By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 8 December 2025 | Updated: 8th December 2025
Thinking about taking a trip to see Basel at Christmas, but not quite sure what there is to do, or where else to go? Luckily for you, we have been living in Basel for a few years now and having seen our fair share of Christmas Markets in Switzerland, we know the perfect places to visit. So here is our guide to the perfect Basel Christmas itinerary, with a few day trips you can add onto your trip included as well.
Is Basel good to visit at Christmas?
Basel is fantastic to visit at Christmas and we don’t say that just because we live here! Basel goes all out when it comes to Christmas with four different markets, (one of which has 100 stalls, and one of which is purely dedicated to food and drink), alongside Christmas Courtyards and various other events and things to do across the city. Basically Basel in December is wonderful!
Basel Christmas Itinerary Map
Basel Christmas Itinerary
Before diving into the Christmas itinerary for Basel it is worth noting when the Christmas Markets actually open and for how long to make sure that you can figure out the best time to visit and how many days you want to spend visiting:
Tips for visiting the Basel Christmas Markets
🎄 Bring cash – Not all places will accept card so be sure to have some cash on you
⛄️Christmas Market Mugs – The ceramic mugs you are given with hot drinks require a deposit. Simply take them back to a hot drinks stand once you have finished and get your money back, (normally around CHF 4 / 5) OR you can keep them and take them home as some Christmas memorabilia. We may or may not have a growing collection of Christmas mugs from each year we have been living in Basel…
🎅Toilets – There are public toilets in all the Christmas Markets or in the local streets around the markets so no need to worry about having to go in a cafe after every drink!
When to visit Basel for the Christmas Markets and Opening Times & Dates
Basel Christmas Markets start at varying dates depending on the year, but are generally all open from the last week of November through to the 23rd of December.
🎄Barfüsserplatz Christmas Market – open daily from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm
🎄Münsterplatz Christmas Market – open daily from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm
🎄Claraplatz Christmas Market – open daily from 2:00pm to 10:00pm
🎄Adväntsgass im Glaibasel – open from 5:00pm through to 10:00pm (weekdays) or 5:00pm to 11:00pm (weekends)
It can be tempting to visit on the weekend, but this is often the busiest time to visit, with both visitors to the city and locals enjoying the festive atmosphere. If you want to see the markets when they are less crowded, visit on a weekday and earlier in the day as well, (wandering through them as they open is ideal!).
Basel Christmas Itinerary Day 1: The Old Town, Christmas Courtyards & Christmas Markets
Start the day off making your way to Marktplatz in the heart of the city, with its daily farmers markets and beautiful bright red town hall, (Rathaus), where you can grab a bite to eat for breakfast and a hot drink from the UM coffee wagon. If the weather is not on your side or it is just a little too cold to sit outside, then instead head into UM on the corner between Marktplatz and Barfüsserplatz, where you can get a wide variety of baked goods and lovely coffee, (this is a regular spot for us to work on the website!).
❄️To get to Marktplatz hop on a tram from pretty much anywhere in the city as nearly all of them will go through the area.
Whilst in Marktplatz be sure to visit the Rathaus courtyard, (one of the Winterzauber Höfe, or Magical Courtyards that pop up across the city during the advent season), with its beautiful painted facades lit up and Christmas tree in the centre. There is also a wish book in here for visitors to sign, so why not wish for something amazing like visiting Basel during Fasnacht!
From here you want to head up Freiestrasse, popping in the Lindt shop as you go, before reaching the first Christmas Markets of the trip at Barfüsserplatz, the largest Christmas Markets in the city. With over 100 market stalls situated around Barfüsserkirche if you are in the mood for some hand crafted goods or local sweet treats then this is the market for you! Think candied nuts, (gebrannte mandeln are our favourites), chocolate and coconut covered meringue, (beggeschmutz), and sugar biscuits, (there are loads of seasonal varieties as well as the local Basler Leckerli that you should try), as well as glühwein from the spinning pyramid.
We also recommend stopping by the Chäsbängel stall, (at the corner of Barfüssergasse and Fasnachtgasse towards the back of the church), earlier in the day, and either just before or after the lunchtime rush, as these fondue filled bread rolls are delicious but very popular with the locals and visitors alike, (we get them at least three times a year as they also have a stand at the autumn markets, Herbstmesse!). Be prepared to make a mess!
After eating your way around the Barfüsserplatz Christmas Market, next head back towards Marktplatz but via Gerbergässlein, where you will find numerous local shops and cafes, each with their own decorated Christmas tree out the front. It’s a beautiful and often missed street in Basel, but it is definitely worth a walk down whilst visiting Basel for the Christmas Markets.
From here you will pop out in Rümelinsplatz at the Christmas Wish Tree, (another opportunity to wish for another visit to Switzerland if you didn’t already!), take the road to the right before the next left and you will be walking up one of the nicest streets in the Altstadt, Spalenberg. Here is where you will find another Basel Christmas Courtyard, (hidden between the Tee Shop Basel and Glausi’s Käsespezialitäten), and of course the world renown Johann Wanner Christmas Shop. It is a little pricey but it well worth a look inside just for the sheer number and variety of Christmas tree ornaments on offer.
