Planning ahead to a general Paris to Munich or Paris to Frankfurt route in early December, with a stop in Strasbourg enroute. I've never been to a Christmas market in Europe before, so please forgive my very basic questions.

Do the markets around the cathedral and elsewhere in Strasbourg stay active 7 days a week during the season? Are the weekends especially crowded? I ask because the previous wisdom I'd received recommended that I choose Strasbourg as a weekend stay, when there are no governmental meetings going on and the business travelers are fewer.

Opinions and experiences of all kinds welcome. Thank you.

I don't know about Strasbourg but the Christmas market at Reims was one of the best we visited last year and we included Heidelburg, Rothenburg, Munich and Salzburg. Lots of Christmas ornaments, foods, gluhwein, toys, clothing and such. Crowds are not such a problem at the ones I went to except occasionally at the gluhwein or wurst stands.

The advice you were given is interesting since it's the opposite of what info a hotel in Strasbourg just emailed me; they suggested being there during the week for the Christmas mkts. because they said the weekends are so busy!

Maybe the advice you received was for Strasbourg in general, not necessarily at holiday time? Or maybe it's just different points of view!

I don't think I will actually get there this coming Christmas b/c it's hard to get away from my job early in Dec., but as soon as I retire, that's on my list!

Have fun planning your trip!

We drove to Strasbourg for a day trip from Germany last Christmas and the crowds were unbelieveable. It was packed. Not sure what day of the week it was but I do think it could have been on a weekend. There are markets all over the town, not only around the Cathedral, be sure to check them out. I would have liked to spend more time and will definitely make a return trip in the future.
Susan

I went to the Christmas market in Strasbour every year for 3-4 years awhile back, and it was indeed very busy during the week (especially in the evenings) and even busier on the weekends.
Yes, it's a 7-day-a-week affair, and a very lively one, too!

Thanks to all who have replied!
Grandmere, yes, the advice I received for Strasbourg was for the city schedule in general, keeping in mind the E.U. meetings, etc. I did imagine that the Christmas markets would be more jammed on weekends.
My trip is still in its embryonic stages, but I am looking forward to it - I don't mind the cold and I love being in a new place around the holidays.
Thanks again.