It’s not this time of year without Christmas markets

Shopkeeper at the Christmas markets in Strasbourg

Nobody does Christmas markets like the Europeans. The Germans, in particular, have it down to an art form. Which is why, four years ago, when I was a carefree student in France, a group of us went to check out the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France, on the border with Germany.

Busy street in Strasbourg

It was bitterly cold in the medieval town, but with the throng of people, the festive atmosphere, and of course, plenty of good, hot food around, I soon forgot all about the cold. The Christmas markets (there were twelve crammed into the town!) were the main draw, of course, but I also really enjoyed just strolling through the cobble-stoned streets and admiring all the quaint old buildings.

Stocking stuffers for sale at the Christmas markets in Strasbourg

The markets sold everything from ornaments for the tree to long tapered candles in every colour of the rainbow, to adorable sleeping puppies nestled on comfy cushions. Good thing I was alone in France without any family to buy presents for…

Adorable puppies (soft toys, of course!) in Strasbourg

 

Of course there was plenty of food as well! Local specialities included kugelhopf, pretzels, beignets, and choucroute (sausages with sauerkraut).

Unfortunately, Sydney doesn’t do Christmas like the Europeans. There are no Christmas markets, let alone winter coats and hot cups of gluhwein. In fact, Australia is slowly heating, and all signs point to a broiling summer for Christmas.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: It’s not this time of year without…

Some of my favourite entries on this theme include:

• My furry little Christmas helper because how can you not like that adorable cat?
• Happyface313 for the gorgeous flowers
• Cee’s Photography for the beautiful close ups of the rain drops
• This, that and the other thing – mostly because I liked the “snow” falling across the page
• Thin Spiral Notebook for the great idea of using fine white sand as fake snow

Related post: A guide to the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France.