2023-11-24 08:44:00
Tatiana Geiselmann, edited by Sylvain Allemand / Photo credit: OLIVIER MORIN / AFP
Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market opens its doors this Friday at 2 p.m. After three years marked by Covid-19 and the absence of foreign tourists, traders hope that this edition will be successful. Europe 1 visited the site to observe the final preparations.
Top start for the Strasbourg Christmas market. One month before Christmas Eve, the famous Strasbourg market opens its doors this Friday at 2 p.m. A year which raises a lot of expectations among local traders after three difficult years marked by Covid-19 and the absence of foreign tourists.
At the foot of Strasbourg Cathedral, Isabelle displays her jewelry on her freshly set up stand. For her first Christmas market, the merchant has difficulty hiding her excitement. “I am very happy to have been selected, because it was very complicated. I really want to show my new collection, it represents six months of work, so I hope people will be receptive,” she confides -elle at Europe 1. For this artisan jewelry maker, who does not have a boutique, the market is a pivotal event in her year. 70% of its turnover depends on December sales.
Isabelle can count on the support of her cabin neighbor, Philippe. The merchant already sold snacks and mulled wine in the market aisles last year. “Since we set up the chalet, there have been a lot of people asking us if we are already serving, whereas last year, there were not these people. That suggests a good year,” says -he. A craze explained by the return of foreign tourists after three years of restrictions linked to Covid-19.
“The hotels were full much earlier than in previous years”
An increase in attendance is already being felt. Philippe’s family owns hotels and notes an increase in reservations. “The hotels were full much earlier than in previous years,” relates the trader. Some establishments have even been full for more than three months. The lights are therefore green for traders who are firmly waiting for visitors. “We are ready! It’s still a mess, but it’s an organized mess,” declares Philippe.
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