What to Do in Strasbourg in the Winter
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Few European cities do winter quite like Strasbourg. Straddling France and Germany, this Alsatian capital feels tailor-made for cold-weather travel, with half-timbered houses, candlelit winstubs, and one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world.
Strasbourg in winter is ever-enchanting and full of seasonal activities, whether you’re visiting during the festive rush of December or the quieter, more local months of January and February.
From snow-dusted canals to cozy wine bars and day trips into storybook villages, here’s how to experience Strasbourg, France in winter like a seasoned traveler.
Why Visit Strasbourg in Winter?
Strasbourg in winter feels like a city made for the season. Even if cold, gray days aren’t usually appealing, you may be surprised by the special kind of magic winter brings to the Alsatian capital.
The city’s storybook beauty truly comes alive at this time of year. Cobblestoned streets wind through La Petite France. Winding canals grow still and glassy. Alsatian architecture feels unmistakably fairytale-like.
Your experience in Strasbourg depends greatly on when you visit. December is lively and festive, animated by the legendary Strasbourg Christmas market. You’ll wander between wooden chalets, discover handcrafted ornaments and crafts, admire twinkling lights and decorated storefronts, as well as sample traditional Alsatian treats at every turn.
Crowds peak in December, but once the holidays pass, Strasbourg starts to slow down. You’ll find that hotel prices drop, museums are much calmer, and the streets are populated more by locals than tourists. As someone who lives here, I can tell that this is when many locals come out of hibernation and begin to enjoy the city again.
Winter is also the perfect season to embrace everything indoors. Strasbourg offers excellent museums, shops, restaurants, and bars.
Visiting Strasbourg in winter also means enjoying all of the Alsatian specialities: choucroute garnie, tarte flambée, and mulled Alsatian wine. Add walkable neighborhoods and easy day trips throughout Alsace, and it’s easy to see why an hivernal trip to the city is so appealing.
Strasbourg Winter Weather
Winter in Strasbourg is cold but very manageable, especially if you dress well. That simply means donning your thickest layers and taking a brisk walk along the Ill River to warm up.
Expect gray skies, shorter days, and temperatures hovering just above or below freezing. Light rain is common, and snow appears occasionally, but more likely in January and February than in December.
When the cold sets in, plenty of cozy shops and cafés offer the perfect excuse to duck inside and linger a little longer.
Strasbourg in December
Although the weather is cold and the air crisp, December is the most popular time to visit Strasbourg. With the Christmas market in full swing, be prepared for large crowds and higher hotel prices. Still, it’s a very merry time to experience Strasbourg, especially for first-time visitors.
The weather in Strasbourg in December typically ranges from 32°F to 45°F (0°C to 7°C).
Does it snow in Strasbourg in December? Even though temperatures come close to freezing, you probably won't see much snow. I’ve spent five winters in Strasbourg now, and I can say that any snowfall is usually light and rarely sticks. What’s more common is cold, damp weather, so warm layers and waterproof boots are well worth packing.
That said, it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you go.
Strasbourg in January
January is typically the coldest month in Strasbourg, with average temperatures between 28°F and 41°F (-2°C to 5°C). Just like in December, light snowfall isn’t unusual, although it’s often no more than a light dusting.
While you won’t experience the bustle of the Christmas markets, the upside is a calmer, quieter city. Streets feel peaceful, restaurants cater more to locals, and you can explore Strasbourg at a more unhurried pace without the crowds or holiday rush.
Strasbourg in February
Strasbourg in February remains cold, but the weather is often drier than in previous months. Don’t be fooled though, a warm coat or jacket is still essential.
It stays lighter for a little longer this month, giving you more chances to explore Strasbourg’s many attractions. With fewer tourists around, February is perfect for touring the city by foot and for taking nearby day trips.
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Spending Christmas in Strasbourg? You’re in for a real treat. The Strasbourg Christmas market is the heart of winter in the city. Founded in 1570, it’s one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe.
From late November through December, hundreds of wooden chalets pop up throughout the city, selling everything from handcrafted ornaments and Alsatian pottery to bredele cookies and gingerbread. Food lovers can take a tasting tour and savor gooey raclette cheese sandwiches, hot roasted chestnuts, and endless cups of vin chaud.
Place Kléber hosts the iconic Christmas tree (the Grand Sapin). Place Broglie becomes one of the most popular spots in the city, now sparkling with its traditional German Christmas pyramid. Smaller markets appear near the cathedral and along the winding streets of La Petite France and Place Louise Weiss.
