Basler Weihnachtsmarkt
Spread across historic Old Town squares, around 150 rustic wooden chalets offer handmade gifts, artisanal crafts, and Christmas decorations. Highlights include a towering 13-meter Christmas pyramid, illuminated snow globes decorating the trees, and a grand Christmas tree in front of the cathedral. Visitors can enjoy regional specialties such as Swiss raclette, Basler Läckerli, Finnish flame salmon, and warm mulled wine.
What to Expect
Voted Best Christmas Market in Europe with 150 rustic wooden chalets.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Kanton Basel-Stadt
Food & Drink
Food stalls serve a range of treats, while Claraplatz offers cheese dishes, meat products, and drinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and christmas-market shoppers
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Barfüsserplatz: daily 11:00–20:30; on 23 December until 20:00. Münsterplatz: daily 11:00–20:30; on 23 December until 18:00.
Tips & Advice
- From Münsterplatz, walk up to the Pfalz with your mulled wine for a view over the Rhine and the city's sea of lights.
- Bring children to the Märchenwald on Münsterplatz, which opens later on weekdays than at weekends and closes on December 22, a day before the market.
- On December 23 both markets close early, with Münsterplatz shutting first, so do your last-minute shopping earlier in the day.
- Try candle dipping at Barfüsserplatz, where you can make a Christmas present for someone you love.
- Head to Claraplatz when you want to sit down to eat, with cheese dishes, meat products and every kind of drink.
Special Events & Promotions
- Basel's Christmas lights are officially switched on on November 26, the market's opening day.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for children?
The Märchenwald on Münsterplatz is set up for children and families. Kids can try tin casting, candle dipping, gingerbread decorating and blacksmithing, and a puppet theatre performs a Christmas story. There is food there too.
What food and drink can I find?
There are waffles, mulled wine, Basler Läckerli, Swiss raclette and grilled sausages. Claraplatz is mostly food and drink, with cheese dishes, meat products and every kind of drink.
How are the three squares different?
Barfüsserplatz has tree ornaments, all kinds of gifts, food stands and candle dipping. Münsterplatz has the big Christmas tree decorated by Johann Wanner, trees hung with glowing snow globes, stalls and the Märchenwald. Claraplatz is the place to eat and drink.
Where can I enjoy a mulled wine with a view?
Walk from Münsterplatz up to the Pfalz. From there you look out over the Rhine and the lights of the city.
How can I get a stall at the market?
Applications for the next market open on December 24. The deadline is the last day of February in the year the market takes place.
More Christmas Events Near Basel
More Christmas Events near Basel
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.