Basel Christmas Market

Hello ladies and gents!

Those who have been following my blog for some time now know that I absolutely love this time of year, even the long and dark evenings! It is so beautiful to walk in the richly decorated streets; the only thing missing is snow to make the scene magical.

Christmas markets are undoubtedly one of the events that bring me the greatest pleasure. This comes from my childhood. I grew up in a home where the Christmas season was VERY important; the tree was put up at the end of November and was taken down at the end of January. Around the Christmas tree there were gifts for everyone. Each gift had different wrapping paper and was accompanied by a beautiful Christmas gift tag. I have kept to this day all of these Christmas gift tags, as well as the Christmas cards I received by mail. Our table was a feast for the eyes (and the tummy!) that lasted from Christmas Eve to Saint-Silvestre (New Year’s Eve).

We  often used to go out after dinner to see the city lights, that is to say, the beautiful Christmas decorations that adorned the whole city centre. I really loved doing this, despite the cold. I also adored Christmas fairs and markets - all the craft stuff, the culinary specialties, the goodies, the toys and the fairground rides. This is what excites me every Christmas. I love to find that magic each time. Last year, I shared our getaway to the famous Montreux Christmas Market with you. A couple of days ago, we went to the Basel Christmas Market which is considered the most beautiful Christmas market in Switzerland.

The Basel Christmas Market started on 24 November and lasts until 23 December. Here you can find trees, snow globes, baubles, Christmas figurines, perfumed candles, pine cones, Christmas wreaths, socks and pullovers and mugs with cheeky reindeer on them with large smiles on their faces…all the ridiculous, wonderful things one needs to create a magical Christmas. This is heaven for Christmas addicts.

Tempting food is on offer everywhere you turn…Sometimes you cannot resist. Look at this tasty “Flammlachs im Weizenbrötli mit Salat und Sosse” (Flame grilled salmon sandwich with salad and sauce).

Before our evening dinner we went for a traditional mug of mulled wine, like all the locals do!

Apart from the Christmas Market, Basel is also famous for its Baselworld, the World Watch and Jewellery Show, which usually takes place in the last week of March. Basel has the most charming old town in Europe. The local people are very welcoming. I remember an American expatriate saying “here you find the most gentle and friendly people in Switzerland”. Knowing the city quite well, I couldn’t agree with him more.

If  I don’t keep myself under control, this would be a very long post. Instead I will put together a second episode in January, in which I will tell you more about this beautiful city which I love a lot.