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Chrìstkìndelsmärik

Chrìstkìndelsmärik

Historic christmas market - Place Broglie

Top tips spotted by locals

Take a photo under the Chrìstkìndelsmärik arch to have a lasting memory of your time at Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas.

Chrìstkìndelsmärik is the Alsatian dialect name for Strasbourg's traditional Christmas Market. First held in 1570, it is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe and, for a long time, was the only one in France. After being held in various locations around the city (Cathedral forecourt, Place du Château, Place Kléber, etc.), this essential part of Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas, found a permanent home in place Broglie 1 in 1871. 

Pass under the famous Chrìstkìndelsmärik arch and soak up the charming, unique atmosphere, where the scent of cinnamon mingles with the flavors of Alsace: sauerkraut, tartes flambées, and other specialties. This is one of the best places to find decorations for your Christmas tree and table. 

Once you're in the square, be sure to pass by the City Hall and discover an exhibition of archives about Strasbourg's Christmas Market just opposite, at the back of the stalls.

Strasbourg Capital of Christmas authentic

Strasbourg Capital of Christmas celebrates Christmas through its age-old traditions while highlighting literary wealth, with stories and exhibitions. A unique moment where the warmth of Christmas mixes with the love of stories and books, transmitted by Strasbourg, the UNESCO World Book Capital 2024*. 

The city hall, an invitation to wonder 

In the main courtyard of the City Hall, the magic of Christmas lights up through the reconstruction of a reading room. Surrounded by majestic fir trees, this decor invites you to dream, to enjoy conviviality and to share with family, where each book becomes a gateway to extraordinary adventures. Creation of the Green Spaces of the City of Strasbourg and lighting by Xavier Martayan. 

Christmas at the alsatian museum 

Every year, when the nights grow longer, the Alsatian Museum puts on its finest attire to welcome you and present the traditions of Christmas and the end-of-year celebrations in Alsace. Come and (re)discover the spirit of Alsatian Christmases from yesterday to today, the legends that were told during the evenings in the Stub and the many delicacies that are made during Advent. Who knows, you might have the opportunity to meet St Nicholas, Chrìstkìndel and Hàns Tràpp during the many visits, workshops and shows on offer. Info: musees.strasbourg.eu 

An artistic and cultural voyage 

A multitude of shows, exhibitions, conferences, musical evenings and cultural events are offered to you during this Christmas time. Everywhere choirs and songs resonate in the streets, in performance halls and even in churches. Here is a selection located near Place Broglie:

  • Exhibition "De l'Alsace au monde"*. Travel through Archives of the Planet of Albert Kahn, at the BNU (National and university library). Guided pathways and tours. Info and reservation: bnu.fr
  • Exhibition "Pas de livres pour enfants. Enfantillages chapitre 2"* at the Tomi Ungerer Museum – International Illustration Centre. Info : musees.strasbourg.eu
  • Heart at work Saint Paul’s Church has put together a special Christmas programme for you: "Rêves de châteaux" exhibitions, drawing workshops, concerts, etc. And treat yourself to a sweet break at the café inside the church. Infos : lecoeuralouvrage.com
  • Writing game workshops at the Bains Municipaux de Strasbourg. On 6th and 13th December, from 6:30 pm to 9 pm, with Plume à Fabule. Open to all adults. Info, price: bainsmunicipauxdestrasbourg.fr and Plume à Fabule
  • Heure lyrique : Noël avec la Maîtrise On 20th December, at 8 pm, at the Opéra du Rhin. Info and reservation: operanationaldurhin.fr

The complete Christmas programme can be found in our online calendar: noel.strasbourg.eu 
*Project labelled Strasbourg UNESCO World Book Capital 2024