Experience Exceptional Ready to Ski? ‘Phantom’ Brings How the Swiss Markets in Recommendations for the Music of the Celebrate the and Beyond! Winter Recreation Night to Basel Holiday Season

Volume 3 Issue 4 CHF 5/€4

December 2014 / January 2015 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers, As I write this letter, I can’t help but be struck by how quickly another year has flown by. With the busy holidays ahead, and all of the shopping, baking, holiday parties, card writing, and travel plans that need to be crammed in, December 2014 / January 2015 Volume 3 Issue 4 we want to remind you to make sure you also enjoy some holiday fun. Visit one of the many charming Christmas markets in and around Basel; take a TABLE OF CONTENTS ride on the Christmas ferry or Christmas tram; view the and decorations from the heights of the Münster towers; let your kids partake in Events in Basel: December / January 4-8 one of the many Saint Nikolaus events; take a guided Christmas tour through town; get into the Christmas spirit at a public caroling; check out one of the Christmas exhibits; leave a message in Basel’s official wish book; Fun Outings: Beyond Basel 9or take in one of many seasonal shows, including Theater Basel’s calendar performances, the winter circus, the ballet, Palazzo Colombino’s holiday variety-show, or a Christmas concert. Markets and Fairs: Christmas Markets 10-11 In Basel, the New Year starts with a bang—quite literally—and brings us a January filled with events like a chess festival; a spectacular horse jumping show; Basel’s annual Museum night with all of its associated events; the Basel Traditions: Magical Holiday Season 12-13 peculiar tradition of the Vogel Gryff; Basel’s floating children’s book fair; an indoor cycling marathon; and a host of great exhibits, workshops, tours, and entertainment. Did You Know? 14 On the following pages you can also learn everything you need to know about celebrating this holiday season in Basel, about the drinking-and-driving laws Calendar: December 2014 16-17 in Switzerland, and about where and how to make the most of the winter sports opportunities in this corner of the world.

We hope you will have a wonderful holiday season in Calendar: January 2015 15 and 18 Basel or wherever you celebrate! Fröhliche und ein gutes Neues Jahr! Get Going! Skiing and Snowboarding! 19 Happy Holidays,

Sports and Recreation 20-21 Christine Christine Pesold Editor-in-Chief Workshops, Tours, and Education 22-25 [email protected]

Entertainment: Night on the Town 26-31

COVER: Basel’s offers a wonderful variety of all kinds Mark Your Calendar: February 2015 Back Page of crafts that make interesting gifts for people of all ages. But the setup of the market itself with its wooden huts, decorated trees, and other decora- tive items is charming (although you may not be able to appreciate it all Basel Life Magazine Staff: that much with the throngs of people often crowding the narrow paths). Editor-in-Chief: Last year, one of the bars in Barfüsserplatz featured the interesting pyra- Christine Pesold mid-like structure shown on our cover. It is a large version of a traditional German Christmas pyramid—a decorative item that originates in the Advertising & Subscription Manager / Editor: Erzgebirge () in south-eastern Germany, near the Polish Susanne Hiller border. These pyramids usually are made from wood and have one or more Art Director: tiers decorated with either Christian motifs, such as nativity scenes, or Jon Hoefer secular motifs, such as scenes from the everyday life of the miners in that region. The tiers can turn like a carousel, thanks to a kind of propeller at the For more information about subscribing or advertising – please contact us: top that is moved by hot air rising up from around the perimeter of [email protected] the pyramid. Several vendors at the Christmas market sell such pyramids, www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine as well as other traditional wood crafts, such as little “smoking men,” www.basellife.com , or ornaments.

Basel LIFE Magazine / BASEL FAMILY GmbH © Copyright 2014-15 . All rights reserved. It is our goal to provide valuable, timely information to our readers. The opinions expressed in the articles in this magazine are those of the contributing authors and do not reflect those of other members of the editorial staff and of any organizations or agencies distributing this magazine. Though we make every attempt to provide accurate information, we cannot be held responsible if any event is cancelled, postponed, or modified. We encourage readers to contact the event organizers or their websites to obtain the most current event information. Please note: No part of this periodical may be duplicated in any fashion, or redistributed in any written language, without permission from the executive staff at Basel Family GmbH. If you have any questions, contact Basel Family GmbH staff at: [email protected].

