people of Alsace are renowned for their strong regional identity, characterized by a deep affection for their customs, language (Alsatian), and festive celebrations.
This unique blend of cultures is what makes the Strasbourg Christmas Markets so special. They are a celebration of both French and German cultures and holiday traditions in a setting that feels straight out of a fairy tale!
Rachel & Sophie, standing in front of the large Christmas Tree, located at the Place Kléber Market, in Strasbourg.
Complete Guide to Strasbourg's Christmas Markets with Kids
Strasbourg boasts 10–12 different Christmas Markets each year. They are located around the city's central area, the Grand Île. Some are quite large with more than 100 stalls, while others are much smaller. To help you prioritize your visit with kids, here are our top four recommendations that you’ll definitely want to see during your visit:
Place Broglie: The Original Traditional Christmas Market
The heart of the Christmas markets, this square is home to the original Christkindelsmärik. Located in front of the town hall (Hotel de Ville), this market features traditional wooden chalets selling handcrafted ornaments, toys, and delicious treats. It's a great place to start your Christmas market adventure. Sophie added to her collection of nutcrackers with a uniquely French and German souvenir.
Place de la Cathédrale: Cathedral Square Magic
Set against the backdrop of the enormous Strasbourg Cathedral, this market is easy to spot and makes a great choice if you’re meeting friends and want to find each other quickly. We started our Strasbourg Christmas visit here. With its 142m-high spire, the cathedral was the world's tallest Christian building until the 19th century.
Don't miss the opportunity to tour the inside of the cathedral, with its 12th–14th-century stained-glass windows, large nativity, and the giant astronomical clock. Each day at 12:30 pm, the clock comes to life with figures that have their own parade before Christ while the clock sounds.
Insider Tip: Tickets for the video presentation of the astronomical clock and the Parade of the Apostles must be purchased on the day of your visit. From 10:00 am to 11:00 am, tickets can be purchased at the shops of Notre-Dame Cathedral. From 11:30 am to showtime, tickets can be bought at Place Saint-Michel (access via Place du Château).
Place Kléber: The Big Christmas Tree Spectacular
The central square of Strasbourg, Place Kléber, is where you'll find the city's enormous Christmas tree, an iconic symbol of the season. With over 130 stalls, it is the largest market in the area.
You’ll discover vin chaud, local beers, delicious food, and candies. We loved this market! There are plenty of photo opportunities in front of the tree. The square is also home to the "Village of Sharing," where various charities set up stalls, providing an excellent opportunity for meaningful Christmas shopping.
Petite France: The Village of Advent
This picturesque district with half-timbered houses, canals, and narrow cobblestone streets is known as the “Village of Advent.” Petite France is magical at any time of year, but during the Christmas season, it is especially charming.
It's a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the festive decorations. It hosts two smaller markets at Places Benjamin Zix and Saint-Thomas.
This family-friendly market is designed specifically for families with small children. It features a mini-farm, puppet shows, teddy bears, and workshops where kids can make their own ornaments. There's even a play area for children under six, making it a great spot for young families.
Petite France is within easy walking distance of the main markets and perfect for a family stroll.
The “Teddy Bear House” (which is actually a restaurant) is an iconic location during the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg.
Best Time to Visit the Strasbourg Christmas Markets with Kids
The Strasbourg Christmas Markets run from November 26 through December 24, 2025. The best time to visit is during the first two weeks of December, when the markets are in full swing, but the crowds are still manageable.
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, making it easier to explore with kids. While we would have loved to visit midweek, our schedule required a Saturday at the end of November. We found the crowds to be quite manageable.
Ideally, the best time of day to visit the markets is in the evening. It’s at this time of day that they take on a magical glow with all the lights and decorations. However, visiting during the day is also a great option, especially for families with young children. While the lights may not be in full glow, you’ll still have all of the beautiful wooden chalet-style stalls to enjoy, as well as the large Christmas tree.
Insider Tip: Strasbourg is an excellent day-trip destination from many locations in the surrounding area. The train station is just a short walk from the markets, and the compact city center means everything is within easy walking distance.
Best Family-Friendly Activities for Small Children
Strasbourg is exceptionally welcoming to families, and the Christmas markets are no exception. Here are the best activities for young children and families:
Children's Village at Place Saint-Thomas: Mini-farm, puppet shows, workshops
Place Gutenberg Carousel: Fun for kids of all ages
Teddy Bear Vendors: Throughout various markets
Face Painting Stations: At different locations during peak times
Meeting Père Noël: Santa Claus, himself, can often be found in the Children’s Village
Colorful Lights & Decorations: Christmas decoration viewing throughout the old town
Nativity Scene: The display inside the cathedral is captivating for kids
Street Performances & Carolers: Music, both spontaneous and organized, is found throughout the markets.
