A Weekend in Strasbourg
48 Hours in the Heart of the Magic
The iconic markets, decorated chalets, illuminated facades, and seasonal delicacies offer a unique festive experience, where every moment invites you to stroll and explore.
Strasbourg can also be discovered through its exceptional architectural heritage. From Notre-Dame Cathedral—a Gothic gem and symbol of the city—to the half-timbered houses of Petite France, each neighborhood tells a story and reveals the city’s unique charm. Museums and exhibitions allow you to prolong the sense of wonder by exploring art, history, and local traditions, while concerts and performances punctuate your stay with memorable cultural moments.
Strolls along the Ill River offer a different perspective on the city, where bridges, canals, and historic buildings are reflected in the water, amplifying the magic of the holiday lights. Cozy cafés, traditional restaurants, and little gourmet breaks round out this immersive experience, allowing you to savor Christmas with all your senses.
In 48 hours, the lights, decorations, architecture, and cultural events come together to offer a stay rich in emotions and memories. Strasbourg becomes a living setting where you can dream, stroll, and fully enjoy the magic of Christmas.
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Standing 30 meters tall, the iconic Grand Sapin delights visitors this year with four striking symbols: the candle, the Alsatian cottage, the dove, and the heart made of kelsch. Its design and decorations are part of an eco-friendly approach that emphasizes the reuse of materials, job creation, and local craftsmanship. Place Kléber, daily from November 27 to January 5: light and music show every hour between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and light show only between 10:00 p.m. and midnight.
Learn moreGrand Sapin
At Place Kléber, the Grand Sapin lights up Strasbourg and celebrates Alsatian symbols, in a way that is both environmentally responsible and community-minded
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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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With holiday lights, choir performances, crafts, and Alsatian specialties, festive chalets and hands-on workshops await you in the heart of this historic neighborhood.
November 27–December 24, 11:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Place Saint-Etienne
Learn moreBehind the Scenes at the Cathedral
Follow a nativity scene trail from the Cathedral to Place Saint-Étienne, where heritage and Christmas traditions come together.
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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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Embark on a scenic cruise along the water and discover Strasbourg in a whole new light. As night falls, the lights of the “Christmas Capital” reflect off the canals and cast a golden glow on the building facades. To the rhythm of soft music, let yourself be carried through the historic center and admire the city all lit up from the river. A peaceful and enchanting interlude to savor all the magic of Strasbourg in winter.
Learn moreCruises on the Ill River
Hop aboard a Batorama boat for a cruise that takes you on a journey through the traditions and stories of an Alsatian Christmas.
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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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Amid the historic arches and the reflections in the fountains, enjoy creative workshops, festive tastings, Santa Bingo, and giant aqua gym.
New this year: a pop-up store dedicated to local crafts and gift ideas.Learn moreWell-Being at the Municipal Baths
Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the Bains Municipaux, an iconic site designated as a historic monument and decorated in traditional Alsatian colors.
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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.
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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.