2 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 3 Events in Basel: December 2014 / January 2015

home or in the field during times of crisis. The exhibition looks back Children’s Theater—Sleeping Beauty Peruvian Exhibit at the soldiers’ quarters, the small gifts of love, and at the role of the December 3 – January 11 Until February 1 army postal service as a mediator of “desires.” This exhibition also illustrates the shortages of food and other consumables and typical The Basler Kinder Theater is presenting the Brothers Grimm’s classic Nativity scenes exude a charm- Christmas tree decorations, with a special focus on the years of the fairytale “Dornröschen” (Sleeping Beauty) every Wednesday, Satur- ing appeal because they repre- First World War. day, and Sunday. This version will be presented in Basel dialect and is sent the incredible miracle of the suitable for kids ages 4 and up. Tickets are CHF 15 for kids ages 4-16, Nativity scene in miniature. The www.mkb.ch CHF 20 for adults, or CHF 9 and CHF 13 with the Familienpass. viewer can imagine him- or her- www.baslerkindertheater.ch self as a witness to the Christmas A Realm of Flowers. Rebirth in the Tombs of the Pharaohs story. Peru has one of the most Until March 29 impressive and diverse traditions of Christmas Caroling nativity scenes in South America. The Antikenmuseum Basel is presenting an exhibit that is a cross December 3, 13, and 17 From the Amazon to the high- between botany and archeology. Ancient Egyptians believed that lands of the Peruvian Andes, flowers, plants, and fruit had special powers that assured survival in If singing in a large group of people traditions and elements of colonial the afterlife. Floral decorations were laid down on royal mummies at helps put you in a festive mood, you baroque have been incorporated burial, and 16 such flower arrangements that were discovered in the are invited to any of three public into the folk art works, which has famous royal mummy hiding place in Thebes in 1881 and later housed caroling events. On Wednesday, De- in the basement of the Institute of Systematic Botany at the Univer- cember 3 and 17, everyone is invit-

led to its phenomenal diversity. wuerth © forum photo: The Forum Würth Arlesheim is sity of Zurich, are the highlight of this exhibit. Visitors can admire ed from 18:45-19:15 to come to the exhibiting a fine selection of Peru- more than 100 originals of outstanding quality, including many coffins Basel Münster and sing along

