Christmas Events for Kids in Basel (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

9 min read · Auf Deutsch lesen

For 2026, we confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Basel, running from November 7 to February 6. Of these, 4 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Switzerland.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Basel and Liestal: 12
  • First: Fauteuil Fairy-Tale Stage: The Jungle Book (Fauteuil Märchenbühne: Dschungelbuch), Basel, November 7
  • Free events: Rosi Saves Christmas (Rosi rettet Weihnachten), Ystimme: Opening Celebration of Basel's Christmas (Basler Weihnacht), Christmas Workshop: Advent Decorations (Weihnachtswerkstatt: Adventsschmuck) and Celebrating with the Little Ones: Christmas (listen, sing, craft) (Fyyre mit de Chlyyne: Weihnachten)

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Basel

Kids’ Christmas events
12 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Basel and Liestal
Season
November 7 to February 6
Free events
4
Last checked

Free 4Ticketed and paid 8

Free Christmas events for kids in Basel

Christmas story timeFree

Rosi Saves Christmas (Rosi rettet Weihnachten)

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The author Evelyn Studer-Kopp comes to the GGG Bibliothek Neubad with the newest volume of her picture-book series “Rosi.” Rosi is looking forward to Christmas, romps through the snow with her friends, drinks hot cocoa and helps decorate the Christmas tree. But then a candle falls on the carpet and it catches fire. The reading runs from 2 to 4 pm, so families can arrive at their own pace.

With courage, teamwork and a big firefighter heart, Rosi shows that together you can master any challenge. The reading is for kids ages 3 and up. Admission is free, and no registration is needed. It is a nice start to Advent, read aloud by the author herself. If you are still looking for reading material for Advent afterward, you will find it right in the library.

Parent tip: No registration needed. The story is a good way to talk with kids about candles and safety in Advent. Expect it to be in German.

Host
GGG Stadtbibliothek Basel (opens in a new tab)
Where
GGG Bibliothek Neubad, Neuweilerstrasse 67, 4054 Basel (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with GGG Stadtbibliothek Basel (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 11 more Basel events researched for you.

  • New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Basel.
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Coming up on this page

  • 5 Crafts
  • 4 Shows
  • 4 Zoos and museums
  • 3 Markets
  • 4 Free

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Tree lightingFree

Ystimme: Opening Celebration of Basel's Christmas (Basler Weihnacht)

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On Friday, Nov 20, 2026, at 5:30 pm, Basel kicks off Advent and the Christmas season with the Ystimme. On the Marktplatz in front of the town hall (Rathaus), where the big Christmas tree stands, Regierungspräsident Conradin Cramer switches on the downtown Christmas lights together with the people of Basel. The Ystimme is a newly created opening event for Basel's Christmas season.

The choir SING Basel sings carols with the audience, and there is free mulled wine and punch for everyone. For kids, the big moment is when the lights come on across the city. Six days later, on Nov 26, the Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, the Wienachtsdorf (Christmas village) at Theaterplatz and the Adväntsgass (Advent lane) open. The event is free and open to everyone. For families, early evening is a good time to see the illuminated downtown.

Parent tip: Be on the Marktplatz around 5:15 pm so the kids get a good view of the lights coming on.

Host
Kanton Basel-Stadt, Aussenbeziehungen und Standortmarketing (opens in a new tab)
Where
Marktplatz Basel, 4001 Basel (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Kanton Basel-Stadt, Aussenbeziehungen und Standortmarketing (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Liestal

Christmas craftsFree

Christmas Workshop: Advent Decorations (Weihnachtswerkstatt: Adventsschmuck) (Liestal)

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In the foyer of the Museum.BL in Liestal, a Christmas workshop is set up over the holidays. Advent decorations are made from colored paper and shiny metal foil, and as a special Christmas greeting you can send a postcard to your loved ones straight from the museum. The workshop is a cozy place for a cold afternoon during the school break.

