What time does the Basel Christmas market close?

Basel hosts two main Christmas markets: one on Barfüsserplatz and the other on Münsterplatz. Both markets will welcome visitors every day from the 28th of November to the 23rd of December. They will open their doors at 11 am and keep the festive spirit alive until 8:30 pm.

What time do the Christmas markets close in Basel?

You arrive in Basel. Explore the decorated city on the Rhine, discover the "Magical Courtyards" and savour the local dishes. The Christmas markets are open until 8.30 pm.

Is Basel Christmas market worth it?

We enjoyed Basel in 2024 because the markets were not as crowded as those in France and Germany. They had a nice variety of crafts and very good food. The atmosphere was festive, and it was an easy city to navigate.

How long are Christmas markets open in Switzerland?

Each major city—Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano, Montreux, and Basel—hosts multiple Christmas markets along busy streets and cobblestone lanes. They typically last the entire month of December. They often include traditional crafts such as candle dipping for the children to try.

How long to spend at Basel Christmas market?

Basel, Switzerland

Your Christmas market exploring begins in Basel. Plan to spend 2 nights here. Assuming you've had a long travel day to get here you'll want to get a good night's rest. Spend the next day checking out the markets themselves.

3 Christmas Markets in 3 days: Strasbourg, Colmar, Basel 2024

Do I need cash for Basel Christmas market?

Most of the bigger craft stalls take cards - but most of the food stalls are cash only or have a minimum 20chf spend to use a card. The Christmas markets are much the same in terms of payment. Just to note - the market toilets are free (and spotlessly clean with hot water).

Are Christmas markets better in day or night?

For a quieter, less crowded experience, visit earlier, especially on weekdays. Late afternoon into early evening on a weekday can be the ideal "sweet spot": pleasantly bustling, but not overwhelming.

Why do stores close so early in Switzerland?

Like you said, work-life balance is important. People are planning around it, like doing their groceries during lunch break or right after work. There are some shops opened until late like at the train station or the airport. On thursdays, shops tend to close a little later.

Which is the best Christmas market in Switzerland?

What to eat at Basel Christmas markets?

Culinary delights also abound with waffles, mulled wine, genuine Basel Läckerli (a kind of gingerbread), delicious Swiss raclette or the popular grilled sausages. The market is enriched by numerous pre-Christmas events.

Why is Basel so expensive?

Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are the most expensive due to high demand and limited availability. Smaller cities such as Lausanne and Zug offer slightly more affordable options, but prices remain high compared to global standards.

What is the most beautiful Christmas market in the world?

Viennese Christmas Market, Vienna (Austria): The popular Viennese Christmas Market in front of Vienna City Hall is as picturesque as the Austrian capital city itself.

Is there snow in Basel at Christmas?

What is the weather like in Basel in winter? In winter it snows every so often, however snow rarely settles for long periods. Between November and March temperatures usually vary between –2 °C and 3.5 °C.

Are shops closed on Sunday in Basel?

On Sundays, most shops are closed, with the exception of shops in railway stations, at fuel stations or neighbourhood shops, which are usually open 7 days a week, open earlier and close later than regular shops.

What is the last day of the Christmas market?

Christmas market closing dates in Europe vary, most close on December 23rd or 24th, but some remain open until December 31st or January. Generally, the last day is December 23.

What to do in Basel during Christmas?

What is the most Christmassy town in Switzerland?

Montreux, another lovely city on Lake Geneva, hosts one of the most popular, and largest, Switzerland Christmas markets. Over 160 stalls are set up along the lakeside promenade, selling typical dishes and handcrafted gifts. Elves' Square is a must-visit for those with children.

Do I need cash for Swiss Christmas markets?

1) Carry cards and cash - many stalls only accept cash, but some places (like in Switzerland) are card-only. 2) You pay a couple of extra Euros as a deposit in your Gluhwein mug, but you can get it back by returning the mug at the end of your market exploration. Some people just keep the mug.

Is Basel worth visiting?

Basel is as famed for its historic buildings in the Old Town as for its modern architectural highlights. The city's many public works of art are also worth seeing.

Is everything closed on Sunday in Switzerland?

In general, most stores are open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Many stores are closed on Sundays. However, stores are open at train stations, airports and gas stations.

What is the cheapest store in Switzerland?

Discounters like Aldi, Denner, and Lidl offer some products at much lower prices than the two big retailers Coop and Migros. It pays to compare prices. The easiest way to compare is to type the name of the item and the retailer in an online search engine.

What is famous in Switzerland for shopping items?

Switzerland offers premium souvenirs like Swiss watches, chocolates, and army knives. Traditional cheeses, wooden crafts, and beauty products are also popular. Switzerland is a paradise for shoppers, offering luxury goods, artisanal products and traditional delicacies.

What is the most beautiful Christmas market?

Does the market close early the day before Christmas?

The stock market generally follows its holiday schedule without any additional early closures, with the exception of the day before Independence Day, Black Friday and Christmas Eve, when the Nasdaq and NYSE close at 1 p.m. ET.

Do Christmas markets take credit cards?

Some Christmas markets took cards, most prefer cash. If you carry credit cards, make sure they are in RFID protected case(s)/sleeves. Markets are very crowded, much opportunity for hackers and pickpockets.