Der Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Münsterplatz lädt unter den festlich geschmückten Baumkronen zum Einkaufs- und Genusserlebnis im Advent. /// Under the festively decorated trees, the Christmas market at Münsterplatz is a great place to shop and eat during Advent.

Anticipation

This is Basel.

Christmas market in Basel

23 November to 23 December 2023

The Basel Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered to be one of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland.

The Christmas market is open daily from 23 November to 22 December 2023 from 11.00 am to 8.30 pm. On 23 December 2023, the Christmas Market on Barfüsserplatz closes already at 8.00 pm and the one on Münsterplatz at 6.00 pm.

Where wishes do come true

The smell of mulled wine will soon be in the air, as we once again celebrate the traditional Basler Weihnacht at the Basel Christmas market (which was voted Best Christmas Market in Europe 2021) and the popular Adväntsgass im Glaibasel.

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 Münsterplatz, with ornaments by the well-known decorator Johann Wanner.

While enjoying an evening stroll through the stands on Münsterplatz, you shouldn’t miss a quick walk to the Pfalz. Here you can enjoy your mulled wine with an amazing view over the Rhine and the glowing lights of the city.

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Christmas market

Münsterplatz

In front of the historic cathedral is one of the most beautiful squares in Basel, which is most exquisitely decorated at Christmas time. Visitors love to come here and soak up the atmosphere as they marvel at the magnificent lights – the square has a real fairy tale feel to it.

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Weihnachtsmarkt Barfüsserplatz Basel

Christmas market

Barfüsserplatz

Here, you will find everything for the most beautiful time of the year. Enjoy the many Christmas delicacies and the unique highlights that you can only find at this time of year. The view in front of the Barfüsserkirche extends across the white roofs of the pretty market stands. The other stands near the church spread the Christmas mood even further.

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In the middle of the city centre, nestled in the historic Old Town, traders and artisans offer their goods for sale in 155 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, mulled wine, genuine Basel Läckerli (a kind of gingerbread), delicious Swiss raclette or the popular grilled sausages. The market is enriched by numerous pre-Christmas events.

Christmas market 2023: highlights

Der Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Münsterplatz. Hier existiert eine bessere Version!

Enjoy the view of the sea of lights from Basel Cathedral (Münster)

Every year during the Advent period, the stairwell of St. Martin’s tower is also illuminated in the evening between 4 and 6 pm from Monday to Friday. From 28 November to 23 December 2023, the tower will be offering a unique view across the Christmas lights in the Old Town. Admission: CHF 6 per person. Last entry: 5.30 pm.

Im Innenhof des Basler Rathauses liegt jedes Jahr das Wunschbuch auf, um all das in sich aufzunehmen, was sich die Bevölkerung und die Gäste aus aller Welt in der Adventszeit wünschen. /// Every year the traditional Basel Wish Book is 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

Write down your wishes in the Basel Wish Book

The traditional Basel Wish Book will once again be openly accessible in the inner courtyard of the City Hall for all members of the public – both local residents and visitors from around the world – to add their Advent wishes. Visitors can fill the book with their private thoughts, wish lists for Santa Claus and hopes for peace, love and good health.

Adväntsgass im Glaibasel

The Christmas food mile in Kleinbasel

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Rheingasse transforms into Adväntsgass im Glaibasel. This neighbourhood Christmas market has everything your heart (and stomach) desires, with plenty of surprises in store! 

Basler Weihnachtsmarkt bei der Weihnachtspyramide.

Enjoy a mulled wine at the Christmas pyramid

A popular meeting point at the Basel Christmas market is the Christmas pyramid on Barfüsserplatz. With its 13 meters in height, it is visible from afar and the attractive range of hot drinks invites guests to stay and enjoy.

Der weihnachtliche Märchenwald auf dem Münsterplatz bietet Unterhaltung und spannende Aktivitäten für Kinder. // The Fairytale Forest on Münsterplatz offers exciting activities and entertainment for children of all ages.

Discover all the fantastic culinary delights on offer

In addition to the many tasty food and drink specialities on offer at the Christmas market, Basel is also famous for its excellent confectioneries with their delicious Christmas biscuits. Furthermore, many of Basel’s restaurants serve Christmas-inspired meals in December, complete with spectacular Christmas decorations.

Christmas market stands

The stand operators at the Basel Christmas Market always decorate their stands with love and attention. In 2023, around 155 stands will enchant visitors. We would like to draw your attention to three particularly splendid examples.

Kulpa Weihnachtskugeln

A stand in Barfüssergasse looks like a huge parcel: “Kulpa Weihnachtskugeln” – delightful, hand-painted Christmas baubles as far as the eye can see, available in a variety of motifs, sizes and shapes. Four painted baubles adorn the roof of the stand and feature typical Basel subjects: the Roche Tower, Spalentor, City Hall and a BVB tram.

Feuerzangenbowle

Hans-Rudolf Liechti’s unmistakable stall on Barfüsserplatz is reminiscent of a Black Forest cabin, and visible from afar. The choice ingredients for the Feuerzangenbowle punch – rum and a sugarloaf – are prepared in a copper pot. The covered lean-to invites visitors to sample the refreshments.

Änis-Paradies 

“Änis-Paradies” welcomes visitors to Münsterplatz with a very traditional Christmas product: the many different moulds with motifs have been used since the 14th century to decorate delicious Christmas anise cookies.

Good to know.

  • The Christmas market is located on Barfüsserplatz around the historic Barfüsserkirche and on Münsterplatz right next to the cathedral, probably the city’s most famous landmark. The Christmas market on Münsterplatz is only a few minutes’ walk from Barfüsserplatz.

  • The Christmas market has around 155 stalls stretching from Barfüsserplatz to Münsterplatz. Here, merchants ply their wares in rustic wooden chalets decorated for Christmas. From regional delicacies to handmade toys and jewellery, there is something for every generation.

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