The workshop is open on many days from December 8, 2026 to January 3, 2027: on weekdays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, on weekends and some holiday days from 10 am to 4:30 pm. It is free, needs no registration and suits all ages. Even after Christmas, on December 27 and 29 and on January 2 and 3, crafting continues. The Museum.BL is in the middle of Liestal, a few minutes from the station.

Parent tip: Good for the school break after Christmas. Just drop by, the workshop is in the foyer and needs no museum ticket. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Museum.BL (opens in a new tab)
Where
Museum.BL, museum foyer, Zeughausplatz 28, 4410 Liestal (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Museum.BL (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Celebrating with the Little Ones: Christmas (listen, sing, craft) (Fyyre mit de Chlyyne: Weihnachten) (Liestal)

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The Reformierte Kirchgemeinde Liestal-Seltisberg invites all toddlers and their companions to the Stadtkirche. On Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 4:30 to 5 pm, everything revolves around Christmas: the kids hear stories, sing songs and craft together. In December, the “Fyyre mit de Chlyyne” format is all about Christmas.

The program lasts about 30 minutes and is tailored to the youngest, and an accompanying adult is required. Taking part is free and needs no registration. For questions, Evelyne Martin of the parish is available. The Stadtkirche is in the middle of the Stedtli (little old town), just a few steps from the bustle of the Christmas market. Liestal is about ten minutes from Basel by S-Bahn (regional train).

Parent tip: Short and toddler-friendly. Just drop by, no registration is needed. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Reformierte Kirchgemeinde Liestal-Seltisberg (Reformed parish) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadtkirche Liestal (town church), Rosengasse 1, 4410 Liestal (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Reformierte Kirchgemeinde Liestal-Seltisberg (Reformed parish) (opens in a new tab)

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Basel

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot

Christmas show

Fauteuil Fairy-Tale Stage: The Jungle Book (Fauteuil Märchenbühne: Dschungelbuch)

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For decades, a visit to the Fauteuil Märchenbühne has been part of Advent and Christmas for many Basel kids. This season, The Jungle Book (Dschungelbuch) is on the schedule, performed in Swiss dialect (Mundart). The show lasts about one hour and 45 minutes and is suitable for kids ages 4 and up. It is performed in dialect, just the way the kids talk themselves.

Performances run from November to early February, mostly on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, in December with double performances on weekends and extra dates between the holidays. Kids pay CHF 20, 25 or 30 depending on category, adults CHF 10 more each. The theater on Spalenberg is not wheelchair accessible. Tickets are available online or at the box office at 061 261 26 10.

Parent tip: The weekend performances in December are popular, so book early. The theater is not wheelchair accessible. Expect it to be in Swiss German dialect.

Host
Theater Fauteuil (opens in a new tab)
Where
Theater Fauteuil, Spalenberg 12, 4051 Basel (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Theater Fauteuil (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas crafts

Making Traditional Cranberry Garlands (Traditionelle Cranberry-Girlanden herstellen)

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For the new exhibition “Holly Berry, Die Magie der Winterbeeren” (the magic of winter berries), the Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel invites you to a craft session on Saturday, November 14, 2026. With the Junioratelier, young and old make traditional cranberry garlands from 2 to 6 pm, the kind known as Christmas tree decoration. It is a nice chance to make the first Christmas decorations with the kids as early as mid-November.

The craft activity is included in museum admission and needs no registration. Kids and teens up to age 16 have free admission, adults pay CHF 7; kids up to age 12 come only with an adult. The exhibition with winter berries, Christmas decorations and festive shop windows runs until the end of January 2027. In December the museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

Parent tip: You can drop by any time between 2 and 6 pm. Afterward, a walk through the winter exhibition is worthwhile. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (opens in a new tab)
Where
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (Toy Worlds Museum), Steinenvorstadt 1, 4051 Basel (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Dr Zauberer vo Oz (The Wizard of Oz)

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In Advent, the Basler Marionetten Theater shows “Dr Zauberer vo Oz” based on the children's book by L. Frank Baum. Dorothy and her dog Toto are carried by the tornado to the Land of Oz, where they meet the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. The well-known songs from the 1939 film can be heard in Basel German (Baseldeutsch). The figures by Vera Kniss are based on the original illustrations by W. W. Denslow from 1900.

