ASK FOR THE PROGRAM – From the “Christkindelsmärik” on Place Broglie to the alternative tree at the OFF market, the 2023 edition runs until December 24. And lots of good surprises!
Lovers of sparkling decor, spicy scents and atmospheres reminiscent of childhood are more in favor of the Strasbourg Christmas market than ever. The event broke all attendance records in 2022, with 2.8 million visitors! As a new edition of this enchanted parenthesis opens on November 24, this success reinforces the Alsatian capital in its quest for greater authenticity and a return to the values of solidarity and sharing.
Also read: Too many people at the Christmas markets in Colmar or Strasbourg? Here are our alternatives
A citizen jury at the helm of the “Christkindelsmärik”
The “Christkindelsmärik” or “market of the child Jesus” in Alsatian. ArcheChristkindeslmärik_LPicarreta
The citizen jury formed by the environmentalist municipality leaves its first mark on this magical meeting organized until December 24. According to his recommendations, the festivities of the famous “Christkindelsmärik” (“market of the child Jesus” in Alsatian) are even more accessible to the little ones (read below). The jury is also banking on a more eco-responsible event, with, for example, the possibility of bringing your own container to collect the delicacies purchased on the market. Finally, visitors owe him the creation of the information team which wanders throughout the site, in addition to the “info” points (Place Kléber and Strasbourg train station).
A more sober market
The tourist event is progressing by learning lessons from previous editions. The energy crisis prompted a 20% reduction in the number of lights installed on the most illuminated roads during the previous edition. An orientation maintained this year. The health measures imposed during the 2021 edition and the Vigipirate plan had imposed more ventilated squares and plots, wider, less stuffy aisles. Catering areas had been set up. These constraints ultimately turned out to be an asset! These developments are therefore being renewed this year without reducing the number of wooden houses. More than 300 will liven up the squares and small squares in the city center.
Read also “Record” attendance in 2022 for the Strasbourg Christmas market, with 2.8 million visitors
…and more united
In these troubled times, the Strasbourg Christmas market places more emphasis than ever on solidarity. In the shade of the “Grand Fir Tree”, the Sharing Village conveys the message of fraternity delivered by the nativity celebrations (Place Kléber). 90 associations invite people to make responsible purchases. Come and taste the solidarity soup concocted by star chefs or sink your teeth into a giant mannele, a traditional brioche in the shape of a man (December 6 at the foot of the Grand Fir Tree). The symbol of the heart chosen by Strasbourg to embody this edition is the mark of this spirit of life, sharing and celebration. Whether made of wood, fabric, ceramic or gingerbread, this pattern also embodies the spirit of Alsace: It was once a protective symbol repelling evil spirits.
Our unmissable 2023 program
Tradition tells that the people of Strasbourg left gifts for the most deprived at the foot of this majestic tree erected in the heart of Place Kléber. Alexi Tauzin – stock.adobe.com
The OFF market
Are you looking to give more meaning to your Christmas shopping? Stop by the OFF market (Grimmeissen square). This alternative market invites you to enjoy the festivities in a different way, around thirty players in the social and solidarity economy. Its exhibitors have taken up residence in an atypical setting made of maritime containers. A nod to the traditional wooden houses of the “historic” market.
The Alsatian museum
Rediscover the spirit of yesteryear, the legends we told during evenings by the fire. This year, the Alsatian museum offers the opportunity to discover Christmas traditions (Sundays November 26, December 10 and 17 at 3 p.m.) or to practice decorating the tree with the family (Saturdays December 2 and 16 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.) . Come and experience a “Wihnàchtsfescht” Christmas party in the Alsatian dialect (Saturday December 9 from 2 p.m.) or learn about the Jewish traditions of Hanukkah in stories and songs (Sunday December 10 at 4:30 p.m.).
The big tree
Tradition tells that the people of Strasbourg placed gifts for the most deprived at the foot of this majestic tree. Standing in the heart of Place Kléber, the Grand Fir Tree is adorned with a thousand lights and is inspired by the fir trees of yesteryear with its garlands of pearls, its candles, its baubles, its characters. Some decorative elements were made by hand, by passionate craftsmen and social and solidarity economy associations. Meet every hour from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. to witness its awakening in light and music.
Read alsoOur five favorite hotels in Strasbourg for the Christmas market
What to do with the children?
The biggest ones also find their account with the Irréducible Small Producers of Alsace, local farmers and artisans. IPPA_AHefti
It is with children that the magic of Christmas works best. Our charming little darlings will be able to set up and decorate chalets to their size in the new space set up in Square Louise Weiss. The houses can be built and dismantled at will! This event extends the efforts already underway to create an Advent Village for the whole family (Louise Weiss and Suzanne Lacore squares), near the Petite France district. The older ones also find their account with the Irréducibles Petits Producteurs d’Alsace, local farmers and artisans who offer their tasty local products (square Louise Weiss).
Practical notebook
The Advent village. VillageAvent2_AHefti
DATES AND TIMES FOR THE STRASBOURG CHRISTMAS MARKET 2023
From November 24, 2023 (opening at 2 p.m.) to December 24, 2023 (closing at 6 p.m.)
Every day, from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
ARRIVING IN STRASBOURG
By train
Strasbourg TGV station is located a 15-minute walk from Place Kléber, the epicenter of the Christmas market. New signage has been put in place to guide visitors.
By plane
Strasbourg-Entzheim International Airport is located 10 km from the city center by motorway. The airport is served up to 4 times per hour by a train shuttle and is connected to Strasbourg train station in 9 minutes.
PARKING, TRAMWAY… HOW TO GET TO THE CHRISTMAS MARKET?
The Big Island where the Christmas market is held is entirely pedestrianized for the duration of the festivities. Tram relay car parks (P+R) offer the possibility of parking your vehicle near a tram station and reaching the city center in a few minutes. The parking price includes a round trip tram ticket for all passengers in the vehicle. All tram lines are served, with the exception of Broglie, Langstross Grand’Rue and Alt Winmärik tram stations which will not be served between 11:30 a.m. and 9 p.m.
More information : cts-strasbourg.eu/fr
2023-11-14 07:09:32
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