vian nativity scenes from the Carmen Würth . Open from 11:00-17:00; entrance is free. Public tours magnificently painted with flowers and an exact replica of the tomb of with the Basler Münsterkantorei basel © liedertafel photo: in German are held every Saturday at 14:00 for CHF 8 per person; no pre-registration necessary. the architect Sennedjem from the 13th century. choir. On Saturday, December 13, people will gather in front of the www.antikenmuseumbasel.ch Münster gates at the Münsterplatz from 17:15-18:00 to sing Christ- www.forum-wuerth.ch mas songs with the Liedertafel men’s choir. Everyone will be given pages containing the words to the songs so that they can participate. Winter Circus ous cities, including Basel, Muttenz, Riehen, Liestal, Weil am Rhein Visit the Towers at the Basler Münster A brass ensemble will accompany the singing. Until December 21 (DE), Hegenheim (FR), Mulhouse (FR), Strassbourg (FR), and Freiburg December 1-19 www.liedertafelbasel.ch (DE). The commissioners of each institution have selected the artists Circus Go is presenting their Christmas circus entitled “Die Gunst der and artworks from the dossiers submitted. In addition to painting, The towers of the Basler Münster offer breathtaking views of the city Stern” (Seizing the Stars). They will be pitching their tent in Aesch at of Basel, as well as neighboring France and Germany. You can climb sculpture, installation, photography, and video, the Regionale is also English Panto—Snow White & the 7 Dwarvz the Circusplatz Parkplatz Löhrenacker. There will be traditional circus open to digital works on the computer or the internet, as well as to the 250 steps of the tower any time of the year for a cost of CHF 5 per December 4-7 acrobatics, juggling, and clown acts, all with a fairytale theme. Tickets performance art. The goal of Regionale 15 is to present the diversity of person (minimum 2 people at a time). Entrance to the towers closes range from CHF 30-65 for adults and from CHF 20-45 for kids ages creative expression to the interested public. 30 minutes before the cathedral closes. The view from the towers can The Basel English Panto Group will be presenting the panto, Snow 2-12. They can be purchased online through www.starticket.ch or be especially beautiful during the Christmas season, when the city White & the 7 Dwarvz, a seasonal family show in English with singing, www.regionale.org in person at post offices, Manor, SBB, and Coop. Check their website sparkles with holiday illuminations. During the four weeks leading dancing, and lots of humorous characters. Snow White is all alone for dates and times; there are afternoon and evening presentations, up to Christmas, the towers can be visited until 18:00, and the stairs in the world—except for her step-mother, who’s trying to kill her; a as well as a brunch-and-circus combination on December 7 and 21. Basler Wunschbuch leading up to the top are lit from 16:00-18:00. poor boy who wants to marry her; Prince Charming who wants to www.circus-go.ch (Book of Wishes) www.muensterbasel.ch woo her; an assortment of ninja cooks, apprentices, townsfolk, mice Until January 6 and servants; a teenage magic mirror (like, whatever), an Igor and, of course, Daisy the Cow. Add in a few rather distinctive Dwarvz, a Christmas Ferry For the 22nd year, the tradi- Literary and Musical in Theater Basel trio of Muses and you have this year’s original Panto. Forget every- tional Basel Book of Wishes Until December 23 December 1-23 thing Disney taught you—this is Snow White as it REALLY happened. will be located in the front Maybe. The six performances, including two matinees, will be held at The Klingental ferry near Kaser- The Theater Basel is presenting a special advent calendar daily at courtyard of the city hall at the Scala Basel on Freie Strasse 89. Tickets for all performances are ne will be transformed into a 17:00 in the entrance foyer, except for December 4, when it will be Marktplatz. Everyone is in- CHF 35 for adults and CHF 22 for kids. Tickets are available from Christmas ferry during the festive held on Theaterplatz, weather permitting. Members of the Theater vited to write their thoughts; what they are thankful for; lists to Santa Ticketino as well as many other locations, including Bider & Tanner. season. Enjoy a ride across the Basel (choir, ballet troupe, musical and theater ensemble) as well as Claus; or wishes for peace, love, and health. It is also great fun to read The profits from the performances help fund schooling for several girls photo: © john varaklis © john photo: river on this magical ferry, which guests will present stories, poems, or songs—sometimes classical- what other people are wishing for! from disadvantaged families in Kenya at the Starehe Girl’s Center. can also be booked for private apéro or fondue events! ly Christmas and sometimes quite different and even comical. Each www.wunschbuch.ch presentation will last about 30 minutes and entrance is free. www.baselpanto.org www.weihnachtsfaehre.ch www.theater-basel.ch www.ticketino.com Christmas Park at St. Claraspital “Yspalascht” (Ice Palace) Until January 6 Christmas Tree Exhibit Until December 23 Stephan Primus designed this enchanting Christmas park that From December 2 The “Yspalascht” is a white is open daily from 10:00-20:00. All are welcome to enjoy the The month of December is always special at the Museum für Wohn- foam hut meant to look like an ice festive atmosphere with all their senses. Claraspital is located kultur (home décor). The various floors of the house are palace that is set up every year next to at Kleinriehenstrasse 30 in Basel and can be reached by tram 2 or 6 decorated with Christmas trees from times gone by. Visitors will the church in Claraplatz. It is a local holiday (“Hirzbrunnen” stop). favorite to gather and enjoy drinks and food, such as the traditional see the changes in the way that Christmas trees have been deco- pasta dish “Ghaggts mit Hörnli” (elbow macaroni with meat sauce), in rated in the past 200 years; from small trees that stood on tables a truly Swiss Christmas atmosphere. Runs daily from 10:00-21:00. Exhibit—Sad Christmas and were decorated with nuts, apples, and baked goods, to those Until January 11, 2015 decorated with figures modeled with pastry dough, and to the non- edible tree ornaments, both religious and secular. Visit the Christmas While wars take no notice of Christmas, they do shape how this emo- Regionale 15 tree exhibit at Elisabethenstrasse 27. Open Monday-Friday and Sunday tional family gathering is celebrated. The exhibition “Traurige Weih- from 10:00-17:00, Saturday from 13:00-17:00. Until January 4 nacht” (Sad Christmas) at the Museum der Kulturen Basel highlights

