Christmas wishes for in-laws USA families love to send at the holidays carry warmth, gratitude, and a little American cheer. Whether you are writing to your mother-in-law in Texas, your father-in-law in Ohio, or your brother-in-law and sister-in-law across the country, the right words can make the family dinner feel even closer. This list brings together heartfelt, funny, and short messages made for American homes, snowy mornings, and long drives home for Christmas. In-laws become family in the truest sense at Christmas. They welcome you to the table, share treasured recipes, cheer for the same football team, and help trim the tree. A thoughtful wish thanks them for that welcome and tells them how much their love means through the year. Use these 45 wishes in a card, a text, a holiday letter, or a toast at the table. Pick one that fits your family, add a personal line about a shared memory, and send it early so it arrives before the turkey is carved and the eggnog is poured. Last up...
The 15 best things to do at Christmas in Strasbourg begin in the Capitale de Noel, the Capital of Christmas, home to France's oldest Christmas market, the Christkindelsmarik, founded in 1570. Every December, over 300 wooden chalets fill a dozen squares and the half-timbered old town glows under millions of lights.
This guide covers the essentials: the great tree at Place Kleber, the cathedral markets, Alsatian food like bredele and vin chaud, evening concerts, and day trips along the Alsace Wine Route. Markets run from late November through December 24, 2026; the Advent Village traditionally stays open into early January.
Last updated: September 22, 2026
Jump to:
- Explore the Christmas Markets
- See the Lights and Great Sights
- Taste, Celebrate and Venture Out
- For Families, Couples and Food Lovers
- FAQ: Visiting Strasbourg at Christmas
- More Christmas Inspiration
Explore the Christmas Markets
Strasbourg's marches de Noel spread across the Grande Ile.
1. Walk the Christkindelsmarik at Place Broglie
The original Strasbourg market, held here since 1570. Browse 100 chalets of hand-carved ornaments and Alsatian pottery, then warm up with vin chaud under the German Christmas pyramid.
2. Browse the Market Beneath Strasbourg Cathedral
One of the city's largest markets unfolds beneath the 142-meter Gothic spire. Come after dark when the facade is floodlit, and hunt down the collectible Strasbourg mug.
3. See the Grand Sapin at Place Kleber
Strasbourg's great tree towers over 30 meters over Place Kleber, strung with seven kilometers of lights. Go in the evening for the sound-and-light show, then browse the chalets for gingerbread and vin chaud.
4. Stroll the Magi Market in Petite France
The market at Place Benjamin-Zix sits along the canals of Petite France and specializes in handmade Alsatian crafts.
5. Feast at the Marche du Carre d'Or
Food headlines at the gourmet market around the Palais Rohan terrace: choucroute, baeckeoffe (meat and potato stew in white wine), tarte flambee, and a bag of bredele Christmas cookies.
See the Lights and Great Sights
Beyond the markets, the city itself is the attraction.
6. Climb the Cathedrale Notre-Dame Platform
Climb the cathedral's 332 steps to the 66-meter platform for a panorama over the market rooftops, then descend as the lights come on.
7. Walk the Illumination Trail Through the Old Town
Each December the city hangs elaborate light displays unique to every street, and shop windows join in. The Grand Rue and the bridges of Petite France glow brightest.
8. Wander Half-Timbered Petite France
Canals, covered bridges, and 16th-century half-timbered houses hung with garlands make Petite France worth the trip alone. Pause at the Barrage Vauban for the classic view.
9. Attend a Christmas Concert
Look for choir performances and organ recitals in the cathedral and Saint-Thomas, or open-air caroling in the squares. Few winter evenings match a candlelit Douce Nuit.
10. Ride a Bateau on the Ill River
The covered sightseeing boats offer a warm way to see the illuminated landmarks. An evening cruise, with bridges lit for Christmas, is a trip highlight.
Taste, Celebrate and Venture Out
For food, traditions, and excursions beyond the city center.
11. Taste Alsatian Christmas Specialties
Manele (brioche shaped like little men), kougelhopf cake, bretzels, and spiced vin chaud blanc made with local Riesling, a specialty you will not find in Germany.
12. Visit the Advent Village at Square Louise-Weiss
The Village de l'Avent is the family headquarters of Christmas Strasbourg, with workshops and a daily advent calendar opening. It typically stays open into early January.
13. Day Trip to Colmar and the Alsace Wine Villages
Trains reach Colmar in 30 minutes, where five Christmas markets fill the old town. Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg each host storybook markets; a day lets you see two or three by train and bus.
14. Shop the OFF Market and Local Gems
For something different, head to the OFF Market at Place Grimmeissen for sustainable gifts, or the Cour Saint-Nicolas courtyard for small-batch local artists.
15. Skate, Ride and Sip Across the City
Glide around the open-air ice rink, hop on a vintage carousel, and close the night with vin chaud under the Grand Sapin. Buy the collectible Strasbourg mug early to refill all week.
Best for Families, Couples and Food Lovers
For Families
Base your days around the Advent Village, the carousels at Place du Chateau, and the light show at Place Kleber. Weekday mornings are calmest for strollers.
For Couples
Petite France at dusk, dinner at the gourmet market, and a late walk beneath the cathedral lights. Stay on the Grande Ile so everything glows nearby.
For Food Lovers
Tarte flambee, baeckeoffe, kougelhopf, bredele by the bag, and both red and white vin chaud: share plates and save the gourmet market for lunch.
FAQ: Visiting Strasbourg at Christmas
When are the Strasbourg Christmas markets open in 2026?
Expected from late November through December 24, 2026, open daily around 11:30 am to 9:00 pm. The Advent Village usually stays open into early January.
How many days do you need in Strasbourg at Christmas?
Two to three days: the markets by day and lit at night, the cathedral platform, Petite France, and a day trip to Colmar.
What is the best market in Strasbourg?
Place de la Cathedrale for atmosphere, Christkindelsmarik for tradition, the gourmet market for food, the Advent Village for families.
What food should you try at Strasbourg's Christmas markets?
Vin chaud (try the white version), tarte flambee, bredele, manele, kougelhopf, plus choucroute or baeckeoffe. Portions are generous, so share and sample widely.
How do you get to Strasbourg?
TGV trains reach Paris in under two hours and connect to Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. The station is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the markets.
Is Strasbourg crowded at Christmas?
Yes, especially weekends and evenings. Visit weekday mornings, return after dark for the lights, and book hotels months ahead. Dress warmly.
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