Basel at Christmas Time

Even though we didn't spend Christmas Day in Basel, we were able to get a good feel for what Christmas is like there. Since the Swiss don't celebrate our American Thanksgiving (obviously), they jump right into decorating the city for Christmas at the beginning of November. Some people may think that is a little too early, but since Christmas is my favorite time of year, I loved it. It definitely helped Nate and I get in the Christmas spirit!

The streets were lined with REAL Christmas Trees...

The trams were decorated with garland and bows. Some of the drivers, like this one, even dressed up as Santa!For those who have studied German, you know that the language has the longest words in history, but this one surpasses them all... Johann Wanner is a world-renowned Christmas tree decorator from Basel and the word under his name says something like "Christmas-ornaments-and-lights-and-tree-decorating-store" ... Wow, that is a mouthful!
One of my favorite pedestrian streets, lined with Christmas trees and lights...

Downtown had pretty arches with snowflakes on them

They lit up everything, including churches and stairways! Nate is posing so nicely for the camera...

Christmas Markets in the oldest square, Barfusserplatz Even our bank was lit up!

Market Square. And me & Jake...

The other side of Market Square. This place is packed with people buying all kinds of goods and fresh produce during the day, but on a freezing cold night like this one, it's empty, because all the smart Swiss people are inside staying warm! Walking home to get warm... Jake looks frozen stiff!