The Basel Christmas Market is often listed among the best in Europe, and a winter trip to the city is rewarding for it alone. It spreads across two main squares in the old town, the Barfusserplatz and the Munsterplatz, with hundreds of wooden stalls selling crafts, candles, decorations, toys and food. Strings of lights hang over the streets, a giant illuminated tree stands on the Barfusserplatz, and the red sandstone minster provides a spectacular backdrop for the Munsterplatz market. The market has a quieter, more refined feel than some of its German neighbours. Stalls are often run by artisans, with handmade glass, ceramics, wood carvings and felt goods, and the Munsterplatz focuses on quality crafts and food. Gluehwein, the mulled wine, is sold everywhere, along with hot chestnuts, raclette, fondue and, of course, Basler Laeckerli in decorated tins that make great gifts.
The season usually begins in late November and runs through to the days just before Christmas, with daily opening in the afternoon and evening and longer hours at weekends. Exact dates change each year, so check the tourist board before you book. Weekday afternoons are calmest, while weekends and evenings are busy but festive, and the lights and atmosphere are at their best after dark.
Beyond the stalls, Basel offers a series of seasonal events. Look for the Christmas ferry on the Rhine, concerts in the minster, carol singing, children workshops and the decorated shop windows of the old town streets. Some places run a Christmas lights walk or a tour with stories, and chocolate and food tours often add a festive theme in the season.
Food and drink are an important part of the visit. Try raclette scraped over potatoes, a hot sausage or a bowl of soup from a market stand, and finish with a sweet pastry or a cup of hot chocolate. Prices are Swiss, so expect to pay more than in nearby Germany, but portions are generous and the quality is high. Bring cash for small stalls, though many accept cards.
Wrap up warm, because evenings in Basel can be cold, and wear shoes with grip for icy cobbles. The squares are compact, and you can see the main markets in a couple of hours, though you may want to return for a second visit. If you are travelling with children, arrive earlier in the day for easier movement and a shorter wait at stands.
Basel is a fine base for a wider Christmas market tour. Colmar and Strasbourg in Alsace and the Black Forest are close, and day trips are simple by train, but many travellers find that Basel itself offers more than enough. Book hotels well ahead, because the season fills the city, and plan on warm layers and a flexible schedule.
Visit at least twice if you can, once in daylight to see the stalls and the craft work, and once after dark for the lights and the atmosphere. Many stalls take refundable mugs for hot drinks, so keep the mug as a small souvenir or return it for a deposit. If the weather is cold, plan breaks in a nearby cafe and keep your gloves handy for holding warm mugs.
What to expect
The experience
A stroll through wooden stalls on the Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz, with crafts, mulled wine, raclette and Basler Laeckerli.
Best time
Weekday afternoons for space, and after dark for the full effect of the lights. Weekends are busiest.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Check the dates each year, dress warmly, bring some cash and book hotels early.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, families and anyone travelling in the winter season.
- Families
- A joy for children, with lights, treats and a festive ferry, but busy at weekends.
- Couples
- Mulled wine on the Munsterplatz with the minster lit behind you is a classic.
- Pair with
- The Christmas ferry, a chocolate tasting walk and the old town lights.
- Time needed
- An evening or an afternoon.
Good questions
When does the Basel Christmas Market open?+
It usually opens in late November and runs until just before Christmas, but exact dates change each year, so check the tourist board.
Where are the main markets?+
On the Barfusserplatz and the Munsterplatz in the old town, with smaller stands around the centre.
What should I eat?+
Try raclette, roasted chestnuts, hot sausage, mulled wine and Basler Laeckerli.
Is it good for children?+
Yes. There are lights, a giant tree, crafts and a decorated ferry, but weekends can be crowded.
Do I need cash?+
Many stalls accept cards, but cash is useful for small purchases and queues.
