Where to stay in Strasbourg for the Christmas market?

Are you looking to visit the Christmas market in Strasbourg this year and wondering where to stay near the Christmas market? Strasbourg, a city also known as the Capital of Christmas, is an iconic tradition that illuminates the winter season in this charming Alsatian city in eastern France. In this article, I will share the best places to stay in Strasbourg near the Christmas market You will find more or less affordable prices, as you will quickly see that it is complicated to find a cheap hotel in Strasbourg during Christmas time!

Located in the heart of Strasbourg's old town, the Christmas market offers a picturesque setting with its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and historic monuments. When night falls, thousands of lights and decorations illuminate the city *️ With its enchanting atmosphere and decorations, this market is a must-visit for those who love the holiday season and families looking to experience a bit of magic!

At the Christmas market, you will find a variety of handmade goods, ranging from Christmas decorations to mulled wine, as well as Alsatian culinary specialties. The wooden chalets overflow with crafts, wooden toys, jewelry, and warm clothing to withstand the winter. Furthermore, one of the market's most famous attractions is the Grand Christmas Tree, majestically standing in Place Kléber

If you plan to enjoy the Christmas markets in Strasbourg this year, it's evident that finding accommodation can be relatively challenging. Although the metropolitan area has a large number of hotels, the Christmas season significantly impacts the price of a night and the availability of establishments.

Initially, I strongly recommend choosing a central district located on the Grande-Île, such as Petite France, to stay just a few steps away from the Christmas markets. This way, you can walk to your destinations without using your vehicle or public transportation, and you can avoid security checks!

Of course, such a location requires a significant budget, so it's important to prepare several months in advance and save, or you can try other areas of the city like around the SNCF train station or in more distant neighborhoods like Neudorf, located south of the center.

The hotel Ciarus is located just 600 meters from the Palais du Rhin and a 15-minute walk from the cathedral, offering rooms for €222 per night.

The Grand Hotel is located across from the train station and 10 minutes from the city center, providing double rooms with breakfast for €322 per night.

Aloft Strasbourg Étoile offers a gym as well as comfortable and fully-equipped accommodations in the Neudorf neighborhood, starting at €239 per night.

Unmissable and iconic, the Grande-Île has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Located in the heart of the city, it is surrounded by the arms of the Ill River. This central neighborhood is famous for its medieval architecture, characterized by half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.

As the historic center of Strasbourg, this area offers much more than just advantages. Firstly, it's in this central area that the Christmas markets are concentrated. You will find a large number of establishments and guesthouses where you can stay without having to go through security checks. And of course, you won't need a car; the markets will be accessible on foot.

Culturally and historically, the Grande-Île hosts many iconic monuments, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, which majestically towers over the center of the island. You will also find Place Kléber, the largest square in the city, and Place Gutenberg, where a statue honors the inventor of printing... Major points for seeing the Christmas stalls!

Naturally, I advise you to book your nights as soon as possible. The Christmas markets in Strasbourg are the oldest and most renowned in the country. So, it's clear that many will be actively searching for a hotel, not to mention that prices increase significantly!

The hotel Ciarus offers views of the cathedral and the rooftops of Strasbourg, featuring 9 contemporary rooms accessible by a 16th-century staircase. You will be just steps away from the Christmas markets for around €222 a night.

The Gutenberg Hotel offers uniquely decorated and soundproof accommodations. Located across from the cathedral and next to the historic Petite France district, you can easily enjoy the Christmas festivities! For a night in this establishment, expect to pay at least €330, with breakfast available for an additional fee.

If you don't have the budget to stay in historic Strasbourg, you might consider other neighborhoods. However, keep in mind that the Alsatian Christmas markets are heavily monitored, with each entry requiring a search, so bring only the essentials with you. Although other neighborhoods offer less expensive rates, they are still relatively high.

The Strasbourg train station area is a lively and central part of the city, close to the historic heart. It is a transport hub, housing the main train station in the region, Strasbourg station , which is a major interface for national and international travelers.

It's an interesting place to quickly reach downtown and see the Christmas markets. Generally speaking, prices are more favorable, although they remain high. For those coming exclusively to enjoy the festivities, it's a perfect base to catch a train or use public transport!

This area is also characterized by diverse architecture. You'll find a multitude of buildings from different eras, from the 19th century to today, giving a eclectic feel to the area. The streets are lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, creating a dynamic atmosphere. Additionally, the presence of numerous fashion chains and boutiques makes this neighborhood a fun place to shop.

The train station itself is an imposing monument, blending classical and contemporary architecture. It is not only the starting and ending point for trains but also an important shopping center, with a variety of stores, restaurants, and services. So, you won't miss anything by settling here

The Saint Augustin Hotel, located 150 meters from the train station and a 10-minute walk from downtown, offers rooms for around €373 during the Christmas market! The establishment provides a buffet breakfast served every morning for an additional fee of €13

The Grand Hotel is located across from the Strasbourg train station, a 10-minute walk from the city center and Place Kléber. All rooms are decorated in a modern style, and the establishment serves a buffet breakfast with sweet and savory dishes. Expect to pay around €320 per night during this time, with breakfast included.

