8Strasbourg, France

Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is home to the oldest Christmas market in Europe, dating back to 1570. The city’s Christkindelsmärik is located in its UNESCO-listed historic center, with over 300 wooden chalets selling festive goods and Alsatian specialties. The stunning Strasbourg Cathedral provides a dramatic backdrop, while the entire city is illuminated with holiday lights. The market offers traditional foods like Flammkuchen and bredele cookies, while the scent of cinnamon and cloves fills the air, making Strasbourg a top destination for an authentic European Christmas experience.

Highlights:

  • Oldest Christmas market in Europe
  • Alsatian food and traditional crafts
  • Strasbourg Cathedral as a backdrop