Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city’s cathedral square taking center stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city’s Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colorful wares, fine food and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Alsatian specialties feature an array of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft, bread-like pretzels) to bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies), and knacks (sausages) to pain d’epices (gingerbread).
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Strasbourg Highlights
Get to know this delightful city steeped in equal parts French and German culture.
Christmas Flavors of Alsace
Embrace the spirit of Christmas at Europe’s oldest market, sampling mulled wine and delicious festive fare.
Alsatian Wine Tasting
Explore the treasures of Alsace, from its Renaissance beauty and distinct culture to its crisp, clean white wines.
Panoramic Strasbourg by Land & Water
Discover Strasbourg’s mix of German and French culture during a scenic drive and canal boat ride.
Medieval Castle of Haut Köenigsbourg at Christmas Time
Explore a historic castle, discovering its Christmas traditions and walking through its storied rooms.
Gengenbach at Christmas
Discover the yuletide traditions of Gengenbach during a stroll through its Old Town and Christmas market.
Videos
Find festive cheer in the Alsatian city of Strasbourg
Follow along as Jean continues her voyage in France, where she sails to the country’s capital of Christmas, Strasbourg. A winter wonderland awaits you within the city’s Christkindelsmärik, which is not only the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570, but also one of the oldest in Europe. Walk with Jean as she explores the many colorful market stalls brimming with Alsatian specialties and unique handcrafted wares.
Admiring Castles & Cathedrals - Heidelberg to Strasbourg
In the picturesque medieval town of Heidelberg, Alastair scales the heights of its majestic castle and meets with students from Germany’s oldest university. He also visits the Heidelberg Thingstätte, an abandoned amphitheater in the woods that was built during the Third Reich. Following the Rhine River to France, he explores Strasbourg, where he discovers the city’s renowned cuisine and admires the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral.