by Elise, age 8, asks about the best Christmas markets, the Rhine border, and the European Parliament
Dear Santa,
Bonjour from Strasbourg. My name is Elise and I am 8 years old. My city calls itself the Capital of Christmas, and honestly after walking through our market every year, wooden stalls glowing under the cathedral, I am not sure any other city could really argue with that.
My first question is: where are the best Christmas markets in the world?
My second question is geography: what river forms the border near Strasbourg?
My third question is from school: why is Strasbourg home to the European Parliament?
I left you bredele, tiny spiced Christmas biscuits, and a cup of hot spiced wine, the non-alcoholic kind for children.
Love, Elise, age 8, Strasbourg, France
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Elise, bredele biscuits are some of the prettiest and tastiest of the whole season, and I am inclined to agree with your city’s rather confident nickname. Now, to your questions.
Where are the best Christmas markets in the world?
Many of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets are found across German speaking Europe and neighbouring regions, including your own Strasbourg, which indeed calls itself the Capital of Christmas and has held its market since 1570. Other beloved markets include those in Vienna, Nuremberg, and Prague, each with their own character, wooden stalls, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts. Truthfully, choosing a single best market is nearly impossible, since each one carries its own local charm, but Strasbourg’s mix of half-timbered houses, a glowing cathedral, and centuries of history certainly puts it near the very top of anyone’s list.
What river forms the border near Strasbourg?
The Rhine River runs near Strasbourg, forming part of the border between France and Germany. The city itself actually switched between French and German control several times across history, which is part of why its culture and even its food blend both traditions so beautifully.
Why is Strasbourg home to the European Parliament?
Strasbourg was chosen partly as a symbol of peace and cooperation between France and Germany, two countries that fought several major wars against each other in the past. Placing a shared European institution right on the border between them was meant to represent reconciliation and unity, which is part of why Strasbourg holds such an important role in modern Europe today.
Enjoy your market, capital title and all, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
