Christmas in Alsace

Homemade gingerbread is one of the finest gifts you can give your Alsatian kitchen. Scented with honey, cinnamon, anise and cardamom, soft at heart and slightly crispy on the surface, it fills the house with an intoxicating fragrance that instantly evokes Christmas, Advent and Alsatian markets. The traditional recipe from Gertwiller, world capital of gingerbread, is simpler than one might think - you just need to follow a few essential rules to achieve a result worthy of the finest artisans.

Schenkele - literally "little thighs" in Alsatian - are one of the most original Christmas biscuit specialities of Alsace. Unlike oven-baked Bredele, these small roll-shaped biscuits are fried in oil then rolled in vanilla sugar or cinnamon. Crispy on the outside, soft and almond-scented on the inside, they always surprise the uninitiated with their unique texture and irresistible flavour. An ancestral recipe absolutely worth rediscovering during Advent.

Alsatian Christmas decoration is one of the richest and most poetic there is. Mouth-blown glass baubles, woven straw stars, table sets embroidered with traditional motifs, terracotta lanterns and fragrant fir garlands: each element tells a story and contributes to creating the magical and warm atmosphere that has made Alsace's reputation at Advent time. This guide accompanies you in decorating your home the Alsatian way with authenticity and elegance.

Alsatian Christmas decoration is one of the richest and most recognisable in Europe. Blown-glass storks, golden pretzels, lucky witches, Stars of Bethlehem and traditional motifs dress houses and markets in a unique atmosphere that blends centuries-old tradition with contemporary artisan creativity.

In Alsace, Advent is far more than a simple waiting period before Christmas. It is a full month of family rituals, spice aromas and soft lights - the four-candle Advent wreath, the Advent calendar, the Christkindel and the four Sundays of contemplation and celebration that punctuate the weeks until 25 December.

The Mannele is the unmissable Alsatian brioche of 6 December. This small golden figure, soft and lightly sweetened, is given to children on Saint Nicholas Day in every bakery across Alsace. Here is the traditional recipe to make it at home, with baking secrets and delicious variations.

The Bredele are the quintessential Alsatian Christmas cookies. Every year, from the first Sunday of Advent, the kitchens of Alsace fill with the scents of cinnamon, anise and vanilla. A delicious family tradition to cherish and pass on.

Alsace is one of Europe's richest regions for Christmas markets. From Strasbourg to Colmar, from Obernai to Kaysersberg, each market has its own character, atmosphere and specialities. This comparative guide helps you choose - and plan your visit.

Strasbourg proudly calls itself the Christmas Capital - and for good reason. Since 1570, its Christmas market, the Christkindelsmärik, has lit up the city's squares every December. A look back at more than four centuries of a tradition that has made Strasbourg one of the world's great festive destinations.

On 6 December, Alsace celebrates Saint Nicholas Day with remarkable enthusiasm. Torch-lit processions, Mannele brioche, gingerbread and lively markets - a popular family celebration that marks the true beginning of the Christmas season in Alsace.

Spritzbredele, Zimtsterne, Schwowebredele, Leckerli... Alsatian Bredele come in dozens of varieties, each with its own flavours and secrets. Here are the recipes for the 8 classic varieties for an authentically Alsatian Advent.

A capon poached then roasted, stuffed with minced pork, poultry and chicken livers in cognac, with a reduced Christmas spice mustard sauce - honey, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and star anise. The great Alsatian festive centrepiece that turns Christmas dinner into an unforgettable occasion.

Nicole's Artisan Christmas Jam is an unmissable Alsatian speciality for the festive season. This delicious blend of dried fruits, candied fruits, spices and fruit juices pairs wonderfully with foie gras and game, for lovers of sweet and savoury combinations. An authentic Alsatian gourmet gift, presented in a 250 gr glass jar.

Every year from late November to late December, Obernai is transformed into a picture-postcard Christmas village. The Obernai Christmas Market of Gastronomy and Crafts brings together around forty wooden chalets in the heart of the historic town centre, in a warm and authentic atmosphere that is quintessentially Alsatian.

The Obernai Mulled White Wine with Citrus and Spices is an authentic Alsatian recipe that warms the heart at the Christmas Markets. This Glühwein made with Pinot Gris, fragrant with orange, lemon and gentle spices, is the very soul of an Alsatian winter.

Shake it - and watch the snow swirl around a stork perched on its Alsatian house. The snow globe is one of the most universally loved souvenirs, and in its Alsatian version, it captures all the magic of a region in a few centimetres of glass. The fascinating story of a cult object.

The Grand Sapin de Strasbourg is THE festive aperitif of Alsatian Christmas - a twisted puff pastry Christmas tree filled with homemade green olive tapenade, melting emmental and mustard, golden from the oven. Spectacular to present, delicious to eat and surprisingly simple to make. The recipe that always impresses.