One of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, dating to 1570, and turns this French city’s medieval centre into a city-wide winter wonderland each year.
For Londoners, it is a genuinely feasible festive escape: reachable by train in just over five hours with a change in Paris, or by a short flight.
Europe’s oldest Christmas market has nearly 500 years of history
Strasbourg’s Christmas tradition began as a medieval St Nicholas market around the cathedral. When the city became Protestant in the 16th century, that market was replaced by the Christkindelsmärik, the “Market of the Baby Jesus” in 1570.
It has since moved from outside the cathedral to Place Kléber and, since 1870, to Place Broglie, where the historic market remains today.
While several European cities claim the title of “oldest Christmas market,” Strasbourg’s is widely recognised as France’s oldest and one of the continent’s most historic.
Europe’s ‘Capital of Christmas’ is a short trip from London
What sets Strasbourg apart is scale. Rather than one central square, the celebration spreads through the UNESCO-listed Grand Île, with more than 300 wooden chalets across squares including Place Broglie, Place de la Cathédrale and Place Kléber.
Expect:
- Handmade ornaments, wooden toys, textiles and Alsatian crafts
- Mulled wine, pretzels, gingerbread, bredele biscuits and flammekueche
- Illuminated half-timbered houses, canals and cobbled lanes
- The enormous Christmas tree at Place Kléber, one of the city’s signature festive sights
The setting is central to the appeal. Strasbourg Cathedral’s Gothic façade, the Petite France quarter and the River Ill create a backdrop that makes even a simple evening stroll feel cinematic.
Getting there from London
The easiest rail route is London St Pancras to Strasbourg via Paris, taking just over five hours. Eurostar also lists the 2026 market as running from 27 November to 24 December, although travellers should confirm dates and opening hours before booking.
Flights from London to Strasbourg can be quicker, and the Secret London article notes that return fares from UK airports have previously started around £57 on selected dates—though prices vary substantially by date and demand.
When to visit Europe’s oldest Christmas market
The market generally runs from late November until Christmas Eve. For a calmer experience, visit on a weekday evening just after sunset: the lights are at their best, but the worst of the day-tripper crowds has often eased.
For Londoners seeking a proper winter city break, Strasbourg offers something rare: centuries-old tradition, an extraordinary cathedral setting, and enough markets, food and lights to fill a long weekend.