It is performed with table puppets and flying monkeys, the show lasts 80 minutes including an intermission and is for kids ages 6 and up. The play is an official event of the Basler Weihnacht. Tickets (Billette) are available at Bider & Tanner on Aeschenvorstadt, by phone at 061 206 99 96, or at Ticketcorner.

Parent tip: Reserve tickets early, the little theater in the Zehntenkeller near the Münster fills up quickly. Expect it to be in Basel German.

Host
Basler Marionetten Theater (opens in a new tab)
Where
Basler Marionetten Theater at the Zehntenkeller, Münsterplatz 8, 4051 Basel (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Basler Marionetten Theater (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas market

Basel Christmas Market at Barfüsserplatz (with Candle Dipping)

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The Basel Christmas Market was named an "Excellent European Christmas Market" in 2026. From Nov 26 to Dec 23, 2026, many market stalls around the Barfüsserkirche (Franciscan church) sell tree decorations, gifts and treats. Besides Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz and Claraplatz are also part of the market.

Especially nice for families: at the candle dipping on Barfüsserplatz, kids can make a Christmas gift for their loved ones themselves. The market is open daily from 11 am to 8:30 pm, and until 8 pm on Dec 23. Just a few minutes' walk away, Münsterplatz has the Märchenwald (fairy-tale forest) for children, with more crafts and a marionette theater. Barfüsserplatz is easy to reach by tram and bus; driving into the city center is hardly worth it during Advent.

Parent tip: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz are easy to link on foot; on weekdays it is quieter in the early afternoon.

Host
Kanton Basel-Stadt, Messen und Märkte (opens in a new tab)
Where
Barfüsserplatz, 4051 Basel (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Kanton Basel-Stadt, Messen und Märkte (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Christmas Fairy-Tale Forest (Weihnachtlicher Märchenwald)

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On the Münsterplatz, the Robi-Spiel-Aktionen set up the Christmas fairy-tale forest during the Basel Christmas market. From November 26 to December 22, 2026, kids can dip candles, cast pewter, decorate gingerbread (Lebkuchen) and even do blacksmithing. A Christmas story is also performed in the marionette theater. The Robi-Spiel-Aktionen also run many playgrounds and kids' activities in Basel.

The Märchenwald is open Monday to Friday from 1:30 to 7 pm, and on weekends from 11 am. For the adults there is the Holzfällerbar (lumberjack bar), open daily from 11 am to 8:30 pm. Around it runs the Christmas market on the Münsterplatz, with the big decorated tree in front of the Münster. In the Märlizelt (fairy-tale tent), the Basler Marionetten Theater also shows the short play “Zirkus Navidad” on many afternoons. Current information and prices are on robi-spiel-aktionen.ch.

Parent tip: On weekdays the Märchenwald opens only at 1:30 pm. Candle dipping takes time, so do not plan too tightly.

Host
Robi-Spiel-Aktionen (opens in a new tab)
Where
Märchenwald (fairy-tale forest) on the Münsterplatz, 4051 Basel (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Robi-Spiel-Aktionen (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Zirkus Navidad (Circus Navidad)

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Right on time for the Christmas season, Zirkus Navidad pitches its tent in the Märchenwald on the Münsterplatz. The singing cat Mi greets the audience, little Hella climbs onto the high wire, number-juggler Goliath and magician Ernesto show their skills, and when Hella falls asleep, little Christmas dreams come true. The short running time is ideal for kids who do not like to sit still for long.

