In partnership with
Hey besties! Christmas-market season is just around the corner, and this week weβre heading to the city that calls itself the Capital of Christmas. Think half-timbered houses, canals, and mulled wine on almost every corner.
Grab a hot cider π or a vin chaud π·, and letβs dive in!
READERS50 β 50% off the full $19 report for newsletter readers Β· ends Dec 31
Free preview, no card needed. Code applies at checkout.
Your Backyard, All Four Seasons
Most backyards get about 90 good days a year. Yours could get 365.
Think about the moments you keep postponing "until summer": the birthday dinner outside, the Sunday morning coffee, the late-night talks with friends. A HansΓΈ pergola stops the waiting.Β
Adjustable louvers let you chase the sun or shut out the rain. The structure is built from T6 aerospace-grade aluminum and engineered for up to 167 mph winds and up to 65 PSF snow load, so it's still standing strong when the weather isn't.
Early Bird Offers LAST CHANCE: save up to 40% on pergolas, plus a $1,000 installation voucher*, a Free HansΓΈ ProCheck Careβ’ 10-Year Plan worth $950, and some FREE accessories to keep fall and winter evenings cozy.
Most pergolas are just for summer. Yours is for every season.
π§ Travel Trivia Challenge! π«
Question: Strasbourgβs ChristkindelsmΓ€rik is one of Europeβs oldest Christmas markets. When was it founded? ππ
A) 1170
B) 1570
C) 1870
D) 1970
(Scroll down for the reveal!)
π Destination of the Week: Strasbourg, France π«π·π
From Friday, Nov 27 to Thursday, Dec 24, 2026, Strasbourgβs Christmas markets spread across the historic Grande Γle: from Place Broglie and the cathedral to La Petite France, with the Great Christmas Tree on Place KlΓ©ber. Chalets are generally open daily 11:30β21:00 (from 14:00 on opening day; closing 18:00 on Dec 24). Nothing is open Dec 25 through New Year.
The Vibe: Storybook Alsace, cathedral lights, bredele cookies, and mulled wine in a deposit cup.
Key Highlight: The historic ChristkindelsmΓ€rik on Place Broglie, then a wander through La Petite France after dark.
Pro Timing Tip: Localsβ advice: go on a Monday or Tuesday, or in the morning. Wednesday afternoons, Friday evenings, and weekends are very busy. The Grande Γle restricts cars during market hours β use Park + Ride and the tram.
Pack for Cold: MΓ©tΓ©o-France normals for December put the average high around 42Β°F (6Β°C) and the low just above freezing, around 33Β°F (1Β°C).
Safety Snapshot: The U.S. State Department rates France Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism and civil unrest. Stay aware in crowds, avoid demonstrations, follow police instructions, and zip up your bag. Packed markets are prime territory for pickpockets.
Want the dated weather, top sights with Maps links, and safety notes for your Strasbourg dates? See your free Strasbourg trip preview (readers: code READERS50 for 50% off the full report through Dec 31).
π‘οΈ The Jetsetter Field Kit: Winter Market Safety & Health π§³βοΈ
Front-pocket rule: Phone and wallet in a zipped front pocket or cross-body bag. Crowded chalets make for easy bumps.
Pace the vin chaud: Mulled wine plus cold air sneaks up on you. Alternate with hot apple juice and water.
Dress in layers: Standing outside for hours near freezing gets cold fast. Thermal base layers, warm socks, and gloves you can use your phone in will help.
Save 112: The EU-wide emergency number works in France.
Pick a meeting point: Crowds and spotty cell signal can split groups. Pick a landmark (the Great Tree on Place KlΓ©ber is an easy one) in case you get separated.
Want more peace of mind? Travel insurance is your BFF for missed flights, lost bags, or a surprise doctor visit. β Understand the benefits of travel insurance hereβ¦
π° Travel News You Can Use βοΈ
Flying Lufthansa, SWISS or Austrian from the U.S.? From Nov 16, 2026, online check-in for departures from the USA, Canada, and Mexico requires a free Lufthansa Group Travel ID login. Airport counters and kiosks are exempt. Set yours up before you fly. Lufthansa Group notice
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov 26. AAAβs travel tips say the Tuesday and Wednesday before are the days to avoid at the airport. Monday or Thanksgiving Day itself are usually lighter. AAA holiday travel tips
Trivia Answer: B) 1570! π The ChristkindelsmΓ€rik dates back to 1570, which makes it the oldest Christmas market in France. It moved to Place Broglie in 1870 and has been there ever since. β¨
π§ Heading to Strasbourg? Get your free trip preview
Enter your dates and see a free Strasbourg preview on screen: overview, weather for your dates, and top sights with Google Maps links. The full 14-section PDF adds safety by area, hospitals, transport, and more.
READERS50 Β· 50% off Β· ends Dec 31
π The Final Exit: See You Under the Great Tree! ππ
Cathedral bells, glowing chalets, and a cup of vin chaud warming your hands. Strasbourg in December is a mood. Book the train, pack the gloves, and letβs go make some memories! β¨
Sasha
Editor, Travel Report Newsletter
P.S. Newsletter readers get 50% off any full report with code READERS50 through Dec 31, 2026. Tap Get my free trip preview β the link can apply it at checkout.
Links and Guides:
Stay safe, travel smart, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Until next week, happy travels!