Sixteen institutions in the 3-country region will present contemporary the separation of the family members, with fathers, brothers, and www.hmb.ch © hmb.ch photo: art by almost 600 local artists. Locations are scattered around vari- sons in the field and at the borders. There was joy at

4 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 5 Events in Basel: December 2014 / January 2015 (continued)

Welcome Kids! New Year’s Eve Concert Santas on Motorbikes December 13 and 20; January 10, 17, and 24 December 31 December 6 The Brasserie No. 2 at the Volkshaus Basel will be giving parents This traditional New Year’s Eve concert will be performed by the A group of about 50 Santa Clauses will gather at the a needed break on several Saturday afternoons from 12:00-16:00. Basler Festival Orchestra at the Stadt-Casino in Barfüsserplatz at Messeplatz at 16:00, where spectators can admire Whether you want to have lunch, enjoy a glass of wine, read a news- 19:00. Tickets are CHF 60-105 and are available at Bider & Tanner. their festively decorated Harley-Davidson motorbikes. paper, or have a conversation with friends, your kids will be actively www.biderundtanner.ch Shortly before 17:00, the Santas will depart the Messe- minded with a variety of activities, including painting, arts and crafts, platz and ride their Harleys through the city, ending drawing, and knitting. Call 061-690-9310 to reserve a table. Schachfestival (Chess Festival) at Marktplatz where they will distribute little goodie http://volkshaus-basel.ch bags to children in exchange for a verse. Parents can January 1-4 purchase Glühwein () and Grättimänner; This chess festival offers quick chess tournaments for juniors with Tuba Christmas all proceeds go to Theodora, an organization of clowns two different age categories—U16 and U12. It will take place at the that bring laughter to children at the Kinderspital December 14 Hotel Hilton in Basel and costs CHF 10; no tournament experience (children’s hospital). On this day, over 90 brass necessary. Contact Bruno Zanetti at 079-783-8070.

