Event Dates
From: Thursday, November 28, 2024
To: Monday, December 23, 2024
Switzerland was made for Christmas, complete with snow capped mountains, chocolate and chalets.
Switzerland was made for Christmas, complete with snow capped mountains, chocolate and chalets; it hosts some of the most authentic markets in Europe, and Basel is the reigning queen of all things festive.
- Are you visiting Basel for the Christmas Markets? Stay at the Mövenpick Hotel Basel, rated “Fabulous” by guests, offering stunning views of the city, a modern gym and friendly staff.
Christmas in Basel
- Next Edition – Thursday, 28th November to Monday 23rd December 2024
- Basel Christmas Market is the biggest in Switzerland and arguably the best.
- The markets are spread across the city, featuring more than 200 fabulously decorated Swiss chalets.
- Browse from a range of authentic handmade Swiss gifts, Christmas spices, decorations and candles.
- Enjoy a fairytale forest, gingerbread workshops and even a festive train.
- Markets are open daily from 11 am to 8.30 pm.
Barfüsserplatz Christmas Market
- Located around Barfüsser Church, this market sells various gift items and delicacies.
- A large mulled-wine pyramid invites you to enjoy a hot drink, and you can try your hand at candle dipping to make a unique Christmas gift for your loved ones.
- The view in front of the Barfüsserkirche extends across the white roofs of the pretty market stalls.
- Stay close to the market at the Motel One Basel rated “Fabulous” by guests with spacious rooms and highly rated breakfasts.
Münsterplatz Christmas Market
- The Christmas market at Münsterplatz has been a highlight of Basel’s Christmas season since 2011 and has a fairytale atmosphere.
- A magnificently decorated Christmas tree awaits you in front of the stately Basel Minster, with ornaments by the well-known decorator Johann Wanner.
- The market stalls set up beneath trees festively decorated with glowing snowballs offer a wide range of goods, food and beverages.
- The Set Hotel Residence is just a short walk to the markets, rated “Excellent” by guests with bright modern rooms, high-end amenities and great location.
Other Christmas Activities
- Throughout December – In the foyer of Theater Basel, a new door of the popular Advent calendar will open every day with a stage presentation.
- 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 a fantastic view over the Rhine and the glowing lights of the city. The Pfalz viewing terrace in Basel offers incredible views over the Old Town and as far as the border triangle.
Santa Claus Harley Davidson parade
- Awaiting dates – Every year at the Harley Niggi-Näggi, several dozen costumed “Santichläus” (Santas) ride through downtown Basel on their lovingly decorated moto-bikes.
- The parade starts at 5 pm at the Messeplatz and ends at the Marktplatz, with mulled wine celebrations and a Chlaussäckli for kids. The proceeds will go to a good cause, namely the Theodora Foundation.
Gay Basel
- Basel is located just one hour from Zurich and is known as the cultural capital of Switzerland, with beautiful Romanesque architecture.
- The city sits right where Switzerland, Germany and France meet at the Rhine, so it’s multilingual.
Gay Bars
- Paragraph – Gay-friendly and gay-owned trendy bar and cocktail lounge with modern decor. Open: Sun-Thu 17-1, Fri-Sat 15.30-2.30h
- Glitterfactor – Hosts pop-up gay disco parties at Heimat Basel (Erlenstrasse 59), a dance club and live music venue.
- Hirscheneck – Gay restaurant serving a wide variety of dishes and hosts theme Sunday night parties.
- KaBar – Gay terrace and cafe bar with special theme nights, DJs and summertime terrace.
- Schluggstube – Possibly the kitchest, campest bar in all of Switzerland. Fabulous.
Getting to Basel
- The city is served by EuroAirport, shared with Mulhouse in France and Freiburg in Germany. It has flights from all over Europe, and the closest airport with intercontinental flights is Zürich Airport.
- Many people visit from other European cities via the excellent train service. Swiss Federal Railways has trains from Geneva, Bern, Zurich, and other cities.
Recommended Hotels in Basel
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action:
Grand Hotel LES TROIS ROIS, SET Hotel, ART HOUSE Basel, Sorell Hotel Merian.
The Old town is close to the gay bars
Book now and pay on arrival
The Grand Hotel, is our editors
choice in the Old town right on the River
For further information and advice on
Basel Christmas Markets Website
8, Blumenrain, Altstadt Grossbasel, Basel, Basel-City, 4051, Switzerland
Situated in the centre of Basel's Old Town, on the banks of the Rhine, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is one of Europe’s oldest city hotels, where such personalities as Napoleon, Elizabeth II, Pablo Picasso, Thomas Mann and others have stayed.
Les Trois Rois Grand Hotel include free WiFi and wired internet access, a daily newspaper, and access to the fitness centre. Guests also receive a BaselCard which grants free use of public transport in Basel
2, Rheingasse, Altstadt Kleinbasel, Basel, Basel-City, 4058, Switzerland
The Sorell Hotel Merian is situated right on the river Rhine, in the heart of Basel, offering you charming rooms with a Nespresso coffee machine.
A number of of the rooms overlook the Rhine, providing you with marvellous views of one of Europe’s largest and most important rivers.
42, Steinenvorstadt, Vorstädte, Basel, Basel-City, 4051, Switzerland
Set in Basel and with Jewish Museum of Basel reachable within less than 1 km, ART HOUSE Basel - Member of Design Hotels offers express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a shared lounge. The accommodation features evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.
46, Leonhardsgraben, Vorstädte, Basel, Basel-City, 4051, Switzerland
SET Hotel.Residence by Teufelhof Basel features a restaurant, free bikes, a fitness centre and bar in Basel. This 4-star hotel features free WiFi and a garden. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Every room has a coffee machine
28, Gerbergässlein, Altstadt Grossbasel, Basel, Basel-City, 4051, Switzerland
Possibly the kitchest, campest bar in all of Switzerland. Fabulous
59, Erlenstrasse, Erlenmatt, Rosental, Basel, Basel-City, 4058, Switzerland
A straight nightclub that holds regular gay nights
Kaserne, 1b, Klybeckstrasse, Altstadt Kleinbasel, Basel, Basel-City, 4057, Switzerland
Gay terrace and cafe bar with special theme nights, DJs and summertime terrace
Les Garecons Basel, 200, Schwarzwaldallee, Messe, Hirzbrunnen, Basel, Basel-City, 4058, Switzerland
Gay-friendly cafe and bar with delicious Sunday breakfasts
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We have chosen hotels in Basel that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Highlights of Christmas in Basel