Christmas Market in Basel – Switzerland

The CHRISTMAS MARKET in Basel is among the largest in Switzerland, and also the most beautiful. In 2021 the Basel Christmas Market was voted the best Christmas Market in Europe. (And in 2022 the second best). This year, the market is open from 23 November to 23 December from 11 to 20:30 (23rd December to 20:00). The more than 150 market stalls are spread over mainly Barfüsserplatz and the nearby Münsterplatz (platz = square). The highest and most beautifully decorated Christmas trees are on Münsterplatz, on Marktplatz and in the courtyard of the City Hall. By the way, in this courtyard is also where you will find the Basel Wish Book where you can write your secret Advent wishes for Santa Claus, or perhaps your ideas or thoughts for the World!

Of course, on the market, you can find everything from Christmas decorations and interesting handcrafted gifts, but most of all, there are many delicious food and drinks to enjoy.

Try the glühwein (mulled wine), cheese fondue dog, chocolate-covered fruit, potato puffers, half-meter hot dog, magenmorsellen, cheese raclette and fondue and much much more.

If you want to sit inside and rest your feet, one option could be at Confiserie Schiesser at Marktplatz. It’s the oldest in Switzerland, established in 1870, and serves wonderful cakes and delicious lunch dishes. From the café on the first floor, there is an excellent view of the Marktplatz and the City Hall.

A few meters from Barfüsserplatz is the Tinguely fountain, probably the weirdest motion fountain you will ever find. If the winter is very cold, the water in the fountain partly freezes and creates interesting ice sculptures covering the machines. The fountain was created in 1977 and is a must-see in Basel.

Do also stroll through the Altstadt (old town) of Basel. Here you can find the Johann Wanner Christmas shop (open year-round) in Spalenberg 14. The shop has everything, absolutely everything, for your own Christmas tree. In 1998 Johann Wanner decorated the Christmas tree for the Vatican City with 753 large silver and gold balls. Close to Johann Wanner there is a small and very good bakery. In the evenings a walk by the river Rhine while enjoying the Christmas light is also a highlight.

We hope you will enjoy your visit here in Basel at Christmas time.