Basel Minster imposes strict visitor limits for 2025 Christmas market
The Basel Minster will introduce strict entry limits during the 2025 Christmas market after chaotic scenes in previous years. Last December, overcrowding and disruptive behaviour forced the historic church to close temporarily. This time, only 150 visitors will be allowed inside at once.
In 2024, the Minster had to shut its doors on Advent weekends because of overwhelming crowds. Some visitors arrived drunk, while others acted aggressively—one even bit a staff member, who needed emergency medical care. With up to 1,000 people trying to enter on peak days, the situation became unmanageable.
To prevent a repeat, the canton has approved funding for two extra staff members from Basel Tourism. They will control access and enforce the new 150-person limit. Basel Tourism has already tested similar restrictions at other events and will support the Minster throughout the Christmas season.
Matthias Zehnder, spokesperson for the Evangelical Reformed Church of Basel-Stadt, hopes the changes will make this year’s market safer and more orderly. Around one million visitors are expected in total.
The new measures aim to reduce overcrowding and improve safety for both visitors and staff. With controlled entry and extra personnel, the Minster plans to stay open throughout the 2025 Christmas market. The canton’s funding ensures the rules will be properly enforced.
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