It is performed with table puppets in Basel German (Baseldeutsch), and a show lasts 30 minutes. The play is meant for kids ages 4 and up. Tickets (Billette) cost CHF 8 or 8 Märlitaler and are available at the Märlizelt half an hour before the start, reservations are not possible. It is an official event of the Basler Weihnacht. It is performed on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:30, 3 and 4:30 pm.

Parent tip: Be at the Märlizelt half an hour early, as there are no reservations. It combines well with the Märchenwald. Expect it to be in Basel German.

Host
Basler Marionetten Theater (opens in a new tab)
Where
Märlizelt (fairy-tale tent) in the Märchenwald on the Münsterplatz, 4051 Basel (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Basler Marionetten Theater (opens in a new tab)

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Family Christmas event

Teddy Cinema: A Christmas for the Teddy (Teddy-Kino: Ein Weihnachtsfest für den Teddy)

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On Sunday, December 6, 2026, the Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel shows the film “Ein Weihnachtsfest für den Teddy” (A Christmas for the Teddy) from 2022 in the Teddy-Kino, rated from age 0. There are two showings, at 11 am and at 2 pm, each a good hour long. The film is meant for the very youngest and fits well with the museum's current teddy exhibition.

The film is included in museum admission, and no registration is needed. Kids and teens up to age 16 have free admission, adults pay CHF 7. On the first Sunday of the month, the museum mascot Basli is also there, and in the Ristorante La Sosta there is breakfast until 3 pm. In the afternoon the Santiglaus (Basel's Saint Nicholas) also comes to visit. The visit combines well with breakfast in the museum restaurant in the morning.

Parent tip: The 2 pm showing combines well with the Santiglaus visit from 2 pm.

Host
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (opens in a new tab)
Where
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (Toy Worlds Museum), Steinenvorstadt 1, 4051 Basel (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (opens in a new tab)

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Visit with Santa

Visit from the Santiglaus (Besuch vom Santiglaus)

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Every year on December 6, the Santiglaus comes to the Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel on Steinenvorstadt. On Sunday, December 6, 2026, he is there from 2 to 5 pm, enjoys the kids' Versli and has a small surprise with him. The museum is currently showing, among other things, the exhibition “Teddy, Von Legende bis Lifestyle” (Teddy, from legend to lifestyle).

Kids and teens up to age 16 have free admission, adults pay CHF 7, and kids up to age 12 may only enter the museum with an adult. In December the museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. At the same time the winter exhibition “Holly Berry, Die Magie der Winterbeeren” (the magic of winter berries) is running, and on the same day the Teddy-Kino shows a Christmas film for the little ones.

Parent tip: Practice a Versli. On the same day there are also Teddy-Kino shows at 11 am and 2 pm. Bike trailers are not allowed in the museum.

Host
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (opens in a new tab)
Where
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (Toy Worlds Museum), Steinenvorstadt 1, 4051 Basel (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (opens in a new tab)

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More Christmas events for kids in Switzerland

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.de (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Basel: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Basel?

For 2026, we confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Basel, each on its host’s own page: Christmas Fairy-Tale Forest (Weihnachtlicher Märchenwald), Ystimme: Opening Celebration of Basel's Christmas (Basler Weihnacht), Zirkus Navidad (Circus Navidad) and 9 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Basel?

Yes, 4 of the 12 events here are free: Ystimme: Opening Celebration of Basel's Christmas (Basler Weihnacht), Rosi Saves Christmas (Rosi rettet Weihnachten), Celebrating with the Little Ones: Christmas (listen, sing, craft) (Fyyre mit de Chlyyne: Weihnachten) (Liestal) and 1 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Basel?

Where to see Santa: Visit from the Santiglaus (Besuch vom Santiglaus). Check the listings above for times and booking.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Basel?

