Pére Noël is coming to Strasbourg

It is well known that this period of the year is the most magical one: naughty kids being worried about not getting their presents on time, good kids expecting everything their hearts could desire, Christmas lights everywhere, but most of all, a splendid and completely enjoyable feeling shared by people all over the world.

If you want to do something special and to feel by yourself what Christmas means for others, you will definitely have to visit the “Marché de Noël” (Christmas Market), an exciting and full of atmosphere event. Even though it is a specific tradition for many countries across the Europe, this time I will tell you a few words about Strasbourg, declared this year “Capitale de Noël”.

“Marché de Noël”, a tradition since 1570, it is held every year from the last Saturday of November to 31th of December. Although there is a Christmas map pointing out all the special locations through the city, where you can take part in various activities related to Christmas: Place Kléber, Place Broglie, Place Gutenberg, Place du Temple Neuf, the most famous location is without doubt: Place de la Cathédrale, right in front of the impressive ancient monument, Cathédrale de Notre-Dame. Every year a different country is invited as a guest honour to add an extra touch of magic, and this year is Switzerland turn to show off its marvelous traditions. So, if you want to find out more about this, Place Gutenberg is the answer to all your questions about Swiss traditions: artistic and cultural activities, a traditional market of local Swiss products (don’t forget to taste the chocolate!), concerts or exhibitions are only a few of the entertaining activities from The Swiss Village.

The Christmas market, or Christkindelmärik in the Alsacian dialect, is a culinary fest also. Here are a few of the delights which you can taste: boules de neige – special marshmallows made of chocolate with various flavours, sweet or salted alsacian bretzels, Christmas chocolate figurines, ginger bread or a hot cup of delicious mulled wine.

Another two points of attraction for the tourists who are invading the town this period of the year are the giant Christmas Tree and all the small streets and alsacian houses embellished with gorgeous Christmas decorations.

Now I am inviting your eyes to travel over some photos of one of the beauty spots in France, in a magical journey!