Basel Christmas Market

Basel's Christmas market spreads across the old town, with two main squares a few minutes' walk apart. On Barfüsserplatz, around the Barfüsser Church, stalls sell Christmas tree decorations and gifts, food stands keep you warm, and a large mulled-wine pyramid towers over the square. You can dip your own candles here too.

Walk up the hill to Münsterplatz, where the market has stood in front of the red sandstone Minster since 2011. Stalls with crafts, food and drink sit beneath trees hung with glowing snowballs, and a big Christmas tree stands before the cathedral.

Also on Münsterplatz, the Märliwald fairy-tale forest is made for families: children can try tin casting, candle-dipping, gingerbread decorating and forging, and watch a puppet theatre with a Christmas story. On Claraplatz across the Rhine, a smaller corner serves cheese dishes and drinks.

Both main squares are open every day, Sundays included, from 11:00 to 20:30. The Märliwald has shorter weekday hours (from 13:30) and closes on 22 December.