Sélestat Christmas Market
The Christmas market of the cradle of the fir tree, tradition since 1521
About Christmas in Sélestat
Sélestat, the historic cradle of the Christmas tree since 1521, hosts an intimate and authentic Christmas market every year. About thirty artisanal chalets are set up on three squares in the historic center—Place d'Armes, Place du Dr Kubler, and Place de la Victoire—at the foot of the Humanist Library. The Saint-Georges church houses ten suspended fir trees tracing the evolution of decoration from the 16th century to the present day. The Fir Tree Parade, a mysterious fir tree hunt, and dreamlike shows complete this magical program.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Christmas in Sélestat at the best price.
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The Cradle of the Christmas Tree
Sélestat holds a unique heritage treasure: the oldest known written mention of the Christmas tree, dating back to 1521. This document, kept at the Humanist Library, attests that the inhabitants of Sélestat were already cutting down fir trees for Christmas celebrations five centuries ago. This historical lineage makes Sélestat the capital of the Christmas tree, and the entire Christmas market revolves around this unique identity.
Thirty Chalets in the Heart of Heritage
About thirty wooden chalets are set up on three emblematic squares in the historic center: Place d'Armes, Place du Dr Maurice Kubler, and Place de la Victoire, at the foot of the Humanist Library. Artisans, local producers, and creators offer quality products: artisanal Christmas decorations, bredele, gingerbread, Alsace wines, ceramics, textiles, and original gifts.
The Suspended Fir Trees of Saint-Georges Church
One of the highlights of Christmas in Sélestat is the visit to the Saint-Georges church, where ten suspended Christmas trees under the arches of the nave trace the most significant stages in the evolution of fir tree decoration, from the 16th century to the present day. This unique installation in the world immerses visitors in five centuries of history and traditions.
Fir Tree Parade and Magical Animations
The Christmas program in Sélestat is punctuated by original animations:
- The Fir Tree Parade: a festive procession that winds through the city center on the third Sunday of December.
- The Fir Tree Hunt: a mysterious adventure in the heart of the city center to discover the hiding place of the jovial conifer, from late November to early January.
- The Star Lighters: a dreamlike show at the Parc des Remparts during the opening weekend.
- Christmas Exhibition: at the Humanist Library, with Meisenthal Christmas baubles presented in playful scenes.
Christmas in Sélestat — edition 2026
The Sélestat Christmas Market 2026 will be held from late November to late December in the historic cradle of the Christmas tree, featuring its artisanal chalets, the suspended fir trees at Saint-Georges church, and the Fir Tree Parade.
2026 Edition
The Sélestat Christmas Market returns from late November to late December 2026 in the historic cradle of the Christmas tree. Around thirty artisanal chalets, suspended fir trees at Saint-Georges church, the Fir Tree Parade, the Fir Tree Hunt, and an exhibition at the Humanist Library will be part of this magical edition's program.
Highlights Christmas in Sélestat 2026
- 30 chalets on the historic squares
- Suspended fir trees at Saint-Georges church
- Fir Tree Parade
- Fir Tree Hunt in the city center
- Cradle of the Christmas tree since 1521
Prices Christmas in Sélestat 2026
Practical information — Christmas in Sélestat
Dates and Times
From late November to late December. Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm. Closed on December 25th. Reduced hours on December 24th and 31st.
Access
By Train
Sélestat station, served by TER from Strasbourg (30 min) and Colmar (15 min). The city center is a 10-minute walk from the station.
By Car
Via the A35, exit Sélestat Centre. Parking in the city center. The Christmas market is accessible on foot from all central parking lots.
Prices
Access to the Christmas market is completely free. Admission to the Humanist Library and some events may be subject to a fee.
Don't Miss
- The suspended fir trees of Saint-Georges church (free)
- The Christmas exhibition at the Humanist Library
- The Fir Tree Parade (3rd Sunday of December)
- The Fir Tree Hunt in the city center
Food and Drink
Mulled wine, bredele, gingerbread, flammekueche, and Alsatian specialties at the food chalets. Restaurants and winstubs in the city center.
Contact
Sélestat Haut-Koenigsbourg Tourist Office: selestat-haut-koenigsbourg.com
City of Sélestat: selestat.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Christmas in Sélestat at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Christmas in Sélestat
Centre historique de Sélestat
Place d'Armes, 67600 Sélestat