Hot Chocolate Tastings: A perfect treat for small children
The magical atmosphere, Christmas lights, and festive season energy ensure your little ones will have a great time exploring these traditional Christmas markets.
Strasbourg Christmas Markets: Best Foods & Drinks
Alsace is known for its hearty, flavorful cuisine, and the Strasbourg Christmas Markets are the perfect place to sample local products and regional specialties. Here’s a list of some of the top things to try so you’re better equipped to make your food and beverage decisions.
Bretzels: The Perfect Christmas Snack
You’ll find these soft, salty pretzels throughout all of the markets. You can order them plain (like the pretzel you might be used to) or the Alsatian version, which is taken to a whole new level.
We bought a plain Bretzel to share while we warmed up with a mug of warm mulled wine (yes, it gets very cold at night).
The Alsatian bretzel is topped with a white Munster cheese (produced locally) and bits of lardon (the thick local bacon) that is cubed and fried crisp. You’ll definitely want to try one paired with a beer.
Tarte Flambée: A Local Favorite
This treat is a staple at the Strasbourg Christmas Markets. While tarte flambeé is the French name, it could also be called flammekueche or flammkuchen depending on the local dialect.
It consists of a thin, crispy flatbread crust topped with crème fraîche, caramelized onions, and bacon. While simple in its ingredients, the flavors meld together to create a craveable treat. It's a delicious and portable snack to enjoy while exploring the markets.
Flambée Baguette: Market Innovation
We saw these throughout the Strasbourg markets! Classic baguettes topped with cheese, onions, and bacon, then baked to a gooey perfection. You can upgrade with Gruyère, mushrooms, or salmon. Despite its decadence, it tastes much lighter than you might expect.
Munstiflette (Alsatian Potato Casserole)
Casserole dishes of this kind were codified out of older cooking traditions in the late 19th century, when they became trendy. This version is based on a traditional French-Savoyan dish called Tartiflette, which uses Reblochon cheese.
The version sold at the Strasbourg Markets uses Alsatian Munster cheese instead, but the recipe is otherwise the same. We got to try this one, and it was absolutely scrumptious!
Spaetzle
Similar to the Munstiflette but made with pasta instead of potatoes. These small Alsatian pastas are traditionally served as a side dish or, mixed with cheese, as a main course.
At the Christmas Market, you’ll find them cooked with crème fraîche, accompanied by a pan-fried mushroom, munstiflette-style (with Munster cheese), or even with sauerkraut and bacon, a good way to discover two specialties in one.
Alsatian Sauerkraut & Pig Knuckles
You can’t go to Alsace and not have sauerkraut! We particularly enjoyed a heaping bowl of it with pig knuckles that had been braised in beer. We were surprised by how much Rachel, in particular, loved this hearty dish.
Pain d'Épices
This is a classic Alsatian holiday food. It’s a delicious bread featuring winter spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. You can purchase loaves in a variety of sizes. Some may even include extras like nuts or dried fruits.
Chocolat Chaud
For kids and for those who don’t want wine but would still like a warm drink on a chilly Christmas Market day, try a rich, creamy cup of hot chocolate. You haven’t had hot chocolate until you’ve sampled one in France! Sophie absolutely loved her Chocolat Chaud.
Vin Chaud
Mulled wine spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus is the quintessential Christmas Market drink. There are also non-alcoholic versions available for kids. We tried both the white and red versions, and most of us settled on the red as our favorite. As we traveled through France, both Ellie and I noticed that our preference in wine changed from white to red by the time we’d sampled our way through the country!
The spire of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg stands tall over the Strasbourg Christmas Markets.
Perfect Christmas Gifts & Souvenirs from the Strasbourg Christmas Markets
Our family has always enjoyed collecting Christmas ornaments. We have ornaments that commemorate certain milestones, events, or destinations from the year. Each time we decorate our tree, we relive those memories together. Sophie also collects nutcrackers and loves adding one to her collection each year.
We were able to add unique and treasured additions to both collections as we wandered through the booths at the Strasbourg Christmas Markets.
Here are the best items for the perfect Christmas gift:
Alsatian Pottery
Pick up a piece of traditional Alsatian pottery, such as a brightly colored casserole dish or a decorative plate. These beautiful hand-crafted items are perfect for gift giving.
