CHRISTMAS IN SÉLESTAT
Birthplace of the Christmas tree tradition since 1521
Nestled in the heart of Alsace, near Strasbourg and Colmar, Sélestat is just over 2 hours by TGV from Paris.
Far from the overcrowded destinations of Alsatian Christmases, it perfectly combines authenticity and tradition.
It is in Sélestat that the oldest written mention known to date (dating from 1521) is preserved, referring to the tradition of the Christmas tree. This precious testimony of the past places the city in the rank of Capital of the Christmas Tree.
A program rich in emotion to share with friends or family.
To see in the Humanist Library
1521, the tradition of the Christmas tree
Did you know that the custom of the Christmas tree was born in Alsace and more precisely in Sélestat?
Sélestat has been celebrating the tree for a long time.
" Item 4 schillings den förstern die meygen an sanct thomas tag zu hieten "
The city of Sélestat, a humanist city, carefully preserves in its municipal archives an account register where it is stated that in 1521, the municipal forest rangers had to be paid four schillings so that they would watch over the trees from the day of Saint Thomas ( celebrated on December 21, three days before Christmas).
This is, to date, the oldest known handwritten mention in the world referring to this part of the Christmas tree tradition.
To discover: At the Humanist Library - Salon Erasme
> from November 23 to December 31, 2024
From Tuesday to Sunday: from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays and December 26.
Free access (access to the museum is subject to a fee)
Meisenthal's Christmas Balls, on stage
The Humanist Library is once again hosting a Christmas exhibition where Meisenthal's Christmas balls will be highlighted in small scenes.
Humanist Library - Temporary exhibition room
> from November 29 to December 31, 2024
Tuesday to Sunday: from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays and December 26. Free admission (access to the museum is subject to a fee)
To see at the Sainte-Foy church
Artistic Creation "Tel un lustre", suspension of Christmas balls from Meisenthal
Composed of 173 Christmas balls in Meisenthal glass, this chandelier is a contemporary evocation of the old church chandeliers.
The balls in multiple colors come in counterpoint to the stained glass windows of the church, creating an original suspension.
Design: City of Sélestat in partnership with the CIAV Meisenthal.
Sainte-Foy Church
> from November 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free access (except religious services and masses)
To see at the Saint-Georges church
Exhibition "The history of the Christmas tree"
A unique exhibition in a sumptuous setting that invites you on a journey to the heart of the evolution of Christmas tree decorations.
Suspended under the arches of the Saint-Georges church, ten fir trees retrace the most significant stages in the evolution of Christmas tree decoration, from the 16th century to the present day.
Saint-Georges church
> from November 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free access (except religious services and masses)
Christmas markets
3 Christmas markets on 3 must-see squares in the city center:
Place d'Armes, Place du Dr Maurice Kubler, and Place de la Victoire.
You will find specialties to taste and gift ideas to put under the tree.
From November 22 to December 29, 2024
From Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
On 12/24 until 4 p.m. - On 12/26 open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed on December 25.
To see at the Sainte-Barbe complex
Three Christmas exhibitions in one place
The ground floor of the Sainte-Barbe cellar is entirely decorated in a winter landscape, on the first floor, you will find an exhibition and sales of handmade creations, and on the top floor an exhibition of Christmas tables.
> from November 23 to December 29
Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Closed on December 24, 25 and 26
Free access