The German penchant for celebrating Christmas with the kind of market fair we’ve all now come to know and love spread over the border to Strasbourg over 430 years ago, making this France’s longest running Christkindelsmarik, as well as its biggest. Set up under the delicately decorated Gothic eves of Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg and along the Place Broglie, where it always has been, this market has grown with the town, but because of the historic location, hasn’t lost its traditional charm. And the town hasn’t either, it’s half timbered streets have sprung up without proper planning so have a labyrinthine feel and façade of competing wood, which deserves to be decked in boughs of holly and lights.

One of the oldest areas is La Petite France, also decorated and worth strolling though, you’ll find your way from the smell of its gingerbread bakery.

The tree, in Place Kleber, has to be huge to compete with the cathedral, and the skating rink has to provide ample space for locals and yuletide guests and they need over 60 concerts, performed all over town, to accommodate everyone who wants to experience all the festive spirit this beautiful city can muster. As for the shopping expect to find all the Christmas market staples from jewellery and carved toys to local specialty spicy sausages and gingerbreads.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions

Strasbourg Christmas Market

The Strasbourg Christmas market is the largest Christmas market in France. This market boasts hundreds of stalls that sell a plethora of goods and christmas products, against the backdrop of the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. You could stick to French Christmas gift shopping or you can take in a nativity scene or listen to a choir sing carols. The market also provides visitors with an ice rink and mulled wine to wind down with.

 

Review posted 26th October 2007 by Tony Owusu.

Add a comment, review or question

Make a comment Ask a question Write a review

Review title

Your comment

Your rating

Choose rating... Don't go Go Must go

Your name

Your email address