And NoëlIt is a bit like a religion for youand that you sometimes find that the capital lacks panache with its reasonably sized markets, its raclette chalets taken by storm and his lights a little cheap on the trees, why not jump on a train to go and discover the Christkindelsmärik (or “child Jesus market”), only two hours from Paris ? Go, direction Strasbourg, to discover this magical and timeless place.
Since the dawn of time
Little history lesson: it’s in 1570 that the first Christmas market in France born in Alsaceand more precisely to Strasbourg, a practice hitherto mostly reserved to Germanic cultures. Since then, it has traditionally taken place at from the first Saturday of Advent (i.e. the first Saturday in December, for those who are not too familiar with the codes of little Jesus), until 24th of the month, Christmas Eve. And since its creation, it has not been canceled only twicein 1939 (World War II obliges) and in 2020 (Covid oblige).
However, these dates may spread out a littleand we understand why when we know that the market welcomes every year more than three million tourists from all over the world. A few additional days are therefore sometimes necessary, to receive everyone as they shouldand take advantage of it to keep the local economy running a little longer. Over the years, this appointment has taken more and more extensive, until become a must-have and push the city of Strasbourg to s'autoproclamer « Christmas capital » in 1992.
An extremely comprehensive offering
It must be said that this gathering which celebrates this year its 454th edition is enough to attract crowds. Today, it offers visitors fond of mulled wine, gingerbread cookies and wooden toys a huge playground, made up of more than 300 chalets distributed among the places Broglie (the main one), of the Cathedral, of the Castle, Grimmeissen, Kléberfrom the Fish Market, of the New TempleSt. Thomas, Benjamin Zix, on the terrace of the Palais Rohan as well as in the Gutenberg and Halberdes streets.
-As they wander around, curious little ones will be able to discover all the culinary specialties of the regionbut also some small more unusual creationslike the mouth braida tartiflette made from Munster, or raclette hot dogjust to bring together what the France and the UNITED STATES did better. It is also an opportunity to discover full of local artisans ready to share their know-how and help you find the best gifts (last minute or not) for your loved ones. All you have left just book the train.
Strasbourg Christmas market
From November 27 to December 27, 2024
More info
