The French city that's home to one of the world's best Christmas markets
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Embracing the Christmas spirit means donning those ghastly festive jumpers, guzzling down gallons of mulled wine and paying a visit to a Christmas market. Known as the European "Capital of Christmas", Strasbourg is a French city nestled on the German border.
The Alsatian culture deeply ingrains Christmas traditions and festivities, with their iconic winter markets dating back to 1570, making them among Europe's oldest. The city was officially dubbed the "Capital of Christmas" in 1992, when Jean-Jacques Gsell, deputy to Mayor Catherine Trautmann, proposed hosting market stalls across various city squares.
This year, you can wander through the markets from November 27 to December 27, including the main Christkindelmarik held at Place Broglie and around the city's cathedral. Treat yourself to festive delights like Vin chaud (or mulled wine), beer, and snacks such as bredeles (star-shaped spiced biscuits), mannele (little man-shaped brioches) and gingerbread.
Don't miss out on the city's iconic Christmas tree at Place Kleber, towering at an impressive 30 metres tall. To delve into Strasbourg's rich history, the Notre Dame Cathedral boasts over a millennia of heritage, dating back to around 1015. In the 13th century, the cathedral underwent a Gothic revival, marking the beginning of its current form, reports MyLondon. The cathedral in Strasbourg has withstood centuries of conflict, including religious shifts, the French Revolution and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine to the Third Reich. Other must-see attractions include Le Petite France, a charming neighbourhood on the River Ill.
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