Handcrafted Ornaments
The Christmas markets are filled with stalls selling beautifully handcrafted ornaments, from glass baubles to wooden figurines. These make for excellent keepsakes to remember your Strasbourg trip.
One of the many stands at the Strasbourg Christmas Markets sells ornaments & nutcrackers in various sizes & styles.
Gingerbread
Packaged in decorative tins, Alsatian gingerbread is a traditional sweet, spiced bread or cookie that has strong French and German culinary influences. Unlike the crisp gingerbread often found in North America, conventional Alsatian gingerbread is known for its moist, soft, tender yet dense texture.
Local Wines
Alsace is famous for its wines, especially Riesling and Gewürztraminer. We were not familiar with Gewürztraminer, but it is an aromatic grape variety used in white wines that performs best in cooler climates. A bottle of local wine makes for a perfect gift or a special treat for yourself.
Where to Stay for Strasbourg Christmas Markets with Kids
Determining where to stay depends on the kind of experience you’d like to have and whether the Christmas markets are your primary destination or just one part of a much larger itinerary.
With young kids in tow, we strongly recommend prioritizing either a central hotel/apartment within real walking distance of the markets (so you can pop back for naps and meltdowns) or a quiet countryside Airbnb with space to spread out and a car. After four hours of lights, vin chaud, and stroller cobblestones, everyone needs a calm home base to crash.
City Center Hotels
For those preferring to stay within easy walking distance of the markets, several reputable hotels are located in downtown Strasbourg. However, reservations during the Christmas season must be made several months in advance. Families with more than three people will likely need multiple rooms.
Below is a custom list of family-friendly hotels within a half mile of the Strasbourg Christmas markets. Only hotels that have a rating of 8+ are shown. Sorted by closest distance to central Christmas markets:
Hotel Le Rohan, centre Cathedrale – Very Good 8.5 (1,585 reviews)
Hotel Suisse – Excellent 8.8 (2,396 reviews)
Hotel Gutenberg – Excellent 8.6 (2,218 reviews)
Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa – Excellent 8.8 (1,473 reviews)
Cour du Corbeau Hotel Strasbourg – Wonderful 9.3 (1,659 reviews)
Hotel Patricia - Strasbourg Hyper Centre – Very Good 8.1 (3,098 reviews)
Hotel De L’III – Very Good 8.4 (1,691 reviews)
Countryside Charm
Since we had a rental car and wanted space to spread out, we stayed in the quaint town of LaLaye in the surrounding area. The family-owned Airbnb provided a cozy atmosphere with Christmas decorations throughout, a perfect living room for family time, and a farm-style kitchen for preparing meals together. We also absolutely loved meeting our wonderful hosts, who treated us like family during our stay.
Our hosts had even supplied us with some breakfast cereal, so there was no need to grocery shop until the following day. Our favorite part, though, was the fresh greenery and Christmas lights that adorned each window well, with simple wooden decorations. I immediately felt lulled into the Christmas spirit!
If you need space to spread out in a country vacation home, we recommend either Airbnb or Vrbo.
Below is a custom list of family-friendly hotels outside of the Strasbourg city limits. Only hotels that have a rating of 8+ are shown. Sorted by highest rating:
Chateau de Pourtales – Wonderful 9.0 (4,662 reviews)
Hotel AKENA Strasbourg - Hoerdt – Excellent 8.9 (532 reviews)
Holiday Inn - Strasbourg - Nord – Very Good 8.4 (2,030 reviews)
Hotel Restaurant Argos, Strasbourg Nord – Very Good 8.1 (2,766 reviews)
Holiday Inn Express Strasbourg - Sud – Very Good 8.0 (1,553 reviews)
Family selfie with our Airbnb hosts, affectionately known as our “French Grandparents.”
How to Get to Strasbourg Christmas Markets with Kids
Strasbourg, France, is easily accessible with numerous convenient transportation options. Whether you're traveling by air, train, bus, or car, you'll find it easy to navigate your way to the markets. Traveling with kids during the holidays isn’t always easy, but with the proper prep (and a deep reserve of patience), Strasbourg is totally doable.
By Air
Strasbourg International Airport (SXB) is located about 10 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, take a shuttle train to the central railway station, Gare de Strasbourg.
By Train
Strasbourg is well-connected by train, with direct services from major cities such as Paris, Zurich, and Stuttgart. The train station is just a short walk or tram ride from the Christmas markets, making it perfect for an easy day trip. We suggest using Omio to research and book your train travel.
