Christmas Market in Sélestat – Cradle of the Christmas Tree

My summary

Sélestat Christmas Market dates 2025

The Sélestat Christmas Market runs from November 21 to December 28, 2025, Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 7pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 8pm. December 24 until 4pm, December 26 from 2pm to 8pm and December 28 until 7pm. Closed on December 25.

The exhibition at Sainte-Foy church runs from November 22, 2025 to January 5, 2026, daily from 9am to 7pm. Free access (except for religious services and masses).

The birthplace of the Christmas tree tradition

The first written mention of the Christmas tree

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!

In a register of accounts of the city of Sélestat , we find a sentence mentioning the fact that the municipal forest wardens had to be paid four schillings to watch over the corn (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. If you want to know more about the history of the Christmas tree, I invite you to download this very informative guide.

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!

Exhibition on the history of the fir tree at Saint-Georges church

I advise you to visit the exhibition installed in the Saint-Georges church which tells you the history of the Christmas tree, from the 16th century to nowadays.

Christmas ball chandelier from Meisenthal

Do not miss to enter the Sainte-Foy church to discover the huge chandelier which is exposed there on the occasion of the end of year celebrations. A chandelier of 173 glass Christmas ornaments from Meisenthal (a very famous artisanal factory located in Lorraine, just on the border with northern Alsace) awaits you.

Of course, this one is in the shape of a fir tree! Truly magical. You will also be able to buy Meisenthal Christmas ornaments on a stand.

Christmas Villages of Sélestat

In addition to these “special tree” animations, I appreciated the Christmas market of Sélestat for its qualitative chalets installed on three essential places of the city center: place d’Armes, place du Dr Maurice Kubler, and 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.

Other Christmas animations: ask for the program!

Also check out the program of Christmas festivities at the Humanist Library and the Maison du Pain d’Alsace, there are lots of activities planned during the Advent period, and more generally during the whole month of December in Sélestat!