Is anything open in Strasbourg on Christmas Day?

Yes,select restaurants and certain tourist attractions are open in Strasbourg on Christmas Day, though it is a very quiet, mostly closed day. Many restaurants offer special lunch and dinner, while the Cathedral and city center remain festive, though the main Christmas market stalls typically close on December 24 or 25.

What's open on Christmas Day in Strasbourg?

3 Restaurants open for Christmas Day in Strasbourg

• THE GRILL. 4.7. Exceptional(454) €€€€ • Steakhouse • Innenstadt.
• Guts & Glory Bar. 4.2. Awesome(38) €€€€ • Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Innenstadt-West.
• Emils Bar. 4.5. Awesome(5) €€€€ • Bistro • Pirmasens.

What is normally open on Christmas Day?

Several national restaurant chains usually operate on Christmas Day, though hours vary by location. Commonly open options include Starbucks, McDonald's, IHOP, Waffle House, Dunkin', Denny's, Krispy Kreme and select fast-food chains. Many locations run shorter hours, so checking online before heading out is key.

What to do in Strasbourg during Christmas?

Let's get started.

• Visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market.
• Admire the Christmas Tree in Place Kléber.
• Climb Strasbourg's Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Wander around La Petite France.
• Explore the Barrage Vauban.
• Visit Palais Rohan.
• Try Traditional Alsatian Cuisine.
• Explore the Alsatian Museum.

Is the Colmar Christmas Market open on Christmas Day?

Colmar's Christmas markets stay open Dec 24–26, with shorter hours on Christmas Day (11am–7pm). For kid-friendly Christmas dinner, many restaurants may close, so book ahead. Try Bartholdi or cozy winstubs in the old town near Petite Venise. Enjoy the festive markets and charming town!

72 hours in the Capital of Christmas (w/prices!) | Things to Do in STRASBOURG France 🇫🇷

Which Christmas market is better Strasbourg or Colmar?

Colmar or Strasbourg Christmas Market: Which should you visit? If you have limited time and are trying to decide between the Colmar or Strasbourg market, I'd recommend Colmar. In my opinion, it was much more magical and charming. It is so picturesque with all the cute buildings and intimate Christmas Markets.

What rime do the Christmas markets in Strasbourg open and close?

Dates and times in 2025

Opening dates: the Strasbourg Christmas Market takes place from November 26 at 2pm to December 24, 2025 at 6pm . Opening hours: daily from 11:30am to 9pm (6pm on December 24th).

How crowded is Strasbourg at Christmas?

It Gets Very Crowded

Strasbourg at Christmas is beautiful, but it is no secret. On weekends in December, the narrow streets around the markets can feel like you are moving with the tide.

Do you need cash for Strasbourg Christmas market?

If you're wondering if you should bring cash or card to the Christmas markets, the answer is yes - both! Some vendors take cards, but you'll almost always need cash for smaller purchases (less than $20).

How long do you need in Strasbourg at Christmas?

Most visitors spend 2–3 days in Strasbourg to fully experience the markets, explore the decorated city center, and take a day trip to a nearby town like Colmar or Obernai. A full day is enough to see the highlights if you're short on time.

What shops are allowed to open on Christmas Day?

Shops are responsible for determining if they meet the criteria to trade. Businesses permitted to trade include dairies, petrol stations, pharmacies, restaurants or cafes, hairdressers, and barbers. Farmers and crafts markets also fall into this category, provided they meet certain conditions.

Will any shops be open on Christmas Day?

No, almost all major shops and supermarkets in the UK are closed on Christmas Day due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004, which mandates closures for large retailers, but smaller convenience stores, petrol station shops, and some pharmacies (like CVS in the US) may have limited hours or stay open, so checking locally is key. 

What should I do on Christmas Day?

Just choose your favorite from those below or use them to inspire an idea all your own.

• Take a Holiday Card Photo. ...
• Visit A Christmas Tree Farm. ...
• Decorate a Gingerbread House. ...
• Bake Unique Christmas Cookies. ...
• Plan a Family Photoshoot. ...
• Host a Holiday Game Night. ...
• Host a Christmas Craft Party. ...
• Write Letters to Santa.

What is the traditional food of Strasbourg?

You can hardly go to Strasbourg without enjoying some traditional choucroute, an iconic dish. A few restaurants in Strasbourg have built up a great reputation for themselves with this speciality. The tarte flambée, served all-you-can-eat, is another local speciality you'll want to try.

How to spend a day in Strasbourg in December?

1. Petite France. Most pictures you'll see of Strasbourg (that are not the Christmas market) will come from this area of the town. ...
2. Barrage Vauban. The view on top of Barrage Vauban. ...
3. Place Kléber. ...
4. Neustadt. ...
5. Saint Thomas Church. ...
6. European Parliament.

Does it snow in Strasbourg during Christmas?

Does it snow in Strasbourg during December? Possibly. There's a chance of snow during December but not as much as you might think. Check the local forecast before you leave home so that you can pack appropriate footwear and clothing.

What is the best thing to buy in Strasbourg France?

The best specialties to bring back from Strasbourg include Alsatian pottery, embroidered table linens, gingerbread (pain d'épices), bredele cookies, regional wines like Riesling or Gewurztraminer, and hand-carved wooden souvenirs. These are typical products found in artisan shops and local markets.

Are German Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?

Are there any particular days when the Christmas market is closed? The Christmas market will be closed on Totensonntag (Sunday, 23 November) and Christmas Day (Thursday, 25 December). How can I get to the Christmas market? There are several Christmas markets in the city centre.

What is the most Christmassy town in France?

Strasbourg – Alsace

Dating back to 1570, the legendary market sweeps across the entire Old Town in a glow of lights and garlands with the majestic Christmas tree on Place Kléber standing as the city's seasonal centerpiece. For many, Strasbourg is more than just a market – it's a holiday pilgrimage.

What is the most beautiful Christmas market in France?

The best French Christmas markets

• Strasbourg – The most iconic, the capital of Christmas. ...
• Colmar – A fairytale setting. ...
• Reims – The most beautiful Christmas market in Northeast France. ...
• Montbéliard – The most luminous. ...
• Lyon – Markets and Lights. ...
• Annecy – Christmas Between Lake and Mountains. ...
• Paris – Elegance and Variety.

Is Colmar or Strasbourg Christmas market better?

If you're traveling with kids, love calm corners, or are prioritizing atmosphere and aesthetics — go for Colmar. If you're into grand holiday spectacles, concerts, large markets, and don't mind the crowds — choose Strasbourg.

Are shops closed on Sunday in Strasbourg?

Only cafe's, some restaurants and souvenir shops are open on Sundays in Strasbourg.

What is the number one Christmas market in the world?

The Best Christmas Markets Around the World

• Bath Christmas Market. November 27 – December 14 | Bath, England. ...
• Old Town Christmas Market. November 15 – December 23 | Innsbruck, Austria. ...
• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. November 28 – December 24 | Nuremberg, Germany. ...
• Christmas Wonderland. ...
• Christkindelsmärik.

Can you do Strasbourg Christmas market in a day?

The 2025 Strasbourg Christmas Market is divided up into eight different markets, and while you can definitely see everything in a day, if you can swing it, stay the night.

How far is Strasbourg Christmas market from train station?

Coming by train. Strasbourg's TGV station is just a 10-minute walk from the city centre and the Christmas markets.