Christmas story times on this page: Rosi Saves Christmas (Rosi rettet Weihnachten) and Celebrating with the Little Ones: Christmas (listen, sing, craft) (Fyyre mit de Chlyyne: Weihnachten) (Liestal). Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Basel

Basel's Christmas market began in 1978 with about 35 stalls on Claraplatz. Today around 150 wooden huts stand around the Barfüsser church and in front of the cathedral, children dip candles in a fairy-tale forest and a tram from 1927 rolls through the city with Santiglaus on board. Here is what a visiting family should know.

How Basel celebrates Christmas, and what makes it different for visitors

Basel's Christmas begins in the evening of the lights switch-on. In 2026 a brand-new opening event called Ystimme takes place on Friday, November 20, at 5:30 pm on Marktplatz. It is free, with carols to sing along and free punch, and the market follows on November 26.

The market itself started small. In 1978, private organizers set up about 35 stalls on Claraplatz in Little Basel. In 1979 the city took over, and the market spread to Barfüsserplatz, which became its only location in the 1990s. Münsterplatz joined in 2011. Some vendors have been there from the beginning, such as Yves Born, who has sold handmade silk scarves since 1978 and has never missed a year.

For visiting families the big draw is the fairy-tale forest in front of the cathedral, where kids can do hands-on crafts instead of just looking at stalls.

Traditions a child will meet: Santiglaus, Basel treats and the Christmas tram

In Basel the Saint Nicholas figure is called Santiglaus. He comes on December 6 with his helper Schmutzli and a donkey, and he brings mandarins and nuts. Since 1999 costumed Santiglause on motorcycles hand out little bags to children, and in 2025 about 50 of them rode through the city on December 6.

The Wiehnachts-Drämmli is a historic tram, number 190 from 1927, called "zur Aussicht". In Advent it runs through the city, and on the children's rides the tram's Santiglaus sits inside and gives each child a small bag. Free tickets must be reserved online, and in 2025 the rides were for children aged 4 to 10 without adults.

For treats, look for Basler Läckerli, a Basel specialty sold in many varieties, and Käskiechli, a cheese pastry from Münsterplatz. Adults may try Hypokras, an old Basel spiced wine.

Planning a Christmas visit to Basel with kids

The 2026 season runs from the Ystimme on November 20 through the market from November 26 to December 23, daily from 11 am to 8:30 pm. The fairy-tale forest is open from November 26 to December 22. The market itself is free to visit, while activities like candle dipping cost a little.

There are several kinds of events. The market has puppet shows in the fairy-tale forest and a candle dipping stand. Several theaters stage children's plays, most in Basel dialect: The Wizard of Oz, The Jungle Book and others. The Toy Worlds Museum hosts a Santiglaus visit and a teddy bear film on December 6, and libraries and museums offer crafts and readings, some of them free, including a few in nearby Liestal.

A good number of events are free, and children under 16 enter the Toy Worlds Museum for free. Most programs are in German or Basel dialect.

A few fun facts about Basel at Christmas

In 2025 the Basel Christmas market had 148 decorated stalls, and the canton counted more than a million visitors. A picture book called E Basler Wiehnachtsgschicht with an audio play came out that year. Basel was voted best Christmas market in Europe for 2021 in an online vote. And a children's tram carousel spins in front of the cathedral for the youngest visitors.

Traditions today

  • The Christmas market at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz: About 150 wooden huts surround the Barfüsser church and stand in front of the cathedral, plus an alpine hut at Claraplatz. In 2026 it runs from November 26 to December 23.
  • The fairy-tale forest: A children's area in front of the cathedral where families dip candles, cast pewter, decorate gingerbread and try blacksmithing, with a puppet theater. In 2026 it is open from November 26 to December 22.
  • Wiehnachts-Drämmli: A tram from 1927 runs through the city in Advent. On the children's rides, the tram's Santiglaus sits inside and hands out small bags.
  • Ystimme on Marktplatz: New in 2026: the official opening of Basel's Christmas season. Lights go on in front of the town hall, and everyone sings carols.
  • Santiglaus on December 6: He arrives with Schmutzli and a donkey and brings mandarins and nuts. Since 1999, costumed Santiglause on motorcycles give bags to children.
  • Hypokras and Basler Läckerli: Hypokras is an old Basel spiced wine for adults, and Läckerli are a Basel specialty. Both are sold at stalls on Barfüsserplatz.