By Bus
Several bus companies operate routes from cities throughout Europe to Strasbourg. For example, a bus journey from Paris to Strasbourg is 302 miles, or about 5 hours and 40 minutes. We suggest using Omio to research and book your bus travel.
By Car
If driving to Strasbourg, parking can be challenging during the busy Christmas season. We found the best option is to use "Park and Ride" (P+R) facilities located on the outskirts. For under €5 per day, you can park your rental car and receive tram tickets to the city center for everyone in your vehicle (up to 7 people).
If you need a rental car, we highly recommend AutoEurope. We have used them multiple times during our European travels. Oh, by the way, watch out for radar speed checkpoints. Let’s just say we have been ticketed a few times in Europe.
Dress for Strasbourg Christmas Markets’ December Weather
Strasbourg's December weather can be freezing, especially at night. By the end of our evening at the Christmas markets, we were glad we had dressed appropriately.
Pack warm layers, gloves, scarves, hats, and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan on visiting all the markets, be prepared to walk a lot. You’ll log a lot of steps, some of them on cobblestone streets.
Essential items to pack:
Warm layers, including sweaters or fleece
Hand warmers for cold days and evenings
A winter coat or heavy jacket
Comfortable walking shoes with good traction while visiting on wet days
There may be snow on the ground, so wear waterproof shoes.
Consider bringing blankets for strollers to keep young children warm.
Your Magical Strasbourg Christmas with Kids Awaits
As the snow gently falls and the twinkling Christmas lights of Strasbourg's traditional Christmas markets reflect off the cobbled streets during this special time of year, you can almost feel the warmth of the vin chaud in your hands. The hum of carols fills the air, and you find yourself surrounded by the magic of centuries-old traditions in this Capitale de Noël.
Picture yourself wandering through those charming market stalls during the Christmas holidays, discovering treasures to bring home, and savoring the sweet and savory delights of the Alsace region. Whether it's an easy day trip or a more extended stay, these are among the best Christmas markets in Europe, offering something magical for every visitor.
The beauty of Strasbourg during Christmas is something words can hardly capture, where the spirit of Christmas comes alive in every detail. A visit to these traditional Christmas markets is a magical experience that will create lasting memories for your family.
Whether you're exploring the main markets, discovering small markets tucked in the old town, savoring Alsatian delicacies, or simply soaking in the holiday cheer with hot chocolate in hand, this medieval Christmas market destination offers an experience your family will cherish for years to come.
So why not make it your next family adventure during the festive season? Whether it's your first visit or a cherished tradition, visiting Strasbourg's Christmas Markets with kids awaits you with open arms, twinkling lights, and centuries of Christmas magic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strasbourg Christmas Markets with Kids
When do the Strasbourg Christmas Markets open in 2025?
The 2025 Strasbourg Christmas markets run from November 26 to December 24. Most stalls open 11 am to 9 pm (10 pm weekends).
How much does it cost to visit the Strasbourg Christmas Markets?
Entry to all markets is entirely free. Budget €50–70 per person per day for food, drinks, and small souvenirs. Carousel rides cost around €2, and handcrafted ornaments range from €8 to € 30.
Are the Strasbourg Christmas Markets worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely. Place Saint-Thomas has a dedicated Children's Village with a petting zoo, puppet shows, and craft workshops. The carousel at Place Gutenberg is perfect for young children, and the general festive atmosphere captivates kids of all ages.
What should I pack for the Strasbourg Christmas Markets with kids in December?
Temperatures range from 0–5°C (32–41°F). Bring waterproof boots (cobblestones get slippery), warm layers, gloves, and a hat. A small backpack helps carry kids' purchases and snacks.
How many days do you need for the Strasbourg Christmas Markets?
Ideally, 2–3 days allow you to see the major markets without rushing. A full-day trip works if you're short on time, but focus on Place Kléber, Place de la Cathédrale, and Petite France.
Can you bring strollers to the Strasbourg Christmas Markets?
While possible, it's challenging. Cobblestones and crowds make navigation difficult. We saw several strollers during our trip to the markets. However, we recommend baby carriers for infants or letting toddlers walk with frequent breaks.
Want more honest family travel insights, hotel recommendations, and money-saving tips?
Join our complimentary weekly newsletter for family travel strategies, budget breakdowns, and occasional delightfully chaotic travel stories. We connect with you every Sunday at 6:15 pm ET – perfectly timed for planning your family's next uncommon adventure.
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