Christmas in Basel
Advent events
The city’s cultural institutions host countless festive events in the run-up to Christmas. From Advent concerts and Christmas markets to special exhibitions, Basler Weihnacht offers something for everyone.
This year’s City Run Basel will take place on 23 November 2024. The city’s churches will also host a series of events throughout Advent. The gospel night at Basel Cathedral (Münster) in particular is one of the most important events of Basler Weihnacht and is not to be missed. Other festive highlights include the Palazzo Colombino Christmas variety show at the Rosentalanlage and the Santa Claus Harley Davidson parade.
Christmas 2024: highlights
Festive culinary delights
A culinary journey through “Basler Weihnacht”
When the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine is in the air, it’s time for Basler Weihnacht once again. Amid the glitter of lights and pre-Christmas magic, visitors can look forward to a wealth of culinary highlights – from classic dishes to special creations.
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![Weihnachtsmarkt Basel-Stadt 2022]()
Eric’s Weihnachtspyramide © Präsidialdepartement Kanton Basel-Stadt, Bettina Matthiessen
Eric’s Weihnachtspyramide, Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz
The 13-metre-high Christmas pyramid is the perfect starting point for a good walk around the Christmas market. Lovers of mulled wine can treat themselves to a hot sip or two before they start.
Liechti’s Feuerzangenbowle, Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz
Red wine, rock sugar and orange juice are just three of the ingredients that go into “Liechti’s Feuerzangenbowle”. This flambéed mulled wine, prepared according to an old family tradition, has been warming the hands of Christmas market visitors for over 15 years.
GlĂĽhwein-Treffpunkt, Christmas market on BarfĂĽsserplatz
The name (which means “mulled wine meeting place”) says it all – people enjoy coming together to savour a steaming hippocras amid the impressively decorated huts. This spiced wine typical of Basel can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Holzfäller-Bar, Christmas market on Münsterplatz
Be prepared to queue before entering the bar – but it’s well worth the wait, as you get to savour the hot mulled wine in down-to-earth surroundings with a direct view of Basel Cathedral (Münster).
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![Weihnachtsmarkt Basel-Stadt 2022]()
Weihnachtsstube © Präsidialdepartement Kanton Basel-Stadt, Bettina Matthiessen
Weihnachtsstube, Christmas market on BarfĂĽsserplatz
While the singing elks at the Weihnachtsstube entrance are iconic, it’s also worth visiting because of the many delicious rösti variations – for example in Valais style, with bratwurst or, for the daring, with pineapple and ham.
Spätzli-Huus
This cosy chalet has plenty of space for those in need of a break from the Christmas market hustle and bustle and some well-deserved sustenance. Particular highlights include the delicious pans of spätzle with various ingredients such as mushrooms, bacon or cured ham.
AlpehĂĽtte
Those in a hurry can order a platter of GraubĂĽnden specialities or a warming pumpkin soup. Gourmets who prefer to take their time stay for a cheese fondue or fondue chinoise.
Raclette-Stube, Christmas market on MĂĽnsterplatz
Heinz Margot’s festively decorated Raclette-Stube has been a regular fixture at the Christmas market on Münsterplatz for many years. Here, you will not only find delicious raclette and mulled wine based on a secret recipe, but also “Bombardino”, an Italian egg liqueur served warm.
Chääsjoodler, Claraplatz
Those strolling from Grossbasel to Kleinbasel via the atmospherically lit Mittlere Brücke will find a special highlight in the large Alpine hut on Claraplatz. Chääsjoodler serves “Chäsbängel” (baguettes filled with melted cheese) and traditional cheese fondue in several different varieties. Vegan fondue options likewise entice guests to stay a while and indulge.
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![Flammlachs]()
Flammlachs
Flammlachs, Christmas market on MĂĽnsterplatz
A unique speciality brings Scandinavian flair to the Christmas market – flame-grilled salmon prepared on an open beechwood fire in the Finnish tradition at Hugo Levy’s cabin on Münsterplatz. This delicacy, also called blazed salmon, is juicy and delicate with a pleasant, smoky aroma.
Gennaro’s Food Luongo
Gennaro Luongo’s green wooden house leaves no doubt as to what you can savour here: “Vegetario” has everything vegetarians could possibly desire – from juicy corn on the cob and vegetable strudel to churros with chocolate sauce or cinnamon.
Schoggi-Peter, Christmas market on BarfĂĽsserplatz
A hot chocolate warms the heart and hands in equal measure. The hot chocolate at “Schoggi-Peter” on Barfüsserplatz, which tastes sinfully good thanks to its high cocoa content, is made even more delicious by the addition of cinnamon, vanilla and whipped cream or – for adults only – a dash of amaretto, rum or Baileys.
