Catherine, August 2023
Christmas markets and skiing? Yes please!
We all know that the festive season is the most wonderful time of the year. Where better to spend it than in the Alps surrounded by snowy peaks, twinkling lights and Christmas trees? For the ultimate Christmas experience why not combine your love of skiing with a trip to some of the best Christmas markets in the world? Life surely doesn’t get much better!
Basel, Switzerland
Basel City Streets
Basel is a charming city where the cultures of three worlds meet. Located in Switzerland on the River Rhine close to the border of France and Germany, Basel combines the best of all three cultures. This city is worth a visit at any time of year thanks to its amazing art scene and beautiful old town. However, it is also the home of Switzerland’s most famous Christmas markets (voted best Christmas markets in Europe in 2021). Running from late November to 23rd December, you’ll find pretty stalls lining Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz in the city centre. Whether you’re looking for some last minute Christmas gifts made by local artisans, or you prefer to indulge in some culinary treats like gingerbread, waffles and mulled wine, you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy, all surrounded by beautiful Christmas lights.
If your appetite for Christmas markets isn’t fully satisfied by Basel alone, Colmar in France is just a 40 minute train ride away. This cute little town is like something out of a fairy tale with Hansel and Gretel style half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Combined with the gorgeous Christmas markets and stunning festive decorations you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland. It’s well worth a day trip from Basel if you have time.
If you really want to tick off even more festive markets, day trips are also possible to Freiburg in Germany (45 minutes away) and Strasbourg in France (90 minutes away). Both of these charming towns offer plenty of tourist attractions and have their own markets.
Basel has its own airport with direct flights from Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol and London. Thanks to the excellent Swiss Rail network, it’s easy to get from Basel city centre to just about any ski resort in Switzerland. Andermatt offers plenty of Alpine charm (and some amazing accommodation), Klosters is a quaint village favoured by skiers in the know and Saas Fee is a proper chocolate box ski resort with some of the highest, most snow-sure slopes in Switzerland! Best of all, the rail journey up to your chosen ski resort allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy some of Switzerland’s finest scenery.
Saas Fee (image: Saastal Tourismus AG/Amarcster Media)
Whether you’re looking for a pre-Christmas trip or you prefer to spend the big day in your favourite ski resort, we’ll be more than happy to put together a tailor-made itinerary for you. We can add on a Basel city break at the beginning or end of your ski holiday and we’ll include flights, accommodation and travel to meet your individual needs.
> Switzerland Ski Holidays - Find Out More
Contact us on0131 243 8097and our Ski Specialists will provide a tailor-made itinerary just for you.
Main image: Basel Christmas market at Münsterplatz
As an avid enthusiast and expert in both winter travel destinations and Christmas markets, I can confidently guide you through the magical combination of skiing and festive markets in the Alps. My extensive firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge allow me to curate the perfect blend of winter wonderland charm and holiday spirit for your unforgettable getaway.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Basel, Switzerland:
- Location and Culture: Basel is a city located in Switzerland, strategically positioned on the River Rhine near the borders of France and Germany. It's renowned for seamlessly blending the cultures of these three worlds.
- Attractions: Basel boasts a remarkable art scene and a captivating old town, making it a worthwhile destination year-round.
- Christmas Markets: Voted as the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2021, Basel's markets run from late November to December 23rd. The stalls at Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz in the city center offer a variety of local artisanal gifts and delightful culinary treats like gingerbread, waffles, and mulled wine, all set amidst enchanting Christmas lights.
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Colmar, France:
- Proximity to Basel: Colmar is just a 40-minute train ride away from Basel.
- Charm: Colmar is described as a cute town resembling a fairy tale with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.
- Christmas Markets: The town hosts gorgeous Christmas markets and stunning festive decorations, creating a winter wonderland atmosphere.
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Day Trips to Other Markets:
- Freiburg, Germany: A 45-minute train ride from Basel, Freiburg offers its own charming town and Christmas markets.
- Strasbourg, France: A 90-minute journey from Basel, Strasbourg is another charming town with its own unique markets.
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Travel Logistics:
- Airport: Basel has its own airport with direct flights from major cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, and London.
- Rail Network: The excellent Swiss Rail network makes it easy to travel from Basel city center to various ski resorts in Switzerland.
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Ski Resorts:
- Andermatt: Offers Alpine charm and fantastic accommodation.
- Klosters: A quaint village favored by knowledgeable skiers.
- Saas Fee: A picturesque ski resort with high, snow-sure slopes and a scenic rail journey to reach it.
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Tailor-Made Itinerary:
- The article suggests a tailor-made itinerary for travelers, including a Basel city break at the beginning or end of a ski holiday. Services include flights, accommodation, and travel arrangements tailored to individual needs.
For personalized assistance in planning your Christmas market and skiing adventure, the article encourages readers to contact Ski Specialists at 0131 243 8097.
In summary, this winter getaway offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, festive markets, and Alpine skiing, promising a truly enchanting experience in the heart of Europe.
