Strasbourg is the "Capitol of Christmas". I am not sure how the city was given this distinction. I don't know if they won some contest or were the first ones to complete a survey or they just proclaimed that they were indeed the seat of Noel. However it was decided, it is now just a fact in France.
Strasbourg goes all out for the holiday. The entire city is decorated. They set up outdoor markets in several locations throughout town. People come from faraway places to experience the Alsatian Christmas.
The city dedicates the entire month of November to get ready for December. They have been decorating, constructing, and loading the shops with goodies. It makes me excited to see the preparations. I have always loved the Christmas season. Being in Strasbourg takes that love to new heights.
Here are some photos of the decorating process.
 |
| Stringing lights in front of the cathedral |
 |
| A man hanging a wreath in La Petite France. |
 |
| A string of lights waiting to be hung. |
 |
| Giant cookie decorations waiting to be installed |
 |
| This man is arranging fake storks, the official bird of Alsace, on his Christmas market stall. |
 |
| Decorating the rue des Grandes Arcades |
 |
| A Christmas tree is shimmed into a hole in a cobblestone plaza. |
 |
| A truck full of artificial trees |
 |
| A man is twining lights around trees in Place Broglie. |
 |
| This string of lights is being held up by a carving created well before the invention of electricity. |
 |
| Christmas market buildings waiting for opening day |
 |
| Getting the open air skating rink ready |
 |
| Lights are being put on the tree in Place Kleber |
Oh how I miss the Christmas markets... Such wonderful places to find nulled wine, christmas decor, and oodles of goodies to eat!!!
ReplyDelete