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.
23 November to 23 December 2017
Open daily from 11 am to 8.30 pm
Except:
23 December 2017, Münsterplatz: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
23 December 2017, Barfüsserplatz: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Our city on the Rhine has a very special charm in the Christmas period. The quaint Christmas market 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. Like last year, visitors can also enjoy Christmas delicacies and a festive atmosphere at Claraplatz (in Kleinbasel, on the right banks of the Rhine). This year you’ll again find a small but delicious culinary offering 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.
Official opening of Christmas in Basel
Christmas in Basel will be officially opened at 6.30 pm on 23 November 2017, when the city's Governing President, Elisabeth Ackermann, switches on the Christmas lights at Münsterplatz. At the same time,visitors will be able to admire the splendid illuminations adorning the numerous Christmas trees lining the streets of Basel.
The musical accompaniment for the opening ceremony will be provided by the Musik Akademie Basel horn ensemble conducted by Stefan Ruf and Theater Basel's Extra choir, conducted by Michael Clark.
“Christmas fairy-tale forest” adventure playground activities
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.
When: 30 November to 22 December 2017, Monday to Friday from 1.30 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Where: Münsterplatz, Christmas market
Costs: CHF 5 to 15 (depending on the activity)
Currency: “Märchentaler” (fairy-tale dollars) (Swiss francs can be exchanged 1:1 at the cash desk)
Special: Christmas trees for sale from a Swiss Christmas tree nursery