Discover 17 verified other christmas activities in Basel and nearby areas.
Welcome to our guide to Basel Christmas activities! Beyond the markets and shows, there are many other festive experiences to enjoy as the city embraces the holiday spirit. We're excited to help you discover a wide range of Basel Christmas activities to make your season bright.
Throughout Basel, various neighborhoods and public spaces come alive with seasonal events. Areas like the Old Town and along the Rhine often host unique holiday happenings and festive gatherings.
This guide covers a diverse mix of seasonal celebrations and unique holiday experiences. Come explore the variety of festive events and find new ways to enjoy the Christmas season in Basel.
Daily theatrical surprises during Advent
Theater Basel presents a unique Advent calendar experience, offering daily surprises from opera, acting, and ballet performances throughout December. Join them in the Foyer Public each evening at 5:00 PM for a free artistic treat, and contribute to a good...
A magical Christmas circus in a Spiegelzelt.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at the Cirque Noël de Bâle, Basel's premier Christmas circus. From December 16-28, 2025, the Rosentalanlage transforms into a festive spectacle. Prepare to be amazed by world-class acrobats soaring through the air and delighted...
Children's Christmas lantern crafting workshop
Spark holiday creativity at the Christmas Lantern Workshops! Children aged 6-10 can craft their own festive lanterns using a variety of natural and recycled materials. Each creation takes about 15-30 minutes, and participants get to take their handmade holiday decoration...
Community Advent singing with spontaneous musical participation.
Experience the warmth of the holiday season at the Adventssingen, a community gathering filled with carols and music. Young instrumental students will have the chance to showcase their learned Christmas songs in a relaxed atmosphere. The event encourages everyone to...
Festive winter destination with carriage rides
Discover the Rhybar WinterQuartier, a charming seasonal destination offering a unique festive experience. Visitors can enjoy delightful carriage rides and soak in the cozy ambiance of this special winter spot. Explore the history of the Rhybar through archived newspaper articles,...
Traditional 10km New Year's Eve run with limited participants.
Join the 41st annual Britzingen New Year's Eve Run on December 31, 2025, a cherished tradition combining athletic challenge with festive celebration. This 10km course winds through picturesque villages, offering a scenic way to bid farewell to the year. Secure...
Immersive 5-senses Nativity scene with Sicilian artisans
Step into a meticulously crafted 17th-century Sicilian village, brought to life with artisans, social scenes, and the journey of Joseph and Mary. This traveling Nativity scene, designed to engage all five senses, offers a unique and immersive holiday experience. Each...
Christmas tour with a drag queen host
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Freiburg with a unique Christmas City Tour led by the fabulous Schwarzwald Drag Queen, Betty BBQ. This entertaining tour promises a festive journey filled with humor, local stories, and a special holiday...
Extensive groomed winter hiking trails and guided snowshoeing adventures.
Discover the magical winter wonderland of the Hochschwarzwald with extensive winter hiking opportunities. Traverse over 710 km of groomed trails, including premium routes, offering stunning snowy landscapes and inviting local gastronomy. Special guided hikes and snowshoeing adventures are available, including...
Festive night run through historic Citadelle
Join the 10th edition of L'Illuminée, a vibrant and fun-filled night run through the historic Citadelle of Belfort. Participants can choose between the 8.4km 'L'Illuminée' course or the 2.5km 'Les P'tits Givrous' route. The event encourages creative costumes and a...
A gourmet and romantic treasure hunt through Colmar
Embark on a delightful 'gourmet and romantic' treasure hunt through the heart of Colmar. Follow a trail of intriguing clues, from charades to word games and directions from local landmarks, to uncover a hidden treasure and a mysterious word. Successfully...
Christmas circus with musical tributes and dinner shows
Freiburg's Christmas Circus, Circolo, presents a dazzling season of entertainment. Experience the 'Aber bitte mit Udo' music show, a tribute to the iconic Udo Jürgens, and indulge in the Circolo Dinner Varieté. This festive event promises a magical blend of...
Daily illuminated advent calendar windows with live performances
Discover the enchanting Adventskalender am Schlosserhaus in Emmendingen, where a new window of the Stadtbibliothek is unveiled daily with captivating stories and performances. Local students create the unique window art, adding a special touch to the festive atmosphere.
Experience the magic of a fairytale Christmas in Emmendingen. This enchanting event promises a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer. Discover unique crafts, seasonal treats, and a delightful ambiance perfect for all ages.
Charitable winter swim in the Limmat River
Experience the thrill of the Zürcher Samichlausschwimmen, where brave participants plunge into the Limmat River. This unique winter event combines a daring swim with a charitable cause, supporting Demenz Forschung Schweiz. Join the community for a day of spirited activity...
Traditional St. Nicholas parade and woodland encounters.
Experience the magic of St. Nicholas in Zurich with a vibrant parade and heartwarming traditions. Join the festive procession featuring decorated floats and beloved characters distributing gifts. Visit the cozy Waldhüsli for a personal encounter with Samichlaus and Schmutzli, where...
Iconic New Year's Eve urban running race in Zurich.
Lace up for the Zürcher Silvesterlauf, a premier running event on December 14, 2025, in Zurich. This iconic race winds through the city's festive streets, offering categories for everyone from children to elite athletes. Experience the thrill of running alongside...
See the location of all other christmas activities around Basel and nearby areas
Open Map →While specific seasonal rinks can vary, Basel sometimes features temporary ice skating opportunities, particularly in public squares during the Christmas season. Check local event listings for the most current information on winter sports facilities.
Santa Claus often makes appearances at Christmas markets, particularly in areas like Marktplatz, and sometimes at shopping centers or special family events. It's best to check the schedules of major markets and family attractions closer to the holiday season.
Special holiday-themed events for children, which might include train rides or unique activities, are sometimes organized by local attractions or community groups. Keep an eye on event calendars for Basel's museums, parks, and family entertainment centers.
Enjoying the city's Christmas lights, exploring the festive decorations in the Old Town, and browsing the free-to-enter Christmas markets are wonderful free activities. Many public spaces offer a festive atmosphere without any cost.