From here, depending on the time of the day or how tired you are, (we know exploring the Christmas Markets takes it out of you, especially with all the food you will have eaten!), you can either continue heading up Spalenberg to visit one of the historic city gates and the Basel University Botanical Gardens, (they have massive greenhouses that are the perfect place to warm up again after a cold walk around the city, and as a bonus they are free!), or you can head back down Spalenberg to Marktplatz and over to Schifflande.
We highly recommend booking one of the winter cruises along the Rhine for dinner. Not only do you get the chance to see the city from the water (with the bridges all lit up in Christmas lights), but the food is also delicious. Plus if you are feeling adventurous you can try your hand at curling on the boat deck too!
Basel Christmas Itinerary Day 2: More Christmas Markets, Museum Visit & Kleinbasel
Next up on the Basel Christmas itinerary we are heading to two more of the Christmas Markets, one in the square surrounding the Basel Munster and one across the other side of the river dedicated to food, so come hungry!
As the markets don’t open until 11am, this gives you the morning to explore the city elsewhere at an art gallery or museum or even do some Basel Local Chocolate Tasting or a Sightseeing Bus Tour.
We absolutely love the Museum of Cultures Basel, (Museum der Kulturen Basel, a great museum with artifacts from around the world as well as a dedicated exhibition to Basels Fasnacht), and the Museum of Natural History, (Naturhistorisches Museum Basel), which are also both close to the first Christmas Market of the day, or if art is more your thing then the Kunstmuseum at St Alban-Graben is another great option.
If you would rather, you can also join a guided tour through Basel; these are our top picks:
You can also visit the inside of the Basel Munster and even climb up into the roof to visit the towers if they are open. It costs from CHF 6 per person to climb up and it is so worth it for the views over the city, especially so with pretty Christmas Markets below. Make sure you also visit the Crypt to learn about the history of the city and the building and see some beautiful painted ceilings.
❄️Again it is very easy to get to Munsterplatz, or the area around it, via tram with numerous connections from the Basel SBB to the Bankverein or Kunstmuseum stops, then a short walk to the Munster via Rittergasse.
When the Munsterplatz Christmas Markets open make a beeline for the Flammlachs on the corner, this flame roasted salmon is relatively new to the city markets, (it was first here in 2024), but it is a massive hit and really delicious! You then also want to stop by the Apfelchuechli stand for apple rings coated in batter, sugar and cinnamon served with vanilla sauce. They are so good you have to try them! There is also plenty of gluhwein stands too.
From the Munsterplatz Christmas Markets you then want to head towards the Basler Pfalz around the back of the Munster, a wonderful viewing deck over the river and to Kleinbasel, (and a great quiet spot if you want to sit and eat). Assuming the weather is ok then make your way down the steps on the left side to cross the river via water current powered ferry via the Münster Fähre “Leu”! This is one of the three ferries along the Rhine in Basel that cross from Grossbasel to Kleinbasel, but the one with the best views in our opinion. Make sure you have some cash to pay for your crossing, (it is not included in any transport passes), cost from CHF2 per adult and CHF1 per child.
Once you disembark walk along the river side towards Mittlere Brücke, (Oberer Rheinweg), taking in the views of the city from the other river bank before turning right on to Rheingasse once you reach the bridge. Here you will find Advantsgass, the Basel Christmas Market dedicated to food and drink! There is a lot of choice throughout this market, but we love the stew in a bread roll bowl, burger box and a heisser Brunolino for afters, (a toasted ice cream sandwich!). You should also stop by The Horse Box Bar for all things Gluhwein or the Jameson stall for a Hot Jamie, (a hot whisky not a person!).
If you are still hungry after eating your way through the market then we can highly recommend Restaurant Fischerstube for local beer and delicious dishes, or Du Pont Basel for traditional Swiss and European dishes overlooking the river.
More time in Basel
With more time to spend in Basel we can highly recommend taking a day trip to Christmas Markets in either Switzerland, France of Germany.
Optional Day 3: Day Trip to Zurich Christmas Markets
Basel may have some of the largest, oldest and most well known Christmas Markets in Switzerland, but Zurich is a fantastic place to visit and experience numerous Christmas Markets, each with its own unique twist. With 8 markets in all (yes, there are 8 dotted across the city!), you are sure to find the Zurich Christmas Market for you! We particularly like the markets at the Münsterhof, Werdmühleplatz (they have a singing Christmas Tree here), and at Sechseläutenplatz.
If you want to make a day of it, then this city tour, lake cruise and Lindt Museum visit is fantastic. We’ve done these ourselves, and having a dedicated guide is so much better, especially if you want to make the most of your time.
You can reach Zurich via direct train from Basel SBB in around 1 hour, with tickets costing from CHF 17.
