Strasbourg: The Origins of Celebration
Between Tradition and History
In Strasbourg, Christmas is experienced at the heart of history and traditions. The famous Christmas market, or Christkindelsmärik, has its roots in the 16th century and has shaped, over the centuries, a unique identity made of lights, sharing, and winter symbols. Every square, every street, and every façade tells this story, blending heritage, memory, and local legends, inviting visitors to dive into the city’s past.
As you stroll through the markets and illuminated streets, you’ll discover how ancient traditions coexist with contemporary creations, where decorations, handcrafted items, and activities come to life across the centuries. The local tales and legends give each place a magical character, while Christmas symbols – trees, stars, and nativity scenes – remind us of the customs that enrich Alsatian culture.
Strasbourg, a city true to its roots, offers a journey through time, where the magic of Christmas merges with history, and where every step in the city becomes a cultural and festive discovery. Between preserved traditions and luminous innovations, Christmas in Strasbourg is a living celebration, where past and present meet to enchant all generations.
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Strasbourg Tourism, Leisure, and Conventions offers guided tours to help you discover Christmas traditions in Strasbourg and Alsace: their origins, the history of the Christmas tree, culinary traditions, and more. A stroll through the heart of the Old Town, beautifully adorned with holiday decorations, is sure to enchant you!
Reservations are recommended at https://shop.visitstrasbourg.fr
Learn moreGuided Tours Through the Heart of Our Heritage
The Strasbourg Eurometropolitan Office of Tourism, Leisure, and Conventions offers guided tours to help you discover Christmas traditions in Strasbourg and Alsace: a stroll through the city in the heart of the historic district, made even more magical by its enchanting decorations.
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Step inside the intimate setting of Strasbourg Cathedral and admire masterpieces of medieval sculpture during a visit to the Musée de
l’Œuvre Notre Dame.
Must-see museum exhibitions:- Building, Preserving, Passing On: 800 Years of the Fondation de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame, at the Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame,
- Cardinal de Rohan and the Affair of the Necklace: At the Twilight of the Ancien Régime, at the Galerie Heitz (Palais Rohan),
- On the Wings of a Bird. Anna Sommer in Dialogue with the Collections, at the Tomi Ungerer Museum,
- The Wild State. Animals in the Collections of the MAMCS and the Zoological Museum, at the MAMCS.
Learn moreHistory and Architecture
Make the most of your visit to the Christmas market at Place du Château to get into the holiday spirit by exploring the collections at the Palais Rohan’s museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Decorative Arts.
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In the City Hall’s Courtyard of Honor, strange packages from the North Pole have been left among the Christmas trees. Large wooden crates, adorned with ribbons and bows, seem to herald a delivery unlike any other! But what could these extraordinary packages possibly contain? The mystery remains unsolved…
Come discover this unusual display, which invites young and old alike to rediscover the joy of Christmas surprises right in the heart of the city.
Learn moreCity Hall
AN INVITATION TO A MYSTERIOUS CHRISTMAS
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At the foot of the Cathedral, the 5e Lieu offers you a 360° panoramic view of Strasbourg’s architecture! Whether you spend 5 minutes or 1 hour, enjoy a unique experience exploring Strasbourg’s landscapes, architecture, and heritage through our permanent exhibition. A game booklet for ages 6–11 is available free of charge upon request at the reception desk.
On the ground floor, visit the Boutique Culture for all your cultural outings and its ticket office.
Learn moreTraveling to Strasbourg: A Whole Story
Located in the heart of the Christmas market and at the foot of the cathedral, the 5e Lieu offers a 360° panoramic view to help you better plan your visit to Strasbourg. Enjoy a unique experience exploring Strasbourg’s landscapes, architecture, and heritage before setting out on your city tour.
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The large nativity scene from 1907, stretching 18 meters in length, depicts the four scenes: the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Presentation in the Temple.
Come see it at the Cathedral, Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Learn moreSpirituality
An exhibition of 14 17th-century tapestries depicting the life of the Virgin Mary.
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December 5, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., continuously at the Museum of Decorative Arts: “Decorate the Christmas Tree” workshop
- 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., running continuously at the Archaeological Museum: family Christmas stories with music
- 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., continuously at the Museum of Fine Arts: Christmas stories for the whole family with music
- 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Snack time with Mannele treats
For children ages 4 and up, subject to availability.
Learn moreChristmas at the Palace
Three museums come together for a festive weekend: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Archaeological Museum at the Palais Rohan. Tours, workshops, and a gourmet snack will delight visitors of all ages.
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An evening walking tour exploring the history and heritage of Strasbourg and Alsatian Christmas traditions, led by Jean-François Kovar and Bruno Dantès.
December 4 and 11, at 8:30 p.m., departing from Place du Château in front of the Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame
And join the “Strasbourg, City of Lights” walking tour to discover Strasbourg’s heritage and history, beautifully highlighted by the illuminations along the Ill River, led by Jean-François Kovar.
December 22 at 6:00 p.m. , departing from the plaza in front of Sainte-Madeleine
Church. Price: €5 / free for children under 16Learn moreThe Night Watchman's Round
After dark, set out to discover the history of Strasbourg and the Christmas traditions of Alsace
