Breadcrumb

Behind the Scenes

Step behind the scenes of Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas, and discover the collective effort that makes the city and its Christmas Market shine year after year.

  • Christmas for everyone

Once again this year, Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas, has captured hearts and enchanted visitors. Behind the magic of the Christmas Market, hundreds of dedicated hands work tirelessly to make each edition an unforgettable celebration. Here is a snapshot of the incredible efforts of the city’s teams.

The Heart of Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas

Events and Community Life Department

The "Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas" unit within the Events Department is at the centre of this extraordinary event. From coordinating with other municipal services to overseeing legal, administrative and strategic aspects, managing the chalets, and liaising with exhibitors – this team truly forms the beating heart of the Christmas festivities.

By the numbers:

  • 314 structures installed across the Grande-Île, spanning 12 sites
  • Approximately 300 exhibitors (excluding the OFF Market and the Sharing Village)
  • Around 110 associations contributing to 14 chalets in the Sharing Village, including 2 CCAS staff members
  • A dedicated team of 4 full-time staff, supported by a technical director during the final four months
  • Nearly 30 municipal services involved: Communication, Security, Sanitation, Waste Collection, Green Spaces, Lighting, Territories, Legal, Public Domain, and more

The SCN Communication Workshop

Communication Department

The External Communication team brings the magic of Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas to life. From designing the guide and signage to producing promotional materials and maintaining the website, their work ensures the event is visible, accessible, and enjoyable for all visitors.

By the numbers:

A team of 5 prepares:

  • the communication plan
  • the website
  • press relations
  • over 60 different materials, including guides, maps, signage, press inserts, social media content, and the website

The Lighting Workshop

In collaboration with Strasbourg’s shopfronts, public space teams work to adorn the city with its most beautiful illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere as night falls. This year’s highlights include:

  • over 250 streets, squares, and public spaces illuminated
  • around 700 sites lit, including schools, local town halls, churches, and building forecourts
  • approximately 25 km of garlands draped on trees and Christmas trees

The Security Workshop

Enhanced presence to ensure everyone’s safety

To allow visitors of all ages to fully enjoy the Christmas magic, the Municipal Police is on duty before and throughout Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas. Their responsibilities include:

  • Escorting the Grand Christmas Tree upon its arrival, with a team of motorcycle officers
  • Establishing a security perimeter during the tree’s installation, supervised by three officers
  • The continuous presence of 40 officers, covering 24 hours a day during the four weeks of the Market
  • Foot patrols during market hours to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all

The Sanitation Workshop

Maintaining the Market’s cleanliness requires careful planning and the mobilisation of multiple teams:

  • Over 70 staff, including 60 working night shifts (8:30 pm to 3:30 am) and every Sunday, plus 12 staff dedicated to cleaning the Market between 11:30 am and 7:30 pm
  • 4 staff installing recycling facilities before the Market opens
  • 20 drivers managing bin collections, totalling nearly 200 hours of work

The Residents Workshop

Each year, the Christmas Market aims to strengthen its connection with local residents. This is achieved through the combined efforts of municipal teams and citizens:

  • 7 staff members involved in the Christmas in the Neighbourhoods project, dedicating 30–50 hours each
  • 50 citizens on the citizens’ jury, contributing around 80 hours of volunteer work

The Advent Village

A true hub of community and festive spirit, the Advent Village brings families together through a wide range of workshops and performances:

  • 70 creative workshops for children and the general public
  • 68 Christmas performances, including storytelling, concerts, readings, and activities
  • Participation of 150 Strasbourg school classes from all districts in workshops, performances, and readings
  • Involvement of 56 after-school teams decorating the trees at Louise Weiss Square
  • Recruitment of 15 reception staff (temporary) to welcome visitors throughout the Advent period