LAND OF MYSTERY
In northern Alsace, from Haguenau to Wissembourg, Lembach, Niedersteinbach and Obersteinbach in the heart of the forest, lies a land of mystery and legend. Here you stand amidst the elves, fairies, giants and dwarfs - but above all you're in the world of Hans Trapp. Hans Trapp is decked out in rags and chains with wild hair, and sows terror among the young.

LAND OF LIGHTS
Surrounded by mountains and hills, the Land of Christmas Lights is located in the region of Saverne, Wasselonne, La Petite Pierre, Marmoutier and Wangenbourg-Engenthal (known as the Switzerland of Alsace). You can admire the beauty of the lights along the routes called the "Advent Windows" that allow you to discover either a new window that lights up, often accompanied by a story, or simply a richly-decorated and lit village. This is also the land of the Christkindel, the girl who carrys the crown of greens and lit candles symbolizing the Infant Jesus.

LAND OF STARS
This expansive land will enchant you with its wonders. Colmar, the city of lights, will delight you with its decorations and celebrations of its heritage. You'll find Christmas animations and illuminations as you wander the streets. You can discover a mechanical creche in the children's Christmas market. From the Place des Dominicains to the Old Customs House Square or that of the Six Black Mountains, you'll come across creches, santons, craftwork, mulled wine and many other delights. The land of stars will take you through the Alsace wine country to discover both historical and wine-related splendors.

In Riquewihr, it's Christmas all year long, thanks to the wonderful shop that lets you dream and rediscover your inner Christmas child. But this period is even more magical because of the warm and bustling ambiance that reigns. The sparkling stars will lead you across Ribeauvillé and its magnificent medieval Christmas market, Kaysersberg, Turckheim, Eguisheim, Munster, Trois Epis and Neuf Brisach, while beguiling you with mulled wine and wonderful local vintages.

LAND OF SONG AND TEXTILE
Be cradled by the sweet sounds of Christmas as you travel through Sundgau to  Altkirch, Thann, Saint-Louis and Mulhouse. You'll have the pleasure of joining in the songs of Christmas and being bewitched by the magic of the moment. Mulhouse, a cultural and industrial city, remains a leader of the textile industry that was once the source of its wealth. Its museum of fabric screening tells about the development of printed fabric and lets you discover its marvels.

LAND OF PINES
In the centre of Alsace, the land of the Christmas tree dazzles you with its lights and splendor. Along the routes in the regions of  Sélestat, Obernai, Barr, Gertwiller, Rosheim, Molsheim and Grendelbruch (giant pine in the forest) you'll discover various original ways to decorate your tree. It's in Sélestat, land of the Christmas pine, that you find the earliest mention (1521) of the Christmas tree tradition. On Christmas Eve, an evergreen was placed in the choir of Alsatian churches where it represented the tree of paradise. Originally, the tree was decorated with apples, symbolizing the fruit of temptation, hosts representing the fruits of redemption, and multi-colored paper flowers. It was gradually reproduced in houses and by the 17th century was augmented with paper stars, angels and other decorations.

LAND OF VIGILS
This region is a little like the secret garden of Alsace. Located in the heart of the Ungersheim Ecomuseum (outdoor museum recreating Alsatian life in the 19th and 20th centuries), it transports us with the help of sprites from Sundgau to the land of Christmas dreams. The vigils will take you back to the fairytale land of childhood.

Allow yourself to be carried away by the magic of Christmas as you explore the streets and villages. Don't hesitate to seek out the lesser-known paths in this holiday season. 

The Alsace region is home to 35 Christmas markets from Colmar to Mulhouse via Strasbourg. You can choose from "bredele" markets (Christmas cookies), local produce markets, markets specializing in Christmas decorations or local handicraft.

Strasbourg holds the oldest (held since 1570) and now one of the largest Christmas markets in France called Christkindelsmärik. The setting in front of Strasbourg Cathedral is breathtaking. While you are this close to Germany, cross over the river and visit the Christmas markets there, too.

From November 29 to December 31*
- The Christkindelsmärik, in Place Broglie

- Alsatian flavors in Place des Meuniers

- Three Kings Market in Place Benjamin-Zix

- The Carré d'Or Traders Association in Place du Marché-Neuf

- The Bredle Market ("Bredle" are delicious little cakes traditionally prepared during the advent period) and the world of the "Couronne d'Or" wine growers and

- The Christmas Market, in Place d'Austerlitz

- The Christmas Market in Place de la cathédrale and Place du château

- The Christmastime Arts, Crafts and Produce market in Place de la Gare.

Each year, an extra touch of magic can be enjoyed in the town, with a different country being invited as Strasbourg's Christmas "guest of honor". This year, the guests are the member countries of the European Union. An artistic and cultural programme is being organized including a traditional market featuring culinary, artistic and craft specialities, not forgetting folk dancing, concerts, and exhibitions from the European countries invited (til December 24th).