Noel a Sélestat
Visitors can wander through wooden market chalets and view artisan stands offering holiday decorations, ceramics, and handmade gifts. The historic center features themed exhibitions, including decorated fir trees suspended under the nave arches of Saint-Georges church and a contemporary chandelier crafted from Meisenthal glass ornaments. Guests can also participate in town treasure hunts, meet Saint Nicholas, and watch festive street parades.
What to Expect
Celebrates historic Christmas tree traditions dating back to 1521 in Alsace.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Mairie de Sélestat
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors interested in christmas traditions
Vibe
Historic and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Tips & Advice
- Bring children's letters for Santa's letterbox at the entrance to Place d'Armes, which collects mail from November 22 to December 18.
- Visit the Saint-Georges and Sainte-Foy displays outside service and Mass times, because you can only see them when no service is on.
- Stop at the Maison du Pain d'Alsace bakery, which is free to enter, to watch bakers make bredele and other Christmas specialties on site.
- To see the Saint-Antoine nativity from December 25, you can ask for a guided tour by phone, by email or just by ringing the doorbell.
- If you bake bredele, sign up on helloasso for the Maison du Pain contest before the jury meets on Saturday, November 21.
Special Events & Promotions
- Lighting of the big tree on Place d'Armes on Friday, November 20
- Advent candle lightings on November 29 and December 6, 13 and 20
- Saint Nicholas visits on Sunday, December 6
- Christmas tree parade on Sunday, December 20
- Maison du Pain d'Alsace 25th anniversary: a different Alsatian specialty to taste each day from December 1 to 25
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What exhibitions can I see?
In Saint-Georges church, ten fir trees hang under the arches of the nave. They show how Christmas tree decorations changed from the 16th century to today. Sainte-Foy church has a chandelier made of 173 Meisenthal glass baubles. The Bibliothèque Humaniste shows the 1521 Christmas tree records and a Meisenthal bauble exhibition called "Pôle Nord Express".
What is there for kids?
Children can post letters in Santa's letterbox at the entrance to Place d'Armes. There is an activity booklet for kids and a Christmas treasure hunt. At the Maison du Pain d'Alsace museum, families can follow clues to discover Christmas legends.
Where can I find Christmas treats?
Go to the Maison du Pain d'Alsace. The bakery makes about 35 kinds of bredele plus schnitzlaïwel, christolle, gingerbread and kougelhopf, and you can watch the bakers at work. The tea room serves a puff-pastry fir tree with mulled wine or hot chocolate.
How can I enter the Advent contest?
The "En avant l'Avent" exhibition contest is open to everyone. Make and display an Advent wreath, a welcome wreath or an Advent calendar.
Can I enter a baking contest?
Yes. The Maison du Pain d'Alsace is holding a best-bredele contest for its 25th anniversary. Bring your bredele for the jury on Saturday, November 21. Rules and registration are on helloasso.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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