Härdöpfelhüsli, Christmas market on Münsterplatz
Baked potato bread is like a hash brown or potato fritter. Ralf Grossfeld serves this typical German dish with various sides at his “Härmöpfelhüsli” establishment. Guests can also order fresh French fries and various drinks.
Spiessli-HĂĽtte, Christmas market on MĂĽnsterplatz
Peter Howald’s Spiessli-Hütte is just the place for lovers of hearty specialities, with the scent of freshly grilled, expertly seasoned meat skewers wafting through the air.
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Magical Courtyard Löwenzorn © Basel Tourismus
In the historical courtyard of Basel’s Löwenzorn restaurant, guests can savour a delicious cheese fondue in a romantic atmosphere, covered in blankets with a hot-water bottle and a Hot Jamie. In addition to the fondue that sparks anticipation for the festive season, the Löwenzorn magical courtyard serves the restaurant’s entire menu.
Magical Courtyard BĂĽrgergemeinde
A little wooden house in a magical winter forest – a place where childhood dreams come true. In the courtyard of the Stadthaus, guests can look forward to a cosy pop-up hut run by the Milchhüsli beider Basel dairy, serving home-made raclette and warm drinks in an atmospheric setting during the Advent season.
Magical Courtyard Schmiedenhof
In the heart of the Old Town, between the pine forests of the Schmiedenhof, small tables and the atmosphere of a Christmas oasis invite you to take a relaxing break. The hot mulled wine and hearty, warm specialities at Restaurant 1777 provide sustenance. Those looking to warm up will be glad of a seat in the cosy Restaurant 1777 or in Beef7.
Another highlight is the raclette get-together in Basel’s smallest magical courtyard. This hidden Christmas oasis is located behind the Consum wine bar on Rheingasse and promises an exclusive raclette evening steeped in a wonderful atmosphere. The magical courtyard at Consum can be booked for groups of up to six people between 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm during the Advent season.
Magical Courtyard Kornhaus “Thai Food – Kitchen 41”
For those looking for something different from mulled wine and cheese during the Advent season, the festively decorated magical bubbles in the Kornhaus courtyard offer exotic delights. Thai specialities and home-made drinks are served in the tropical magical bubbles with space for up to eight people – the perfect hideaway during the festive season.
In the two magical courtyards at the Teufelhof, there is a whole menu of culinary delights to choose from during the Advent season. Be it at the mini Christmas market in the gallery courtyard or in the magical courtyard at the Atelier restaurant – guests can immerse themselves in two Christmas oases and celebrate the joy of Advent with their loved ones.
From Thursday to Saturday, both young and old can warm their hands on a punch or a mulled wine from the self-service counter at the Volkshaus family courtyard. Enjoy the festive season under the starry sky of fairy lights and, if you wish, follow it up with a delicious dinner in the Volkshaus restaurant. The magical courtyard can also be booked for private Christmas aperitifs.
Amid fir trees, a fire pit and candlelight, the Invino magical courtyard is like a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can snuggle up in warm blankets and enjoy an aperitif platter, tarte flambée or, if ordered in advance, a cheese fondue. An exquisite drop of wine completes the experience.
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Adväntsbox uff em Märtplatz
MilchhĂĽsli beider Basel
Pierre Coulin from the Allschwil organic cheese dairy offers visitors a delicious raclette, which he prepares directly on the open wood-fired oven in the middle of the Marktplatz.
Kuni & Gunde
The beloved café bar on Schneidergasse transforms one of the large containers on the Marktplatz into a charming Christmas bar. Kuni & Gunde serves its popular colourful breads, a delicious vegan stew and a hot punch with or without rum.
Milo’s Cookies
They’re small, round, and irresistibly sweet: Milo’s Cookies can now be found on Andreasplatz – and this year the various cookies made by co-founders Laura and Sandra are also available at “Adväntsbox uff em Märtplatz”. The cookies are also available as small gift sets to take away.
Pandito
In October 2024, Sara and Lucia opened their own Argentinian gelateria in Westfeld. It’s a little too cold for ice cream at “Adväntsbox uff em Märtplatz”, so they bring their home-made Argentinian sweet treat called an “alfajor” instead. Hot chocolate is also available.
Choose
At Choose, young adults take their first steps into the professional world. They learn about the daily work routine in the workshop, in catering and in the sales shop. On the Marktplatz, they treat visitors to delicious bagels and sell gift baskets full of wonderful and delicious delights from the Choose factory.
