Alsace's Seven Lands Light Up for Annual Christmas Festival.ALSACE, France -- Each year, as Christmas approaches, Alsace, an enchanting region in France, looks forward to sharing its treasured Christmas spirit and traditions with visitors from around the world. From November 25 through January 6, the area is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. The Seven Lands of Christmas: Mysteries, Lights, Cheer, Christmas Trees, Stars, Carols/Fabrics and Gatherings are reflected in illuminated cities and streets, sparkling decorations and Christmas markets This is a list of Christmas markets from around the world. Please note:
For over five-hundred years, Alsace has invited travelers into its world, where modern life is influenced by centuries-old traditions. The Christmas festival offers travelers many organized events including processions, street shows, singing gatherings, nativity plays, unique markets and exhibitions. The entire region hums with activity in an exhilarating atmosphere of festivity. Of all these traditions, the Christmas market A Christmas market, also known as Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, and Weihnachtsmarkt, is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas. is the most popular, marked by the scents of gingerbread gingerbread In architecture and design, elaborately detailed embellishment, either lavish or superfluous. Though the term is occasionally applied to such highly detailed and decorative styles as the Rococo, it usually refers to the hand-carved and -sawn wood ornamentation of , sweets, cinnamon and mulled wine Noun 1. mulled wine - wine heated with sugar and spices and often citrus fruit vino, wine - fermented juice (of grapes especially) bishop - port wine mulled with oranges and cloves negus - wine and hot water with sugar and lemon juice and nutmeg . At the market, regional craftsmen and producers showcase their paintings, toys, jewelry, fabrics and fine nativity scenes for travelers to choose from. Visitors can also buy authentic regional specialties such as foie gras foie gras (fwä grä) [Fr.,=fat liver], livers of artificially fattened geese. Ducks and chickens are also sometimes used in the making of foie gras. and Bredele, a tasty Alsatian biscuit, as well as exceptional Alsatian wine and beer. Alsace also has a special tie to one of the oldest and most widespread Christmas traditions - it is where the Christmas tree was born! Dating back to the Middle Ages, in a play about Adam and Eve Adam and Eve In the Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions, the parents of the human race. Genesis gives two versions of their creation. In the first, God creates “male and female in his own image” on the sixth day. , an evergreen tree was used to represent the paradise tree and was trimmed with apples as a reminder of the fruit of temptation. Gradually, people began to hang small Christmas trees from their ceilings decorated with small red "Christkindel" apples and began to adorn these trees with sweets, ornaments and figurines evolving into the Christmas tree we know today. "In Alsace, Christmas has always been a time of festivity, hope and celebration," said Philippe Choukroun, Director of the Alsace Tourist Board. "This is truly a time when this region's culture and heritage infuse in·fuse v. 1. To steep or soak without boiling in order to extract soluble elements or active principles. 2. To introduce a solution into the body through a vein for therapeutic purposes. the Christmas season with charm and wonder - creating one of the oldest and finest festivals in all of Europe." When visitors are not participating in the Christmas festival, one can discover ancient castles, explore medieval cities, enjoy breathtaking scenery and a wealth of leisurely activities. A region recognized for its world class wines and Michelin rated restaurants, guests will savor gourmet cuisine paired with exceptional wines. Accommodations in the region range from cozy inns and resorts to luxury chateau style hotels to suit any budget or taste. Editor's Note Editor's Note (foaled in 1993 in Kentucky) is an American thoroughbred Stallion racehorse. He was sired by 1992 U.S. Champion 2 YO Colt Forty Niner, who in turn was a son of Champion sire Mr. Prospector and out of the mare, Beware Of The Cat. Trained by D. : Photos are available upon request. About the Alsace Tourism Board The Alsatian region, situated in the far north-east corner of France, is known for its rich heritage and culture, fine dining, world class wines and leisurely activities. Although it is one of the country's smallest regions, the area has more Michelin rated restaurants than any other region of France. The region's cultural highlights include the Strasbourg Cathedral, the Schlumpf Collection, the largest car collection in the world, and Issenheim Altarpiece altarpiece Painting, relief, sculpture, screen, or decorated wall standing on or behind an altar in a Christian church. The images depict holy personages, saints, and biblical subjects. . It is one of the top European tourist destinations, which welcomes 7 million visitors annually. For more information on Alsace, please visit www.tourism-alsace.com. or www.abcoffrance.com. |
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