Hello, all. My husband and I are contemplating being in Strasbourg for Christmas week, including the actual day (12/25). Looking for advice as to a good place to stay, especially if there is any sort of Christmas package available. At minimum, we are hoping to learn that everything doesn't shut down and we would still be able to have dinner somewhere, at least. We've spent Christmas in Zurich, Killarney, Montreal and Aix-en-Provence. Some places are shuttered on Christmas Day, just wanting to be prepared. Thanks in advance for any help.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1506 posts
Strasbourg is worth going to for the Christmas Market and you'll have to take a close look this year because with Christmas falling on Wednesday the schedules are not "normal". Last year Sundays (in Strasbourg) everything was shut until sometime in the afternoon. Normally in the Alsace Christmas is celebrated on the 24th, so I would not plan on things being open after (at best) noon. The 25th you will be lucky to find a place to eat. (Check the Michelin rated places, I found one open for reserved tables last Christmas.)
The 26th is a holiday also.
You might want to consider an American chain hotel with a restaurant and see if that will be open.
That being said, I have stayed at the Maison Rouge and the Aloft (Marriott properties) in the last 6 months and found them to be quite nice. The Maison Rouge is particularly well sited for the Christmas Markets.
Posted by
USA
5 posts
I'd say to make sure you have dinner plans ahead of time and you should be fine. Email or call your hotel to make arrangements (sometimes private tour companies work on holidays) but expect much to be closed the afternoon of 12/24 and 12/25. And, depending on your form of travel or your mobility, check public transportation. Expect more to be shuttered down than in Zurich and Montreal.
Posted by
1 posts
Keep in mind that the Strasbourg Christmas Markets close by the end of the day on December 24 . They do not reopen after this date. Both December 25 and December 26 are official holidays with almost everything closed in France, as is the case in almost all of Europe. Holidays are meant to be spent at home. Some restaurants will be open, but the choices will be limited. I would recommend securing reservations now and dealing directly with the restaurant. Some of the information on the Internet may not necessarily be accurate. We have been many times, but always during the early part of December.
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1386 posts
Stayed at the Sofitel last Christmas and it was fine. We had no problem finding restaurants open during this time. On the 25th we ate at l'Ancienne Douane right on the river.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
Also be aware that there is no "market" there are many, often side by each. And frankly they all have the same stuff.