I like the Christmas, who wouldn't!, and that's why I had planned on my agenda for a long time travel to Alsace, northeastern region of France border with Germany, where it is celebrated in a very special way.
And in particular, travel to Strasbourg, host city of European institutions, where the oldest Christmas market in France, and one of the oldest in Europe.
Indeed, the Strasbourg Christmas market dates back to the year 1570, when the Chriskindelsmarkt (Baby Jesus Market) inspired by the Catholics replaced the San Nicolás Market, promoted by Protestants.
At present, the Strasbourg Christmas market It has become a major tourist attraction.
To such an extent that at the time of Advent during the month of December It is when this French city receives the greatest number of visitors.
And that is the first thing that surprised me after visiting Strasbourg at that time.
The truth is that I did not imagine that there could be so many tourists that we also travel to other cities of Alsace for see their marketsas Colmar o Mulhouse, as well as the small towns in the region.
All the information in detail
If you consider travel to Strasbourg to visit its famous markets, I tell you that after the parenthesis caused by the pandemic, the characteristic scenes of wooden christmas huts that make up the markets.
In this way, dates of the Strasbourg Christmas markets 2023 consist of from November 24 to December 24.
Keep in mind that in Central European countries, Christmas celebrations usually end at the end of the year, so the markets close at the end of December.
In view of your visit, I tell you that the historic center of Strasbourg It is concentrated on an island surrounded by the channels that form the Ille river, one of the tributaries of the very nearby Rhine that separates the city from German territory.
At present the Christmas markets They are grouped in said historic center which you access by crossing several bridges.
In several squares in the center of Strasbourg is where you will find them, but the attraction of the visit is not only in seeing the hundreds of wooden huts where all kinds of Christmas or craft products.
Already if stroll through the streets of the center of Strasbourg It has great appeal for its beauty Christmas lights, but above all, for the spectacular Christmas decorations that are displayed on the facades of buildings and stores of all kinds.
On this walk you will see a succession of beautiful Christmas corners, and you will not stop photographing these facades or the beautiful windows of the most diverse establishments.
Here you have extensive information and you can reserve the best Tours and excursions in StrasbourgAs an Free Christmas Tour two hours long, with guide in spanish, or Private tour of Strasbourg ideal for groups of friends and families, with guide in spanish
But in what specifically refers to the Christmas markets, I am going to tell you the places in the center of Strasbourg where you will find the best exponents.
Among the various places where you can see markets, without a doubt the most notable area is the one surrounding the majestic Notre Dame de Strasbourg cathedral, a Gothic building from the 12th century, built with colorful sandstone, which you should not miss.
In the time of Advent In its central nave there are large tapestries from the 17th century, from the time of Louis XIII.
In bliss Christmas time inside you can also see exposed a large Belén from 1907 with figures sculpted in wood from the nearby Black Forest of Germany.
Groups of people are distributed around the cathedral building. wooden huts where the smell of cinnamon reminds you that the mulled wine is a Typical drink that you should not stop trying.
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This smell can transport you to others nearby. Rohan Palace Christmas Market, an 18th century building located on the banks of the ill river, next to the place where the tourist boats to navigate the canal that surrounds the city center.
This Rohan Palace flea market It is characterized because in all its positions they offer traditional foods of the regionat pates but also craft beers.
And also the very traditional ones Christmas cookies, including those shaped like a child, typical of the day of San Nicolás, which is celebrated on December 6.
On the way to the cathedral you can pass by the small Marche-aux-Poissons square market.
And very close is also the highly visited Goldsmiths Street o Golden Street, which starts from the plaza where the New Temple.
It is a street that is always very busy with tourists, as there you can see a succession of beautiful shop windows of all kinds, and it always shows a very pretty Christmas decoration.
But if you look for the largest street market in Strasbourg, you will find it nearby broglie square.
Known as Christkindel, this was the market which was initially dedicated to San Nicolás and that was open until December 6.
When it began to be Christianized in 1570 to dedicate it to child Jesus, the current one was born christmas market which is open until December 25
That does not prevent us from currently Alsacia, Together with Lorena, are the only regions in France where it is still celebrated San Nicolás.
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The one with the broglie square It is a huge market whose wooden booths cover the large area, where the current headquarters of the Strasbourg City Hall.
But on your walk through the Christmas markets in Strasbourg There is another square that you should not miss.
Is Glue, which is considered the Plaza Mayor of the city since Middle Ages, where the highlight is the big christmas fir.
At 30 meters high, it is the Tallest natural Christmas tree in Europe, which comes from nearby Vosges Forests.
For his part, Kleber Square Market Its characteristic is that all the booths are occupied by various charity associations, which open on Wednesdays and Fridays.
In this square you can also enjoy a skating rink.
Finally another market What I want to highlight to you is the one found in the Meuniers square, in the neighborhood known as La Petit France, where you can see the most beautiful sets of half-timbered houses.
Located very close to the Grand Rue, an axis that directs you from the railway station area to the cathedral, in the Christmas market on Place Meuniers find booths with a wide range of local food producers.
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This market is complemented by the booths installed nearby. Benjamin Zix Square.
Something that surprised me when I arrived at Strasbourg is that, accustomed to the schedules of Spain, the Christmas market booths They will close very early, at 8 in the afternoon.
But seeing the beautiful atmosphere that exists in them in this winter time of very cloudy and dark days, with the striking lighting of the wooden huts, I understood that you can actually enjoy the markets throughout the day.
Well, indeed, the opening hours of Christmas markets in Strasbourg It is at 11 in the morning, closing at 8 in the afternoon, except on Fridays, when they close at 9 a.m., and on Saturdays, at 10 at night.
You have to keep in mind that after Christmas day and until December 30th they are only open in Strasbourg the markets that surround the Cathedral, as well as those close Rohan Palace markets and from the square Marche-aux-Poissons.
Although it has not yet been published, you will soon be able to download the Strasbourg Christmas program 2023, with detailed information about the markets, concerts and other events scheduled for these dates.
Hello, do we have any news about the 2021 Christmas celebration? Will there be markets and so on? Thank you so much
When I could, I toured Strasbourg with my cane, what a beautiful city. I can't even imagine what it will be like at Christmas. I can't go anymore.