Christmas market in Basel
The Basel Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz and Claraplatz is considered to be one of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland.
The Christmas market is open daily from 27 November to 23 December 2025 from 11.00 am to 8.30 pm. On 23 December 2024, the Christmas Market on Barfüsserplatz and Claraplatz 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.
At the Christmas market on Claraplatz, the alpine hut invites you to linger in a cozy and enjoyable atmosphere. The alpine hut offers a wide selection of food and drinks, ranging from cheese specialities and meat products to hot and cold beverages.
In the middle of the city centre, nestled in the historic Old Town, traders and artisans offer their goods for sale in 150 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 2024: highlights
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 4 December to 22 December 2024, 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 and only in groups of 2 persons or more.
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.
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!
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.
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 2024, around 150 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.
Flame-grilled salmon
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.
Good to know.
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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.
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The Christmas market has around 150 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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