Basel Christmas Lights
Basler Weihnachtsbeleuchtung47°34′ N 7°35′ EBaselfrom Nov 26
Basel's Christmas lights suit anyone walking between the market squares in the late afternoon, and their trade-off is that the best streets are steep and cobbled. In 2026 they go on officially on 26 November and shine daily from 15:00 to 22:30 until 3 January 2027, ten days after the market closes.
Photo Unknown · Openverse · CC BY-SA 4.0 and others, credited in the gallery
Basel Christmas Lights runs November 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027 · confirmed by the organizer (source)
Advent SundaysGaudete, 13 DecemberChristmas Eve
The Verein Basler Weihnacht coordinates the city's trees and street lighting with funding from the canton's Swisslos fund, and its lights hang over the Marktplatz and Freie Strasse among other streets. The Käppelijoch, the little chapel on the Mittlere Brücke, gets a red Christmas cap, and in 2025 a projection animated the painted figures in the Rathaus courtyard. A nativity trail of decorated shop windows runs between the Spalentor and the Schifflände.
The lights outlast the market by ten days, so a visit between Christmas and 3 January still finds the streets lit.
Quick answers about Basel Christmas Lights
When do Basel's Christmas lights go on in 2026?
Basel's Christmas lights are officially switched on on 26 November 2026 and stay on daily from 15:00 to 22:30 until 3 January 2027, according to Basel Tourism.
When is Basel Christmas Lights in 2026?
Basel Christmas Lights runs from November 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Those dates are confirmed by the organizer.
Do you need a ticket for Basel Christmas Lights?
No. Basel Christmas Lights is free to walk.
What are the opening hours of Basel Christmas Lights?
Basel Christmas Lights keeps these hours: Mon–Sun 15:00–22:30.