Did you know that the Christmas tree originally came from Alsace ?
It appeared in the XIIth century when houses were decorated with cut branches before Christmas.
From St. Catherine day on November 25 onward one can sense the beginning of a bustling activity which intensifies during the 4 week Advent period preceding Christmas and comes to a gentle halt January 6 on the day of the Epiphany.
During this period of preparation caught between legends, rites, myths, scents and flavours, you will rekindle the soul of your childhood.
The whole country is transformed : houses are decorated with fir branches, windows are decked out and lit up with starry décor ; tall fir trees covered with balls and garlands are erected on town and village squares, and Christmas markets "Christkindlmarik" are set up in little wooden houses. Twinkling strings of fairy lights in the streets compete in colour and originality.

Kitchens emit a lovely smell of « bredele ». Excited children are already anticipating the joys and presents of « Christkindl », and some of them fear the arrival of « Hanstrapp ».

 ALSACE FOOD STALLS AND WORKSHOPS : mulled wine, pretzels, “choucroute” (sauerkraut), “tarte flambée” (traditional Alsace onions and cream tart) baked on site by our Alsatian Chef, “bredele” (Christmas biscuits), cake workshops,...
 SOUTH AFRICAN CRAFT MARKET : Christmas decorations and handcraft articles, demonstrations and workshops
 FRENCH ITEMS FOR SALE : Wine and Food, Perfumes, Lingerie...
 KIDDIES ENTERTAINMENT : Handicraft and bakery workshops, story-telling, puppet show...

The proceeds of these activities will go for associations dedicated to the HIV cause

 Date : Fri 2nd December (from 16:00 to 22:00) and Sat 3rd December (from 10:00 to 14:00)
 Venue : Alliance Française du Cap 155, Loop Street
 Entrance free, donations welcome
 Enquiries : Jean-Jacques Thézard, Director, comm.cpt@alliance.org.za, 021 423 56 99
 More about Alsace on www.tourisme-alsace.com