The Basel Christmas Market is back! Time to get your Glühwein and make sure you satisfy the three most important food groups of the season: sugar, cheese and all things fried 😉 Find out our top picks and tips to make the most of it!
The Basel Christmas Market (Basler Weihnachtsmarkt) is back! I This year it runs from 23 November to 23 December 2023 in Münsterplatz, Barfüsserplatz and in the evenings on Rheingasse at the Adväntsgass im Glaibasel.
Top Tips
As you plan your visit, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Time your visit. As you would expect, evenings and weekends can get pretty busy, so if you are able to spare an hour during the day you will find it to be much quieter.
Bring cash. Most stalls are cash only so make sure to fit in a trip to the bank on the way.
Bring shopping bags. If you are looking to get some Christmas shopping done, the vendors (and the planet) will thank you for bringing your own.
Bring handy wipes. So many things to try and who wants sticky fingers. Handy wipes come in very handy (as the name implies).
Pace yourself. No need to do it all in one day, the Christmas Market is on until December 23 so you have lots of time to try everything.
Top Picks
Food
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to delicious treats, but here are a few of our favourites:
Chäsbängel (portable fondue in a baguette)
How can you possibly go wrong with fondue in a baguette? Hearty, tasty and overflowing with gooey goodness, this is a must for any Christmas Market experience. Take care with the molten-hot cheese though, as no amount of Glühwein can repair cheese burns on the roof of your mouth.
Öpfelkiechli (fried apple slices)
Fresh, hot and tasty, these will be sure to satisfy your fried food cravings, available with cinnamon and sugar or vanilla sauce. With 4 to a serving they are best shared (to save room for some other treats).
Baumstriezel (baked pastry tube)
Available with sweet (cinnamon and sugar) and salty (cheese or bacon) options, these are made with a similar dough to pizza, but lighter and fluffier.
Weihnachtsmandeln (candied almonds)
Available in a variety of flavours, the sticky sweet crunch of these can't be beat. Make sure to ask the vendor if there are any fresh and warm from the kettle, they are worth the wait.
Birnenbrot (pear filled bread)
This one is more of a take-home option. It's a bread-shaped log filled with a generous amount of dried pear, nuts and other dried fruit. Think giant Fig Newton, but better. Excellent on it's own, but especially good when served with soft cheeses and great for an hors d'oeuvre platter.
Shopping
Of course the Christmas market is also great place for shopping. You will find lots of lovely handmade items, perfect for trimming the tree or filling some stockings.
Decorations
From hand-blown glass ornaments to nativity scenes to pint-sized replicas of some of Basel's famous monuments, there are lots of little treasures to add to your Christmas decor.
Toys
A nice selection of puzzles, toys and clothing for the little ones. Perfect for stocking stuffers.
Tea, spices and cookware
Lovely wooden cutting boards, fragrant spice blends and teas are just some of the gift options for the foodie in your life.
Outerwear accessories
Handmade hats, gloves and scarves are plentiful. Be sure to check out the Dada Laris Hut Pavillon which has a number of gorgeous hats to choose from.
I hope this helps you to plan your next visit to the Basel Christmas Market. For more Christmassy festivities in the Dreiländer region please see our other articles: Christmas in the Basel Area and Christmas Markets in Alsace, Christmas Traditions in the Black Forest.