To write everything that's been happening is impossible, but I'll take things bit by bit.The marché de Noël (Christmas market) is an enormous tourist attraction for Strasbourg. Despite the typical drizzly gray weather, the streets are packed with pedestrians to the point where it's impossible to ride a bike through certain sections, much less find a free stand to lock it. The shops and trams are filled, and sometimes one can barely see what's being sold in the stands because of all the people pressed up against them.
Like advent, it begins four weeks before Christmas. I caught a bit of the opening ceremonies, but had to leave for a play. At the finale, the Christmas lights all over the city are illuminated.I believe Strasbourg could singlehandedly keep the entire lighting business in business. Purples, reds, and golds flood buildings, trees are roped with silver, everything sparkles and shines.
Lavishly decorated buildings and shops can be found throughout the city, but the marché de Noël has several specific locations. For example, la place Kleber has an enormous Christmas tree that towers over the nearby buildings and little wooden shops. Ornaments, toys, clothing, useful things and souvenirs of all sorts are sold. Crepes, hot wine, french christmas cookies, candied apples, baguette flambées, and an infinite number of other foods perfume the air.But the alleys away from the marketplaces are more lovely. Store windows glow, displaying chocolates, clothing, books... one street in particular is hung with crystal chandeliers (publicity, but beautiful nonetheless).
I looked out over this scene when I climbed the winding steps of the cathedrale for the first time. Faint accordion music drifted up from below, where figures glided around the skating rink and the people moving through streets were mere dark spots against the lights.
I didn't buy any souvenirs, I don't think they would've reminded me much of the marché de Noël. I think of the warm drinks, street musicians playing carols, hot chestnut vendor, and wandering groups of tourists.
I didn't buy any souvenirs, I don't think they would've reminded me much of the marché de Noël. I think of the warm drinks, street musicians playing carols, hot chestnut vendor, and wandering groups of tourists.
Strasbourg is certainly not the only place with a marché de Noël. Other cities have smaller versions and even country villages set up little wooden houses to sell their crafts and food. My family stopped at one during a hike to buy mistletoe and Christmas tea. The churches sometimes set up crèches (manger scenes) which can be very elaborate.
Strasbourg has been celebrating Christmas with a market since 1570. That's right, America. This party started over 200 years before you were born.
By the way, the stork is a symbol of Alsace, which is why my fellow exchange student bought this hat for his brother and let me wear it while we were clearly being tourists in Colmar.
By the way, the stork is a symbol of Alsace, which is why my fellow exchange student bought this hat for his brother and let me wear it while we were clearly being tourists in Colmar.
