Christmas market in Strasbourg.?

Question

I am going to the Christmas market in Strasbourg in December and was wondering if anyone has any tips or advice for getting the best out of it?

I've been to Strasbourg before but never to the market.

Answer 1

Stay in the city center. The crowds are unreal! You can get out by tram or train so you wont be stuck. This year should be worse with daytrippers from Paris. We only just got the TGV in June so Paris is a civilized 2.20 away, instead of the 4 1/2 it used to take.

Try to avoid weekends. If not possible, hit it early in the morning and at night. I go early in the morning as it's almost impossible to see it in the afternoon. It's impossible to buy anything!

There's ice skating and you can eat in the market.

Get a good map with public restrooms on it. Take advantage of Strasbourg's other shopping nearby.

Dress really, really warmly. Be prepared for rain. It can snow but rarely this early (around February usually).

Be aware of pickpockets. Bury your wallet well inside your jacket. Try to avoid bringing any sort of bag. Keep your passport in the hotel safe and also be careful of your camera and phone too.

Bring cash in small bills. Consider stuffing a roll elsewhere in your things in case of pickpockets and so that you're not flashing money everytime you buy something.

Good walking shoes are a must. Warm, waterproof ones, preferably.

If you're here long enough, consider a side trip to Colmar. Their market is really nice too.

Answer 2

I live near Alsace and Strasbourg...

It's a good choice, but if you can Try to go to colmar, kaysersberg, Riquewihr or ribeauvillé.

riquewhir is a very nice place. I advise you to go there ....

http://www.tourisme-alsace.com/

Answer 3

I lived in Strasbourg 05/06 and the christmas market really is something I miss...

The stalls in the "Petit France" area of the city are really nice and less crowded than the ones by the Cathedral-there is also a "Christmas Shop" in the same area which is amazing.

Oh and you can't go to the Christmas market without getting some vin chaud!  Just the stuff you need on an Alsatian winter day...

Answer 4

I usually go to Metz Christmas market (in Lorraine) but from what I heard about Strasbourg, try to avoid the week-ends it's so crowded you won't be able to approach the little shops. I think this year, I'll go to Alsace as well, but most probably to Colmar and the little markets along the road to wines.

Answer 5

Lucky!

The 'Christkindelmarik' in Strasbourg is THE greatest attraction in Alsace and possibly in France around Xmas time.

You will be delighted to see all these cozy little chalets and booths offering all sorts of foods (such as vin chaud ie hot wine) and arts and crafts (such as artisan candles or pain d'epice).

In recent years the mark has become very big and crowded, even attracting foreign tourists, but still enjoyable.  This festival becomes truly magical under a blanket of the snow but this you cannot control.

Answer 6

Good choice!

Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the most attractives in alsace at this time. In fact, there is more than one: the biggest is the Cathedral's one, and I 'd say the nicest is the one in the Petite France.

If you want see others, try to go to Colmar or Kaysersberg (one hour from Strasbourg), these are really pretty.

Answer 7

Went to the Strasbourg market 4 or 5 years ago. Most of it is right outside the Cathedral, but there are some other stalls spread about the town. We did have some pestering by foreign beggars (don't know what nationality), but one of the men in our party soon sorted them, as they wouldn't take "no" for an answer.

Otherwise the market was similar to others in the region.

Answer 8

The German Christmas markets are lovely, but a lot of overpriced rubbish to be honest.  I loved the market at Nurremburg - they have a special kids one there which was fab.  Be careful with toys and things though - not always the quality you expect. Great for decorations though!