Trip Review: Christmas in Strasbourg
As the base for our Christmas 2018 celebrations, Strasbourg provided a fun, merry base despite the usual slowdown over the holidays.
Logistics
Because we began our trip in Germany, we actually took a long direct train from Munich on Christmas Eve! When I saw it was direct, I could not believe it because it is a random journey from Munich. Because we were leaving before 7am, Mary Frances’ infamous rule came into play and I upgraded us to first class seats.
Travel Tip: Even if your trip does not begin in Germany, use bahn.de as the train booking site
For those who do not have a direct train, Strasbourg has its own airport as the city is the capital of Europe. However, if the airline tickets are too expensive, flights into Paris are much cheaper and there are plenty of direct trains from Paris to Strasbourg, lasting about 90 minutes.
Strasbourg Activities
Honestly, most of the Strasbourg activities for us involved the outstanding Christmas markets and city decorations! Between the incredible architecture and Christmas spirit, it will keep you plenty busy if you visit during the holidays. There is a free walking tour that is really good as it shows you the historical old town and the newly rebuilt capital of Europe area.
Here is our complete list of food and drink favorites in Strasbourg!
Oh, Christmas Eve
For our first day in Strasbourg, we also saw the city in the holiday spirit on Christmas Eve!
Onto Strasbourg
Unlike our prior Christmas Eves, this day involved a very early wake up call in order to go to our early train to Strasbourg. Because we were leaving so early, I treated ourselves to a first class ride into France! Since the journey was over 5 hours, it was very, very long. Thankfully we had plenty to do including catching up on our sleep!
Once we arrived in Strasbourg, we waited for our AirBnB to be available to check in so we stopped at a local Starbucks. Because Strasbourg was recently hit by a terrorist attack, there were extra security precautions including checking all bags so that was a fun experience as we made our way to the AirBnB!
Initially, I chose this AirBnB because it seemed very close to the train station, old town, and Petite France! Our hostess was very busy with 4 different check-ins but our flat was very nice and cute. It was a studio flat in a business building so the neighbors were expectedly very quiet! We also chose this place because it had a better kitchen than other listings for our Christmas shopping!
Wandering the City
Because we had a few hours remaining on this joyous day, we immediately walking around the town!
First, Let’s get Food
Because we had been traveling since the wee hours of the morning, we were very hungry and looking forward to the fine French cuisine. Mary Frances researched and found a nice little boutique pizza place called Le Boccaccio. Located on the outside of the Old Town, the pizzeria was a cute little shop and we were one of the only people in there on Christmas Eve. In the end, our pizza was just all right - not the best start to our time in Strasbourg!
Strasbourg Markets
Because the Alsace region is considered the birthplace of the modern day Christmas tradition, Strasbourg fully embraces each and every tradition. There are so many Christmas markets, whether big or small, throughout the city.
Close to our flat, in the main square, there is a giant Christmas tree with an ice skating rink and a few little stalls.
Near the church, the Christmas market circles the majestic church. Each stall is magnificent, full of Christmas trinkets, wonderful French and German food delights, and a lot of random sweets. Compared to their French counterparts, there is a lot more trinkets and crafts. Compared to their German competitors, there are a lot more sweets! I guess the French enjoy their sweets!
As we strolled through the city center, we noticed the decorations and Christmas lights are more prevalent here! Adorning most houses and over the streets, the lights really put you in a different mood! As the day turned into dusk (around 3-4pm), we noticed the crowds really started to grow at each market. From our point of view, Christmas Eve is a family tradition to explore the markets compared to the US where it is more family oriented.
While we enjoyed the merry Christmas cheer, we also wanted warmth and to have our own Christmas tradition!
Merry Christmas!!
Instead of a warm fireplace, we woke up to fresh, warm French pastries and baguettes!
Photo Mission
Betting that most people would be sleeping in or opening presents, I decided to do a quick walk of the city with my camera, long before Mary Frances would be stirring. Then, I could pretend to be Santa Claus as I walked back home!
Close to our flat is the area of Le Petite France. Known for outstanding Alscaian architecture, the little neighborhood is so cute and perfect. I had not expected to find this so close to us! As I walked through the tiny streets and alleys, I loved the houses combined with Christmas decorations. The neighborhood is terrific!
Next on my list is the riverside of Strasbourg. Similar to Le Petite France, the beautiful houses line the river and create a perfect backdrop especially when they reflect on the smooth, still water. I enjoyed taking these pictures especially!
Christmas Time!
Instead of Santa bring lots of presents, Santa, aka me, brought us plenty of lovely fresh, warm pastries from our nearby bakery. Honestly, I did not expect anything to be open on a holiday. However, we did open our gifts and enjoyed our lazy Christmas morning - our first as our own little family!
The Christmas Walking Tour
During our Christmas morning, we decided to venture out of the house and go on a special Christmas walking tour with Happy Strasbourg! Since we met in the courtyard of the church Christmas market, we could cross off two things on our list! Here are some fun facts of Strasbourg!
History of Strasbourg
Back in the medieval period, the name of Strasbourg means “castle of the street or crossroads” because it is the middle of Europe. In the early days, the city was founded by the Romans, but overtaken by the local tribe, Huns, Franks, and finally the French. The French left the largest impression on the city with the start of the beautiful architecture. During the Franco-Prussian war in the late 1800s, the city was captured by the Prussians and where the architecture style really blended well with the French style.
After control of Strasbourg changed between France and Germany four times in 70 years from 1870-1945, they decided to make the city the capital of Europe as a sign of peace and willingness to work together. They are very proud of this today!
Early Day Legos
While we admire the cute, beautiful houses, they also serve another purpose! Because people did not own the land, they could pick up their house and belongings and move to the next area. If the building had holes or gaps, they would plug it with whatever they could find. Thus, this became the status symbol of wealth if you could decorate while building your house!
The Medieval Church
We began with history of the beautiful and tall church. For our two centuries, the tower was the highest building in Europe. During construction of the second tower, they ran out of money - hence the uneven towers! Otherwise, the cathedral is beautiful! I know the saying goes once you’ve seen an European church, you’ve seen them all, but this one is spectacular and unexpected here!
Wish We Had A Fireplace
After our excellent Christmas walking tour, we had our Christmas dinner! Unfortunately, we did not book anything and should have looked at the hotels in the area to see if they were offering a Christmas special. Thus, we ended up with our own, special dinner mismatch! It was certainly a Christmas to remember!
The UnChartered Summary
Strasbourg is the perfect French town to experience a French lifestyle with German undertones. Because of Strasbourg’s size, the city is very walkable and offers a local experience.
- We found the Christmas markets to be really unique as it blended both German and French styles. While German markets have more hearty food, beer, and Christmas crafts, French markets focus more on the lights, sweets, and wine!
- Go to Le Petite France! The extremely picturesque neighborhood pulls you into another time and your imagination grows! Especially if you know that the houses can be easily deconstructed.
- Happy Strasbourg offers great walking tours that combine the history of this unique city with the local experience. At the end, they give you their favorite food and drink spots in the city!
- If going at Christmas time, be prepared and book ahead! While we initially planned on a big Christmas feast, we should have kept it simple and found a restaurant.