As a Christmas time destination Strasbourg is one of the best choices. I think it is one of the most romantic and beautiful city in Europe and in Christmas time it gets even more beautiful!
Christmas Market visiting is an old tradition of Europe. Especially Germany, France and UK is famous for it but many European cities have their own Christmas markets. Generally speaking ones in Germany are more popular but France city Strasbourg has a special place because it is also known as “Capital of Christmas”. There is even a sign at one of the main entry points saying “Welcome to the Capital of Christmas” of course in little cute lights.
After seeing it with my own eyes I would say it is a well-deserved title because city really gets into Christmas mood! Normally you would see some action and decoration around Christmas markets area but in Strasbourg almost all streets were decorated in Noel spirit! Some streets are even decorated in a special theme like all white decorations!
Strasbourg is near German border of France an
d previously it was a German city. Therefore city has both French and German characteristics, I would say both good traits were passed 🙂 Strasbourg is full of nice old houses, riverside view, parks, nice café and boutique filled streets so it is very fun to walk around. Strasbourg is very photogenic as well. River provides a good view and also you can get on a river tour to enjoy more scenery. One of the attractions here is that on your boat tour there is a special place where they have to change the leverage of the water so the boat can go on. In good weather it is more fun to do the boat tour. Also you can do canoe in the river even in Christmas time.
Speaking of Christmas time you will see all kinds of Christmas decorations in this town! Snowflakes, Santa Clause, reindeers, angels, teddy bears, toys, flowers, shiny balls, and gift packages…Even walls of building will be covered in these! Of course streets will are covered in small lights and more than one Christmas trees in certain squares.
Most action occurs around the Cathedral as many Christmas market shops open in this area. Of course you will find many Glühwein (hot wine or mulled wine) here, you can choose red or white and another good drink choice here would be hot orange juice. This one is free of alcohol and despite how it sounds it really tastes good (believe me I was skeptic as well!) Like many Christmas markets cups are special each year and for additional price, like one euro, you can keep the cup as a souvenir. If you don’t want to keep it just return it to where you bought it and they will give you your money cup money back!
While you are browsing through cute shops in the Christmas market (or trying to make your way since it will be very crowded at night time), you can stop resisting crepe smells and buy a Nutella crepe usually around 3-5 euros. You can find sweet or cheese version. Another popular snack is bagettes and waffles. I would recommend leaving space for Christmas cookies or at least buy a package to eat later!
When you are not hungry maybe you can notice other Christmas market stands 😀 Most sells cute decorations, candles, local products, handcrafted items, special soaps..etc.
Cathedral area would be the most crowded place so it may be hard to navigate in the crowd but you will come across spontaneous little concerts, costumed Santa Clauses walking around and other small attractions.
In any case, Strasbourg is very nice place to visit whether it is Christmas time or not. I can suggest this city for anyone, to romantic trip planners, friend trips, solo trips and family trips. It doesn’t need to be e long trip though, just fo a small break. Also if you have an extra day I would highly recommend visiting nearby German city Heidelberg (100km).