If you’re looking for the ultimate Christmas experience, Marché de Nöel à Strasbourg is the place to be! Located in eastern France near the German border, Strasbourg transforms into a holiday wonderland. Picture rows of charming wooden stalls, each one filled with delicious treats, handcrafted treasures, and local artisan delights—it doesn’t get more festive than this.

We’d hummed and hawed about planning a trip early on. The market officially runs from November 27th to December 27th, but trying to find a hotel for late November? Forget it. Everything was either booked solid or wildly overpriced. My dream of wandering through the famous Strasbourg Christmas market came to a screeching halt.

That is, until our new Parisian friends insisted, “You must go! It’s the best market in Europe.” So, we decided—why not make it a day trip? Easy peasy!

Now, a heads-up: booking a last-minute train ticket is not cheap. But in the spirit of holiday magic and a quick two-hour train ride, we figured it was worth it for the experience.

Notre Dame: The Star of the Show

A Feast for the Eyes (and Stomach): Holiday Crafts and Food!

Shimmer and Shine: The Magic of Lights

I think the photos say it all—what a day! It was festive, fun, and honestly, we managed to see and do just about everything. From the twinkling lights and charming wooden stalls to the lively energy that filled the air, we soaked it all in.

Okay, I’ll admit, I didn’t get a chance to try the raclette or those fancy little Christmas cookies (Bredele, as the locals call them). But let’s be real—my waistline is probably breathing a sigh of relief. There’s always next time!