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Christmas markets school trips to Strasbourg

£229 to £500

A typical school Christmas Market trip cost is £229 to £500 per person, depending on time of travel, transport, accommodation and inclusions.

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Dubbed the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg offers a truly magical setting for a festive school trip abroad. Home to one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in all of Europe, the city’s cobbled streets, timber-framed houses and glittering lights create a storybook setting that’s perfect for getting students into the festive spirit. As they wander between more than 300 traditional wooden chalets, your group will find everything from handmade decorations and regional delicacies to hot spiced juice and fresh pretzels. With its blend of French and German influences, Strasbourg is also a brilliant choice for a cross-cultural experience, ideal for broadening horizons beyond the classroom while rewarding students with something special at the end of term.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES


Day 1
  • Depart school and travel to Strasbourg
  • Check in to accommodation
  • Christmas markets
  • Evening meal at your accommodation
Strasbourg

Day 2
  • Chocolate museum
  • Christmas markets
  • Evening meal at accommodation
Filiz Elaerts Ndiyehmahsy Unsplash

Day 3
  • Depart Strasbourg
  • Return to UK
Strasbourg Christmas Market

Modern Foreign Languages (French)

A Christmas market school trip to Strasbourg provides students with authentic opportunities to practise their French in real-world situations. Students can communicate with market vendors, read signs and menus, order food and develop confidence using language beyond the classroom.

Key learning opportunities include:

  • Developing speaking and listening skills through everyday interactions.
  • Building vocabulary linked to shopping, food, travel and cultural traditions.
  • Understanding regional French culture and customs.
  • Improving confidence in conversational French.
  • Experiencing language immersion in a safe and supportive environment.

Geography

Strasbourg is located in the Alsace region close to the German border, making it an excellent destination for exploring European geography and cultural landscapes.

Students can:

  • Investigate the physical and human geography of north-eastern France.
  • Examine the influence of cross-border cultures within Europe.
  • Explore urban development and tourism in a historic city.
  • Study sustainable transport systems and pedestrianised city centres.
  • Understand the economic impact of seasonal tourism.

Business Studies and Economics

The world-famous Christmas markets attract millions of visitors each year, creating a valuable case study in tourism, retail and entrepreneurship.

Learning outcomes may include:

  • Understanding how seasonal events drive economic growth.
  • Examining small business operations and artisan trading.
  • Exploring marketing techniques used by market stalls and retailers.
  • Investigating the role of tourism within local economies.
  • Analysing customer experience and destination branding.

Citizenship and Cultural Education

Strasbourg is home to important European institutions and has a unique Franco-German heritage.

Students can:

  • Develop greater cultural awareness and international understanding.
  • Explore European identity and cooperation.
  • Experience traditions and customs from another country.
  • Enhance social confidence and independence.
  • Build respect for diverse cultures and viewpoints.

Food Technology and Hospitality

The Christmas markets are renowned for traditional Alsatian food, festive baking and regional specialities.

Students can:

  • Investigate regional food production and culinary traditions.
  • Explore food provenance and local supply chains.
  • Discover traditional festive recipes and seasonal ingredients.
  • Understand how food contributes to cultural identity.
  • Examine hospitality and tourism sectors in action.

Personal Development and Enrichment

Educational visits to Strasbourg support wider student development beyond the classroom.

Students gain opportunities to:

  • Build independence and resilience.
  • Strengthen teamwork and communication skills.
  • Develop confidence in unfamiliar environments.
  • Experience international travel and cultural immersion.
  • Create lasting memories that inspire future learning.

Features

ACCOMMODATION

Ciarus5

CIARUS

This excellent value, purpose-built accommodation centre is located right in the heart of Strasbourg. Ciarus has excellent public transport links and easy access to all of Strasbourg's main places of interest.

  • Central location
  • TV room and games room
  • Private facility rooms
  • Self service restaurant

Ciarus5

CIARUS

This excellent value, purpose-built accommodation centre is located right in the heart of Strasbourg. Ciarus has excellent public transport links and easy access to all of Strasbourg's main places of interest.

  • Central location
  • TV room and games room
  • Private facility rooms
  • Self service restaurant

Ciarus3 Ciarus1 2

Excursions

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Christmas Markets Strasbourg

One of the oldest in Europe, Strasbourg’s Christmas markets offer students a beautiful shopping and cultural opportunity in the heart of the city’s historic Grand Île – a UNESCO world heritage site. Let the fairy-lights guide you around the market’s 300 wooden chalets, where you’ll sense the city’s delicious aromas and warm atmosphere that are characteristic of an authentic Alsatian Christmas.

Strasbourg Houses

Strasbourg

Set on the German border in northeastern France, Strasbourg has been a favourite among Equity staff for years, owing to its unique culture and architecture which blends both German and French influences. Don’t miss the daily shows from the clock of the city’s cathedral, or the sweeping views of the Rhine you’ll receive from climbing its 142-metre spire – both highlights of this charming city your students will enjoy.

Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg Cathedral

With its outstanding Gothic architecture, sky-grazing height and a history that extends all the way back to the Middle Ages, there’s little wonder the Strasbourg Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Students can explore the cathedral in all its splendour on this excursion, and develop their understanding of this ‘gigantic and delicate marvel’, as dubbed by dramatist Victor Hugo.

Strasbourg Flammekueche Workshop

Flammekueche Workshop

Students can learn the secrets of making the traditional Alsace speciality Flammekueche in this workshop, which presents a hands-on cookery lesson. We know they’ll love this simple yet delicious dish, which vaguely resembles a thin-crust pizza topped with crème fraiche, onions and bacon, and makes for a perfect lunchtime treat.

