The Christmas Market in Münsterplatz, Basel, nestled next to the stunning gothic Basler Münster cathedral, offers a truly magical atmosphere. As you enter, a large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree welcomes you, and the surrounding park trees twinkle with hanging white lights. While the atmosphere is inviting, it is a very crowded and popular market which can make it more difficult to navigate especially with small children.
Our kids were immediately drawn to the carousel and had a blast playing with the bubbles floating around. We spotted a Christmas train and a dedicated kids’ activity area, but the lines were quite long, so we decided to skip those this time. The market was filled with tempting aromas of Raclette, sausages, and mulled wine. However, the lines were extensive, so we didn’t get a chance to sample any of these treats. A visit on a weekday or earlier in the day might be a better bet to avoid the crowds. We explored several charming stalls offering a delightful array of gifts, including jewelry, ornaments, and gemstones. We picked up some lovely ornaments, and my son was particularly fascinated by a stall showcasing various gemstones and rocks.
Parking proved to be quite challenging during our weekend visit. If you’re planning a trip, public transit is highly recommended, or make sure to arrive early to secure a parking spot. While this is a truly beautiful market, it is more crowded so strongly consider a visit on a weekday or during the daytime hours.
