One of the best Christmas markets is closer than it seems. From Barcelona, in 2 hours you can get this Christmas in “The Christmas Capital”, one of the oldest and largest markets in Europe. In fact, it is the oldest market in France with more than 450 years of history.
The Strasbourg Christmas market, also known as “Strasbourg: Capitale de Noël”, takes place this 2025 from November 26 to December 24, 2025, with more than 300 stalls spread across different historic squares and the city center.
The main attractions are distributed throughout the city center. Place Kléber will host the symbol of Christmas in Strasbourg: a giant 30-meter fir tree, the scene of daily light and music shows in the evening.
On Cathedral Square and Place du Château, markets with craft, food and toy stalls are located, while Place Broglie is home to the historic Christkindelsmärik, where traditional mulled wine and typical German shepherd decorations create a Christmas atmosphere that is very characteristic of eastern France.
As an alternative to the traditional stalls, the city also offers the OFF Market, an initiative focused on ecology and responsible shopping, with workshops, concerts and products that promote more conscious consumption.
This 2025 the market will be open its usual hours from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. For those who wish to enjoy the evening magic, on Fridays and Saturdays the closing will be extended until 21:00. On closing day, December 24, the hours will be reduced to 18:00 hours.
From Barcelona, there are daily flights throughout the month of December to Strasbourg with the company Volotea. According to data available on flight comparators, the cheapest round-trip ticket is around 80 euros from Barcelona’s El Prat airport.
Colmar, the most magical getaway this Christmas 2025 from Strasbourg.
Most visitors agree: if you go to Alsace, Colmar is a must-see for being one of the most beautiful villages in the region. And this 2025 is, according to Lonely Planet, the best Christmas market in Europe. The Colmar market opens to the public this 2025 from November 25 to December 29.
Strasbourg and Colmar are linked by regional train with journeys lasting about 30 minutes and dozens of daily departures.
Its streets evoke the essence of a fairytale village. Its compact historic center, with its emblematic colorful houses and the “Petite Venise”, is home to six smaller markets spread over different squares.