A fact for kids

In Basel the Christmas tram is from 1927, and on the children's rides Santiglaus sits inside and gives every child a small bag.

Questions about Christmas in Basel

Is Basel worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes. Basel combines a large Christmas market with a children's fairy-tale forest where kids can dip candles and cast pewter. There is also a historic Christmas tram, puppet shows and a Santiglaus visit at a toy museum. Many events are free or inexpensive.

When do the Christmas markets in Basel open in 2026?

The main Christmas market opens on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and runs to December 23, daily from 11 am to 8:30 pm. On the last day Barfüsserplatz closes at 8 pm and Münsterplatz at 6 pm. A new Wienachtsdorf at Theaterplatz opens the same day and stays open until January 3, 2027.

What is the Ystimme in Basel?

It is a new opening event for Basel's Christmas season on Friday, November 20, 2026 at Marktplatz. From 5:30 to about 7:15 pm the lights in the inner city go on, a choir sings carols with the audience and punch is free.

Where can kids meet Santa in Basel?

On Sunday, December 6, 2026, Santiglaus visits the Toy Worlds Museum from 2 to 5 pm and listens to children's rhymes. Kids under 16 enter free, and adults pay CHF 7. Another option is the children's rides on the Christmas tram, where the tram's Santiglaus sits inside.

What is Santiglaus?

Santiglaus is the Basel name for Saint Nicholas. He comes on December 6 with a helper called Schmutzli and a donkey, and he brings mandarins and nuts. According to a city-tour flyer, two chapels in downtown Basel were once dedicated to him.

Why do Santiglause ride motorcycles in Basel?

Since 1999, a motorcycle club has organized a ride on Santiglaus day. Costumed Santiglause drive through the city, and children get a small bag or a Grättimaa, paid for by sponsors. In 2025 about 50 took part on December 6.

What can kids do in the Basel fairy-tale forest?

At the fairy-tale forest in front of the cathedral, kids dip candles, cast pewter, decorate gingerbread and try blacksmithing. They can bake snake bread or cook sausages over a fire, and a small train runs through a fir forest. In 2026 it is open from November 26 to December 22.

Is there a puppet show at the Basel Christmas market?

Yes. The Basel Marionette Theater plays Zirkus Navidad in the market's fairy-tale tent, a 30-minute tabletop show. In 2026 it runs from November 28 to December 20 on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30, 3 and 4:30 pm, for CHF 8.

How do children ride the Basel Christmas tram?

Children's rides need a free ticket reserved online, as long as seats last. In 2025 there were rides on 11 afternoons for children aged 4 to 10, and adults could not come along. The tram starts at Schifflände and a round takes 65 minutes.

How old is the Christmas tram?

Tram number 190, named zur Aussicht, entered service in 1927. In Advent it runs through the city, decorated, as the Wiehnachts-Drämmli. On children's rides the tram's Santiglaus gives each child a small bag.

How did the Basel Christmas market begin?

In 1978, private organizers put up about 35 stalls at Claraplatz in Little Basel. The city took over in 1979, and by the 1990s the market was at Barfüsserplatz. The 40th anniversary in 2017 counted 181 stalls.

Are there free Christmas events in Basel?

Yes. The Ystimme opening and its punch are free, and so is entry to the market. Kids under 16 are free at the Toy Worlds Museum, and there is a free reading at the Neubad library and a free craft workshop at the museum in Liestal. A toddler session in Liestal on December 10 is free too.

Are Christmas events in Basel in English?

