Strasbourg has a very special Christmas market
A year ago Tracey and I were a Viking River Cruises Rhine Getaway cruise during the Christmas market season, when holiday markets pop up in the plazas and around cathedrals in towns and cities across Europe with a varying selection of (usually) handmade Christmas decorations, local food specialties, and warming drinks like mulled wine (glühwein – vin chaud in French) or stronger fiery drinks (e.g., Feuerzangenbowle).
Nearly every day brought us to a new Christmas market, each with its own specialties and charms. The towering cathedrals of Cologne and Strasbourg provide wonderful backdrops for the colorful market stalls. Many of Germany’s 1500 varieties of wurst are for sale. Looking back at our pictures from the cruise, however, we do have to say that Strasbourg’s embrace of the holiday season provided a special look that was most memorable.
There are several good reasons for Strasbourg being able to claim the title of Christmas Capital (“Capitale de Noël“), including:
- The style of the Strasbourg buildings and the canals that divide the city
- Store decorations – even the butcher shops get into the act!
- Food and drink, of course – Strasbourg is French (it is now, but hasn’t always been, accounting for the wonderfully mixed French/German culture)
- Strasbourg cathedral – so gorgeous
- The Christmas lights!
I hope that the photo albums below convey for you just how special Strasbourg is during the Christmas season.
Strasbourg architecture and canals
The stores go all out!
Food and (a) drink
Strasbourg Cathedral
I took soooo many pictures of the Strasbourg cathedral, especially as the sun began to set, which gave the light-colored edifice a golden-orange glow. Here are just a few of the pictures, inside and out.
Christmas Lights
Every Christmas market has great lights. Here, it’s the background that often takes it to another level.
We hope that you enjoy these pictures from Strasbourg as much as we enjoy visiting there. Please feel free to comment and follow our blog.
Fun!! Love the Christmas lights!
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Jo Ann and Robin looking over your photos!! Beautiful!
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