Student Life at Christmas
Great Deals and Things to Discover
Are you a student in Strasbourg, or are you just passing through to experience the magic of Christmas? Good news: Strasbourg, the Christmas Capital, has something for you, too. Here, the festivities are on a human scale—from studying during the day to enjoying mulled wine in the evening, from creative workshops to strolling beneath the holiday lights. The city, home to more than 60,000 students, transforms into a massive open-air campus in December: concerts, alternative markets, film screenings, community cafés, and student parties all come together in a friendly atmosphere.
Come soak up this unique atmosphere among the chalets in the historic center, take advantage of discounted admission to museums and performance venues, participate in free workshops, or meet up with friends at the spots that make Strasbourg’s student heart beat.
Here, Christmas is all about sharing, accessibility, and making connections: a simple and lively way to (re)discover the city in a whole new light. Enjoy the magic without breaking the bank and turn Strasbourg, the Christmas Capital, into a festive campus.
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For more than 450 years, Strasbourg has been bringing the magic of Christmas to life. It all begins with the Christkindelsmärik, where history and traditions have blended with the magic of the season for four centuries. Stop for a photo in front of the arch overlooking Place Broglie to capture one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets.
Learn moreChristkindelsmärik: When History Reinvented Itself
In Strasbourg, the magic of Christmas has been passed down for over 450 years. At Place Broglie, let yourself be enchanted by the Christkindelsmärik and capture your visit under its iconic arch.
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"Paye Ton Noël" features concerts, street performances, short films, giant werewolves, Olympic-style games, karaoke… all accompanied by mulled wine and tartes flambées.
November 27 through December 23Learn more"Pay for Your Christmas" Festival
This traveling festival is celebrating its 20th edition with a festive and community-spirited event featuring concerts, street performances, short films, giant werewolves, Olympic-style games, and karaoke—all accompanied by mulled wine and tartes flambées.
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For the past ten years, the OFF Market, located on Grimmeissen Square, has invited you to experience Christmas in a different way: one that’s more responsible, community-minded, local, and human. Organizations in the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) offer socially conscious gifts, locally made creations, and upcycled products. But the OFF Market is also a place to meet, discover, connect, and work together.
Learn moreOFF Market
Discover initiatives designed to encourage alternative ways of consuming, with your family and in a festive atmosphere.
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Stock up on Christmas specialties and explore the authentic chalets scattered throughout the historic center. Don’t miss the Quai des saveurs et des savoir-faire to sample the flavors of Alsace: local producers, winemakers, and restaurateurs. A gourmet introduction to traditional Bredle recipes at a pop-up bakery at the Christmas Market. Terrasse Rohan, Place du Marché-aux-Poissons.
Learn moreFlavors of Alsace: A Taste of Tradition
Sample Christmas specialties and the flavors of Alsace at the “Quai des saveurs et des savoir-faire” pop-up bakery on the Place du Marché-aux-Poissons.
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Upcoming Events:
- Hymn to Life symphonic concert, December 3, at 8 p.m.
- Film concert Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™, December 12, at 8 p.m.
- Symphonic concert Ivresse de la danse—December 16 and 17 at 8 p.m.
- New Year’s Symphony Concert Classiques en fête—December 31 at 8:00 p.m. and January 1 at 5:00 p.m.
Learn moreA Musical Christmas at the OPS
The Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra (OPS) invites you to experience exceptional musical moments, including major symphonic works, film concerts, and festive events.
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The Jardin des Sciences invites you to enjoy a wealth of discoveries! At the Planetarium, let yourself be amazed by “The Sky Around Christmas,” share in the “Pink Floyd” musical experience, or immerse yourself in Michel Ocelot’s world with “The Three-Eared Rabbits.”
Extend your visit with the collections in the Jardin des Sciences cultural district, the Botanical Garden, and the Seismology and Zoology Museums.
Learn moreChristmas at the Science Garden
At the Jardin des Sciences, explore a place where science, nature, and rare collections shed light on the mysteries of life.
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From the city’s origins to its European influence, discover the history of its Christmas markets as well. The audio tour is available in five languages: French, English, German, Spanish, and Italian. For children ages 6 and up.
Learn moreExplore Strasbourg with NOOTOOS
Comfortably seated in deck chairs, immerse yourself in 2,000 years of Strasbourg’s history through this immersive video-mapping show, which blends images, music, and storytelling at the Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Protestant Church.
