Christmas in Strasbourg: A time for sharing
From November 25 to December 31, 2006
Strasbourg has been holding a Christmas market around its famous cathedral since 1570. Since then, the town's reputation throughout Europe has gone from strength to strength thanks to its proud tradition of commerce but also to its spirit of tolerance and humanism which has shaped both its history and its identity.
Drawing upon these traditional values, Strasbourg is strongly attached to the values of Christmas. This special time for sharing, companionship and friendship serves as an inspiration for the many attractions and events awaiting the town's hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Sharing the tradition
The Christmas markets
The Christmas markets invite you to embark on a magical Christmastime adventure as you soak up the sights and give your taste buds a treat! The hundreds of talented craftsmen present at the markets offer a chance to discover a host of unusual products, such as those to be found at the Bredle Market (Bredle are delicious little cakes traditionally prepared during the Advent period).
From November 25 to December 24
- Christkindelsmärik, in Place Broglie and Rue de la Comédie
- Themed markets, in Place des Meuniers, Place Benjamin Zix, and Place du Marché-neuf
From November 25 to December 31
-The Bredle Market and the fascinating world of the "Couronne d’Or" wine growers, in Place d’Austerlitz
-The Christmas market in the Place de la Cathédrale and the Place du Château
Sharing the tradition
The Christmas lights
As Christmas approaches, Strasbourg puts on its glad rags. The richly decorated streets and houses, sparkle with a thousand different lights and colours. This "light trail" guides the visitor across town like a huge glittering garland leading to the cathedral.
The Great Christmas tree
From mid-November onwards, the Great Christmas Tree in Place Kléber becomes the focal point for Christmastime in Strasbourg. It never fails to delight the town's hundreds of thousands of visitors, whether young or old alike.
Every year, a sparkling and colourful new display beckons revellers and shoppers to come along and enjoy Christmas in Strasbourg in a fraternal spirit of joy and sharing.
Sharing the hospitality
This year's guest of honour: Romania
The town will be offering an added touch of magic this year, thanks to Romania, Strasbourg's guest of honour for 2006.
"Craciun" means Christmas in Romanian, while Father Christmas is called "Mos Craciun". This winter festival has retained all of its religious tradition and folklore. Red, black and white are the main colours of the traditional Romanian folk costume. The Christmas tree is decorated on Christmas Eve with walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, sweets, brightly wrapped chocolates and apples. The children go from house to house in their village singing Christmas carols (or "colindatori" as they are known locally), and according to tradition are given "covrigi", huge dry pretzels, fritters, sweets, apples and money in return.
The Romanian craftsmen's village with its many culinary and artistic craft specialities is definitely well worth a visit in Place Gutenberg from November 25 to December 24.
Sharing the spirit of Christmas
As part of a long-standing tradition in Strasbourg, local residents place gifts around the Great Christmas Tree for the town's most disadvantaged citizens.
What could be more natural therefore than to base the "Village du Partage" (Sharing Village) around this same Christmas tree. Gathered like the three kings around the crib, the wooden huts of the various charity associations invite us to take part in a collective end of year generosity fest. Here, throughout December, more than 50 associations look forward to helping you share in their activities intended to promote solidarity.
We look forward to seeing you in Place Kléber, from November 25 to December 24.
Sharing the emotion
Christmas concerts
The merry sounds of Christmas echo throughout the town thanks to a programme of more than 50 concerts. Orchestras, choirs, gospel singers, duets and soloists weave their magic in the town's cathedral, churches and chapels.
A literary Christmas
Strasbourg is a natural home to literature. As the birthplace of the printing press, it was in Strasbourg that Gutenberg created the first printed bible. Today more than ever, the town actively promotes public reading. It is naturally in Place Gutenberg, in the prestigious setting of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry that the fifth "Noël du Livre" (Literary Christmas) event is being held. The bookshops and other collectors will help you discover their finest works focusing among other things on Strasbourg, Alsace and the Christmas traditions. You can also discover postcards and antique engravings here.
From November 25 to December 24 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, place Gutenberg
Sharing the fantasy
Christmas in the eyes of a child – Pure magic!
Just like a giant magic roundabout, the town never fails to capture children's imaginations at Christmas time. Immense, friendly, warm and colourful, it almost resembles one gigantic glittering Christmas tree. When it comes to gifts, simply keep your eyes and ears open during your walkabout, and then share your joy with the rest of the family.
The ice skating rink
With all the slipping, sliding, laughter and spinning, as you may have guessed Christmas time in Strasbourg is also a paradise for children. Throughout the Advent period, both young and old alike can have fun at the ice skating area in the centre of town.
The ice skating rink and the Ice Garden will be open from November 25 to December 31 in the Place du Château.
Winter tales
Throughout December, give your imagination a treat in the vaults of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in place Gutenberg, as you listen to winter tales from far and near. This marvellous opportunity to discover thrilling tales of fantasy and adventure is perhaps one of the finest Christmas gifts of all… whatever your age!
The Strasbourg Tourist Office
Office de Tourisme de Strasbourg et sa Région
17 place de la Cathédrale – 67 000 STRASBOURG
Telephone: + 33(0)3 88 52 28 28 - Fax : + 33(0)3 88 52 28 29
Website: www.ot-strasbourg.fr
Email: info@ot-strasbourg.fr
Open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Discover the full programm of Christmas events in Strasbourg (acrobat reader PDF)