A guide to the best Christmas markets
Is there really a “Christmas capital of the world?” Yes there is. Is this capital the biggest of all Christmas parties around the world? Yes it is. Does this capital have the most fascinating Christmas markets? Absolutely yes. Stick to this article for a spellbinding ride through the official Christmas capital, Strasbourg, in northeastern France.
What is special about Strasbourg as the capital of Christmas?
As the Christmas tide approaches, Strasbourg is adorning itself with its finest finery. As the sun approaches the horizon, the magical atmosphere pervades the whole city with its twinkling Christmas lights and vibrant decorations. This Christmas capital has reigned for generations on the throne of the best Christmas markets. Famous for its extraordinary joyful atmosphere, Strasbourg attracts millions of visitors every year to experience the authenticity of Christmas. The Christmas market spans ten locations and beyond, all located in the Big Island area.
As soon as night begins to set in, the city lights up with beautiful fireworks, energizing every moment of magic in the air throughout the four weeks of the Christmas market. The gigantic Christmas tree in Place Kléber is the most attractive of all. This majestic and stunningly ornate tree is dramatically placed at an imposing height of 30 meters. Moreover, an image of the Alsatian tradition which has reigned for five long centuries, the Minister of the City is bathed in light.
Why should it be on your to-do list?
Strasbourg happens to be the capital of the Grand Est district, officially considered Alsace, in northeastern France. A neighborhood that combines for a rich history, culture, festive traditions and borders with Germany. The divided border of these two distinct customs and cultures gave rise to a French-inspired German accent considered Alsatian and a Franco-German culture.
German tradition comes with Christian morals, love of beer, ideologies and certain principles on the one hand and romance, art, love of family, beauty, chivalry and loads of kisses the other. You would probably never come across such an ideal blend in any other corner of the world. All this makes Strasbourg the ideal destination to promote the excellent combination of French and German culture without even having to make separate visits to the two countries.
Guide to Christmas markets in the Christmas Capital
The biggest and most popular Christmas market in France is Strasbourg’s Christmas market. It also exists as one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe. The market, named Christkindelsmarik in Alsatian and Marches de Noel in French, was first opened in 1570, effectively qualifying it as the oldest Christmas market in France. Every year, the Strasbourg Christmas Market starts at the end of November and happily welcomes visitors until the end of December. At the entrance to the Christmas market, every building in the neighborhood displays Christmas decorations as the city prepares for the best of the best decor for its Christmas markets. This year, the Christmas market started on November 21 and will continue until December 23, 2022.
Christkindelsmarik at the Town Hall
One of the best Christmas markets in Strasbourg, the market is confined and long, with dazzling trees stretching the length of Place Broglie and crowning the shadow of the Hôtel de Ville (town hall). Here the town hall provides a great backdrop for the market and you would come across a projection telling stories about Christmas right on the mask of the building. The stories are displayed in German, English and French.
The Big Tree
The highlight of this Christmas market is the incredibly huge Christmas tree that draws all attention to it. A huge market in Strasbourg, this market is mainly famous for the magnificent giant Christmas tree on display. This market will have you opting for an ocean of call options. Some of them would be alpine village artifacts, paper stars, colorful boxes, Alsatian biscuits and biscuits, delicious gingerbread, heaps and heaps of food and drink, chic confectionery , aromatic candles and much more.
The Golden Square
Another famous Christmas market in the Christmas Capital, Strasbourg, is placed on Place du Temple Neuf, next to a charming temple. Although a relatively small market area with wooden stalls crypted with the Carré d’Or logo has equal competition when it comes to presenting an exceptional network of lights to match the square. The characteristics of this market are mainly the charming street that goes beyond this market towards the Cathedral. In fact, it is perhaps the most popular of all the streets in Strasbourg’s Christmas market!
Hallebardes Street
Well-known Christmas capital, Strasbourg has this unique Christmas market with only one stall! You read correctly. But with only one stall, how does this count as one of the best Christmas markets in town? Well, this one booth literally has a huge collection of everything you’re looking for. From mouth-watering treats to cute Santa hats and more. Additionally, something that is also worth noticing is the lavish decoration throughout this particular market. There are not only delicious gingerbreads to swallow but the royal decoration of gigantic gingerbread lights to please your eyes!
Cathedral Square
This exclusive Christmas market with a striking picturesque view of the cathedral skyscraper is one of the reasons why it is one of the famous Christmas markets in the Christmas capital, Strasbourg. Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral is a legitimately spectacular place. You will have all kinds of attractions in this market. From eye-catching Christmas ornaments to light-up carousels, sliver incense and candles, eye-catching keepsakes, delicious cookies, stunning figurines and more.
What to do in the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg
Have a surprising look at the huge Christmas tree
When you arrive in Alsace, there is one thing not to be missed, it’s the giant Christmas tree in Strasbourg! It is firmly positioned on Place Kléber, the square where many tree merchants used to meet. Its sparkling height of 30 meters adorned with all possible royal vestments makes it the tallest natural Christmas decor in all of Europe. In fact, the star placed at the very top of the tree is really a moment of wonder once you see it for the very first time!
Go for a nighttime stroll through the city’s lit streets
Throughout the Christmas market, the atmosphere in Strasbourg is truly unique. The streets and every corner of the city are so beautifully decorated that you will be amazed from the first bend itself. Shop windows all around begin to glow, the smell of spices and cinnamon reigns in the air, and Christmas carols are heard in the churches. Throughout the month of December, Strasbourg is one of the most illuminated cities in Europe.
Stroll near Petite France
Besides the bustling image of the Christmas markets, most of the other images you will come across are of this serene part of Strasbourg. Since this city is surrounded by water, the water essentially overflows through Petite France, making it one of the coziest places in the city. The reflection of the illuminated decorations in the water makes the place appear glassy as if embellished with a tablecloth of crystal. This location attracts the greatest number of visitors and photographersespecially at this time of year.
Visit Vauban Dam
The Vauban dam is this resolute bridge which served as a defensive wall during its construction in the 17th century. It’s that striking building where you can wander freely and explore its architectural marvel for hours. You can even walk straight for a lovely view of the whole landscape. Just at the top of this Barrage Vauban, you can absolutely expect the soothing landscape of Strasbourg.
Stop at Strasbourg Cathedral
Amid Strasbourg’s cheering Christmas market, the imposing cathedral serves as an eye-catching sight, unlike any other church you’ve visited to date! This architectural marvel will amaze you with its details and intricate frameworks. Also, if you go straight up to the church, you will be surprised at how breathtaking the luminous city looks from the heights!
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