Most are in German or Basel dialect. The Wizard of Oz puppet show and the Jungle Book at Fauteuil are in dialect. Markets, the tram and the fairy-tale forest need little language, and for others, check with the host.

What Christmas plays are there for kids in Basel?

At the Basel Marionette Theater, The Wizard of Oz in Basel dialect runs from November 21 to December 13, 2026 for ages 6 and up. The Fauteuil fairy-tale stage shows The Jungle Book from November 7, 2026 to February 6, 2027 for ages 4 and up, with tickets for kids at CHF 20 to 30.

What is Hypokras, and is it for kids?

Hypokras is an old Basel spiced wine, drunk cold as dessert wine or warm like mulled wine. It is sold at stalls on Barfüsserplatz. Because it is wine, kids should stick to punch.

What food should we try at the Basel Christmas market?

The canton points to Basler Läckerli in many varieties, Käskiechli from Münsterplatz and Chäsbängel, a pastry with fondue filling. Souvenirs include glass ornaments with the Basel crest and small clay houses that hold a tea light.

Who decorates the big tree on Münsterplatz?

Johann Wanner, who has sold Christmas ornaments at Spalenberg 14 for more than 50 years. His shop offers hand-blown balls and glass birds.

Was the Basel market really voted best in Europe?

Yes, in an online vote by European Best Destinations it was named best Christmas market in Europe for 2021, the first Swiss one to win. A 2026 award called Excellent European Christmas Market was added.

What is the new Wienachtsdorf at Theaterplatz?

It is a new boutique market around Theaterplatz and Elisabethenkirche that opens on November 26, 2026. Unlike the classic market, it stays open between Christmas and New Year, until January 3, 2027. The focus is on local design, social projects and selected food.

Is there a Basel Christmas picture book for kids?

Yes. In 2025 a picture book called E Basler Wiehnachtsgschicht came out with an audio play, in which the children Mia, Salome and Luzi and the elf Elfi experience a Christmas story in Basel. You can read it or listen to it.

What can toddlers do in Basel at Christmas?

The Toy Worlds Museum shows a teddy bear Christmas film for young children on December 6, 2026 at 11 am and 2 pm, included with museum admission. In Liestal there is a free half-hour session of stories, songs and crafts on December 10. A free Advent decoration workshop at the Museum.BL in Liestal runs from December 8 to January 3.

Sources

  1. Der Basler Weihnachtsmarkt: eine 40-jährige Tradition, Kanton Basel-Stadt, Präsidialdepartement
  2. Die Basler Weihnacht verzaubert und belebt das Geschäft, Kanton Basel-Stadt, Präsidialdepartement
  3. Ein gut besuchter Basler Weihnachtsmarkt geht zu Ende, Kanton Basel-Stadt, Präsidialdepartement
  4. Wiehnachts-Drämmli 2025 (Medienmitteilung), Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe BVB
  5. Das gibt es nur am Basler Weihnachtsmarkt, Kanton Basel-Stadt, Präsidialdepartement
  6. Ystimme: neuer Eröffnungsanlass für die Basler Weihnacht, Kanton Basel-Stadt, Präsidialdepartement
  7. Basler Weihnachtsmarkt, Kanton Basel-Stadt
  8. Basler Weihnacht präsentiert den besten Weihnachtsmarkt Europas, Kanton Basel-Stadt, Präsidialdepartement
  9. Ein himmlisches Geschenk: Basler Weihnacht, Kanton Basel-Stadt, Staatskanzlei
  10. Basler Weihnachtsmarkt, Basel Tourismus (basel.com)
  11. Baumschmuck-Experte Johann Wanner: Ich habe Weihnachten wieder kitschig gemacht, Blick
  12. Neue Attraktion für die Basler Weihnacht, Kanton Basel-Stadt, Präsidialdepartement
  13. Weihnachten in Basel (Broschüre), Basel Tourismus
  14. Führung Weihnacht, Grabmacherjoggi Stadtführungen
Kelsey Cecil
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