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Basel, Switzerland was a last minute stop on my Alsace, France Christmas Market trip and I am so happy I added it! Basel ended up being one of my favorite of all 18 Christmas Markets I’ve visited, and I think it might be the most charming of them all! Basel is smaller and a bit less crowded than some of the more popular markets in Austria & Germany, and I loved that! It was so picturesque every corner felt like a postcard!
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Basel Christmas Market Locations & Map
Basel Christmas Market Locations
Basel has two Chrismas Markets that are located in 2 of its main squares, it’s only about a five minute walk between the two and both can easily be seen in a day/half day.
Barfüsserplatz Market
Basel’s main market is in Barfüsserplatz. Barfüsserplatz is small, but filled with tons of stalls for shopping, and lots of food & drink options. Some of the highlights are the Christmas tower bar (grabbing a glühwein here is a must!), catching sunset here is also can’t miss, & the infamus fondue filled hot dog baguettes can be found here also! The smaller streets around the main square are also worth exploring, there are stalls and little Christmas bars worth visiring!
Münsterplatz Market
You’ll find Basel’s other main Christmas Market in Münsterplatz, right next to the main cathedral. This market is home to the epic, giant tree, a kids section with a ride on train, & some of my favorite food stalls! It also had the prettiest lights at night, this market was so, so charming.
Basel Christmas Markets Dates & Hours 2025
2025 Dates
Nov 27, 2025 – Dec 23, 2025
Times
Daily 11AM-8:30PM
December 2023 the matkets close earlier, between 6-8PM
What to Eat at Basel Christmas Markets
I thought the food was so delicious at the Basel Christmas Markets! Bring cash, most stalls are cash only!
- Fondue – when in Switzerland! You’ll find the cutest little fondue hut in Münsterplatz. Give me all the cheese please!
- Fondue Dogs – while we’re on fondue, the infamous fondue dogs in Barfüsserplatz are a can’t miss. Hollowed out baguette filled with a hot dog and fondue is an indulgent treat
- Kebabs – my favorite were the marinated kabobs (or just meat on a stick) in Münsterplatz, the marinated beef was incredible
- Potato Pancakes – not specific to Basel, but one of my favorite Christmas market treats. The ones I got in Basel were delicious
- Raceltte – a can’t miss Swiss delicacy, melted cheese fresh from the wheel on a fresh baked baguette. Pungent & yummy!
- Chäsbängel – hollowed out baguettefilled with frsh melted local cheese
- Basler Läckerli – Swiss gingerbread vairation, soft and a bit chewy
- Zimtsterne – Swiss cinammon star Christmas cookies
- Feuerzangenbowle – classic Christmas drink where a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and drips into mulled wine
Tips for Visiting Basel Christmas Markets
- Basel is small and you can easily explore the Christmas Markets in one day, so you don’t need too much time there in my opinon!
- Basel is close to the Alsace region of France, which is home to some of Europe’s best Christmas Markets, you can easily combine a trip to Basel with a visit to Strasbourg and Colmar Christmas Markets in France. They’re all on the same train line!
- Bring cash, many stalls are cash only!
- I recommend visiting both markets in Basel during the day and at night, it’s only about a five minute walk between the two, so going back and forth a few times is not too much walking!
- The tower bar at Barfüsserplatz is a must visit, especially with it’s lit uip at night!
- Every time you buy a glühwein it will come in a mug, you pay a small deposit for the mug that will be returned to you, or alternatively, you can keep the mug as a cheap keepsake!
Where to Stay in Basel
Basel is small and easy to navigate, but for visiting the Christmas Markets I recommend staying in or near the Old Town part of Basel!
Steinenschanze Charming City & Garden Hotel
This hotel was a 10 minute walk from Barfüsserplatz, and also about 15 minute walk from the train, it was super convenient. It was clean and nice, and they had a cute outdoor patio/garden all decorated for Christmas. I would definitely stay here again, and the price wasn’t too bad for Switzerland, where everything is generally really expensive!
Getting to Basel
By Train
Getting to Basel by train is the easiest option. Basel is connected by train to all other major cities in Switzerland and connections run regularly throughout the day. It’s also easy to get from Basel to the Alsace region of France. I’d recommend flying in to a major city like ZUrich
- Basel –> Zurich: 55 minutes
- Basel –> Strasbourg: 1 hour and 20 minurws
By Plane
Basel does have an airport, EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL) that’s about 15 minutes from Basel and is also an option, it’s a smaller airport than Zurich, so it really depends on which airport you find the best flight options to!
Basel Christmas Market Overall Rating
6 of 15
Basel far exceeded my expectations, as a last minute stop, I was so charmed by Basel’s Christmas Markets. I loved the local feel, lack of overwhelming crowds, amazing food, twinkle lights, & the stunning tree. If you’re heading to Alsace, France or Switzerland in December I cannot recommend a stop in Basel enough!
