Noël au Pays de Hanau

Noël au Pays de Hanau: 35 Years of Alsatian Tradition

Since 1991, Bouxwiller—a charming town of character nestled at the foot of the Northern Vosges—transforms each year into an extraordinary Christmas village. Noël au Pays de Hanau was born from an original educational initiative: students from Lycée Schattenmann, in BTA « Services in rural areas », conducted research on the specificities of Alsatian Christmas, rediscovering the traditional figures of Hans Trapp and Christkindel. The Marie Hart Cultural Center and the municipality quickly took over to develop this event which, 35 years later, attracts over 50,000 visitors each year.

A Christkindelsmärik with 200 Stalls

Over the years, the number of exhibitors has steadily grown to reach nearly 200 stalls today, all selected for the quality and authenticity of their products. The Christkindelsmärik unfolds in the picturesque streets of Bouxwiller's historic center, at the Centre Culturel, in the Orangerie hall, and on the Château square. You'll find exquisite artisanal creations: Christmas decorations, jewelry, candles, ceramics, textiles, wooden toys, not to mention Alsatian delicacies—bredele, gingerbread, jams, foie gras, and Alsatian wines.

A Labeled Truffle Market

Remarkably in Alsace, Bouxwiller has hosted a labeled truffle market for several years, highlighting the truffles from the Pays de Hanau. This unique feature distinguishes Bouxwiller's Christmas market from all other Alsatian markets.

Hans Trapp and Christkindel: Guardians of Tradition

One of the most moving moments of Noël au Pays de Hanau is the procession of Hans Trapp and Christkindel. These two emblematic figures of Alsatian Christmas—the terrifying Hans Trapp, a straw-covered bogeyman who punishes disobedient children, and the luminous Christkindel, an angelic figure who distributes treats—parade through the village streets to the delight of children. This ritual, almost disappeared in the 20th century, has been revived and preserved thanks to Noël au Pays de Hanau.

Workshops, Shows, and Concerts

The entertainment program is particularly rich: bredele workshops to learn how to make small Alsatian Christmas cakes, floral and craft workshops, magical shows presented several times a day, Christmas concerts at the Protestant church with local brass bands and musical ensembles. A fire show—the « Night Walk »—illuminates the streets on certain evenings, adding a magical and spectacular dimension to the festivities.