Basel Christmas Market 2024 Swiss Old Town Dates

Basel is Switzerland’s cultural hub and Christmas capital. The Basel Christmas Market spans two main squares in the Old Town, with festive decorations and lights across the city. It’s an ideal spot for a winter break, especially for enjoying Swiss specialties.

Keep reading for 2024 dates and planning tips.

Basel Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Basel Christmas Market dates: 28th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in May. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 8:30pm.
Final day:
Barfüsserplatz: 11am to 8pm.
Münsterplatz: 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Walking tour of Old Town Basel.
Public transport: Tram stop: Barfüsserplatz.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. The nearest parking garage is at the Fine Arts Museum.
Travel tips: From the 2nd to 20th December you can climb St Martin’s Tower (CHF 5.00) for views across the illuminated Old Town.
Where to stay: Art House is an excellent hotel in the Old Town.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: Head to the Pfalz viewing terrace to see the lights over the city.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Traditional Basel Läckerli (a type of gingerbread), Swiss raclette, waffles and of course glühwein (at the Christmas Pyramid).

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.

Convenient Hotels

There are plenty of nice hotels in Basel. Art House is a boutique hotel three minutes from Barfüsserplatz.

Alternatively, Motel One is an excellent budget hotel located directly on the square.

For more options, read my guide to hotels in Basel.

Recommended Tours

This is the most popular city tour of Basel. It takes you by the Tinguely Fountain, Cathedral Hill, Town Hall and around the Old Town streets. It’s a nice way to see the city if this is your first time visiting.

Read our Switzerland Christmas Markets List for dates and locations of other places worth visiting this winter.

Location Map

Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!

Christmas in Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s cultural centre, with 40 museums, the most in the country. These museums are a great way to spend time when the weather isn’t so great.

The Old Town has a mix of historic and modern architecture. Hop on a tram to explore or take a city tour. There are two main markets in this part of the city.

Barfüsserplatz is the city’s central hub, surrounded by narrow streets filled with shops and places to eat. Most of the 180 stalls are found here, extending into Kaufhausgasse.

Münsterplatz is in front of Basel Cathedral and is one of the oldest squares in the city.

Regional Specialties

• Raclette: Melted cheese scraped onto boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions.
• Swiss Lebkuchen: Think of this as Switzerland’s take on gingerbread.
• Birnenweggen: Pastry filled with a mixture of pear, fig, and walnuts.
• Zürcher Eintopf: Hearty one-pot beef dish from Zurich.
• Swiss Cookies (Weihnachtsguetzli): Traditional cookies like Brunsli (chocolate almond), Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars), and Mailänderli (shortbread),
• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: A Zurich specialty of thin veal strips in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, served with Rösti.

At the Food Stalls

• Basler Läckerli: A traditional Basel gingerbread biscuit made with honey, nuts, and Kirsch.
• Glühwein: Classic mulled wine.
• Maroni: Roasted chestnuts, served hot from market stalls.
• Chocolate Fondue: Rich Swiss chocolate melted for dipping fresh fruit.
• Chäschüechli: Savoury cheese tartlets with a flaky pastry crust originating from the canton of Aargau.
• Bratwurst and Bürli: German-style sausages served in a crusty Swiss roll.
• Apfelküchlein: Swiss apple fritters, thinly sliced apples coated in batter and deep-fried.

What to Buy

• Handcrafted Decorations: Artisan-crafted ornaments, including hand-painted baubles and wooden nativity scenes.
• Swiss Chocolate: A variety of Swiss chocolates, including unique flavours and artisanal creations, often attractively packaged.
• Basler Läckerli: Basel-specific gingerbread biscuits, available in decorative tins, perfect for gifting.
• Swiss Cheese: Speciality cheeses like Gruyère and Emmental.
• Textile Goods: Swiss linens, embroidered tea towels, and handmade scarves, reflecting Basel’s textile heritage.
• Traditional Swiss Toys: Wooden puzzles, cuckoo clocks, and carved animals.
• Handcrafted Jewellery: Unique pieces made by local artisans featuring both traditional Swiss and modern designs.

Sustainable Travel Tips

• Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
• Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
• Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
• Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
• Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
• Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
• Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
• Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
• Support the arts and attend local events.
• Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.