BASEL

Basel’s Christmas Markets will be open from November 27-December 23, 2025.

Market Hours: Daily 11am-8:30pm

Basel’s Christmas markets are a must-see during the holiday season, offering a charming mix of traditional Swiss Christmas cheer and festive magic. The city’s medieval streets are beautifully lit up with holiday decorations that look straight out of a Christmas card. While the Basel markets are larger than some others, they maintain a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to get into the holiday spirit.

Here are the main markets in Basel:

• Weihnachtsmarkt am Munsterplatz (Main Christmas Market) – This is the largest and most famous market in Basel, set in front of the stunning Basel Minster. With over 180 stalls, it offers a mix of food, crafts, and Christmas decorations. You’ll find Swiss specialties like mulled wine, raclette, and gingerbread, along with handcrafted gifts and decorations. The atmosphere is festive and lively, with twinkling lights and music.

• Weihnachtsmarkt Barfusserplatz – Located in one of Basel’s charming squares, this market is smaller but just as delightful. It offers a great selection of artisanal goods, from handmade ornaments to jewelry, as well as local treats. The surrounding historic buildings add to the market’s cozy vibe, making it perfect for a more relaxed visit.

• Weihnachtsmarkt am Claraplatz – Situated in the vibrant Kleinbasel district, this market is known for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on local products. You’ll find everything from unique gifts to tasty regional foods. It’s a great spot to explore if you want to experience Basel’s local flavor in a more intimate setting.

Recommended Accommodations:

• Hotel Schweizerhof is a comfortable and stylish hotel, just a 10-minute walk from the Christmas markets. It’s located near the central train station, making it easy to get to and from the markets and other attractions.
• The Passage is a trendy and modern hotel that’s only a short walk from the Christmas market at Barfusserplatz. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a contemporary atmosphere with easy access to the markets.

Restaurant Recommendations:

• Restaurant St. Alban – This hidden gem offers a mix of modern European and Mediterranean dishes. It’s a bit off the main tourist route but still within walking distance of the markets, and it’s perfect for those looking for a quiet meal away from the crowds.
• Restaurant Portofino Basel is a great spot if you’re in the mood for Italian food! It’s right by the Rhine River, just a short walk from the Christmas markets. After wandering through the markets, you can enjoy some delicious pasta, fresh seafood, and classic Italian dishes in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The service is friendly, and the vibe is perfect for a relaxed meal to recharge. Definitely a solid choice!

Arrival & Location:

If you’re traveling by train, Basel’s main station (Basel SBB) is well-connected to other major cities, and it’s just a short tram ride or 15-minute walk to the city center and Christmas markets. Trams are frequent and will get you right into the heart of the action.

Basel is well connected and offer direct trains from nearby cities including:

• Zurich to Basel: About 1 hour
• Strasbourg to Basel: Around 2 hours
• Lucerne to Basel: About 1 hour 30 minutes

For those driving, there are multiple parking garages around the city, such as Parkhaus City or Parking Bahnhof, which are close to the markets. However, note that the center can get busy during the festive season, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead for parking.

If you’re coming by plane, the Basel-Mulhouse Airport is only about 15 minutes away by taxi or public transport, making it easy to get to the markets once you land.

Once you’re in the city, everything is walkable, so you can stroll through the Christmas markets at your own pace.

Accessibility:

Basel’s Christmas markets are generally quite accessible for visitors with disabilities, though there are some things to keep in mind.

1. Wheelchair Access: The main market areas, such as the ones at Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz, are largely pedestrian-friendly and have flat, smooth surfaces. However, some of the older areas in the city may have cobblestone streets, which can be a little trickier to navigate. Still, most of the market stalls and attractions are accessible for those in wheelchairs.
2. Public Transportation: Basel’s public transport system is well-equipped for accessibility. Trams and buses are wheelchair-friendly, with low floors and space for wheelchairs. The train station, as well as key tram and bus stops, have lifts and ramps to ensure ease of access.
3. Parking: For visitors with mobility issues, there are designated parking spaces near the Christmas market areas. You’ll find accessible parking options in nearby garages, such as the parking at the Basel SBB station or the City Center garages, which are relatively close to the markets.
4. Toilets: Accessible toilets are available at major market locations and public facilities in Basel, especially near the larger market areas.