www.hognws.ch/nigginaeggievent © hog nws photo: musicians from all over Swit- www.schachfestivalbasel.ch zerland will come into the Niggi Näggi at the Zoo A Cappella Christmas Choir Music city and add to the Christmas Ronja Räubertochter (Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter) December 6 December 7 spirit by playing outdoors at Münster- January 2 St. Nikolaus (affectionately called Niggi Näggi here) will be coming The Kammerchor der Hochschule für Musik (Chamber Choir of the platz at 15:30 and Marktplatz Watch this children’s fantasy book by bestselling Swedish author to the zoo from 14:00-17:00, to the stage of the temporary zoo res- College for Music) under the direction of Raphel Immoos will be pre- at 16:00. Donations are ac- Astrid Lindgren come to life. Matthias Keilich brings a fresh and child- taurant. Here, kids can recite a poem or verse for him, in exchange senting an afternoon of Christmas choir music at the Nikolauskirche cepted and all money raised friendly interpretation of this story to the stage as a musical theater for for a small gift (even those too shy to talk to St. Nick will get a gift). in Reinach. Concert starts at 17:00; entrance is free but donations will will be given to the Krebsliga the whole family. As part of a Swiss-wide tour, they will be stopping at Grättimänner (little sweet-dough men) and hot chocolate will be avail- be accepted. Beider Basel (Basel Cancer the Stadt-Casino in Basel for one performance, starting at 14:00. The able at discounted prices. Entrance for kids up to age 16 is free and www.musik-akademie.ch Society). tuba christmas © photo: show, which is approximately 70 minutes with no intermission, will be adult entrance is discounted. www.klbb.ch presented in dialect and is recommended for families with kids ages www.zoobasel.ch Christmas Concert 5 and up. Seats are not numbered and the front row is reserved for kids, so come early to secure good seats; doors open at 13:30. Tickets December 7 Niggi Näggi at the Volkshaus Basel Triptychon can be purchased through www.starticket.ch, at Coop City, post The Basler Zeitung will be hosting a “BaZ hilft” benefit Christmas December 19-23 offices, and Manor and cost CHF 32 for adults and CHF 26 for kids; December 6 concert with the Sinfonieorchester Basel at 11:00 in the Musiksaal Coop Supercard discounts available while supplies last. The Basler Marionetten Theater, in the old-fashioned tradition of The Volkshaus Basel is inviting families from 13:00-16:00 to visit of the Stadt-Casino Basel. Tickets can be purchased at the Basler large-figure string puppet theater will be presenting the Christ- www.balzer-produktionen.ch/ronja with St. Nikolaus. Kids will be actively cared for by a team of anima- Zeitung location in Aeschenplatz. mas tale of a double triptych: This is the story of three people tors, while parents are welcome to enjoy a beer or snacks in the bar. www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch and three —each having experienced Christmas in St. Nikolaus will also be giving all young visitors a little something to CSI Basel a special way. And although they decide together to collect a little take home. January 8-11 One Million Stars money as the “Three Kings,” they must in the end each go their http://volkshaus-basel.ch own way. Located near the Christmas market at Münsterplatz, the This Grand Prix world-class horse-jumping championship will host December 13 show is in dialect and is suitable for ages 12 and up. Tickets are the best horses and riders of the world. Included among the 45 competitors in the Longiness Grand Prix are Olympic competitors, Wiehnachts-Drämmli (Christmas Tram) In cities all over Switzerland, CHF 38, CHF 34 for kids, and can be purchased directly at the the charitable organization theater, at Bider & Tanner in person, or from their online ticket shop as well as world, European, and Swiss champions. It takes place at December 6, 13, 14, 20, and 21 Caritas is organizing a can- at www.biderundtanner.ch. St. Jakobshalle. There is a different program on each of the four days; Every year, the Basel public transport system (BVB) sponsors a dle-lighting ceremony called an extraordinary show will be provided at the end of the first three www.bmtheater.ch Christmas tram just for kids. One of the old trams is decked out with “Eine Million Sterne.” In days. There are only 6,000 seats available, and the first-class seating Christmas decorations and driven by Santa himself! The tram rides Basel, this will take place is complemented by exclusive culinary delights and a wide choice of around Basel for 90 minutes while Santa and his ‘’ tell Christ- in Marktplatz, starting at Family Concert—Jingle all the Way equestrian products and services. Tickets go quickly, especially for mas stories (in German). The kids can also recite Christmas verses 16:00. Thousands of candles weekend events, so it is recommended that you book your tickets in December 20 to Santa and all are given a treat. The kids must be mature enough will be lit, and donations to © caritas photo: advance through Ticketcorner. Check their German/English website to travel without a parent (no adults allowed) and must remain on help any of Caritas’ several causes will be accepted (voluntary). This Following the success of the first Christmas Family Concert last for a complete list of events. the tram for the entire ride. While this event is well supervised and is a beautiful sight to see, especially as night sets in! You are also year, the Sinfonieorchester Basel is happy to repeat this special con- www.csi-basel.ch there is no published age limit, be sure that the event is age-appro- invited to visit their website and find out how you can start your own cert. This year’s event will include a mix of classic and lesser-known www.ticketcorner.ch priate for your child. The rides are totally free but are on a first-come- illumination in your area—it is a beautiful holiday tradition that is all Christmas songs, with string students from Schulhaus Insel joining first-served basis. The tram leaves from the water fountain near in the spirit of giving. in on the fun. Concert is at 14:30 in the Grosser Festsaal of the Stadt- Casino. Tickets can be purchased at Bider & Tanner and cost CHF 35 Schifflände at 14:00 and 15:30. www.einemillionsterne.ch for adults and CHF 15 for kids; families with 2 adults and 2 kids pay www.tramoldtimer-basel.ch/weihnachtstram2.html CHF 80, plus CHF 10 for each additional child. Basler Mineralientage (Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils Days) www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch Niggi Näggi at the Tierpark December 13 and 14 December 7 The 45th Internationale Basler Mineralientage are all about miner- Jazz Brunch Samichlaus, Schmutzli, and their donkey will be on site to greet kids als, fossils, jewelry, accessories, and related equipment. It is aimed at 15:00 in the Erlebnishof at Lange Erlen. Good little boys and girls at collectors, traders, as well as the simply curious. The show will be December 27 and January 31 are invited to recite a verse or poem to Samichlaus in exchange for a held at Halle 2.0 of the Messe Basel and is open December 13 from On the last Saturday of each month, the Brasserie No. 2 at Volkshaus small goodie bag. There will also be hot chocolate and Grättimänner 10:00-18:00 and December 14 from 10:00-17:00. Entrance costs CHF Basel presents a rich breakfast from Marc Arnold’s kitchen, accom- (while supplies last). The Erlen-Kids will also be holding their own 10 for adults, CHF 5 for those ages 10-18, and free for kids under 10. panied by live jazz from Eric Gilson and guests. Breakfast starts at stand offering crêpes, mulled-wine, tea, and coffee. There are reduced-price 2-day tickets. 10:30 and reservations are recommended at 061-690-9310.