If you’re visiting Strasbourg in December, this market alone can define your trip. To avoid peak crowds, visit early when the markets open (around 11 a.m.) and try weekdays if possible. Wandering beyond the main squares is also an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of the markets.
For a deeper dive, check out my full guide to the Strasbourg Christmas market.
And if you’ve explored it all (or just need a break from the crowds) there’s plenty more to do in Strasbourg. Below, I’ll share the best things to do in Strasbourg in December and throughout the rest of winter.
Best Things to Do in Strasbourg in Winter
There’s so much more to things to do in Strasbourg in winter than the Christmas markets. The city transforms into a true winter wonderland, with charming parks, quaint Alsatian restaurants, and plenty of local shops waiting to be explored. If you’ve been wondering what to do in Strasbourg in winter, keep reading for the experiences you won’t want to miss.
1. Explore La Petite France
This UNESCO-listed neighborhood is especially beautiful in winter. Colorful half-timbered houses look straight from a fairytale. Cobblestoned streets wind along the canals of the Ill River.
Once the holiday crowds fade and the quarter grows quieter, La Petite France becomes ideal for leisurely strolls along its quaint quays. Bring your camera too, because there are plenty of postcard-perfect viewpoints.
Begin at Place Benjamin Zix, then walk past the canal-side Maison des Tanneurs, one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable landmarks.
From there, continue toward the Pont du Faisan, a small swiveling footbridge that occasionally pauses pedestrians to let boats pass.
Then continue on to the nearby Saint-Martin Bridge for views of the mills and waterways. End your walk at the Covered Bridges and the adjacent Vauban Dam, where a panoramic terrace offers one of the best winter views in the city.
I recommend visiting La Petite France any time of year, but during the winter, it’s especially charming.
2. Visit Strasbourg’s Museums
Those especially dreary days are the ideal time to visit Strasbourg’s museums. Escape the cold while exploring centuries of art, history, and culture? It’s truly one of the best ways to spend winter in Strasbourg.
The city boasts more than a dozen museums, spanning everything from regional traditions to contemporary art and unexpected niche collections.
Check out the Alsatian Museum for a look at regional life and traditions or the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art to admire the works of Monet, Picasso, Kandinsky and more.
For something more unconventional, the Tomi Ungerer Museum celebrates the provocative illustrator’s career, and the Vodou Museum explores spiritual practices from West Africa in a setting unlike any other in France.
Good to know: Strasbourg’s museums are free on the first Sunday of every month.
Here are some of the top exhibitions in Strasbourg this winter 2025-2026:
Nov. 26, 2025-Jan. 6, 2026: The Cathedral's tapestries at Strasbourg Cathedral
Oct. 17, 2025-Feb. 15, 2026: Robert Weaver/Tomi Ungerer. Illustration in action at Tomi Ungerer Museum
Oct. 15, 2025-Mar. 1, 2026: Van Gogh. The immersive experience at Parc des Expositions
Nov. 7, 2025-Apr. 27, 2026: Enlightening the Living. Observing Art and Nature with Vincent Munier at the Strasbourg Fine Arts Museum
June 13, 2205-June 21, 2026: Backtrack. Archaeological discoveries along the A355 at Palais Rohan
Oct. 16, 2025-June 22, 2026: Encounter with the invisible world at Vodou Museum
Sept. 19, 2025-Dec. 31, 2026: BiodiverCity. Urban animals at Strasbourg Zoological Museum
3. Dine at an Alsatian Restaurant
Photo credit: Le Tire-Bouchon
Winter is the perfect season to try Alsatian comfort food. Choucroute garnie, baeckeoffe, and tarte flambée are classic dishes traditionally served in winstubs, the casual, homey taverns you’ll find all over the region.
After living in Strasbourg for six years, I’ve had the chance to eat at countless local spots and get to know many of the people behind them. These are some of the best Alsatian restaurants in Strasbourg to retreat from the cold and enjoy a hearty winter meal:
Binchstub. One of the top spots for tarte flambée in Strasbourg. There’s plenty of debate about the best, but this has long been my personal favorite. Go early, as it fills up quickly.
Mama Bubbele. Another excellent choice for tarte flambée, with gluten-free and vegan options. I often take out-of-towners here because the atmosphere is very cozy and you can make reservations in advance.
Le Tire-Bouchon. A classic winstub near the Strasbourg cathedral. Here you can dine on traditional Alsatian dishes in a very intimate, historic space.
