Basler Weihnachtsmarkt am Barfüsserplatz

It is probably a good job that you don’t realise how big the Christmas market is when you first arrive. You tell yourself that it’s all on this little square; that’s quite manageable. Nope — it’s huge. Every time you think you must be at the end of it, you turn a corner and there’s ten more stalls.
The variety of products was pretty good, but all in all, I just thought that this side was far too hectic and preferred the stalls at Munsterplatz. But I was pleased to come as this was that authentic crazy German market feeling I had a couple of years ago in Cologne.

This is much cozier and relaxing Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) than one at Barfusserplatz in Basel.
It has everything you look for at Xmas market. Raclette, Gluhwein, crepes, sauges of course, hand-​made artsy stuff, toys, music and waffle and kids play place and a seating area with fireplace.
Check this place out when winter comes around.

The Basler Weihnachtsmarkt was all that and a bag of chips! I rolled into town assuming (only partially correct) that the Xmas Markt was being held at Barfüsserplatz, so I headed there straight away (15 min. on foot from the HB, five minutes or less via tram).
As with other Xmas Markets, the Basler one features crafts, winter garments, food/​drink, kiddie rides, stalls from various vendors around town (Fair-​trade shop, local coffee roaster…), etc. All was cosy and fairly hustle-​bustle.
Signage let me know that there was, indeed, another area of the market across the street and up a wee incline at the Münsterplatz. It was there that the market really shined. A wide, open space is the Münsterplatz and there both the vendors and the visitors seem to have more space in which to co-​exist. This area of the market is split up into two sections: one is a repeat of what is to be had at Barfüsserplatz and the other, the Märchenwald, is a hodge-​podge of artisans (glass blower, wood turner), food stalls and a small tree lot. It was there that one could cook and eat Schlangenbrot while sitting around an open fire, ride a wee train – adults allowed if accompanied by children, and drink hot mugs of Glühwein while lounging in front of a large wood-​burning oven housed under an open-​sided hut.
Snow-​flake shaped lights hung high above the Münsterplatz Markt in the trees. A few carolers were plying their trade in front of the church. A large, ornamented tree stood nearby around which folk posed for Xmas snaps. The whole scene was quite lovely and very Christmas-​y.
I would encourage lovers of the Xmas Market to make the trek to Basel. It will not disappoint!