If there is a place that can compare to Strasbourg, it’s Colmar. It’s a fairytale town, just 30min away by train. There are 6 Christmas markets, all of them in the Old Town. The markets start the last week of November and run till December, 24 (more info here).
What is the history of the Christmas market in Strasbourg?
The first market in Strasbourg (called Christkindelsmärik) took place in 1570 at Place Broglie. Initially, it was open for three days prior to Christmas Eve. Its main purpose was to sell provisions for the upcoming holidays such as spiced bread, candles, herbs, etc.
What is the village of sharing in Strasbourg?
In the past, people used to put presents for the poor under the tree. Today, there are more than 60 charity stalls, selling souvenirs and food for a good cause. This market is called the Village of Sharing. Each year Strasbourg dedicates this Christmas village to a different country.
What to do on Christmas Eve in Alsace?
Initially, it was open for three days prior to Christmas Eve. Its main purpose was to sell provisions for the upcoming holidays such as spiced bread, candles, herbs, etc. Although today Alsace is a French territory, the markets are still held every year as a part of a long-standing Christmas tradition.
Strasbourg Christmas Market 2021 – Dates, hotels, things to do,… – Europe’s Best Destinations Now set up in the heart of the Grande Île in Strasbourg, a UNESCO world heritage site, the Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe.
When is the Christmas market in Strasbourg 2021?
Strasbourg Christmas Market From 19th November to 30th December 2021 Now set up in the heart of the Grande Île in Strasbourg , a UNESCO world heritage site, the Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe.
Why is Strasbourg known as the capital of Christmas?
After all, Strasbourg is known as the capital of Christmas. Strasbourg is said to have one of the oldest (possibly THE oldest) Christmas market in all of Europe, dating back to 1570. Today, that single market has expanded into 12 markets spread across the heart of the Old Town.
How to get to Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is located close to the border of Germany. It’s easy to get to by train from other regions in France (I took a direct train from Paris) or by car if you are driving. The Strasbourg Christmas markets are located in old Strasbourg, which is located on an island in the middle of the city.
How many chalets are there in Strasbourg?
Over 300 wooden chalets, spread around different squares in the city, invite you to make some mesmerising discoveries in a fairytale atmosphere! As Christmas approaches, Strasbourg gets decked out in all its finery. At the end of the afternoon, as night draws in, the magic begins to work across the city.
From the origins of the medieval Christmas market to the 2020s, this exceptional Strasbourg event boasts a rich history… let’s go back in time. In the Middle-Ages, Strasbourg used to organise a Saint-Nicolas market (Klausenmärik) on the cathedral square. This type of market was common to many towns in the Holy Roman Empire.
What is the history of Christmas in Alsace?
Back then, there was a Saint Nicolas market (Klausenmärik) on December 6th every year, which ultimately transformed into the famous Christmas market (Christkindelsmärik) in 1570 after Alsace became Protestant.
Where is the oldest Christmas market in France?
Strasbourg’s Christmas market is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570, at a time when the Alsatian capital was not even French. In Alsace, it is locally known as the “Christkindelsmärik”, and takes place in the Old Town. Place Kléber, Strasbourg Christmas Market © French Moments.