Restaurant Les Chauvins. A more modern take on Alsatian cuisine, with small plates and tapas-style dishes. Perfect if you want to sample a range of Alsace flavors without committing to full-sized portions.
Au Coin des Pucelles. A reliable local favorite for classic bistro dishes and traditional Alsatian fare. Well known and well loved by Strasbourg residents.
Maison Kammerzell. Best known for its iconic fish sauerkraut, served inside one of Strasbourg’s most recognizable historic buildings, just steps from the cathedral. The walls are lined with photos of notable figures who have dined here over the years.
These are just the traditional Alsatian options. Strasbourg also has an excellent dining scene beyond winstubs, from Michelin-starred restaurants to more casual joints.
4. Unwind at a Spa
Photo credit: © Cyrille Weiner
A spa day in Strasbourg is one of the most enjoyable ways to slow down and warm up in winter. After hours of walking cold streets and exploring markets or museums, a few hours spent soaking, steaming, or getting a massage feels especially restorative.
Strasbourg has several excellent options, starting with the Municipal Baths. Housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, the complex has multiple indoor pools, a heated outdoor pool with views of the cathedral, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, fitness facilities, and a full range of spa treatments.
Many hotels also open their spa facilities to non-guests, making it easy to plan a half-day escape without leaving the city. I’ve had great experiences at the spa at the Maison Rouge Hotel, which also happens to be centrally located and set inside one of Strasbourg’s most iconic hotels.
For visitors seeking to seriously destress, consider a day trip to nearby thermal spas in Alsace or across the border in Germany, where large saunas and thermal pools are part of the culture.
Closer to Strasbourg, Yonaguni in Obernai is a favorite among locals that you can get to in 20 minutes by train.
For a truly unique experience, why not soak in a tub filled with hops malt and yeast at Taaka, France's first beer spa.
5. Attend a Winter Concert
Winter is one of my favorite times to experience Strasbourg’s music scene. Maybe it’s because there are so many incredible Christmas concerts or the fact that it brings some sense of joy during the dreary darker days.
Fans of classical music should check the program at the Opéra national du Rhin or concerts by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg, which regularly performs symphonies, chamber music, and seasonal programs throughout winter. You’ll also find larger-scale shows and concerts at the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès.
Strasbourg’s historic churches also host concerts. Venues such as Saint-Guillaume and Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune regularly feature baroque and classical music, organ recitals, choral performances, and, during December, festive holiday programs. There is something truly inspiring about experiencing the music in such beautiful, historic settings.
For something more contemporary, La Laiterie and Zénith de Strasbourg feature touring French and international artists, from indie and electronic acts to major pop concerts.
6. Warm Up at a Café
Photo credit: Café Mokxa
When the frigid winter weather arrives in Strasbourg, there’s nothing better than warming up with a hot drink. Whether you’re more hot chocolate or cappuccino, cozying up inside with your favorite beverage (and maybe a pastry) is the perfect way to beat the cold.
Here are some of the best cafes and coffee shops in Strasbourg to enjoy a winter pick-me-up:
Mokxa. A local specialty coffee house and one of the best in the city. They also serve pastries from one of my favorite pâtisseries, Caouhette.
Chez Tonton Gâteau. A fantastic patisserie and tea salon with refined sweets, brunch, and a great selection of local coffee and tea.
Ôjourd'hui. Another cozy spot to enjoy exceptional pastries and a hot drink.
Au Fond du Jardin. A lovely tea house not far from the Cathedral. The perfect spot for afternoon tea with their famous madeleines.
Coffee Stub. Known for brunch, but equally excellent for afternoon coffee and pastries. I go there often for their pumpkin spice latte and Hojicha matcha latte. If you’re near Poincaré, check out their “sister” café, Petit Stub.
Be sure to brush up on how to order coffee in France before you go.
7. Dress Up at the Strasbourg Carnival
Every March, the Strasbourg Carnival draws thousands of spectators and participants to the streets of the city center. The highlight is a large parade filled with colorful floats, elaborate costumes, music, and showers of confetti.
The celebration attracts carnival-goers from across France as well as neighboring Germany and Switzerland. Beyond the main parade, events often include musical and acrobatic performances, a children’s carnival, costume contests, and the ceremonial arrival of the Prince of Carnival.
While Nice hosts France’s most famous carnival, Strasbourg’s version is influenced more by Alsatian history and the long-standing traditions of Rhineland carnivals.