Place Broglie is an iconic location located in the heart of the city. It occupies a central position, not far from Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Palais Rohan. This cobblestone square is lined with historic buildings that reflect the city's rich history. It includes the Town Hall, an imposing Renaissance-style structure, as well as the Opéra National du Rhin and its Christmas market, the Christkindelsmärik (the market of the child Jesus in Alsatian), which I consider to be the central point

Place Broglie is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors. It serves as a venue for various cultural events. The terraces of the cafés and restaurants lining the square provide an ideal spot to relax and observe the bustling city. The trees scattered throughout the square add a touch of greenery and a pleasant contrast to the stone buildings and other elements.

Finally, Place Broglie is an ideal starting point for exploring downtown Strasbourg. It is close to many attractions, including the cathedral, the Petite France district, and the banks of the Ill. It truly serves as a crossroads of urban life in Strasbourg, and a great place to stay near the Christmas market

The LÉONOR Hotel offers warm and well-equipped rooms near Strasbourg Cathedral and Saint-Paul Church. Each morning, you can enjoy a continental or American breakfast served on-site, included in the price. Expect to pay around €474 per night for a 30m² room.

The Mercure Strasbourg Centre is ideally located in the heart of Strasbourg, 650 meters from Notre-Dame Cathedral and Petite France. Featuring modern furnishings, the rooms are comfortable and well-equipped. For a night in this establishment, expect to pay at least €279 during the Christmas season.

The Neudorf neighborhood is located south of the historic center. It is characterized by a lively and diverse atmosphere, bordered by the Ill River to the north, offering pleasant walks along the water. It's a bit far from the center, so expect a 30-minute walk or take public transportation, which connects well to the center

The architecture of Neudorf is varied, ranging from typically Alsatian half-timbered houses to modern buildings. You'll find lively streets with shops, restaurants, and cafés. The neighborhood is also home to many businesses and institutions, contributing to its dynamic character.

To get to the Christmas markets, the neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, with tram lines allowing easy access to other parts of the city.

The Aloft Strasbourg Étoile features a gym and comfortable, fully-equipped accommodations. The establishment is located nearby popular attractions, such as Strasbourg Cathedral, and includes a bar and terrace. For a night with breakfast included, expect to pay around €362.

The Ibis Styles Strasbourg Avenue du Rhin from the Ibis chain is ideally located in Neudorf, near the Rhine port area, close to the border with Germany, where it's also interesting to explore during Christmas. In December, expect an average price of €206 per night, which is double that of January

The Christmas markets in Strasbourg are spread across several squares and iconic sites in the city. You can fully enjoy the event, as it takes place from the last week of November until December 24, the eve of Christmas. This year, the festivities will kick off on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM! ✨

To help you in your planning, here are some of the major Christmas markets in Strasbourg, where you can enjoy a truly lively atmosphere, as well as things to see at each location:

Place Kléber: This is the main Christmas market of the city. You'll find gift stalls, decorations, Alsatian specialties, and of course, the famous illuminated Christmas tree

Place de la Cathédrale: On this iconic square, you can admire the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral in the background. You'll find handmade products, traditional Alsatian food, and beautiful Christmas decorations.

Place Gutenberg: This square honors a foreign country every year during the Christmas market. Here you can discover a variety of Christmas treats and activities from other backgrounds! This year, it's Finland that is highlighted.

Place Broglie: Ideal for families, this market is specifically designed for children with carousels, shows, and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus

Place du Château: Located near the Petite France district, this market is known for its luxury products, jewelry, and high-end gift ideas.

Christmas Market of Petite France: This picturesque market offers a charming atmosphere with its half-timbered houses. You will find local artisans and handmade products...

Place du Temple Neuf: You will find the market of Carré d'Or, and to get there, you will pass through wonderfully decorated tiny alleys before reaching a very traditional Christmas market. It's also a chance to taste Alsatian specialties at Yvonne, an iconic restaurant frequented by Jacques Chirac (his favorite restaurant in Strasbourg), Johnny Hallyday, and Patrick Bruel...

Place du Marché aux Poissons: A traditional market on the banks of the Ill River and Palais de Rohan, it is an ideal place to enjoy mulled wine before boarding a Batorama cruise to explore the city

Of course, don't forget to stroll through the streets of downtown! You can also discover many little stands and shops selling unique Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, Alsatian culinary specialties, and much more.

The golden rule for fully enjoying the Christmas markets: Make sure to taste specialties like mulled wine, pretzels , sauerkraut, späetzle with munster cheese, gingerbread, and Alsatian sausages during your visit!

It is crucial to note that throughout the Christmas market period, the historic center of Strasbourg, the Grande-Île, becomes exclusively reserved for pedestrians If you choose to travel by car, you will inevitably have to park your vehicle outside the heart of the metropolitan area

If you are traveling by train, you can easily reach downtown Strasbourg and the markets. The train station is about 300 meters from one of the entrances to the Grande-Île, just steps away from Place Grimmeissen.

To facilitate your car travel, you can take advantage of P+R parking, a solution that allows you to park your car in a parking lot for a whole day and benefit from round-trip tramway tickets for everyone in the vehicle. These spots are scattered throughout the city, close to tram stations on all lines, they are always available and open

We are nearing the end of this article. I hope you enjoyed it, and now you know where to stay in Strasbourg near the Christmas market! See you soon for new articles If you are planning to visit other Alsatian Christmas markets and are looking for a place to stay in Colmar, I have a guide on that topic too!