From 23rd November to 23rd December 2017
Welcome to the 40th Basel Christmas Market
Basel has a deep-rooted tradition as Switzerland’s most beautiful and largest Christmas city, and is well worth a visit every year. Not only the well-preserved Old Town is radiant in the warm Christmas light, but the shops and the facades of many buildings glitter with a golden glow. Roughly a hundred tall pine trees border the streets and stand like brightly lit sentinels pointing the way for the visitor. Particularly recommended is the Christmas market, which is being held not only on Barfüsserplatz, but also on Münsterplatz – one of the most beautiful squares in Basel.
The Basel Christmas Market will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. It can be found on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, right in the centre of the city and at the heart of the festively decorated Old Town. A magnificent Christmas tree stands on the Münsterplatz, with ornaments by the well-known decorator Johann Wanner.
Over 180 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 (a kind of gingerbread), delicious Swiss raclette or the popular grilled sausages. Visitors can also enjoy Christmas delicacies and a festive atmosphere at Claraplatz while the neighbourhood Christmas market in Rheingasse also features delicacies and a special programme for children. The market is enriched by numerous pre-Christmas events.
Share your moment #xmasinbasel
Share your moment from Basel at Christmas on social media with the hashtag #xmasinbasel and the Basler Kantonalbank will donate CHF 1 per post to the Foundation Pro UKBB for the benefit of sick children. All details can be found at www.baslerweihnacht.ch/xmasinbasel
Book a magical stay
This special offer from Basel Tourism includes an overnight stay in the hotel of your choice, a gift with christmas decoration, mug, mulled wine and Basler Läckerli worth CHF 35, valuable insider tips and the Mobility Ticket. For more information and reservations visit www.basel.com/christmas
General Information
Christmas market 23.11. – 23.12.2017
Daily from 11.00 am to 8.30 pm

Best hotel deals
for Christmas in Basel

Tours & Activities
in Basel

Christmas in Basel
image gallery

Top things to do
for Christmas in Basel
Enjoy a Glühwein at the Christmas Pyramid

A popular meeting point at the Basel Christmas market is the Christmas pyramid. With its 13 meters in height, it is visible from afar and the attractive range of hot drinks invites guests to stay and enjoy. Also numerour other stands offer culinary delights such as waffles, genuine Basel Läckerli, delicious Swiss raclette or the popular grilled sausages.
Write your Advent wishes in the Basel wish book

For the 24th time the traditional Basel Wish Book will once again be openly accessible in the inner courtyard of the Town Hall for all members of the public – both local residents and visitors from around the world – to add their Advent wishes. Over the entire Christmas period and into the new year visitors can fill the book with their private thoughts, wish-lists for Santa Claus and hopes for peace, love and good health. Thursday 23 November 2017 to Thursday 4 January 2018
Schliffi uff em Märt

Children and iceskating fans can try out this new attraction on Marktplatz for free. From the 1st of December, the Marktplatz will be open for ice-skating, free of charge, whilst the market is open. Skates can be rented on site at a reasonable price. There will also be Christmas trees on sale, some delicious catering options and other opportunities for fun and games.

Best Christmas Destinations in Europe

Aachen, Germany
A paradise of lights and colours.

Basel, Switzerland
One of the prettiest Christmas markets in Switzerland.

Bern, Switzerland
A peaceful, calm advent atmosphere awaits you.

Brussels, Belgium
The ideal destination for festive city trips.

Budapest, Hungary
Festive lights, ice-skating and cultural programs.

Colmar, France
Discover 5 magical markets in the historic town.

Cologne, Germany
Cologne’s markets attract millions of visitors.

Dresden, Germany
If you like Christmas, you’ll love Dresden!

Helsinki, Finland
Fall in love with the Christmas tastes of Helsinki.

Leipzig, Germany
The largest Christmas market in Germany.

Nuremberg, Germany
The enticing aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine.

Manchester, England
The first Christmas market in the UK.

Prague, Czech-Republic
Prague looks especially romantic at Christmas time.

Rothenburg, Germany
The little town is transformed into a winter’s fairytale.

Strasbourg, France
Discover the oldest Christmas market in Europe.

Tallinn, Estonia
Santa Claus will greet children in his own home.

Vienna, Austria
Vienna turns into a magical Christmas market.

Zagreb, Croatia
A special atmosphere which must be experienced!

Amiens, France
The biggest Christmas market in the North of France.

Brno, Czech Republic
Share the expectation of joy and magic with us!

Madeira, Portugal
Christmas in Madeira Islands has a special charm.

Metz, France
Get into the spirit of the festive season in Metz.

Montbeliard, France
160 lovely stalls full of authentic and high quality items.

Trier, Germany
One of the loveliest Christmas market in Europe.

Christmas in the UK
Discover the best Christmas Markets in the UK.

Christmas in Germany
Discover the best Christmas Markets in Germany.

Christmas in France
Discover the best Christmas Markets in France.

Berlin, Germany
Nostalgic carousel, air swing and a small railway.

Graz, Austria
Let yourself be enchanted by the romantic lights.

Ghent, Belgium
A magical world for both young and old.

London, England
Six exciting weeks of winter festivities!

Milan, Italy
60 market huts spread around the magnificent Duomo.

Würzburg, Germany
One of Germany’s most picturesque markets.

Rüdesheim, Germany
20 nations bring and offer their specialities.

Christmas trees
The most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe.