Around the cathedral - Cathedral and castle squares
Top tips spotted by locals
If you're feeling energetic, why not climb the 332 steps up to the Cathedrale platform? From here, you’ll have a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. In the mood to be curious? The first floor of 5e Lieu houses a free permanent exhibition on Strasbourg's heritage, with an unbeatable view of the surrounding stalls.
In the Middle Ages, before the arrival of the Chrìstkìndelsmärik, a "Klausenmärik" or St Nicholas market was held in Strasbourg. At the time, it was held in the place de la Cathédrale 2 on or around 6 December. Stalls selling gingerbread and other sweets stood alongside herbalists, saddlers, second-hand boutiques, and haberdashers.
The stalls have now spread all the way to the place du Château 3 , where they stand on the cobblestones in the heart of the town, surrounded by magnificent Vosges pink sandstone buildings at the foot of the Cathedral. They can also be found just a stone's throw away in rue des Hallebardes 4 and rue Gutenberg 5. Here you'll find traditional Christmas goods (candles, Bredle, decorations, hot drinks...). It's the ideal place to find a souvenir of your visit to the market, either to give as a gift or to keep for yourself.
Strasbourg Capital of Christmas unique
A city with a thousand facets, Strasbourg reveals an unusual side through its Christmas traditions, its culture and its heritage. The meeting between the traditional and the unexpected, between preserved heritage and contemporary creativity, makes Strasbourg a unique destination at Christmas.
History and architecture
Take advantage of your getaway to place du Château 3 to admire the fantastic collections of the Palais Rohan museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Decorative Arts. Enter the intimacy of Strasbourg Cathedral and admire masterpieces of medieval sculpture by visiting the Œuvre Notre Dame Museum. Info: musees.strasbourg.eu
5e lieu
The 5e Lieu offers you activities and workshops in addition to its permanent tour. Decorate a Springerle, immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter during a mysterious tour, stroll through the night with a photographer in search of the most beautiful spots or even make your own scented candle... Info: 5elieu.strasbourg.eu
guided visits
The Strasbourg Eurometropolitan Office of Tourism, Leisure and Conventions offers guided tours to discover the Christmas traditions in Strasbourg and Alsace: their origins, the history of the Christmas tree, culinary traditions, etc. A stroll through the heart of the old town, enhanced by its decorations, is sure to enchant you! Details of the visits at www.visitstrasbourg.fr Reservation recommended at https://shop.visitstrasbourg.fr
The region invited: the northern vosges regional national park
Strasbourg Capital of Christmas, is showcasing the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, on place de la Cathédrale 2 . A collective chalet is shared between producers and artisans from this region, all labelled ‘Marque Valeurs Parc’. Discover a wide range of products: honey, stoneware Christmas decorations, natural wool, handmade knitwear, aromatic and medicinal plants, and natural mineral water.
Spirituality
Exhibition of 14 tapestries from the 17th century illustrating the life of the Virgin Mary. The large 1907 nativity scene installed over 18 meters long, representing the 4 scenes; the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi and the Presentation in the Temple. To be discovered at the Cathedral, from Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 am to 11:15 am and from 12:45 pm to 5:45 pm and on Sunday, from 2 pm to 5:15 pm.