Marché de Noël de Sélestat

The Sélestat Christmas Market holds a distinction no other market in the world can claim: this Alsatian city is home to the oldest known written reference to a decorated Christmas tree, recorded in a municipal accounts register dating to 1521. That heritage shapes every aspect of the Marché de Noël de Sélestat, making it far more than a collection of holiday stalls — it is a full immersive celebration of the Christmas tree tradition spread across three central squares in the historic city center. The market occupies Place d'Armes, Place de la Victoire, and Place du Dr Maurice Kubler, each hosting a curated mix of local artisans, regional food producers, and charitable associations. Visitors can browse handmade wooden nativity scenes, artisan candles, South American crafts, natural honey products, and Alsatian wines, while warming up with tarte flambée, homemade soups, artisan beers, and steaming mulled wine. A rotating community chalet on Place d'Armes features local associations throughout the season, adding a genuinely neighborly feel. Beyond the market stalls, the broader Christmas program elevates the experience considerably. Inside the Romanesque Sainte-Foy church, a breathtaking chandelier of 173 hand-blown Meisenthal glass baubles — arranged in the shape of a fir tree — fills the nave with color and light. At Saint-Georges church, ten decorated trees trace the evolution of Christmas tree ornamentation from the 16th century to today. The Humanist Library, Maison du Pain d'Alsace, and the St. Barbara's complex round out the program with workshops, exhibitions, and artisan demonstrations. For the most relaxed experience, visit on a weekday when the squares are quieter and you can linger with artisans at your own pace.