If you’re visiting in late winter or early spring, it’s well worth planning your trip around this colorful tradition. It’s one of the city’s liveliest seasonal events outside of the Christmas markets.
8. Drink Wine at the Independent Winemakers’ Fair
Wine lovers (and even French wine novices) visiting Strasbourg in winter should try to plan their trip around the Independent Winemakers’ Trade Fair (Salon des Vignerons Indépendants). This nationally renowned event tours major cities across France and brings together passionate, small-scale producers eager to share their best work directly with the public.
In 2026, the fair stops in Strasbourg from February 13 to February 16 at the Parc des Expositions. During the event, more than 550 independent winemakers from all over France present their vintages, offering visitors the chance to taste, learn, and buy directly from the source.
Entry includes a complimentary tasting glass and allows you to sample wines at your own pace while chatting with the vignerons themselves.
9. Climb the Strasbourg Cathedral
No visit to Strasbourg in winter is complete without experiencing the city from above. The Strasbourg Cathedral is one of Europe’s most stunning Gothic landmarks, and climbing its tower offers a truly unforgettable view.
From the top, you’ll see the city’s steep pitched rooftops, winding canals, and, on a clear winter day, the surrounding Alsatian countryside dusted with snow. Sometimes the Vosges Mountains are even in view. It’s especially magical during the early morning or late afternoon with soft winter light perfect for photos.
Just be prepared for a workout! There’s no elevator, and the climb is 330 stairs to the top. Even if you’re fairly fit, it’s a good cardio session.
Once you descend, pop inside the cathedral to admire its incredible interior. Be sure to see the astronomical clock, the third clock built on this spot, dating from 1843. Every day at 12:30 p.m., it performs a brief show with moving figures, including the apostles parading before Christ. Arrive a little early (especially in December) as the viewing area can fill up quickly.
10. Indulge in Raclette and Fondue
Photo credit: La Cloche à Fromage
After sampling the hearty Alsatian cuisine, you may have decided to ditch the diet. If that’s the case, head to La Cloche à Fromage for the best fondue and raclette in Strasbourg. Cheese lovers, prepare to be in heaven.
For 36 euros, you can enjoy unlimited raclette, scraped straight from the wheel. Having tried fondue and raclette across the French Alps, I honestly prefer La Cloche à Fromage above all. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff are always very friendly too.
The restaurant fills up quickly in winter, so be sure to make reservations in advance.
If you fall in love with the cheese (and you likely will), La Cloche à Fromage also has several fromageries in Strasbourg, including one just across the street from the restaurant. I always stop by before my Christmas trip to the U.S. to pick up raclette for a holiday raclette party with family. They even vacuum-seal it if you ask. And it’s not just raclette, you can find a wide range of artisanal cheeses. I’d highly recommend stopping by if you’re looking for a French souvenir to bring home.
11. Enjoy Strasbourg’s Botanical Garden
Strasbourg may be known for its historic streets and canals, but it also has beautiful green spaces, some of which are especially appealing in winter.
The University Botanical Garden, located in the heart of the city, is a must-visit during the colder months. Home to 6,000 plant species, it features a two-story tropical greenhouse filled with exotic plants and various palm trees. Warm and humid inside, it’s the perfect place to take shelter when the outdoor parks are less enticing.
Situated in Strasbourg’s Imperial Quarter, the Parc de l’Orangerie is another favorite among locals. This 17th-century park is home to a boating lake, water birds, and a terrace restaurant. While the flower beds are dormant in winter, the bowling alley recently reopened in December 2025. A good reason to stroll the grounds this time of year.
12. Celebrate Love in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is undeniably one of France’s most romantic cities. With its picturesque canals, charming bridges, cobblestone alleyways, and historic half-timbered houses, it’s a perfect backdrop for an amorous winter escape.
From February 6th to 15th, 2026, the city celebrates love with Strasbourg mon amour. This ten-day festival features festive evenings, gastronomic experiences, unique city tours, exclusive concerts, shows, cultural exhibitions, and more. You can find the entire program on their website.
Whether you’re visiting as a couple, with friends, alone, or with family, everyone is invited to join in the celebration of love in Strasbourg this February.
13. Shop the Winter Sales
If you’re in Strasbourg after the holidays, you’re in luck. Throughout January until early February, the winter sales (les soldes d'hiver) take place across France, with major discounts on everything from designer clothing and accessories to home goods and beauty products.
This is one of my favorite times to shop French fashion brands like Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot.
