What is the oldest and largest Christmas market in France?

The Christmas market in Strasbourg is the oldest market in France, dating back to 1570 so it's no surprise that the city considers itself the 'Capital of Christmas'.

What is the largest Christmas market in France?

Two of the biggest French Christmas markets are in Colmar and Strasbourg, which you may visit on one of our Alsace tours.

What is the best French Christmas market?

1. Strasbourg's Christmas Market. Strasbourg's Christmas market is actually the oldest Christmas market in France. Created in 1570, it is the French Christmas market with the highest number of visitors per year attracting more than 2 million curious people to discover the 300 or so stalls.

Where is the oldest Christmas market?

Dresden Christmas Market, also known as Dresdner Striezelmarkt, is said to be the oldest Christmas market in the world. Dresden Market dates back to 1434, when Prussian king Frederick II, and his brother, the Duke of Sigismund, agreed to host an outdoor Christmas market on Christmas Eve.

What is the largest Christmas market?

Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, Vienna, Austria

The world's largest Christmas market, this Austrian icon is held annually near the Rathaus, Vienna's historic city hall. Picture 100 booths nudging an ice skating rink, and a neighbouring park decorated with an elaborate festive lights display.

The Oldest and the Largest Christmas Market in France

What is the oldest Christmas market in Europe?

Strasbourg, France

Welcome to the birthplace of the oldest Christmas market in Europe, which was called the “Christkindelsmärik”, or market of the infant Jesus, back in 1570. Strasbourg is known as the “Capital of Christmas” and is one of the largest markets, boasting more than 300 chalet stalls.

What was the first Christmas market?

Some notable mentions of these winter markets are those in Munich in 1310, Bautzen in 1384, and Frankfurt in 1393. However, it was Dresden's Striezelmarkt, first held in 1434, which is widely considered to be the first genuine Christmas Market.

How old is Strasbourg Christmas market?

Treat yourself to a magical break in Strasbourg. Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg's Christmas market is the oldest one in France and one of the oldest in Europe. During the Christmas market, the ambiance in Strasbourg is truly unique.

Where is the best Christmas market in Europe?

What 3 countries have Christmas markets?

Christmas in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium

We then move on to sample the Christmas Market in Valkenburg, situated in this enchanting Dutch town's ancient network of tunnels and caves and considered as the largest and oldest underground Christmas Market in Europe.

What is the most beautiful Christmas village in France?

The small town of Colmar is one of the most exquisite in France with its historic center filled with medieval half-timbered houses and small winding canals. During Christmas, the streets of Colmar are impeccably decorated. It's impossible not to be amazed and get swept up into the magic of the season.

Where in France was the first established Christmas market?

The festive stalls sell handmade gifts, food and mulled wine (vin chaud) for all to enjoy. It was in Strasbourg in 1570 that the very first edition of the oldest Christmas market in Europe took place, then called the “Christkindelsmärik” (market of the Infant Jesus).

Why is Strasbourg Christmas market famous?

Strasbourg has been holding Christkindelsmärik around its cathedral since 1570, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. The name "Christkindelsmärik" is of Alsatian origin, a low Alemannic German dialect which was the mainly spoken language in the Alsace until the 20th century.

What is the Capital of Christmas in France?

“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.

Where is the Christmas Village in France?

At Christmastime, Alsace-Lorraine is where it's at, and it's capital city Strasbourg is the region's—and Europe's—top destination de Noël. Its half-timbered buildings, giant Christmas tree (at Place Kléber) and 300 glittering Christmas chalets make an eye-catching setting for a citywide Marché de Noël.

What is the most famous Christmas market in Paris?

La Magie de Noël

Arguably Paris' biggest and most visited Christmas market, it offers a one-two punch of carnival rides and your usual market offerings.

What is the most romantic Christmas market in Europe?

Braunschweig - Germany

With its 500-year tradition, the Braunschweig Christmas Market is amongst the Most Romantic Christmas Markets in Europe. Each year, it attracts several hundred thousand visitors.

Where are the best Christmas markets in France?

Known in France as Marché de Noel, the big three Christmas markets in France can be found in Paris, Lille and Strasbourg. There are lots of smaller Christmas markets across the country.

What is the most famous Christmas market in Europe?

Are there Christmas markets in Strasbourg vs Colmar?

With 180 chalets concentrated in the old town, the Colmar Christmas Market has a cozier feel than bustling Strasbourg. It felt less crowded as well. The offerings are similar, with high-quality Alsatian products taking center stage. One notable difference is the Colmar Gourmet Market.

Is Strasbourg Christmas market worth it?

As the oldest running Christmas market in Strasbourg, it deserves to take the No. 1 spot. The first Christkindelsmärik took place on Place Broglie in 1871, and it's grown from there. You can't miss it with its big illuminated sign at the entrance, it's definitely worth a visit.

How long is the Christmas market in Colmar?

From 23rd November to 29th December 2023

Nestling in town squares with their own special architectural features, these islands of togetherness are like the city itself: intimate and authentic. Each market is a mini-village, highlighting passionate and enthusiastic craftsmen.

Where is the most famous Christmas market?

The main Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany – Christkindlesmarkt – is one of the oldest and best-known markets globally. It's known for its array of handcrafted goods for sale and for its fantastic German Bratwurst, gingerbread, and other traditional treats.

When was the first Strasbourg Christmas market?

Apparently, Strasbourg first held a Christmas market back around the 12th century. But the market that we know today started around 1570, just about the time that Alsace (the region in which Strasbourg is located) changed from one branch of Christianity (Catholicism) to another (Protestantism).

Where is the best Christmas market?