Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market is ready…
Boasting a tradition and history of an incredible 400 years, our Christmas market – that’s Christkindelsmärik in local parlance – is back again ready to delight us this Friday. This year, the City and its shops have pulled out all the stops to entice the crowds back to this annual event.
Following the tragic attack of December 11 2018, extra safety precautions have, of course, been implemented, with stricter checks at all entrances and over 400 cameras keeping a watchful eye on the streets. Yet the many varied strategies employed, each more playful and enticing than the next, are sure to make people forget their worries and guarantee even more visitors. Take the gigantic Christmas tree installed in place Kleber, for example – sourced from the neighbouring Vosges region – which has this year been decorated by hundreds of vintage children’s toys.
As with every year, there’s no shortage of twinkling lights and colourful signs brightening up the entire centre. Quite the contrary, in fact, as over 30 million little lights have been used to decorate the old streets, far more than ever before, and yet using 4 times less energy! The grand historic buildings along the riverside are the most spectacularly decorated, lit up by a plethora of 600 stars.
Not to be out done, Strasbourg’s Notre Dame, recently voted the “most beautiful cathedral in France”, will also play a starring role in the magical festivities. As night falls, its tower will sparkle every 15 minutes, lighting up the Strasbourg skies. A more exotic magic can be found in place Gutenberg, however, where 2019’s country of honour Lebannon is celebrated, with charming chalets, boutiques and local specialities waiting to be discovered.
So come along and bring your friends for some dazzling yuletide fun!