To make the most of the winter sales season in Strasbourg, head to the Galeries Lafayette department store to find everything under one roof. You can also check out my Strasbourg shopping guide for tips on the best boutiques and stores in the city.
With discounts often reaching up to 70% off by the end of the sale period, there’s no better time to treat yourself to a little retail therapy. And don’t forget to claim your VAT refund to save even more.
14. Savor Seasonal Sweets
Winter in Strasbourg means savoring some seasonal treats. Cold days provide the perfect excuse to step into a pâtisserie and order something indulgent.
During December, bakeries fill with bredele, traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies with flavors like cinnamon, anise, almond, and citrus. And if you’re visiting Strasbourg outside the holiday season, there’s no need to miss out—Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie sells these festive treats year-round.
You’ll also find pain d’épices, a spiced honey gingerbread that’s closely associated with the region and makes one of the best Strasbourg souvenirs to take home. I recommend you stop by Mireille Oster for a tasty selection of homemade gingerbread.
Another winter staple in Strasbourg is kougelhopf, the region’s signature brioche-style cake, often studded with raisins and almonds. For a small taste, stop by Maison du Kougelhopf and order one of their mini versions with a coffee. I always order the less traditional, but ever delicious, chocolate chip kougelhopf.
Beyond Alsatian specialties, you can enjoy other winter classics: thick European-style hot chocolate, crêpes filled with chestnut cream, and hot roasted chestnuts sold by street vendors. French favorites like éclairs and macarons are also easy to find year-round in Strasbourg.
In January, bakeries begin selling galette des rois, or king cake, a buttery pastry filled with almond frangipane and traditionally shared for Epiphany. These cakes can be quite expensive, but many patisseries make smaller versions of the traditional treat that serve 2 to 4 people. Grab a bottle of crémant or cider to drink with it.
15. Cruise Along the Ill River
A cruise along Strasbourg’s Ill River is delightful year-round, but in winter it offers a particularly unique perspective of the city.
From the boat, you’ll pass Palais Rohan, La Petite France, the Vauban Dam, and other historic landmarks that line the canals of the Grande Île. All without braving the cold for hours on foot. In December, many buildings are beautifully illuminated with Christmas lights too.
And no need to fret about the weather. Most boats are heated and covered, so you’ll stay warm the entire tour.
Batorama is Strasbourg’s main river cruise operator. They offer several routes, with tours typically lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour 10 minutes. Onboard commentary is available in 12 languages.
I highly recommend the “Red Tour”, which extends beyond the historic center. In addition to circling the Grande Île, it continues toward the European Parliament, passing through the imperial district of Neustadt. It’s absolutely incredible to see.
During the Christmas season, from late November through early January, Batorama also offers a special holiday audio experience for children, complete with a festive storyline and a surprise at the end of the ride.
Even though boat tours are very touristy, they’re something I always recommend to my friends and family visiting Strasbourg. Even as a local, I learn something new every time.
Keep in mind that booking a cruise in Strasbourg is usually easy in winter, except during the Christmas markets. If you’re visiting Strasbourg in December, I’d seriously suggest reserving in advance.
And if you happen to be in Strasbourg to ring in the New Year, Batorama also runs a New Year’s Eve cruise on December 31 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. A memorable way to welcome the year ahead.
16. Take a Day Trip
Winter is the perfect time to explore beyond Strasbourg, and the surrounding region is full of charming towns that feel straight out of a storybook.
Colmar is by far the most popular day trip from Strasbourg. A 30-minute train ride away, it’s equally magical in winter, with its canals, pastel-colored houses, and its own festive Christmas markets.
Riquewihr, named one of the most beautiful villages in France, is famous for its medieval charm and Rieseling wine. Smaller villages like Kaysersberg and Eguisheim are just as enchanting, with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and cozy cafés perfect for warming up. Their Christmas markets are smaller than Strasbourg’s but still worth visiting for a quieter experience.
For a taste of history and dramatic views, I would also suggest a visit to the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. High up in the Vosges Mountains, this medieval fortress offers some of the best panoramas of Alsace. Fun fact: many scenes from the classic French film La Grande Illusion were filmed here.
There are also options across the border in Germany. Baden-Baden is a short trip away and perfect for a winter getaway, especially if you want to unwind in its famous thermal baths.
Freiburg (about 1 hour 10 minutes by train) is another great option with a historic cathedral, “Bächle” (small water channels) that runs through the city, and its own lively Christmas market.
Are you visiting Strasbourg this winter? What winter activities are on your Strasbourg itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.
