10 Reasons to Spend Christmas in Sélestat

Christmas and Alsace go hand in hand – and nowhere more so than in Sélestat, with its lively Christmas markets, festive lights, activities to entertain all the family and a very old tale of a Christmas tree…

1. THE CAPITAL OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Sélestat holds the earliest known written record of the Christmas tree, dating back to 1521 and preserved in the Humanist Library. Often cited as the birthplace of the Christmas tree tradition, Sélestat continues to honour it today, with beautifully decorated trees taking centre stage in the town’s squares.

2. A MAGICAL ATMOSPHERE

In winter, visitors will be enchanted by the festive lights and decorations, each year enriched with new displays that cast a warm glow across the town’s historic streets and landmarks. Visitors can follow a trail of themed stops through the town’s remarkable sites. It’s perfect for evening strolls with family and friends.

3. AUTHENTIC MARKET

Around 30 Christmas chalets welcome visitors in Place de la Victoire, Place d’Armes, and Place du Dr Maurice Kubler by the Humanist Library. On Place d’Armes, children can drop letters into Santa’s mailbox from November 22 to December 18. Chalets open daily: Sun-Thur 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat until 8pm; special hours on December 24 and 26.

4. THE HUMANIST LIBRARY

Sélestat preserves a remarkable register in its Municipal Archives noting that on December 21, 1521, four schillings were paid to forest rangers to guard the communal woods on St Thomas’ Day, when fir trees were traditionally felled. This record, considered the earliest written reference to the Christmas tree, is displayed alongside two further documents from 1555 and 1600 that also mention the custom. At the same time, the Humanist Library will host the exhibition Christmas Baubles from Meisenthal.

5. MAISON DU PAIN D’ALSACE

At the Maison du Pain d’Alsace, Christmas fills the air with mouthwatering scents. Visitors can watch bakers at work and sample traditional Christmas treats, including schnitzlaïwel, christolle, gingerbread, kougelhopf and more than 35 varieties of bredele baked on site. The museum also explores festive traditions, such as Sélestat’s link to the Christmas tree, and now offers families a tablet-based trail to discover the history of bread in an interactive way.

6. EXHIBITIONS IN CHURCHES

In Saint-Georges Church, ten fir trees suspended beneath the nave will trace the evolution of Christmas tree decorations from the 16th century to the present day. At Sainte-Foy Church, 173 Meisenthal glass baubles will form a contemporary chandelier, their vibrant colours catching the light and complementing the church’s stained-glass windows. Meanwhile, Saint-Antoine Church will host a monumental nativity scene created by the Franciscans of Sélestat in 1934, inspired by Saint Francis’s original 1223 nativity; part of the Noëlies nativity scene trail, it is one of the region’s most celebrated festive displays.

7. ARTISAN EXHIBITIONS

On its ground floor, Caveau Sainte-Barbe will host Under the Stars, where Professor Sappinus and his friends will invite visitors into the heart of their fir tree forest, a magical experience the whole family will enjoy. Meanwhile, in the conference room, The Little World of Christmas and its Artistic Circle is where you’ll find ceramics, crafts, textiles, jewellery, books, soaps and more – perfect for a spot of gift shopping. And last but very much not least, there is the annual Christmas Tree Contest, where visitors vote on fir tree creations by children, adults and groups.

8. ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL

Over the festive period, visitors can enjoy street performances and evening shows while sipping mulled wine, win prizes by taking part in competitions, and bring children to hear fairytale readings or await the arrival of St Nicholas and his donkey. The festivities include a grand Christmas tree parade through the city centre, guided tours, concerts and tastings of seasonal delights.

9. MEET ST NICHOLAS

St Nicholas will make a special visit to Sélestat, delighting children and adults alike. He can be met at several scheduled times, with lively entertainment ensuring that families will get into the festive spirit as they wait to meet St Nick himself.

10. CHRISTMAS TREE PARADE

A colourful Christmas parade, full of joy and festivity, will bring together the Confrérie du Sapin (Christmas Tree Brotherhood) and street performers. Starting at the Quai de I’III, it will wind through Rue du Président Poincaré, Rue des Chevaliers, Rue des Prêcheurs, Rue de la Poste, and Rue Sainte Barbe, ending at Place de la Victoire. Unless otherwise stated, events are free to enter and run from Nov 21-Dec 28 (closed Dec 24 & 25). Hours vary throughout the period so please check ahead.