Basel Christmas Markets in one night: a short break guide

There’s something wonderful about wandering through quiet, cobblestone streets under twinkling lights, knowing you’re about to come across a magical sight.

That’s exactly what you’ll experience at Basel Christmas markets, even in one night. This small Swiss city directly borders France and Germany, making it the perfect place to bring Europe’s most traditional festivities together.

Basel is so petite that you don’t need much time to explore. In fact, if you’re looking for a short weekend break, you can easily see all of Basel Christmas markets in one night. That’s exactly what I did on a recent work trip so I’m sharing all my tips to make it count.

A quick guide to Basel Christmas markets

Christmas markets in Basel take place around two plazas; Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. Smaller and cozier than many of Europe’s mega beasts, Basel’s markets are the perfect match for a quick trip.

You can stroll between the two on foot in just five minutes, meaning you can scope out the offerings everywhere before choosing the best options – if you’re the indecisive type like me.

The food options are solid, but thinner on the ground than a UK market where the eats take top priority. But, the shopping is undoubtedly better with less tat and more crafts, with a price tag to match the rest of Switzerland. I picked up a beautiful hand-blown glass bauble for my Christmas tree because if not in Switzerland, where else!

Star lanterns at Basel Christmas Markets

Münsterplatz Market

The most beautiful of the two markets, Münsterplatz Market is overlooked by Basel’s stunning cathedral.

Our first stop was for a stop of traditional German mulled wine, glühwein, or – in my case – the ‘kids’ version which is basically a beautifully spiced apple juice. With booze or not, it’s the perfect way to keep your hands warm while you stroll among the stalls. My favourite eat here were reibekuchen which was basically a huge crispy hash brown, served with a delicious apple sauce.

It’s here that you’ll also find Märchenwald or ‘fairy tale forest’, an area where kids can do crafts and activities, although it was closed during our later evening visit, and public toilets too!

Barfüsserplatz Market

A short wander across town and you’re at the second lot of markets including the most quintessential festive snack in Basel, the fondue dog. The classic version is literally bread with cheese, or you can add the hot dog which I’d definitely recommed.

Avoid it if you aren’t a cheese lover but for me, this was a gorgeous, indulgent snack for a chilly evening.

We also couldn’t resist picking up some handcut potato chips for the walk around – our second type of potato that evening! You can never have enough, right?

At each market location, you’ll also find pop-up restaurants where you can sit and enjoy a raclette or traditional fondue. If it’s freezing out, it’s a great option to get a little warmer and also stay off your feet – seating is sparse everywhere else!

Between the two locations, there’s plenty to entertain you for an evening without feeling like you need days to see each and every sight.

How to get to Basel Christmas markets

If you stay in a hotel in Basel, you’ll receive a BaselCard that allows you unlimited free bus and tram travel throughout your stay. This is the ideal way to get around, especially if you aren’t staying in walking distance of the markets.

For Münsterplatz market, get off at Schifflände right by the Mittlere Brücke bridge and walk five minutes uphill past the historic houses on Rheinsprung. For Barfüsserplatz, you can hop on and off the tram here.

Where to stay in Basel

One great thing about visiting a small city is how most accommodation is within easy reach of all the main attractions.

As I was visiting Basel on a work trip, I stayed near the airport and meeting offices at Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Basel Allschwil. While it’s not your obvious staycation location, the rooms are spacious with comfy beds, it’s just ten minutes from the airport and the city centre tram stops right outside.

Keen to stay near the main train station? Check out Art House Basel! For a super-central location, Motel One Basel is situated right at Barfüsserplatz – perfect for the markets! – or the stylish Hotel Märthof Basel comes with a well-rated restaurant and hammam.

Is one night enough for the Basel Christmas markets?

For a festive glow, mulled wine and hot chocolate galore and cheesy goodness everywhere, one night at Basel’s Christmas markets is perfect.

While I usually enjoy a longer break to really delve into a destination without feeling rushed, Basel is a great option for those with limited leave. The city is compact enough to be satisfied with a weekend or even just one perfect night.

For my first European Christmas market, it’s given me a real taste for more!

Where is your favourite European Christmas market?

Laura x