Christmas in Kaysersberg

Photo taken in Kaysersberg, France in December 2011

 My parents came to visit us in France in December 2011.  I am really glad that we had the chance to show them around during the holiday season.  It was wonderful to spend time with them, especially in a unique and beautiful setting.

During their visit, we took them to the village of Kaysersberg which is south of Strasbourg but still in Alsace.  The day was rainy and cold but the atmosphere was festive.  Everywhere we looked individual houses and stores were decorated.  There was a Christmas market in the town square plus booths set up along the streets and in halls.  There were lots of choices of crafts, toys, food, and drinks.

It seemed to get dark quickly that day.  The winter sunset was assisted by dreary, overcast skies.  I was worried that we would have to cut our exploration short but things actually got brighter.  Decorative lights shone from every tree.  Windows beamed a golden welcome.  The whole village seemed to sparkle.  Some of my most favorite memories of that day come from thinking about the beauty we saw after nightfall.

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to enjoy the festivities of Kaysersberg at Christmas.  I am even more thankful to have shared the experience with my husband, daughter, and parents.  It is always more fun to explore when accompanied by people you love.

Umbrellas were a necessity during
the first hour or two that we were in Kaysersberg.

The village is nestled in a valley and has many half timbered houses.

A castle on the hill guards Kaysersberg.

Almost every building in the main part of town was decorated.

A very festive window looks over an Alsatian shop.

A church in the main square of Kaysersberg.

As the sky darkened, the lights went on.
Neither darkness nor rain kept the crowds from Kaysersberg that day.