Basel is a stunning town to visit for the Christmas holidays because it hosts one of the best Christmas Markets in Switzerland. In fact, the event was declared the best Christmas Market in Europe in 2021, and it took second place in 2022. So if you’re wondering if this is a city worth visiting for winter holidays, it absolutely is!
The best Advent locations, top foods and drinks, best hotels, and top souvenirs to look for are just some of the things covered in this Basel Christmas Market guide. Huge Christmas trees, cinnamon cookies, mulled wine, and panoramic viewpoints of the wooden stalls – here’s everything you need to know about the different Christmas Markets Basel hosts every year!
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Basel Christmas Markets Dates & Locations
There are three large-scale Christmas Market events in Basel. The events at Bafusserplatz and Munsterplatz are the main Christmas Markets. The two city squares in Basel Old Town are separated by just a couple of narrow alleys, and both observe the same opening hours. The other Christmas Market is at Kleinbasel, on the other bank of the Rhine.
Barfüsserplatz Christmas Market
The Christmas Market at Barfüsserplatz takes place from November 23rd to December 23rd 2023. Just like in previous years, the Christmas pyramid will be set up at this square to serve as the official meeting point for anyone visiting the Barfüsserplatz Christmas Market.
This Basel Christmas Market is open daily from 11 AM until 8:30 PM, so there’s plenty of time to explore all the different wooden stalls. There are more than 150 wooden stalls in total across the Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz Christmas Markets, so trying to narrow down the options to a couple of favorites will not be an easy task.
You’ll find everything you would expect to see at a traditional Christmas Market here, so loads of delicious foods, hot drinks, souvenirs, Christmas decorations, and handmade gifts. Whether you want to buy unique Christmas bulbs, fondue, or a handmade wooden toy, I doubt you’ll have any issues finding some great options at this Christmas Market in Basel!
Keep in mind that the Barfüsserplatz event is only one-half of the main Basel Christmas Market event. The one at Münsterplatz is equally important, and the good news is that it’s no more than a five-minute walk between the two.
Münsterplatz Christmas Market
The Münsterplatz Christmas Market is special in many ways, most importantly because it takes place in front of the Basel Minster. The Gothic Cathedral is one of the most important landmarks in this city, and it serves as a stunning backdrop for the Christmas Market. What’s even better is that you can climb St. Martin’s tower for just 6 CHF, and enjoy a view of the Christmas Market from above.
The stairwell of the tower is illuminated in the evenings and the last entry is at 5:30 PM. The only problem with the bird’s eye view of the Christmas Market is that you won’t be able to tell which stalls have the best foods and souvenirs. For that, you’ll need to go downstairs and walk among all the different wooden stalls.
You’ll see loads of cheeses, chocolates, sausages, cured meats, cookies, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and countless gifts. Many local artisans set up stalls at the Christmas Market in Basel, so this is an opportunity to purchase some unique items that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Christmas Market at Münsterplatz is special also because it is so close to the Pfalz. Many people who don’t enjoy being in large crowds will take their drink and food to go and head over to the Pfalz viewing platform, which offers stunning panoramic views of the River Rhine and Kleinbasel. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of Basel’s third Christmas Market on the other bank of the river!
Adväntsgass im Glaibasel
Adväntsgass im Glaibasel is a neighbourhood Christmas Market in Kleinbasel. It’s a much smaller scale than the main event in the city centre, but still worth visiting for the unique artisan items. Also, this Christmas Market is not as busy as the ones at Munsterplatz and Bafusserplatz, so people who get anxious in large crowds will feel much more comfortable here.
The market is open from November 24th until December 23rd, from 5 PM to 10 PM on the weekdays. The vendors open up shop a little earlier on the weekends, so the market is open from 2 PM until 10 PM (8 PM on Sundays).
This Christmas Market is pretty much just a miniature scale of the one in the Basel Old Town. There are shops with food, drinks, and souvenirs, so you can spend your money on anything from pizza and mulled wine to woolen socks and handmade pottery.
One thing that’s unique to this market is Hot Jamie – a hot drink with Jameson whiskey. If you drink alcohol you should definitely try this, otherwise stick to nonalcoholic punch and hot chocolate.
Marktplatz
Although there’s not a proper Christmas Market at Marktplatz – which is a bit ironic seeing as this is the market square that hosts Basel’s farmer’s market – it’s still worth visiting the area if only to see the decorations. A magnificent Christmas tree stands in front of the Basel city hall and makes for an excellent backdrop in photographs. Also, the standard vendors can still be found here, and they often adjust their product range to be more Christmassy in December.
