During the Advent period, Basel does not stop at its famous Christmas market. The city offers numerous activities to immerse its visitors in the festive atmosphere: a book of wishes in the courtyard of the Town Hall, a Christmas ferry on the Rhine or even illuminated interior courtyards and decorated squares in the old town.
And this festive atmosphere has just been rewarded! Basel has been named “European Christmas Capital” in the category of cities with more than 150,000 inhabitants. A distinction awarded by the “Christmas Cities Network” association.
150 chalets and a multitude of activities
The Basel Christmas market is not new. Launched in 1978 on Claraplatz with around thirty stands, it moved to Barfüsserplatz the following year. In 2011, the first chalets also appeared on Münsterplatz. Today, some 150 stands welcome visitors to these two emblematic squares of the old town.
But the festivities don’t stop there. A historic tram decorated for Christmas, the Basel Theater Advent calendar and several museum exhibitions complete the program.
In its application, the city also highlighted its environmental and solidarity commitments, in particular the use of reusable cups and energy-efficient LED lighting.
Among the most unusual events is the “Harley Niggi-Näggi”, which sees Santas ride through the streets on motorbikes to collect donations for charity.
Two other cities awarded
Basel is not the only one to have been distinguished. In Romania, Baia Mare won the title of “European Christmas Town” for 2027. Two ice rinks and a small decorated tourist train are among the attractions announced.
In Croatia, Omiš has been crowned a “European Christmas Village”. His application highlights the hamlet of Nart, which has only eleven permanent inhabitants, as well as a two-kilometer light trail, decorated with more than five million LEDs.
