Holiday Markets are preparing for celebrations as worldwide travel is opening up again—at last!

As I also prepare to head back to Switzerland and Austria to visit some of the most beautiful holiday venues in the world, I thought a celebration of past holiday markets might be just the thing to spark some of that holiday joy. First up is Strasbourg, one of the most popular Alsatian locales in eastern France.

Entrance to the major Strasbourg Christmas Market

Strasbourg France, “the Capital of Christmas” to many French people, holds a unique geographical advantage when it comes to holiday cheer. As this Alsatian (eastern France) medieval town sits at the border of both France and Germany, it has switched governance several times over the centuries.

Sometimes German, sometimes French, I found the charming locals to be fluent in German, French (with an Alsatian dialect), AND English. Even better, they’ve cleverly blended the best of German and French traditions, cuisine, and wine to produce a truly intoxicating locale for holiday celebrations!

Boule de Neige (snowball cookie) filled with a flavored liquor is JB’s choice of dessert

The Strasbourg Christmas Markets have been in existence since 1570 and take place every year between the end of the month of November and the last day in December. There are at least ten Christmas markets sprinkled throughout the town. Most are accessible on foot.

Here you’ll find hundreds of pretty, chalet-like stalls that sell everything from mulled wine, food, and sweets to holiday gifts, decorations, candles, glassware, pottery, clothing, accessories, toys and puppets, and much more.

The *Vin Chaud* (hot mulled wine) stalls serve up some saucy brews—served by flirtatious servers—to take away the night chill. Hot wine (*Glühwein* in German) is typically served in holiday mugs you can carry with you throughout the markets as you wander and shop—then refill at the next stall when needed.

The streets of Strasbourg during the festivities are filled with sparkling arrays of iridescent lights, glittery decorations of crystals, pine branches, pop-up food and gift stands, carolers, dancers, and revelers young and old.

Holiday foods are so plentiful here, you will practically waddle between the markets to walk off the delicious calories you won’t be able to resist. Just remember what I always say: there are no calories in France!

The classic Alsatian dish of *Choucroute Garnie à l'Alsacienne* (Alsatian Braised Sauerkraut With Mixed Meats and Sausages) served with buttery potatoes and Alsatian beer or wine is fantastic. It will warm the cockles of your tummy on a crisp wintery night!

Wonderful sausages and meats are available to take home or consume on the spot.

*Kougelhopf,* a cake from Alsace, is one of the best French desserts enjoyed around the holidays.

And of course there are the traditional French/Alsatian favorites of escargot, cheese, crepes, oysters, Christmas yule log, holiday cookies, pretzels, beer, and so much more.

Not to be missed is Madame Mireille Oster—the queen of French gingerbread. I spent a delightful afternoon with Madame in her pretty shop in the old town called Pain d’Epices, learning about how she crafts her delicacies. She is famous throughout France, and also sells her products at various stands throughout the holiday markets. (I admit I came home with two huge bags of gingerbread for family and friends—and we enjoyed every morsel.)

Strasbourg is also filled with lots of friendly people, interesting activities, fascinating sights, and beautiful products to sample or purchase for family and friends.

Making new friends with Strasbourg Tourism staff

Getting to Strasbourg is easy too. Fly into Paris or Zurich and take the train to this lovely town in Alsace. Stay in the old town area if possible so you will be within a short stroll of the Capital of Christmas festivities. Wear good walking shoes and dress warmly. Above all, enjoy.

Happy Holidays!