Christmas Markets of Europe | Featuring France & Switzerland

Strasbourg’s reputation as, “Capital of Christmas”, is well-deserved. After all, Christmas markets in Strasbourg were part of the first christmas markets in France, with a lengthy history dating back to the late 12th century. 

Travelers get to enjoy a wide variety of different Christmas markets, from the traditional and historic to the quirkier and more alternative. This means you’ll have plenty of great markets to visit, and all within close walking distance of each other! 

Keep in mind that when in Strasbourg, you’ll also be in close proximity to many other excellent Alsace Christmas markets such as the one found in the town of Colmar, a mere 30 minutes away.  

Although the Christmas markets of Strasbourg are the main reason to visit this beautiful city during the holiday times, praise must also be awarded to the incredible festive décor seen all over the city, from teddy bear-topped facades to specialty displays at department stores. 

There are plenty of great sights to enjoy in Strasbourg, from its epic cathedral (one of the most beautiful in Europe!) to its fairytale Petite France district. 

Basel’s Christmas Market has enchanted millions of visitors since its first edition just over 40 years ago, growing significantly in size ever since.   

Today, Basel’s Christmas Market draws over 900,000 visitors each year, earning its place as one of the country’s top Christmas markets along the way. 

Fun Fact: Basel is a unique city because it’s the only one of its kind in the world that sits at a meeting point of three countries:  Switzerland, France, and Germany .

While visiting Basel Christmas Market is of course the highlight of the festive season in Basel, there are also a lot of other noteworthy events and activities that make a Chrstimas visit there  truly remarkable. 

Try  the Adväntsgass in Glaibasel, which swaps the traditional wooden Christmas market chalets for cute stalls and food trucks. 

Or  ‘fairytale forest’, providing plenty of exciting programming for children, a festive Christmas tram, a Christmas-themed ferry and of course, the literary-musical Advent calendar at Theater Basel. 

Whether we speak about Zurich’s oldest Christmas market in the picturesque Old Town, located in the urban “Weihnachtsdorf” Christmas village on Sechseläutenplatz near Bellevue, or the spot next to the 15-meter (49ft) tall sparkling Christmas tree at the Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Train Station, there is a Christmas market to suit each and every taste. 

A huge choice of gifts and gift ideas enchants visitors to the beautifully decorated market stands. 

During a stroll through the Christmas market, there are plenty of opportunities to warm up with a glass of punch (for the children),  mulled wine (for the adults), or to enjoy a hot bite to eat, such as the traditional raclette or fondue. 

The Christmas markets in  Zurich, as well as in the region around the famed Lake Zurich, are especially inviting and multifaceted, with the result that every visitor is guaranteed to find their own particular favorite. 

Maerlistadt means “fairy-tale town”, the myriad of lights and decorations provide something of a wonderland in what is already a very beautiful old town. 

Each year a different fairy-tale is chosen as the theme.  

The picturesque town of Stein am Rhein sits at the point where Lake Constance meets the Rhine River. Famous for its well-preserved Old Town featuring painted facades and half-timbered houses, Stein am Rhein is a lively and very charming small town that is well-worth a visit at Christmas time. 

Hohenklingen Castle towers over the town, bringing to life the colorful history of this ancient town, which gives the festivities a real sense of tradition with a medieval flair. 

Just an hour from Zurich, it’s a delightful destination for a pre-Christmas pick-me-up.  

Join Art in Voyage in these spectacular holiday destinations, and celebrate Christmas a little differently this year. Christmas Markets of Europe.