What is the Christmas Capital of the world in France?
Strasbourg, located in the Alsace region of France, is widely renowned as the "Capital of Christmas" (Capitale de Noël). It boasts one of Europe's oldest and largest Christmas markets, the Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570. The city features over 300 stalls, a 30-meter-tall tree, and magical lighting throughout the old town.
"Strasbourg, capital of Christmas" is exceptionally renowned. Every year, close to two million visitors flock to the Alsatian capital to experience its enchanting market. For over a month, Strasbourg is imbued with a festive, spiritual ambiance with few parallels anywhere else in Europe.
What country is the Christmas Capital of the world?
This city in France is known as the Christmas Capital of the World 🎅🏼 If there's one place you need to travel to for Christmas, it is Strasbourg, France 🇫🇷 Strasbourg is only 2 hours by train from Paris and you have to add it to your travel bucket list 🙌🏼 Here are the best Christmas spots around Strasbourg ⬇️
From around the magnificent Cathedral to the city's most beautiful squares, Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas, invites you to share in the most marvellous of all the holidays.
Explore the charming city of Strasbourg, France. In the heart of the Alsace region lies a charming city that offers a bit of both French and German culture.
Does Strasbourg Really Deserve the Title 'Capital of Christmas'?
Does Strasbourg feel more French or German?
Today, both French and German can live and work in Strasbourg. So too can its cultural richness be enjoyed by all. It belongs both to the French and to the Germans. It's a city in many ways French, in some ways German, and in every way European.
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.
Strasbourg France, often hailed as the “Capital of Christmas,” hosts some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe. The Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is the oldest and most famous, dating back to 1570.
Nicer is subjective — but Colmar definitely feels more relaxed and visually charming. It's easier to explore without a map, more walkable, and offers better photography opportunities during the day. Strasbourg is dazzling at night, but also more intense.
Solvang has been named the #1 Best Christmas Town in the U.S. in the 2025 TZR (The Zoe Report) Jet-Set Readers' Choice Awards, earning the top spot among festive destinations nationwide. Solvang has been named the #1 Best Christmas To...
Countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macau), the Comoros, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, the Maldives, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, the Sahrawi Republic, ...
If we compare it to the rest of Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in Europe for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Cinque Terre and Bilbao.
How is Christmas in France different from in the UK?
Père Noël brings French children their Christmas presents during the night and kids typically open their presents from him on Christmas Day morning the same as in the UK. One significant difference is children leave out their shoes by the fireplace not stockings as we are so familiar with in the UK.
1. Berlin, Germany. It's official – Berlin takes first prize as the most festive city to celebrate the holidays in Europe. This city is no stranger to Christmas markets, with the city's first Christmas market dating back to 1530.
You'll see destinations like Vienna, Strasbourg, Hallstatt, Tallinn, and Gdańsk — each with its own way of celebrating the holidays. Whether you love Christmas markets, peaceful old towns, or just that winter atmosphere, these are the towns you'll want to add to your 2025 travel list.
If holiday lights, music, and festive food define the spirit of a market, then the very best Christmas Markets in France are in Alsace. Strasbourg, Colmar, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Ribeauvillé transform into a Christmas wonderland each December.
⬇️ This city in France is known as the Christmas Capital of the World 🎅🏼 If there's one place you need to travel to for Christmas, it is Strasbourg, France 🇫🇷 Strasbourg is only 2 hours by train from Paris and you have to add it to your travel bucket list 🙌🏼 Here are the best Christmas spots around Strasbourg ⬇️ 🎅🏼 ...
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.