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© Adväntsgass im GlaibaselAusternknacker
Austernknacker is a true classic on “Adväntsgass”. Max Läubli has been offering delicacies from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean at his mobile bar for years. But that’s not all, as he also serves fine wines and – thanks to his authentic captain’s hat and nautical decorations – a healthy dose of fishery romanticism.
Fondue bus at Hotel Du Pont
A real highlight – the cosy London bus from the Du Pont restaurant serves excellent cheese fondue from Maison Sterchi. Savour and enjoy with a view of the hustle and bustle on Adväntsgass.
Sottocoperta Chef’s Table
Sophia Pileggi and Mathis Heuss, who live at Rheingasse 42, are now opening their garage for the second time to regale guests with a drink or a platter. On selected evenings, they will now also treat up to twelve guests to an Italian menu at their Chef’s Table (from CHF 14).
The Scharmör
The name says it all, as the Scharmör is likely the most charming bar in the city. Drinks are served on the cargo bed of an Italian Ape Piaggio. Prosecco, beer, mulled wine and other hot drinks are available – but foodies can also get their money’s worth thanks to a delicious selection of Christmas cookies.
Astro Fries
It’s no coincidence that the chip shop on Feldbergstrasse has a reputation for producing the best French fries in the city. After all, as well as being handmade, they also come with an impressive choice of tasty toppings. Where else can you enjoy hearty raclette fries, for example? You can now also find smash burgers on the menu.
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![Palazzo Colombino 2019]()
Palazzo Colombino © Tobias Sutter
In the stylish ambience of the nostalgic Spiegelpalast at the Rosentalanlage park, visitors can look forward to an exquisite four-course meal from “Les Quatre Saisons” in addition to an entertaining variety programme. It was created by top chef Robert Claudio Stöckl, who will also be preparing it. Stöckl’s career is as unusual as it is impressive. After two years in the carpentry profession, the South German turned to his great passion – cooking. Just four years after completing his chef’s training, he was already Chef de Partie Gardemanger at Restaurant Bareiss, with 19 GaultMillau points.
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It doesn’t get any more homely. The warm atmosphere of a Mongolian yurt is ideal for cosy dinners – be it as a couple, with friends or in a large group. This fondue experience is available at several locations, including the “Bambusnest” in the historical circular courtyard at Messe Basel.
Raclette fans can enjoy the special atmosphere in the winter yurt at “Basso” below the Novartis Campus. The traditional yurt right on the Rhine offers space for up to 20 people and unlimited raclette.
Festively decorated landmark
Once again this year, visitors to Basel can look forward to some truly special Christmas decorations. The roof of the Käppelijoch on the Mittlere Brücke is festively decorated to look like a Santa’s hat.
“Basler Weihnacht” Association Board
Drawing in around 900,000 visitors each year, the Basel Christmas Market has become one of the city’s major public attractions. Its success is due in large part to synergies in terms of both organization and communication. Since 2010, the Verein Basler Weihnacht (Christmas in Basel Association) has ensured close cooperation between representatives from public administration, business and the authorities.
Association Board
The board of the volunteer-run association is made up of the following representatives:
- Reto Baumgartner, Director of the Basel-Stadt Trade Association (Chair)
- Christian Weber, Industrielle Werke Basel (IWB)
- Matthias Böhm, Managing Director of StadtKonzeptBasel
- Christoph Bosshardt, Head of Division of External Affairs and Marketing of the Canton of Basel-Stadt
- Letizia Elia, Basel Tourism
Your contribution counts!
It is thanks to the close cooperation between all parties involved and the contributions of our loyal sponsors and patrons that Christmas in Basel (“Basler Weihnacht”) can continue to grow.
Many thanks for your donation to post office account number 40-711465-4!
Partner
Good to know.
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Special highlights include the Christmas trees in the Town Hall courtyard and on MĂĽnsterplatz. The latter location is decorated by Johann Wanner every year, one of the largest makers of handmade Christmas decorations.
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The Basel Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered to be one of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland. It has been named “Best Christmas Market 2021” in an online vote on the travel website “European Best Destinations”.
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At Christmas, the streets of Basel delight visitors with a variety of Christmas lights. Each district has its own tradition. The Freie Strasse, Spalenvorstadt, St. Alban-Tal and Clarastrasse are all worth a visit. And of course, MĂĽnsterplatz, with its spectacular snow globes.
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Basel’s Christmas lights will be switched on on 28 November 2024 and will delight visitors daily from 3.00 pm to 10.30 pm until 5 January 2025.
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On the afternoon of Saturday, 7 December 2024, white-bearded Santa Clauses flit through the city centre on their motorcycles and collect donations for a good cause – an event very much in the Basel style: different, heartfelt and community-based.
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