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Christmas Markets Strasbourg

One of the oldest in Europe, Strasbourg’s Christmas markets offer students a beautiful shopping and cultural opportunity in the heart of the city’s historic Grand Île – a UNESCO world heritage site. Let the fairy-lights guide you around the market’s 300 wooden chalets, where you’ll sense the city’s delicious aromas and warm atmosphere that are characteristic of an authentic Alsatian Christmas.

Strasbourg Houses

Strasbourg

Set on the German border in northeastern France, Strasbourg has been a favourite among Equity staff for years, owing to its unique culture and architecture which blends both German and French influences. Don’t miss the daily shows from the clock of the city’s cathedral, or the sweeping views of the Rhine you’ll receive from climbing its 142-metre spire – both highlights of this charming city your students will enjoy.

Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg Cathedral

With its outstanding Gothic architecture, sky-grazing height and a history that extends all the way back to the Middle Ages, there’s little wonder the Strasbourg Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Students can explore the cathedral in all its splendour on this excursion, and develop their understanding of this ‘gigantic and delicate marvel’, as dubbed by dramatist Victor Hugo.

Strasbourg Flammekueche Workshop

Flammekueche Workshop

Students can learn the secrets of making the traditional Alsace speciality Flammekueche in this workshop, which presents a hands-on cookery lesson. We know they’ll love this simple yet delicious dish, which vaguely resembles a thin-crust pizza topped with crème fraiche, onions and bacon, and makes for a perfect lunchtime treat.

Trip details

All Equity packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of our groups. Here are our standard package inclusions:

  • Return travel by air or coach (air packages include overseas airport transfer. Coach to UK airport from school is available as an optional extra)
  • All security charges, airport and local taxes
  • 1 free staff place for every 10 full paying passengers by air OR 1 free staff place for every 8 full paying passengers by coach
  • Half-board accommodation
  • Excursions
  • Full use of your coach during your trip (this applies to coach groups only and is subject to EU drivers hours regulations)
  • 24-hour emergency service support
  • All travel documentation, luggage labels and resort information
  • Lunches 
  • Meals en-route. While travelling to and from your destination you need to consider meals. These are not included in the package prices
  • Air passenger duty. Any paying passengers over the age of 16 at time of travel will be charged a small tax fee
  • Tourist tax 
  • Damage deposit

Prices are subject to change based on intended dates of travel and final numbers, the Equity team are here to offer you advice and guidance from start to finish, ensuring your school trip runs smoothly and is a great success.

Travel by: Coach / Air

Nearest airport: Strasbourg International Airport (SXB)

Transfer time from airport: 30mins

Transfer time from Calais: 9.5hrs

Suggested tour length: 3 days, 2 nights

  • Lille – Enjoy a festive break that combines Christmas markets with Lille’s architecture and northern French character.
  • Cologne – Discover Cologne’s Christmas markets alongside its famous cathedral and lively historic centre.
  • Aachen – Experience a more compact German market, with 100+ stalls clustered around the cathedral and town hall.
  • All Christmas Markets School Trips – Browse our full collection of expertly planned Christmas Markets school trips.
  • 4 Christmas Markets School Trips That Spark Festive Joy – Compare Christmas markets in this helpful guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Market School Trips to Strasbourg

Why is Strasbourg a popular destination for Christmas market school trips?
Strasbourg is often known as the "Capital of Christmas" and hosts one of Europe's oldest and most famous Christmas markets. Its festive atmosphere, beautiful historic centre and strong educational value make it an inspiring destination for school groups.
What educational benefits does a Christmas market trip to Strasbourg offer?
Students can develop language skills, cultural awareness, independence and global understanding while learning about tourism, business, geography and European traditions in a real-world setting.
When is the best time to visit the Strasbourg Christmas Markets?
The markets typically run from late November through December, making them ideal for end-of-term educational trips and festive enrichment visits before the Christmas holidays.
How does a Strasbourg Christmas market trip support French Language and the curriculum?
Students have opportunities to practise speaking, listening and reading French in authentic contexts, helping reinforce classroom learning while improving confidence and communication skills.
What can students see at the Strasbourg Christmas Markets?
School groups can explore hundreds of traditional wooden chalets selling regional crafts, gifts and festive foods, alongside Christmas lights, decorations, historical landmarks and cultural attractions throughout the city.
Can Strasbourg Christmas market trips support Business Studies learning?
Absolutely. Students can observe tourism-driven retail businesses, explore customer engagement strategies and examine how major seasonal events contribute to local and regional economies.
What cultural experiences are available during a school trip to Strasbourg?
Students can discover Alsatian traditions, festive celebrations, French-German cultural influences, local cuisine and historic architecture while experiencing one of Europe's most celebrated Christmas destinations.
Why choose Strasbourg over other European Christmas market destinations?
Strasbourg combines a world-famous Christmas market with strong curriculum links, French language immersion, outstanding cultural heritage and easy access from the UK, making it one of the most educational Christmas market destinations for schools.
Is a Christmas market school trip to Strasbourg suitable for an enrichment programme?
Yes. Strasbourg offers a perfect balance of education, culture and festive experiences, helping students develop confidence, curiosity and cultural understanding while creating memorable shared experiences.
Why choose Equity for a Christmas Market school trip to Strasbourg?
With decades of experience organising educational travel, Equity helps teachers deliver safe, well-planned and inspiring Christmas market trips. From transport and accommodation to curriculum-focused excursions and 24-hour support, we make it easy for group leaders to provide an unforgettable festive learning experience.