Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg

Christmas market held annually in Strasbourg, France

ChristkindelsmärikChristkindelsmärik on the Place BroglieGenreChristmas marketDates24 November–24 DecemberLocationsStrasbourg, FranceCoordinates49°02′13″N 7°56′37″E / 49.03691°N 7.9436°E / 49.03691; 7.9436Years active1570–presentWebsiteNoel-Strasbourg.com Christkindelsmärik (Alsatian dialect meaning "Market of the Christ Child") is a Christmas market held annually in Strasbourg, France, on the Grande Île, near Strasbourg Cathedral and the Place Kléber. It draws in approximately 2 million visitors each year. Hotels can be booked a year in advance and some receive between 15 and 17% of their yearly income thanks to the Christkindelsmärik's visitors. It is considered one of the most famous Christmas markets throughout Europe. It is estimated that the city benefits of a €16 million profit from this 38-day-long tradition. It is mostly famous for its fragrance of mulled wine (French: vin chaud; German: Glühwein).

[edit] Depiction of the market on the Place Kléber in 1859 by Émile Schweitzer [fr] 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. In many parts of south Germany and Austria christmas markets (German: Weihnachtsmärkte) are also called Christkind(e)l(s)markt (the spelling depends on the local dialect). The market takes place annually, from 29 November to 31 December. It mainly takes place on the Place Kléber, the Place Broglie, the Place du Marché aux cochons de lait and around the cathedral.

Shooting attack[edit] Main article: 2018 Strasbourg attack On 11 December 2018, a shooting and stabbing attack occurred at the Christmas market, killing five and injuring several. The attacker, Cherif Chekatt, was injured during a shootout with French soldiers during Opération Sentinelle near the scene and shot dead by police in Strasbourg on 13 December. The incident was classified as terrorism by authorities, who identified the shooter as a known extremist who had been tagged with a fiche "S" (S file or security file), the highest warning level for French state security.

Planned bomb attack[edit] Main article: Strasbourg Cathedral bombing plot There was an Al-Qaeda plan to bomb the Christmas market at the foot of the cathedral during the Christmas celebrations of 2000. This was discovered and foiled by authorities in December 2000.

[edit] The 30 m (98 ft) 2014 Great Christmas Tree The Christkindelsmärik's Christmas tree, on the Place Kléber, is traditionally of imposing height. Topping at 32.5 m (107 ft), the 2010 tree dwarfed much of its surroundings. The trees of the following years were only slightly less conspicuous: 30 m (98 ft) in 2011, 2015, and in 2018; 31 m (102 ft) in 2013, etc. At 35 m (115 ft), the 2019 tree surpassed even its 2010 counterpart.

The market’s location on the Grande Île, with the towering Strasbourg Cathedral looming over the stalls, creates a visual backdrop that instantly feels sacred. The architecture, cobbled streets and the scent of mulled wine weave together a sensory tapestry that many visitors associate with the ideal of a “Christmas spirit”. Because the market stretches from the cathedral square to Place Kléber, you’re constantly moving between historic façades and bustling vendor rows, which makes the experience feel both reverent and festive. This unique blend of religious ambience and secular merriment is why the Christkindelsmärik is often described as the heart of European Christmas markets, and why travellers plan their whole itinerary around it.

If you’re eyeing a spot at the Christkindelsmärik, aim for a weekday morning in early December; the crowds are thinner and the stalls are fully stocked. Arrive before 10 am to snag the best pastries – the pretzel‑shaped pain d’épices and Alsatian gingerbread are freshly baked and often sold out by midday. For drinks, order a hot vin chaud with a splash of brandy – the extra kick helps cut the chill of the riverbank. Remember that many vendors accept only cash, so keep a modest amount of euros on hand. Finally, book accommodation at least six months ahead – the city’s hotels routinely fill up months before the market even opens.

Most people focus on the twinkling lights and the aroma of spiced wine, but the Christkindelsmärik is a financial engine for Strasbourg. Small boutique hotels report that up to a fifth of their annual turnover comes from market visitors, meaning the festivities sustain local jobs far beyond the stalls themselves. Even smaller artisanal shops, such as those selling hand‑carved wooden ornaments or regional cheeses, see a surge in sales that can make or break a season. Understanding this economic backdrop adds a layer of appreciation – each purchase supports a network of families and craftsmen who rely on the market’s 38‑day run to keep their traditions alive.