Christmas in Basel
Basel is well known as the Swiss city with the biggest Christmas tradition. This fame rests not only on its Christmas market but also on its wonderful Christmas illuminations, spectacular special exhibitions in its museums and galleries, a «public wishes book», and numerous concerts and events.
Explore Basel's city events during the Advent period – for instance at Theater Basel, where a new window is opened each day in the “literary-musical Advent calendar”. The Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (Toy Worlds Museum) and the Museum der Kulturen (Museum of Cultures) present exhibitions relating to Christmas, while Basel's Marionettentheater (puppet theatre) features special Christmas performances for adults and children as part of its repertoire.
This year's Basler Stadtlauf (city run) takes place on 30 November, and numerous events will take place in Basel’s churches during the Advent period. Gospel Night in the cathedral (Münster) is one of the fixtures in the Basel Christmas calendar. Among the other many festive highlights are the Christmas variety show Palazzo Colombino at the Rosentalanlage and the “Harley Davidson Santas”.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Basel Christmas market at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered to be one of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland. During the run-up to Christmas, many events and spectacular special exhibitions in the city's museums further enrich its cultural scene.
Over 160 traders and artisans offer their goods for sale in small, rustic wooden chalets. Anyone still looking for gift ideas can seek inspiration in the wide selection and enchanting ambience. Culinary delights also abound with waffles, glühwein, genuine Basel Läckerli delicious Swiss raclette or the popular grilled sausages.
CHRISTMAS FAIRY-TALE FOREST
In the Christmas fairy-tale forest on the Münsterplatz, children can make, pour and decorate candles, make torches, forge metal objects, decorate gingerbread, eat campfire bread and drink hot chocolate, ride on the kiddies’ train, bake cookies, pour tin, visit the star workshop, make Christmas floral decorations, have a go on the wheel of fortune, mint coins and much more besides.
FONDUE AM FLUSS
Enjoy special moments in the comfortably decorated winter pavilion directly on the river on the terrace of the Sorell Hotel Merian. Reserve your table for the Christmas dinner, the company party or private rounds in the middle of Basel.
ADVÄNTSGASS IM GLAIBASEL
Everyone who associates the Advent season with more than the hunt for bargains will feel particularly at home at this quarter Christmas market. Anyone strolling through the Rheingasse these days can get the impression that they are in a village square. Residents and stand operators have a relaxed chat, exchange ideas and perhaps taste an exotic curry. Or should it rather be a winter classic, for example raclette or fondue? Either way, connoisseurs will definitely get their money's worth!
CIRQUE NOËL DE BÂLE
From 17 December 2019 to 31 December 2019, the CIRQUE NOËL DE BÂLE Christmas Circus will set up its circus tent for the second time on the Rosentalanlage - next to the Spiegelpalast of the PALAZZO COLOMBINO. It will be a festive Christmas experience for the whole family, young or old, young or old - everyone is very welcome.
CHRISTMAS TRAM
Christmas in the Basler Tram. From 1 December, the Wiehnachts-Drämmli will once again be making its rounds in Basel city centre on eleven afternoons. Children will experience an unforgettable ride in a 90-year-old vintage car through Basel at Christmas.