What is an annual Christmas tradition celebrated in towns across Europe: in France, Germany, and Austria?
Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik is a Christmas market (French: "Marché de Noël") held annually in Strasbourg, France, near Strasbourg Cathedral. It draws in approximately 2 million visitors each year and since the arrival of TGV service in Strasbourg in 2007, the number of visitors has been on the rise. Hotels are booked a year in advance and some receive between 15-17% of their yearly income thanks to the Christkindelsmarik's visitors. It is considered one of the most famous Christmas markets throughout Europe. It is estimated that the city benefits of a 16 million Euros profit from this 38-day-long tradition. It is mostly famous for its fragrance of warm wine and spices which travels throughout the cold, winter streets.
Twelve Days of Christmas The Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as Twelvetide, is a festive Christian season celebrating the Nativity of Jesus Christ. In most Western ecclesiastical traditions, "Christmas Day" is considered the "First Day of Christmas" and the Twelve Days are 25 December – 5 January, inclusive. For many Christian denominations; for example, the Anglican Communion and Lutheran Church, the Twelve Days are identical to Christmastide, but for others, e.g., the Roman Catholic Church, "Christmastide" lasts longer than the Twelve Days of Christmas.