Experience the excitement of the New Year in Basel!

To explore some of Europe’s most beloved New Year’s markets, this charming winter route beginning in Basel is a perfect choice.  Arriving in Basel, you can travel around Switzerland, France, and Germany with a Schengen visa, and take advantage of the short distances and convenient travel options between Colmar, Strasbourg, Freiburg and Basel to immerse yourself in the New Year’s ambiance of three delightful cities in one journey.  Beautifully decorated streets, stalls offering handmade goods, and regional winter delicacies are just a few of the highlights during this festive year-end season.

Basel, Switzerland

Often referred to as Switzerland’s cultural capital, Basel’s festive spirit is particularly notable during the winter season, when the city celebrates the end-of-the-year holidays in style. Residents and tourists alike throng the lively market squares of Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, filled with picturesque wooden stalls and vendors offering warm beverages and regional specialties, while the historic town center, the walking paths along the Rhine River, and streets lined with design-centric boutiques are even more enchanting. Basel is a delightful winter destination that seamlessly blends culture, gastronomy, and shopping.

Colmar, France

Home to attractive half-timbered houses and scenic canals, Colmar, in the Alsace region, has a fairytale-like atmosphere during the holiday season. Charming event spaces established in the city’s squares host lively markets featuring artisanal gifts, warm beverages, local delicacies, and classic Alsace dishes. Illuminated by evening lights, the La Petite Venise area presents one of the city’s most romantic settings, while the evocative atmosphere and tranquil streets of Colmar offer visitors an unforgettable experience in the winter season.

Strasbourg, France

Rich in history, Strasbourg, also in the Alsace region, is adorned with lights at the year’s end. The city’s Grande Île district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is distinguished by its dazzling winter decorations and vibrant streets. The New Year’s spirit is vividly evident in the vicinity of Notre-Dame Cathedral and Rue des Orfèvres, where stalls brimming with artisanal goods, steaming beverages, and regional treats add to Strasbourg's bright winter ambiance.

Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg, known as the gateway to the Black Forest, becomes a captivating city in the winter months with its historic charm and warm atmosphere. The traditional Christmas market set up in the city’s famous Münsterplatz attracts both locals and visitors with handmade crafts, hot mulled wine, and regional delicacies. The colorful historic façades, narrow streets, and the small water channels called “Bächle,” found throughout the city, give Freiburg its unique character.