Holiday Events:

During the holiday season, Basel is full of festive events and activities beyond the Christmas markets. Here are a few highlights you can enjoy while visiting:

1. Basel’s Advent Calendar: Throughout December, Basel’s historic buildings become part of a giant Advent calendar. Each day, a new window is opened, revealing a beautiful and festive scene. It’s a fun way to explore the city while enjoying the holiday cheer.
2. Ice Skating at the St. Jakob-Park: For those who love winter sports, the ice skating rink at St. Jakob-Park is a popular holiday activity. It’s open during the Christmas season and offers a lovely spot to glide around and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
3. Theater and Opera: Basel’s Theater and Opera house feature holiday-themed productions, including Christmas-themed ballets, plays, and performances of “The Nutcracker,” adding a magical touch to your holiday visit.

Website:

Christmas market in Basel | basel.com

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LUCERNE

Lucerne’s main market is open from December 14-21, 2025.

For those who have ever visited Lucerne know how beautiful this city is, but it is even more stunning at Christmastime. 🎄 The charming atmosphere and picturesque setting are at a peak, especially during the Christmas season. Here are a few of the Christmas markets in Lucerne:

• Lucerne Christmas Market (Franziskanerplatz) is located in the heart of Lucerne’s Old Town, this is the main Christmas market. You’ll find over 70 stalls offering a wide range of local Swiss products, seasonal treats, handmade gifts, and ornaments. The market is known for its cozy atmosphere, with festive lights, a large Christmas tree, and beautiful holiday decorations around the square. It’s a perfect spot to sample Swiss delicacies like fondue, sausages, mulled wine, and Swiss chocolate.
• Dates: December 14-21, 2025

• The Museum Christmas Market is a little different from the others, as it’s set within the Swiss Museum of Transport. This market has a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, with more space for children to play. In addition to typical market stalls, it features exhibits about Swiss traditions and crafts. It’s a great place to enjoy a festive experience while learning about Swiss transport history.
• Dates: To be announced

• The Christmas Market at Mount Pilatus offers a charming and festive alpine experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains and Lake Lucerne. This cozy market features wooden stalls filled with local handicrafts, seasonal treats, and unique Swiss gifts, perfect for holiday shopping. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine and hot chocolate while taking in the stunning winter scenery. With its magical atmosphere and stunning views, the market provides a truly special and memorable way to celebrate the holiday season in the Swiss Alps.
• Dates and How to Get There: November 14-16, 2025. See hours and how to get there here.

Recommended Accommodation:

• Hotel des Balances is a charming and stylish hotel located right by the lake, so you’ll get to enjoy stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. This elegant hotel blends classic Swiss hospitality with modern comforts, making it a great choice for travelers seeking both luxury and convenience. It’s located in the heart of Lucerne’s Old Town, just a short walk from popular attractions like the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, and the Christmas markets during the festive season. Also, this is part of the Marriott group, so it’s a good choice if you have Marriott points, but book early.

Arrival & Location:

By Train: Lucerne is well-connected to other major cities in Switzerland and Europe via the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The main train station, Lucerne Bahnhof, is centrally located, making it easy to access the city’s attractions, including the Christmas markets. Trains from Zurich take about an hour, and you can also easily travel from other Swiss cities like Bern, Basel, or Geneva.

By Plane: If you’re flying in, Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the closest major international airport, about an hour away by train. From there, you can take a direct train to Lucerne. Smaller airports like Lugano are also an option if you’re coming from southern Switzerland or nearby regions.

By Car: Lucerne is located right off major highways like the A2. The city center is relatively small, and driving through it is easy, though there are some pedestrian-only zones, especially during the busy holiday season. There are parking garages and lots near the center, though, so you’ll be able to park and explore on foot.

Restaurant Recommendations:

Lucerne offers a range of dining experiences, from casual spots to high-end restaurants, all with beautiful views. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a fancy dinner, the vibe is relaxed, especially during the festive season.

• Bellini Locanda Ticinese (Mid-Range): This cozy Italian spot serves authentic Ticinese dishes, like homemade pasta and risottos, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. It’s a great choice for a relaxed meal that won’t break the bank.

• Restaurant Balances (High-End): For something more upscale, Restaurant Balances in the Hotel des Balances offers Swiss and international cuisine in an elegant setting. With stunning views of Lake Lucerne, it’s perfect for those seeking fine dining and top-notch service.

• Made in Sud (Inexpensive): Craving affordable, hearty Italian food? Made in Sud serves pizza, pasta, and southern Italian dishes at budget-friendly prices in a lively, casual atmosphere.

Website:

Christmas in Lucerne

Holiday Activities:

Lucerne Ice Magic, running from November 12, 2025, to January 2, 2026, is a magical winter experience. Europaplatz is transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring an ice rink with stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. Skating is free, with ice skates available for rent. In addition to the rink, there are charming chalets and pavilions, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the festive atmosphere and take in the sights.

Rudolf’s Weihnacht November 15-17, 2025. Additional information to follow.