Christmas markets: age-old festive traditions

Published: 2024-11-04 14:10:50
Categories : Actuality , Celebrations , General

Christmas market traditions in Alsace

Each December, Alsace transforms into a winter wonderland, with beautiful decorations and authentic wooden chalets sparkling with festive lights as far as the eye can see, as Christmas markets take over the region. So, where did this tradition come from? How did Alsace come to be the capital of Christmas markets?

When you think of traditional Christmas markets, most people assume that they originated just over the border in Germany. However, what most don’t know is that the very first Christkindelmärik (which is the term used in Alsace dialect for “Christmas market”) was founded right here in Alsace, in Strasbourg to be precise. Celebrated for the first time back in 1570, Strasbourg locals used to gather in the city’s iconic squares to celebrate the birth of Jesus, unknowingly starting a tradition that would see the city become the Christmas capital of France. Over the years, the tradition spread across the rest of the Alsace region, turning the region into the Christmas market hotspot to which people travel from both across France and around the world to soak up the Christmas magic.

Christkindelsmärik sur la place Kléber en 1859 par Émile Schweitzer. © Domaine public - Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire de Strasbourg / Document remis

Bredele: an Alsace Christmas market essential.

What really took Alsace’s Christmas markets to new heights of popularity was the region’s artisanal expertise and its countless culinary specialities which delight visitors from near and far.

Amongst these Alsace specialities are bredele, traditional little Christmas biscuits that fill the air with decadent spiced and buttery aromas as they’re baked in Alsace homes during the Advent period each year. For Alsace locals, the smell and taste of these delicious treats conjure up nostalgic memories of Sundays spent with family, carefully cutting the bredele dough with cutters in the shape of Christmas trees and stars. Sharing and keeping this festive magic alive is a mission close to our Maison’s heart…

Find La Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie at the Christmas markets.

Of course, you can find our Maison set up in our very own chalet at Alsace’s various Christmas markets, where you can discover and stock up on our finest specialities: from all-butter bredele and cinnamon stars to our famous gingerbreads and Christstollen. If you can’t spot us amidst the chalets and festive lights, simply follow your nose the irresistible notes of spices and butter in the air, and you’re sure to find the Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie!

We’re always a Christkindelmärik favourite for those who love the emblematic flavours of Christmas (or who just have a sweet tooth). If you’re planning a weekend in Alsace to discover its magical Christmas markets, remember to check the dates for the markets where you can find us (Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse, etc.). While you’re at it, you can also find all of the information you need to find our stores in the region (Riquewihr, Obernai etc.).

Photo de la Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie au marché de Noël de Mulhouse, vente de bredele.