This city is home to one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1570, which is why it is widely promoted as “The Capital of Christmas” and a magical choice for festive getaways from Manchester.
Its historic half-timbered streets, huge Christmas tree and more than 300 wooden chalets create a storybook setting that feels tailor‑made for winter city breaks.
One of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets and the ‘Capital of Christmas’
Strasbourg’s main Christmas market, the Christkindelsmärik, has been running since the late 16th century, making it the oldest such market in France and among the oldest in Europe. This long tradition, combined with its vast scale and atmosphere, led local authorities to embrace the nickname “Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas” in the early 1990s, a title now used in official tourism campaigns.
The city stages multiple themed markets spread across the Grande Île, the UNESCO‑listed historic centre, turning the entire old town into a festive circuit rather than a single square. Visitors can wander between chalets selling Alsatian crafts, ornaments and regional delicacies, all against a backdrop of medieval streets and the soaring Gothic cathedral.
Highlights of Strasbourg’s Christmas market
Each year, more than 300 wooden chalets are installed across several squares, including the area around Strasbourg Cathedral, Place Broglie and Place Kléber. Stalls showcase everything from hand‑blown glass baubles and carved wooden toys to gingerbread, bredele Christmas biscuits and steaming cups of mulled wine.
Strasbourg is also famous for its giant Christmas tree in Place Kléber, one of the tallest decorated trees in Europe and a major symbol of the city’s festive identity. Illuminations, concerts and charity “village” installations add to the programme, creating a blend of traditional market atmosphere and broader cultural events.
The city’s roots stretch back to a Celtic settlement and a Roman garrison known as Argentoratum, giving Strasbourg a layered history that enhances its winter charm. Over the centuries, it has shifted between French and German rule, and that mix is still visible in its Alsatian architecture, cuisine and Christmas customs.
This Franco‑German heritage is particularly evident at the markets, where visitors find German‑style festive traditions like timbered houses, spiced biscuits and hearty street food alongside French patisserie and local wines from the surrounding Alsace region.
Getting to one of the oldest Christmas markets from Manchester
For travellers from Manchester, the most atmospheric route is to travel by train, linking UK services with high‑speed European lines via London and Paris. After reaching London, passengers can continue by continental rail to Strasbourg, whose central station is only a short walk or tram ride from the historic core and main Christmas market squares.
Or for ease you could take a direct flight from Manchester Airport, it takes under two hours. Tickets can be expensive this time of year, booking in advance is encouraged!
Once in the city, Strasbourg’s compact centre and efficient tram network make it easy to explore the markets, cathedral, riverside quays and museums over a long weekend.