Basel is Switzerland’s cultural and Christmas capital. Basel Christmas Market takes place across two main squares in the Old Town but the rest of the city is also decorated with Christmas decorations and pretty lights.
Basel is a wonderful destination for a short winter break with the highlight being the incredible Swiss specialties.
Basel Christmas Market 2022
There are two main Christmas markets in Basel’s old town, one is in Barfüsserplatz and the other is in Münsterplatz.
Barfüsserplatz is the central hub of the city, a bustling square that is surrounded by narrow laneways with shops and places to eat.
This is where you’ll find most of the 180 Christmas chalets in Basel, spreading past the square into Kaufhausgasse towards Freie Strasse.
Münsterplatz is located in front of Basel Cathedral and is one of the oldest squares in Basel. It has been used for festivals, parades, royal events and markets since medieval times.
Basel’s most beautiful Christmas tree stands on Münsterplatz, with ornaments by the well-known decorator Johann Wanner.
The trees lining the square are decorated with Christmas lights adding to the festive atmosphere.
Basel Christmas Market dates: 24th November to 23rd December 2022.
Opening times: 11am to 8:30pm (6pm on the 23rd December).
Location: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz in Altstadt Grossbasel (the Old Town in Basel).
Reason to visit: Basel is home to the prettiest and largest Christmas market in Switzerland.
Specialities: Traditional Basel Läckerli (a type of gingerbread), Swiss raclette, waffles and of course glühwein (at the Christmas Pyramid).
Travel tips: From the 2nd to 20th December you can climb St Martin’s Tower (CHF 5.00) for incredible views across the illuminated Old Town.
Hotels near Basel Christmas Market
While Basel might not be the most popular city break destination in Switzerland, there are still plenty of nice hotels to choose from.
Art House is a boutique hotel 3 minutes from Barfüsserplatz. It’s one of the most sustainable hotels in Basel as they use renewable energy as their source of electricity, they avoid single-use plastics, they are active in reducing food waste and they support various local community initiatives.
Alternatively, Motel One is an excellent budget hotel located directly in front of the Christmas market.
If neither of these suits you, I’ve put together a guide to hotels near Basel Christmas Market to help you select the best place to stay for your trip.
Each of these suggested places to stay are within walking distance of the Christmas markets, many of the city’s sights and places to eat out.
Things to Do in Basel in Winter
Basel is the cultural capital of Switzerland and home to 40 museums, the highest concentration anywhere in Switzerland.
Visiting museums is one of the best things to do in winter, especially when the weather is poor, which let’s face it, is more often than not in winter.
Alongside the historic Old Town is some of the most interesting modern architecture in the region, all of which can be discovered on a city tour or by exploring by tram.
If this is your first time in Basel, I suggest taking this walking tour on the day your arrive. This will give you an excellent overview of the city and help you plan the rest of your trip.
To discover the culinary highlights of Basel, you might like this self-guided food tour where you get vouchers for 4 different gourmet stops. This kind of tour is increasingly popular as you get to explore at your own pace while experience local specialties you might not have found otherwise.
Sustainable Travel Tips
When visiting the Christmas markets, it’s important to keep sustainability in mind. These tips and ideas are a great place to start.
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
- Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.
FAQ
Basel’s two Christmas markets are located in the Old Town on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.
The Basel Christmas Markets starts on the 24th November 2022.
24th November to 23rd December 2022.
Basel Old Town Map
Visiting Basel
If you have any questions or comments about visiting the Basel Xmas market in 2022 (known as Weihnachtsmarkt in Switzerland) or would like to more about visiting Basel in winter, please leave a comment below.
We are experienced travellers who are happy to help where we can. We will reply as soon as possible.
Reviews help people who are planning on visiting the Christmas markets. If you want to leave a review after your visit, you’re welcome to do so in the comment section below.
Please be sure to follow all government travel guidelines and restrictions while in Basel and elsewhere during your Christmas break.
Be aware these may change at short notice so please continue to monitor the situation. The latest information for travellers is published by Switzerland Tourism.
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This post contains affiliate links to tours and hotels in Basel, Switzerland. This means we get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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