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The oldest Christmas market in France is just 2 hours from Paris!

undefined undefined 7 décembre 2024 undefined 18h00

The Editor

© Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock

That's it, it's dark at 5 PM, the streets of the capital are dazzling with all the lights, and it even snowed! No doubt about it, the Christmas market season is officially on! And to change things up from the traditional Parisian markets (which are wonderful, but we’re starting to get familiar with them), we’re taking you on a delightful journey to discover the oldest, and surely the most famous, Christmas market in France.

If Christmas is a bit like a religion for you, and you sometimes feel that the capital lacks flair with its reasonably sized markets, the raclette chalets always packed, and its lights a bit cheap on the trees, why not hop on a train to discover the Christkindelsmärik (or “market of the baby Jesus”), just two hours from Paris? Off to Strasbourg to explore this magical and timeless place.


Since the dawn of time

A little history lesson: it was in 1570 that the first Christmas market in France came to life in Alsace, specifically in Strasbourg, a practice that had previously been mostly reserved for Germanic cultures. Since then, it has traditionally taken place in December.

Starting from the first Saturday of Advent (which is the first Saturday of December, for those who might not be too familiar with the little Jesus codes), until the 24th of the month, Christmas Eve. And since its creation, it has only been canceled twice, in 1939 (due to World War II) and in 2020 (due to Covid).

These dates can, however, stretch out a bit, and it's easy to see why when you realize that the market welcomes over three million tourists from around the world every year. A few extra days are sometimes needed to properly welcome everyone and take the opportunity to boost the local economy a little longer. Over the years, this gathering has gained more and more popularity, becoming a must-see event and prompting the city of Strasbourg to self-proclaim itself as the “Capital of Christmas” in 1992.


An Extremely Comprehensive Offer

It's worth noting that this event, which is celebrating its 454th edition this year, has plenty to attract crowds. Today, it offers visitors eager for mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, and wooden toys an enormous playground, made up of more than numerous stalls.

300 chalets spread across the main square of Broglie, the Cathedral, the Castle, Grimmeissen, Kléber, the Fish Market, Temple Neuf, Saint-Thomas, Benjamin Zix, on the terrace of Palais Rohan, and in the streets of Gutenberg and Hallebardes.

As they wander around, the little explorers can discover all the culinary specialties of the region, as well as some quirky creations, like munstiflette, a tartiflette made with munster cheese, or raclette hot-dogs, bringing together the best of France and the United States. It's also a great chance to meet many local artisans ready to share their know-how and help you find the best gifts (last-minute or otherwise) for your loved ones. All that’s left for you to do is book your train.


Strasbourg Christmas Market
From November 27 to December 27, 2024
More info