As the magic of Christmas permeates the aisles, a certain atmosphere is felt. Illuminations, decorations and shop windows: the whole of Paris is in tune with the festive season, undergoing a metamorphosis. But this time, we’re leaving the capital and heading for the Grand Est, where the country’s oldest Christmas market is held every year. It’s time to discover the Strasbourg Christmas market!
Discovering Europe’s most enchanting Christmas market
We’ve already introduced you to a host of Parisian Christmas markets, but this time we’re talking about a trip outside the city walls. Just two hours by train from the capital, we can reach Strasbourg, capital of the Bas-Rhin region and host to one of Europe’s finest Christmas markets. Since Wednesday November 27, a certain magic has been emanating from this place. The reason? The grand inauguration of this age-old tradition.
Indeed, the magic of the festive season is an enduring affair, so much so that the city has been transformed into a veritable fairytale village since 1570. But in addition to being the oldest Christmas market in France, Strasbourg’s is also the largest and most famous. Emblematic of the Alsatian Christmas tradition, the market features some 300 small chalets, showcasing all the region’s crafts, all under a huge decorated Christmas tree.
Inimitable pretzels, mulled wine and gingerbread: the great holiday classics can be sampled at the many stalls, along with more “unusual” dishes such as munstiflette (a tartiflette made with munster cheese) or raclette hot dogs. And in addition to these culinary delights, the Strasbourg Christmas market is also home to a number of craft stands, offering local creations, decorative objects of all kinds, and just as many gift ideas for Christmas.
Strasbourg is often referred to as the “Christmas capital”. And while we’re on the subject of the city’s main Christmas village, it’s worth noting that many other markets fill the streets. From the one set up at the foot of the cathedral to the small producers’ market and the Advent market, the whole of Strasbourg’s city center is alive with the magic of the festive season, and all you have to do is stroll through the streets to enjoy it all.
In short, if you’re feeling the festive spirit, just hop on the train!
đź“ŤLocation: Strasbourg Christmas Market
đź“… Date: Until December 27, 2024