The courtyard of the Basel City Hall hosts the traditional Basel Wish Book every year. You can write down your wishes for Santa Claus in this book, but you can also just fill the book with some thoughts, quotes, or whatever you wish. It’s like a Basel Advent guestbook, and writing in it is just for fun.
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Freie Strasse
Freie Strasse doesn’t host any traditional Christmas Market stalls, but it’s worth walking through this street to see the fabulous Christmas lights and gorgeous decorations. This is the main shopping street in the city center, and it looks absolutely magical when it’s decorated for the Christmas holidays.
Food & Drinks
What foods and drinks should you look out for when you’re browsing the stalls at the Basel Christmas Market? Glühwein (mulled wine) is number one on the list since it’s THE Christmas Market drink. Hot chocolate is a close second and if you can’t decide between the two, make use of both your hands.
The Christmas Market is an excellent opportunity to try some special local dishes that might not be on your radar otherwise. A baguette stuffed with fondue is as delicious as it sounds because it combines two of the best foods – delicious French bread and melted cheese. It’s also a great Christmas Market food because you can eat it with one hand, on the go.
Cheese tarts and raclette are also a must-try, but you’ll need a knife and a fork to be able to eat them. A place to sit (or stand) would also come in handy. As for the sweets, you’ll find loads of regional Christmas cookies at various vendors, and I recommend a Chimney cake if you’re in the mood for sweet pastry (because who isn’t).
What To Buy
If you don’t spend all your money on food and mulled wine (which is a real possibility) feel free to shop around for souvenirs and gifts. It is a Christmas Market after all, and you’ll find loads of items that make for wonderful presents to your family and friends.
But what can you expect to see on sale at the Basel Christmas Market? Anything from Swiss Army Knives to unique cookie presses. There are candles, wooden toys, tiny Alpine houses, Christmas tree bulbs, leather bags, keychains, scarves, decorative plates, nativity scenes, and piles of various Christmas ornaments.
Also, I can’t use the words “Christmas” and “shopping” in the same sentence without mentioning the Johann Wanner Christmas House. It is THE store for Christmas decorations in Basel, with thousands of splendid items that would look wonderful in any home.
Hotels Near the Christmas Markets
Hotel Motel One Basel is as close as you can get to the Basel Christmas Market. The hotel is at Barfüssergasse, just steps away from Barfüsserplatz. It’s a decent three-star hotel with a nightly rate of around 190 CHF for two adults in December.
Hotel Stadthof is a cheap hotel very close to Barfüsserplatz, but it only has rooms with shared bathrooms. Au Violon Hotel is also just minutes away from Barfüsserplatz. It’s situated in a very old building that used to be a Basel remand prison and staying here is a unique experience. Room rates are 120-300 CHF per night.
The Nomad, Der Teufelhof Basel, Radisson Blu, and Hotel zum Spalenbrunnen are all good mid-range options with nightly room rates of 150-250 CHF.
Across the river in Kleinbasel, consider waterfront hotels for easy access to both the Kleinbasel Christmas Market and the central city area. Sorell Hotel Merian and Hotel Krafft Basel are both very close to the Adväntsgass im Glaibasel but also to Mittlere Brücke, which connects Kleinbasel with Altstadt Grossbasel.
Tips for Visitors
Bring cash. Although some vendors at the Basel Christmas Markets accept card payments, many do not. Cash is king and your choices won’t be limited if you’re able to pay with paper.
It’s best to visit Basel Christmas Market on weekdays. The weekend gets extremely busy, which usually translates to very long waits at the most popular stalls. Not to mention that it will be virtually impossible to find a free table.
There are free public toilets at the Basel Christmas Markets. They’re surprisingly clean as well, and anyone can use them.
You’ll most likely need to pay a deposit for drinks. You pay it just once (5 CHF) and then when you’re done drinking, you can either return the mug to get your deposit back or keep it as a fun souvenir.
Don’t miss out on Adväntsgass im Glaibasel. It’s a much smaller scale, but ultimately more popular with Basel locals so it’s a different experience to the Christmas markets in central Basel that are swarming with tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Basel worth visiting during the Christmas Season?
Yes, Basel is worth visiting during the Christmas season. The city is adorned with beautiful decorations, it boasts numerous pre-Christmas events, and it hosts one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe.
Is it worth going to Basel Christmas markets?
Yes, going to Basel Christmas Markets is worth it. Basel has one of Europe’s best Christmas Market events, and it’s absolutely wonderful for its festive atmosphere.
What time do Christmas markets in Basel open?
The Christmas Markets in Basel open at 11 AM every day. They usually stay open until 8:30 AM, although it’s possible that not all vendors will observe the same opening hours.
