Christmas Market in Sélestat – Cradle of the Christmas Tree

My Thoughts on the Sélestat Christmas Market

Dates for the 2026 Sélestat Christmas Market

The Sélestat Christmas Market will be held from Friday, November 20, through Sunday, December 27, 2026.

Sélestat Christmas Market Hours

The market is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 7 PM and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 8 PM. A one-hour extension is possible (until 8 PM Sunday through Thursday, until 9 PM Friday and Saturday). For the holidays, on December 24, the market is open from 11 AM to 4 PM, it is closed on December 25, and it reopens on December 26 from 2 PM to 8 PM.

Where is the Sélestat Christmas market held? The three squares in the city center

In addition to the “Christmas tree-themed” activities, I enjoyed the Sélestat Christmas market for its high-quality booths set up in three must-see squares in the city center:

• Place d’Armes
• Dr. Maurice Kubler Square
• Place de la Victoire.

I also really like the St. Barbara’s complex, which hosts many local artisans that you can often even see working live. There are also exhibitions and contests with different themes every year. It is open from November 21 to December 27, 2026, from 11 AM to 7 PM Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 AM to 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on December 24 and 25. Admission is free.

Sélestat Christmas Entertainment Program for 2026

The City of Sélestat has already unveiled part of its 2026 program, but it’s not yet finalized: guided tours, concerts, and seasonal tastings will be announced later. Here are the confirmed events to date.

🎅 A local’s tip: if you’re visiting with family, look for Santa’s mailbox at the entrance of Place d’Armes, from November 20 to December 17: children can drop off their letters there.

The birthplace of the Christmas tree tradition

The fir tree holds a very important place here, as it was in Sélestat that the first written mention of the Christmas tree was found, dating back to 1521. Yes, just that!

An entry in an account book of the town of Sélestat mentions that the municipal forest rangers had to be paid four shillings to watch over the “maïs” (festive trees) three days before Christmas.

It is, to date, the oldest known handwritten reference to this part of the Christmas tree tradition in the world.

🌟 Local tip: If you want to learn more about this topic, the short downloadable guide on the history of the Christmas tree, available on the city’s website, is really worth reading.

With this tradition in mind, the city has decided to offer a very original Christmas market to visitors, immersing them in the world of the Christmas tree. And we don’t lack imagination in Sélestat, you can believe me!

I recommend visiting the exhibition installed in Saint-Georges Church, which tells the story of the Christmas tree, from the 16th century to the present day. For the 2026 edition, it runs from November 21, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Ten decorated trees trace the evolution of decorations from the 16th century to today. Admission is free (Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM, Friday to Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM, outside of services).

Christmas ball chandelier from Meisenthal

Be sure to stop by the Sainte-Foy Church to see the enormous chandelier on display there during the holiday season. A chandelier made of 173 glass Christmas ornaments from Meisenthal (a very famous artisanal glassworks located in Lorraine, right on the border with northern Alsace) awaits you there.

Of course, this one is shaped like a Christmas tree! It’s truly magical. You can also buy Christmas ornaments from Meisenthal at a booth.

For the 2026 edition, this chandelier is exhibited from November 21, 2026, to January 3, 2027, during the same hours as the Saint-Georges Church exhibition. Admission is free.

What else is there to see in Sélestat during Advent?

Also, check out the program of Christmas festivities at the Humanist Library, which hosts two free exhibitions from November 21 to December 31, 2026: “1521: The Tradition of the Christmas Tree” and “Meisenthal Christmas Baubles: North Pole Express” (museum access is paid), and at the Maison du Pain d’Alsace, which offers “Christmas at the Maison du Pain d’Alsace” from November 24 to December 31 (€7 for the museum, €5 reduced rate, €18 Family Pass; closed on December 25 and 26). Also on the program are two Christmas tree-themed brunches on Sundays, November 29 and December 13, starting at 11 AM (€36 per adult, €20 for under 12s, reservation required).

Families can also go on a Christmas treasure hunt through the streets of the historic center (from November 23 to January 3, 2027), and craft enthusiasts will enjoy meeting local creators (jewelry, ceramics, embroidery) as part of the “Little World of Christmas.” There are plenty of activities planned during Advent, and more generally throughout the entire month of December in Sélestat!

What You Need to Know About the Sélestat Christmas Market

• A truly unique Christmas market, entirely centered on the tradition of the Christmas tree
• A much more peaceful atmosphere than the large neighboring markets, ideal for a visit without the crowds
• There aren’t many chalets per se: plan to visit them as a supplement to a more extensive market rather than as your sole shopping destination

Want to explore more Christmas gems in Alsace? Check out my guide to the 20 most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace to plan the rest of your holiday itinerary.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Sélestat Christmas Market