The Christmas Market

Admittedly, I haven't seen a huge number of Christmas markets, but the Christmas market in Strasbourg has to be one of the prettiest that I have ever seen with all its lights, its stalls, its roasted chestnuts, and especially its mulled wine that is too delicious for just one glass. But, I think everyone agrees that the most impressive part of the whole market, is the huge Christmas tree at Place Kleber whose ornaments colour changes each year.

During the unveiling of the lights, a show takes place at Place Kleber entertaining the curious spectators waiting for the dazzling light spectacle. Giant manalas/meneles (pronunciation varying between Haut-Rhin or Bas-Rhin) walk amongst the thousands of people who have come from near and far, each with their cameras to forever remember these unforgettable memories.

The walk continues through the food stalls, knickknacks, Alsatian specialities, etc... almost starting to feel that its becoming commercial... but the magic of Christmas carries on in the cold European capital. The market at the foot of the magnificent cathedral, whose foundations were laid 1000 years ago, dates back to the 11th century.

At the end of the day, it is also possible to enjoy the light and audio spectacle on the building itself. A good mulled wine under the Christmas tree and we forget all our problems! Then the evening descends, arriving the time to eat, with the chock a block restaurants you mustn't forget to reserve a place!

Strasbourg is accessible by train where a tram can bring you directly to the centre of town in 10 minutes. The airport Strasbourg-Entzheim is also nearby. There are a number of places to park in the town, but these can become full and expensive during the Christmas period however a tram park and ride service does exist (you can park at a tram station and take a tram to the town for as little as four euros a day).