Running this year from November 23 to January 6, I arrived in Baden-Baden in time to catch the very…read morefirst day. Organized and tidy, there's plenty to see, plenty to eat, plenty to drink, and of course, plenty to purchase. Get your Glühwein here and yes, they have actual ceramic mugs as opposed to some cities that are trying this in plastic (hello, Mulhouse). The wine is different from one vendor to the next so you might have to try a couple of them. Note that there is a €3 deposit on the mug which you get back when you return it, or you can keep the mug as a souvenir. Baden-Baden's Christmas Market has a fairy tale street, a dedicated market stall area with food (to eat and to purchase as a gift), trinkets, scarves and hats, carved wood, spun glass and so many interesting things. Don't miss the nativity scene exhibits in the Trinkhalle. Along the way, you'll find live music and more. I did not find a vendor that did not accept Google Pay / Apple Pay but there might be some so be prepared with cash just in case. Yes, they do Euros here in Germany. There are organized tours if you'd prefer a guide to show you the way https://www.baden-baden.com/en/events/baden-baden-christmas-market/guided-christmas-market-tour-english. [Review 20955 overall - 227 in Germany - 1940 of 2023.]

The Tête-à-Tête is a street theatre festival taking place every two years in Rastatt, with the next…read moreinstalment planned for 2010. It features a variety of different comedy, musical, acrobatic and artistic acts from all over the world, including many shows for children. For a week at a time, the pedestrian centre of Rastatt is transformed into a number of stages, where different acts will perform their 30 minute shows (some of which also involve the audience, so beware!) according to a pre-determined timetable. Because the event is heavily sponsored by the local council and different companies, it is mostly free, although you are very welcome to show your support by buying a 3 euro badge. In addition, tickets can (and must) be booked for the larger shows such as plays or fireworks displays that take place in different venues in the evening. The atmosphere at this event is always great and once you've been hooked, you want to come back every time!

With a rich Christmas market tradition, this is an amazing market in Europe. Set in the old town…read morecentre and distributed throughout the old town it's a charming and traditional market full of goodies and amazing food :-) Try the hot chocolate here as it is amazing as is the different mulled wines and food. This year the guest country was Portugal and they had a section dedicated to food and gifts from Portugal. The area around the cathedral is the main market area and it looks stunning. Tons of people were about and security along the edges was tight. I am so glad we visited here. It's one of the most beautiful markets I have seen in Central Europe. Lots to do and wander and have a meal. Prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere is amazing.

This was our 2nd year attending the Marche de Noel & Strasbourg is like no other…read more Scattered throughout the city center, you'll find huts from local artisans, selling a little of everything from honeys to mulled wine and juices, hand painted glass ornaments, wooden ornaments, hats, crepes, meats, breads, candies... just a little of everything And the shops surrounding the market go all out as well with lights and decorations and tons of Christmas offerings This year's featured country was Portugal ( last year or was Luxembourg) and there were vendors from Portugal selling locally made wares The lights, the decorations, the fun, festive atmosphere make Strasbourg one of the must-see Christmas markets in Europe

My mom and I took my kids to France last month to visit the Christmas markets. The trip was my…read moremom's idea (and very generous treat), and it was as ambitious and chaotic as it was special, my boys' first time in Europe, for a Christmasy long weekend. We took the train to Strasbourg and had less than six hours before our train to Paris, one of which we lost looking for a storage locker at the station. Setting aside lunch and the forty minutes required to use the bathroom at Galeries Lafayette, we had about two hours to explore the actual Christmas markets. Strasbourg has several of these markets, and while we went to two or three distinct ones, they were all within walking distance of each other and more or less blended together. They were definitely charming, even if the rainy weather was not what my mom had in mind when she booked this bucket list trip. The lights and decorations were enchanting, and worked well with Strasbourg's beautiful architecture. We did some light shopping, buying magnets and Christmas decorations at a couple of the hundreds of booths. There was one booth with rude vendors, but they seemed to be outliers, and we just moved on to the next shop, which was selling very comparable goods. We found one ride for the kids, a kind of janky merry-go-round that was, at least, Christmas-themed. We also saw the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, a cool Gothic church and one of the city's most famous sites. I admit we spent more time at the merry-go-round. This was a hectic way to see Strasbourg, but the kids had fun and I'm glad we were able to check it off my mom's list. Next time, we might just hit Solvang, but the Strasbourg Christmas markets probably are worth seeing before you die.

This was the main purpose of my ten day November 2021 trip to Europe: To meet up with my frequent…read moreflier friends in Strasbourg (one from Atlanta, one from Minneapolis and two from Detroit) to attend the oldest Christmas market in Europe in the "Capitale de Noël"! Sure, Düsseldorf was a fabulous meetup with Klaus-Dieter and Stuttgart was great to see the transportation museums. But Strasbourg was the hook for the trip! There are a couple of markets around Strasbourg in different plazas but the main one is around the cathedral. They had set up a clear entrance and exit with security checking COVID QR codes and matching IDs. There were also concrete bollards placed to prevent a vehicle from doing something stupid. Once through the entrance, masks off and enjoy! A few dozen Christmas themed kiosks with Christmas tree ornaments, engraved glasses, chocolates, leather goods and more. Of course, lots of food so plan to be hungry when you arrive. We had three different glühweins (I prefer the red) and each had a slightly different flavor. A ham and cheese crepe was consumed. And I bought a few things to bring home. Just so much enjoyment here and the crowds were manageable. Tips: If you're going to shop, bring a reusable shopping bag. You can get back your €1 deposit on your glühwein cup by returning it. And importantly, keep in mind that you're in a big crowd so mind your wallet/handbag and be aware of crazy people who might be doing dumb things. Have fun! [Review 16442 overall - 76 in France - 1950 of 2021.]