Basel Christmas Market has been hailed as one of the most famous and most beautiful in Europe, and is certainly the largest in Switzerland. It takes place in the impressively well-preserved Old Town of Basel, against a backdrop of historic buildings, giving it that old-world charm and world-class flair.

Get into the Christmas spirit in Basel's Old Town

Each year during the festive season, the city glistens with Christmas lights. As a result, the ambience at the market is second to none. Not only are there massive Christmas trees and boughs of holly and fir all lit up, but you're also likely to see elaborate, heartwarming displays like illuminated nativity scenes with moving parts, model railways chugging along snow-capped landscapes or life-size figurines of Santa and his reindeer with a sleigh full of wrapped gifts.

Explore the cosiest market you'll ever find, set in rustic wooden chalets, with all the festive gear you can imagine, as well as handicrafts that may spark some ideas about what gifts to buy for loved ones. Over the years, the market has proved itself as the ideal day out for families with kids, groups of friends, students and internationals. Let's just hope the weather holds up!

Spending a cold winter’s day out and about strolling and browsing at Christmas stalls is bound to help you work up an appetite and that’s why the food stalls are such a welcome part of the market. Treat yourself to something delicious such as waffles, Glühwein or local Swiss specialities like Basel Läckerli (a kind of gingerbread), delicious Swiss raclette, Swiss chocolate or the ever-popular grilled sausages.

Attending the Basel Christmas Market

Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz are the places to be during the Basel Christmas Market. These centrally situated city plazas are easy to reach by public transportation. Check out the Basel Christmas Market event page for more information. The market takes place daily from 11am until 8.30pm from November 28 right up until December 23. On the final day, Barfüsserplatz market closes at 8pm and Münsterplatz closes at 6pm.

Thumb photo: Switzerland Tourism