Optional Day 4: Day Trip to France Christmas Markets
Whilst Basel may be one of the more famous markets in Switzerland, just across the border in France is the ‘Capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg. Known for its blend of French and Alsation traditions (and food!), Strasbourg is the place to visit for market stalls tucked between the traditional timber houses or all around the stunning cathedral, (the Christkindelsmärik).
If you want a tour around Strasbourg, then this is a great option, and although not specifically for the Christmas Markets, if you visit when they are on you are sure to walk through them too.
You can reach Strasbourg via direct train from Basel SBB in around 1 hour 20 minutes, with tickets costing from CHF 29.
If you prefer something a little smaller (and possibly less busy!), then head to Colmar or one of the nearby Alsace villages. Colmar is beautiful to visit throughout the year (and we regularly visit), but with the colourful old town decorated for Christmas, it is extra special.
You can also take a tour out to the nearby villages to see them and taste the unique produce from each one. This Alsace tour is fantastic and includes wine tasting and visits to four villages (Eguishem and Riquewihr are two of our favourite villages in the Alsace and are both included!).
You can reach Colmar via direct train from Basel SBB in around 45 minutes, with tickets costing from CHF 17.
Optional Day 5: Day Trip to German Christmas Markets
One of the main cities in the Black Forest, Freiburg im Breisgau is a great option for a Christmas Market day trip from Basel, with its beautiful historic town and eight markets spread out over the city filled with regional delicacies (think Lange Rote sausages, dampfnudels and of course gluhwein!), as well as various handcrafted gifts on offer. It is also open from 10am so is a great option for getting there early before the crowds.
If you want a tour around Freiburg, then this is a great option, and again although it is not specifically for the Christmas Markets, you are sure to walk through them too.
You can reach Freiburg im Breisgau via direct train from Basel SBB in around 45 minutes, with tickets costing from CHF 25.
Less time in Basel
If you are short on time in Basel then these are the main highlights of the Basel Christmas Markets that you can easily see in a day:
⛄️ Christmas Market at Barfüsserplatz
🎄 Münsterplatz Christmas Market
❄️ Magical Courtyards or Zauberhöfe (various places throughout the city – they are mapped out on the map above).
🎅 Johann Wanner Christmas House on Spalenberg
⛄️ Käppelijoch on the Mittlere Brücke (the bridge is decorated with a giant Santa’s hat).
🎄 The Wish Tree at Rümelinsplatz
❄️ Basel Wish Book at the Rathaus
Be sure to check out our post for visiting Basel in December as there are plenty of other things to do besides the Christmas Markets.
You can also visit the Basel Christmas Markets as part of a tour between France, Germany and Switzerland. This tour visits the fortified town of Neuf-Brisach and the Christmas market at Freiburg during the day, and the Christmas Market at Basel at night.
Where to stay in Basel for the Christmas Markets
There are numerous options for accommodation in Basel, but these are our top picks for each budget that are all within a short walking distance of the Christmas Markets in Basel:
Budget: Hotel by Hyve Basel – a short walk from the main train station, with its own Magical Couryard and great access to trams and trains, Hyve is a great budget option.
Mid Range: Art House Basel – a street away from the Barfüsserplatz Christmas Market, and in the heart of the foodie street of the city.
Luxury: Hotel Les Trois Rois – on the riverfront in Grossbasel with views over Mittleresbrücke covered in Christmas lights, it is only a short walk from three of the markets too.
Basel Christmas Itinerary FAQs
How to get to Basel
Basel is very well connected both by air and by rail, making it an ideal location to get to easily.
✈️ By plane: The closest airport to Basel is EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg, a 20 minute trip from the city centre on the number 50 bus. If you’re staying in Basel, you usually won’t need to buy a ticket, most hotels include free public transport for guests. Simply show your accommodation confirmation if you get asked to show a ticket.
🚃 By train: Like most of Switzerland, Basel is well connected by train and has two stations; Basel SBB is the city’s main hub, with frequent tram and bus links (including the number 50 from the airport) and easy connections to the rest of Switzerland and nearby France. Badischer Bahnhof, located over the river on the opposite side of the city, connects into Germany.
🚗 By car: Basel is easily accessible by road, with numerous routes from within Switzerland, France and Germany. However, we wouldn’t recommend driving into the city in December… Parking is limited in the city centre at the best of times and it becomes even more limited during the busy festive season!
How to get around Basel
Basel is easy to get around on foot as it is a small city but if it is particularly cold (or you would rather save your feet!), then it is very well connected with public transport, (trams and buses), which are all included in the BaselCard you get when staying at most accommodation in the city.
How long to spend at Basel Christmas Market?
You can easily spend a full day exploring the Christmas Markets in Basel, but we recommend spending a couple of days in Basel so you don’t feel rushed visiting all the markets. The one at Barfüsserplatz in particular has over 100 stalls!
Conclusion: Basel Christmas Itinerary
So there you have our guide to the best Basel Christmas Markets itinerary with trips to nearby Christmas Markets you can visit in both Switzerland, France and Germany. We love spending Christmas in Basel, especially with all the great festive day trips you can do so we hope you enjoy it too!
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.