Staff Writer Anika Mangal shows us around her hometown’s Christmas market, sharing insights about the region’s cherished traditions and most delicious treats.
Christmas markets are being set up all around Europe. While they differ slightly depending on the region, their primary goal is the same: to spread the joy and spirit of the holidays!
Basel, situated on the river Rhine, is a Swiss city characterised by its rich culture and wonderful traditions. One of them is the Basler Weihnachtsmarkt – Basel’s Christmas market. It is consistently ranked as one of the best in Europe and is easily the biggest and most beautiful Christmas market in Switzerland. The Basler Weihnachtsmarkt begins in late November and ends the day before Christmas Eve, which makes it the perfect place to buy any last-minute gifts.
The market itself is located in two squares in the city and consists of a staggering 155 stalls! These offer everything from sweets, drinks and food to decorations, candles and games. Whether your interests lie in good food or tchotchkes, there truly is something for everyone!
Traditional food
There are many local delicacies that are an absolute must if you visit this lovely market. Specific to Basel, a popular Christmas treat is the Läckerli — Basel’s version of the gingerbread biscuit. The word ‘Läckerli’ comes from the German ‘lecker’, meaning tasty. And this gingerbread biscuit certainly lives up to its name! This delicious sugar-glazed spice treat is made of flour, honey, candied fruit, hazelnuts and almonds. Gingerbread biscuits can be found anywhere but those nuts give these ones a unique taste. Definitely worth a try! At the market, there are always entire stalls dedicated to these sweets so they won’t be hard to find.
Along with Läckerli, there are plenty of other enticing food options, many of which are unique to Basel. A prime example is the Chäsbängel, which is a baguette filled with hot, melted cheese. It is a satisfying dish good for offsetting the sweetness of the Läcklerli.
Of course, we would be remiss without mentioning the raclette and fondue. Raclette is an incredibly popular and beloved dish consisting of potatoes topped with melted Swiss cheese, while fondue is simply bread dipped in melted cheese. Both can be found at nearly every food stall in the market!
For even more food options, there is an entire street dedicated to satisfying any food cravings of yours. This section of the Christmas market is known as the Adväntsgass in Glaibasel and consists of many stalls and trucks catering to all the foodies visiting.
Glühwein
Along with all the food choices, there is a myriad of drinks on offer too. There are, of course, the typical beers and wines, but the real hallmark drink is Glühwein. Translating to ‘glowing wine’, it is essentially a warm mulled wine made by cooking red wine with spices.
Glühwein’s origins date back to 15th century Germany but its popularity quickly spread to many countries around Europe, including Switzerland. The reason for its immense appeal is the warmth and cosy feeling it provides during the cold winter months.
Practically all of the food and drink stalls in Basel’s market sell Glühwein, so it’s not hard to come by. The typical Glühwein contains red wine, but if you’re feeling adventurous, then try it with a little rum. At the market, vendors often serve the Glühwein in beautiful collectable mugs, giving you not only a great drink but also a lovely souvenir.
Shown in the picture below, the Christmas Pyramid is one of the many places you can find Glühwein. This stall is particularly special because of just how distinct and ornamental the structure is. Measuring 13 metres, it is hard to miss, which makes it one of the most popular gathering spots for residents and tourists alike.
Glühwein Recipe
Glühwein is a very fun and European way to enjoy the holidays. In case you can’t make it to any of the Christmas markets, here is an easy recipe for making this cosy drink at home!
Ingredients:
- 3 peppercorns
- 3 cloves
- 3 cardamom pods
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 slices of ginger
- 1 star anise
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 bottle red wine
- Orange slices to garnish
- Grating of nutmeg
Instructions: Add the spices, sugar, and wine to a large pot. Heat over medium, making sure it doesn’t boil. Don’t forget to garnish with some orange slices.
This great recipe comes from The Helvetic Kitchen, a website run by Andie Pilot, which is full of wonderful Swiss recipes and cookbooks.
It is easy to see why Basler Weihnachtsmarkt is so famous and beloved. Its atmosphere is unmatched — it’s a place where many go to relax and unwind during the holidays. Providing a great opportunity for people to spend time with their loved ones, the market is sure to make you immersed in the Christmas spirit!
