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Part One, Colmar & Strasbourg: A Winter Guide to Alsace’s Christmas Markets
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Must Visit - COLMAR, FRANCE
Colmar is an undulating, serpentine festival that winds its way non-stop, amongst half-timbered homes and cobblestone rues.
Most marché noel in France are within a few block radius, at most. Strasbourg's markets are sprinkled throughout the old town in a few key locations. But Colmar is an undulating, serpentine festival that winds its way non-stop, amongst half-timbered homes and cobblestone rues. Transported to another era, each vendor offers a different product, craft, or food item for sale. We never saw it all; as the sun started to set, so did the temperatures and our will to remain outside.
Pack for Winter
The cold was gripping the day we visited. I wore thermals under layers, and I still was chilled to the bone each evening, choosing a hot shower and my bed comforter over going back out late at night.
If you are visiting during the winter, I highly suggest that you pack as if you are going to the snow - heavy boots, socks, gloves, scarves that can cover your face, hat, and lots of thermals.
JaJa Wine Bar
04 Pl. Saint-Nicolas aux Ondes, 67000 Strasbourg
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Strasbourg - Christkindelsmärik
The Christkindelsmärik, or "market of the child Jesus," is the name given in the Alsatian language to the Strasbourg Christmas market, which has been held since 1570.
Place Broglie
Today, the Christkindelsmärik still stands on the vast Place Broglie (former Horse Market), considered its historic site, to which other places in the city have been added.
In the 1900s , the eastern part of Place Broglie, from the Municipal Theater to the current rue de la Comédie, was reserved for tree merchants, while the western part, to the current rue du Dôme, had stalls offering sweets, toys and decorations for the Christmas tree.
Christmas markets of today
Eleven Christmas markets are featured in Strasbourg now and are located at Places de la Gare, Kléber, du Temple-Neuf, de la Cathédrale, d'Austerlitz, Corbeau, Benjamin-Zix, des Meuniers.
Strasbourg was named “Best Christmas Market” twice by European Best Destinations and named the “World’s Best Christmas Market” by CNN Travel in 2018. The town now receives over two million visitors each holiday season.
The best way to avoid crowds is to come on weekdays in the first half of December.
EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES & TOOLS
DAY ONE - ARRIVING
Our departure from Paris, arriving into the Strasbourg train station, & exploring Strasbourg.
DAY TWO- COLMAR
In part two of three, I share our day trip to Colmar, plus the arrival and departure from the train station.
Day Three
If you missed it, my third day included a visit to the fabulous Cloche à Fromage restaurant. I also visited an antiques flea sale in this video, so don't miss it!