Strasbourg shines bright again as Europe’s Capital of Christmas

To be again Europe’s “Capital of Christmas” is a serious task undertaken each year by the city of Strasbourg in Alsace, Eastern France.

The event not only celebrates one of Europe’s oldest Christmas Market. It is also a major contributor to the city’s economy by attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Christmas market in Strasbourg has a long tradition as it was mentioned for the first time in 1570 under the name “Christkindelsmärik” (“Market of the Christ Child”). It emerged after the earlier Saint Nicholas market was abolished in the region following the Protestant Reformation, which discouraged the veneration of saints.

While the original market was beside the cathedral, it has been hosted since 1830 Place Kléber, one of Strasbourg’s largest squares, and Place Broglie since 1870, in the vicinity of the City Hall.  The idea of turning the Alsatian capital into the “Capital of Christmas” started in 1992. The period of the Christmas market was extended from the end of November to the early days of January.

Christmas markets and lights

The city heavily invested into lighting and decoration. In 2025, Christmas in Strasbourg translates into over 250 streets, squares, and public spaces illuminated. Approximately 700 sites are lit such as schools, district town halls, churches, building forecourts. About 25 km of garlands are installed on trees and Christmas trees.

The decorations are diverse and original, often nodding to the names of streets, squares, or their history. Numerous building facades testify to the attachment of Strasbourg’s residents to this tradition, enhancing the city’s warm atmosphere during this time of year.

Strasbourg organizes 8 markets in its city center with another four in other districts. They will welcome over 300 chalets, offering gourmet specialties, handcrafted creations, and unique items inspired by Alsatian Christmas traditions. Markets will be opened from November 26 to December 24.

To find which part of the city to visit to admire its Christmas lighting, click here.

One of France’s tallest Christmas Trees

Last but not least, the towering Christmas tree was installed on October 24 on Place Kléber. Felled on October 20 from the nearby Vosges Mountains, it was chosen following strict criteria : a perfectly conical shape, an impressive height of around 30 meters), and a silhouette that evokes the iconic fairy-tale Christmas trees from childhood.

The tree weighs 7.5 tons and measures roughly 80 centimeters (about 31 inches) in diameter at its base. These are proportions that ensure it will stand majestically once installed in the heart of Strasbourg’s Christmas festivities. Decorations will be installed in the next three weeks to have it ready on November 26, first official day of the Advent time. This year, chosen colors are red and gold.

Tourism and economic impact

How big is the contribution of the Christmas celebrations to Strasbourg tourism? In its press conference hosted at the beginning of 2025, Guillaume Libsig, deputy mayor in charge of managing the event explained that Strasbourg flagship event  experienced last year a record-breaking edition. The Marché de Noël de Strasbourg drew 3.4 million guests, up from 3.3 million the year before.

Data collected via mobile-phone signals in the city center revealed that roughly 47 % of visitors were residents of the “Eurometropolis Strasbourg” — up from 34 % the year before.

Among foreign tourists, Germans were the largest group, followed by Americans, Swiss, Spanish and Italians, according to Joël Steffen, president of the Strasbourg Tourist Office. Among French visitors, the largest contingents came from the Paris region (especially Paris and Hauts-de-Seine), from Moselle and Meurthe-et-Moselle, and from the Nord department.

Alsace‘s Association for Tourism Development, which represents the entire region, recorded 5.3 million overnights between November 23 and December 31, 2024, an increase of 9µ compared to 2023. The French clientele represented 54% of the hosted visitors (including 4% from Alsace), ahead of the Germans (13%), the Swiss (6%), the Spanish (5%), and the Americans (4%).

“Strasbourg – Capital of Christmas – remains an economic engine for our region,” stressed Steffen, who is also deputy mayor in charge of commerce, crafts and tourism. In 2024, hoteliers reported occupancy rates at least equal to 2023 (95 %), with bookings being made even further in advance (more than three months on average). While total economic benefits are estimated at more than €250 million. For retailers in the city center, December alone accounts for 30% to 40% of their annual revenue.