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Watch videos showcasing the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere
Explore the magical atmosphere of Selestat's Christmas markets







Sélestat's origins stretch back to the early medieval period, growing into a place of regional importance by the Carolingian era. During the 15th and early 16th centuries, the town became a notable centre of Renaissance humanism, home to a celebrated Latin school whose alumni included leading scholars of the age. This intellectual heritage is preserved in the Bibliothèque Humaniste. Sélestat later became a free imperial city and was fortified by Vauban under Louis XIV, with earthwork ramparts still partly defining the town's edges.
The town holds a particular place in Christmas tree history, with one of the earliest documented references to a decorated fir tree dating to 1521 in Sélestat's civic accounts. This historical connection has given the town a genuine claim to significance in the origins of the Christmas tree tradition.
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Sélestat's Christmas market is a multi-square event spread across three central squares in the historic city center, running from late November through late December. The market is deeply rooted in the city's identity as the birthplace of the Christmas tree tradition, with the first written mention of a decorated Christmas tree dating to 1521 found in the Humanist Library. Beyond the market stalls offering Alsatian crafts, regional produce, mulled wine, and artisan goods, the broader Christmas program includes exhibitions in historic churches, a chandelier of 173 Meisenthal glass baubles at Sainte-Foy church, and a Christmas tree exhibition at Saint-Georges church.
Main square location in the heart of the historic town, featuring the largest number of market stalls including food, crafts, Alsatian wines, and a community chalet hosting local associations. Santa's postbox is located at the entrance.
Second square location featuring handmade crafts, jewellery, wooden decorations, preserves, candles in Alsatian pottery, and food stalls.
Third square location at the foot of the Humanist Library, featuring Belgian craft beers, churros, crêpes, cuisine from Réunion, handmade sweets, oil paintings, and charcuterie.
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Step into Sélestat, Alsace — the birthplace of the Christmas Tree tradition, first recorded in 1521. In this immersive 4K walking tour, we explore the historic center of Sélestat during Christmas, wandering through festive streets, half-timbered Alsatian houses, and authentic Christmas markets. This peaceful, no-talking walking tour captures the true atmosphere of an Alsace Christmas. You’ll also visit St. George’s Church, home to the legendary tradition of suspended Christmas trees, a symbol