Strasbourg Christmas Market — LGBTQ+ Friendly Visit

Let's be clear about what this is: Strasbourg's Christmas market is a mainstream holiday event, not a queer one. We list it because it is one of the easiest winter trips in Europe for LGBTQ+ travellers. France is legally and socially relaxed, Strasbourg is a liberal university and EU-institution city, and nobody blinks at two men sharing a mulled wine. The Christkindelsmärik claims roots going back to 1570, which makes it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, and the city brands itself the Capitale de Noël.

It isn't one market but a cluster of them spread across the old town island. The historic Christkindelsmärik sits on Place Broglie; others ring the cathedral and Place du Château, fill Place Kléber under the giant tree, line the canals in La Petite France, and gather Alsatian producers on Square Louise Weiss. There is also a marché OFF on Place Grimmeissen with a more ethical, alternative bent. Entry is free everywhere. You pay for vin chaud, bredele biscuits, tarte flambée and whatever ornaments you can't resist.