Every year at the end of November, Alsace transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Christmas markets popping up in every town.
Since moving to the capital of Alsace in 2019, I’ve visited a lot of Christmas markets, but one of my favorites is the one in Sélestat.
It’s less visited than more popular ones like Colmar and Strasbourg, which means fewer people. The decorations are also incredible, and the theme can’t be beat. This is, after all, where the first Christmas tree was ever recorded.
In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know about the Sélestat Christmas market, including key attractions, must-try foods, and other tips.
Helpful Tip: I will share the dates for the 2025 Christmas market as soon as they are available.
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History and Theme
The title of the Christmas market in Sélestat is Capitale de l’Abre de Noël or Capital of the Christmas Tree.
It was here (in 1521) that the first Christmas tree was recorded, and the documentation to prove it is in the Humanist Library (one of the best things to do in the region).
But that’s not all.
There’s also documentation detailing the decoration of the Christmas tree.
And so, of course, the entire market is centered on this theme. You will see a Christmas tree on every corner.
Plus, there are events and exhibitions all dedicated to the history and tradition of the Christmas tree.
Key Attractions
Sélestat might be a small town, but you’ll find lots of activities and things to do.
Helpful Tip: As shown in the picture above, every year, a map of the Christmas market is available at stands around Sélestat.
Below are the key attractions to visit during the Christmas market:
- Humanist Library: This library is where you’ll find the documentation of the first Christmas tree. This book, along with two others, is free to visit. But I recommend checking out the rest of the library. It holds thousands of manuscripts from scholars, like Beatus Rhenanus.
- Maison du Pain d’Alsace: This museum is dedicated to the history of bread, and, during the holiday season, they prepare 35 varieties of bredele on site.
- Église Saint-Georges: This church is dedicated to the evolution of Christmas tree decorations. There are information boards and Christmas trees to show all the different decorations.
- Église Sainte-Foy: This is where you’ll find a Christmas tree made entirely out of boules de Noël Meisenthal (handmade and blown glass ornaments).
- Complexe Sainte-Barbe: This exhibition space houses three floors of Christmas demonstrations. It changes every year, but it’s worth checking out.
- Christmas Market Stalls: There are three squares (Place du Kubler, Place d’Armes, and Place de la Victoire) where you’ll find wooden chalets selling everything from crafts to mulled wine.
Helpful Tip: If you want to visit the Humanist Library and the Maison du Pain d’Alsace, make sure to ask about the combined ticket. It’s cheaper than buying individual tickets for each museum.
Must-Try Foods and Drinks
Besides the traditional Alsatian dishes that are worth trying, there are a few treats that are only sold during the holiday season.
Below are the must-try foods and drinks that I recommend:
- Choucroute garnie: This traditional dish consists of sauerkraut cooked with sausages, pork, and potatoes.
- Bredele: These are small, spiced cookies that come in various shapes and flavors. They are only served as treats during Christmas time.
- Vin chaud (mulled wine): This warm and spicy drink is perfect for cold winter nights. It’s made from red wine, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves.
- Tarte flambée: Also known as Flammekueche, this thin pizza-like dish is topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons.
- Kougelhopf: This is a traditional Alsatian cake made with raisins and almonds. It’s often served as dessert or for breakfast.
- Baeckeoffe: A slow-cooked casserole dish made with potatoes, onions, carrots, and three types of meat (beef, pork, and lamb). And because it’s a heavy dish, it’s usually only available in winter.
Shopping Tips
The Christmas markets here sell products ranging from handmade crafts to gourmet foods.
You’ll find bags of bredele cookies, casseroles to make baeckeoffe, and plenty of handmade jewelry. And, of course, Christmas tree decorations.
Most, if not all, of the items can be found at the different markets around town.
But the ‘thing’ to get in Sélestat is the boules de Noël Meisenthal.
As I mentioned above, these are handmade and blown glass ornaments. Every year, there is a different design, which means they sell out early in the season.
So, if you aren’t visiting Sélestat when its Christmas market opens, I recommend buying them online.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
How to Get to Sélestat
Sélestat is between Strasbourg and Colmar.
The easiest way to get there is by train or car.
Helpful Tip: The best place to buy your train tickets is SNCF-Connect.
If you are traveling from abroad, the nearest airports are Strasbourg Airport, EuroAirport, Frankfurt Airport, and Paris (CDG and Orly).
From any of those airports, you can take the train, rent a car, or take the bus to Sélestat.
Helpful Tip: Direct trains run from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport to Strasbourg’s main train station. From there, it’s a 20-minute train ride or a 20-minute drive to Sélestat.
Where to Stay
Sélestat doesn’t have a ton of accommodation options, so it’s best to book in advance. Here are the places that I recommend.
- Appartement de la Noblesse – designed by C.M: This one-bedroom apartment is right in the center of town. The host is friendly, and the apartment has everything you’ll need.
- Gîte du Figuier 4 à 6 personnes Sélestat Centre-Alsace: This two-bedroom apartment is ideal for families. It’s located on a quiet but pretty street.
- La Parenthese Alsacienne au Coeur de Sélestat: This apartment is small but beautifully decorated. It’s also within walking distance to the main attractions.
Where to Eat
Sélestat has several fantastic places to eat. Below is a list of my favorites.
- Pâtisserie Wach Benoît: This is my favorite place to eat in Sélestat. The food is incredible, and the decorations are beautiful. Make sure to ask for a table upstairs.
- Restaurant Auberge de la Paix: This French restaurant specializes in both traditional and modern dishes. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is warm.
- Bar Elsass Faller Edouard: A family-owned restaurant that serves dishes made with local products. They even have their own brand of wine.
- L’Amuse Bouche: If you want to enjoy a glass of wine with a snack, this is the place to go. It has a cozy setting and is open later than other places in town.
Essential Packing Tips
Winter in Sélestat can vary year to year, but, in general, it’s usually cold. Here is a list of items you should pack for your trip:
- Warm coat or jacket
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- Waterproof boots with good traction (the cobblestone streets can get very slippery)
- Layers of clothing (long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, etc.)
- Thermal underwear or base layers
- Thick socks
- Raincoat or umbrella (it rains more often than it snows)
Practical Tips
After visiting the Christmas market in Sélestat several times, here are my top tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Pick up a pamphlet when you arrive. It has a map of the market along with a calendar of events.
- Plan your visit for the evening to experience the beautiful lights.
- Bring cash, as not all vendors accept credit/debit cards.
- Arrive early in the day on weekends to avoid large crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Always say “Bonjour” before asking a vendor for a price or ordering.
- Book accommodation in advance.
- Make reservations for restaurants as early as possible.
- Check out my list of recommended websites and apps to help make your planning easier.
Conclusion
These are just a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to Sélestat’s Christmas market.
And, while it may not be the most popular destination in Alsace this time of year, its charm and festive atmosphere make it worth exploring.
I’ve been to a lot of Christmas markets over the years, and the one in Sélestat is my favorite. The theme, decorations, and atmosphere are so different from the others.
Now it’s time to plan the rest of your trip. Why not check out my sample itinerary for visiting the Christmas markets in Alsace?
Read More Articles
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- What is Alsace Famous For? 17 Things You Won’t Want to Miss
- 21 Amazing Things to Do in Strasbourg in December
- Where to Stay in Alsace: Best Towns and Hotels