www.erlen-verein.ch www.basler-mineralientage.ch http://volkshaus-basel.ch © csi photo:

6 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 7 Events in Basel: December 2014 / January 2015 (continued) Fun Outings: Beyond Basel Vogel Gryff Ceremony Museumsnacht (’ Night) Titanic Exhibit January 20 Jauary 16 Geneva One of Basel’s old and unique Until December 21 For the 15th year, the Basel Museums’ Night guarantees exciting traditions is the Vogel Gryff discoveries, interesting and unusual encounters, and enjoyable ceremony, a vestige of the mus- Become part of the legend and travel in time aboard the Titanic! moments of all kinds. The diverse program offers hundreds of ter-parade inspections for the Impressive both in size and content, this rich exhibition takes events over 8 hours at 39 cultural institutions and 4 after-hours citizen soldiers trained by three you from the shipyards of Belfast in 1909 to the deep waters of clubs, including some 60 events especially for families. Even the guild-like societies in Kleinba- the North Atlantic. Throughout your voyage, you will discover the Sinfonieorchester Basel gets involved, with various chamber en- sel that were responsible for the testimonies of people whose destinies were suddenly thrown off sembles from the orchestra presenting mini-programs throughout city’s defense several hundred course. Faithful to the original plans, the reconstitutions of the the Basler Münster. The first performance begins at 18:00, with a years ago. On this day, three great staircase and the first-class cabins will give you a feeling new set beginning every 30 minutes. For the full program with all heraldic figures representing of what it was like to be on board at the time. Real objects, real events and times, check www.museumsnacht.ch; activities for the three Guilds—the Wilde stories—you will be impressed by the over 200 objects brought expo titanic © photo: children and families are marked with a special icon. In addition, Maa, Leu, and Vogel Gryff— up from the depths of the Atlantic and professionally restored to The Titanic exhibition is currently taking place at the Palexpo the organizers have put together a suggested tour of highlights for parade through Kleinbasel, their original splendor. From dishes with the White Start logo to Halle 7 in Geneva. Tickets for adults are CHF 22, kids ages young and old with the following stops: accompanied by three drum- delicate perfume bottles, they are silent witnesses to the thou- 6-15 are CHF 16, and families (4 persons) are CHF 64; prices mers, three standard bearers, sands of broken dreams. Did you know that there were 27 Swiss are a little higher on weekends and lower on Mondays. Includ- • Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel Time: 18:00-02:00 and four jesters (Ueli), who col- aboard the Titanic when it sank? Learn about them from Günter ed in the ticket price is an audio guide in English, French, or A Formula 1 race with remote-controlled shoes? Take a lect money for the needy. The Bäbler, a Swiss expert on the history of the Titanic. German; special audio guides are also available for children. Avoid waiting in line by buying your tickets in advance at chance, your prospects of winning are still intact! event starts at 11:00, when the For this exhibit, brought to you by the company RMS Titanic Inc, www.ticketcorner.ch or www.fnac.ch. Exhibit is open dai- Wild Maa (crazy man) floats photo: © kleinbasels ehrengesellschaften drei the only company authorized to recuperate objects from the Ti- • Kunstmuseum Basel / Time: 19:30-20:00 ly from 10:00-19:00 until December 21 and can be reached by down the Rhein on a barge, escorted by his drummers and other entou- tanic’s resting place, you are the passenger. You will be given a Museum für Gegenwartskunst car (parking P12 at Palexpo) or by train by getting off at stop rage. He performs a ceremonial dance with his back stubbornly turned boarding card upon entry, for first, second, or third class. Dis- “Genève-Aéroport” and walking 5 minutes to Halle 7. Because of the new construction and renovations, the towards Grossbasel. At the Mittlere Brücke, he is met on the Kleinbasel cover who you are and your reason for being on board—are you a Kunstmuseum moves to the Museum für Gegenwartskunst. river bank by the Leu (a lion-like figure) and the Vogel Gryff (a half-man- survivor or a fatality? Find out in the last salon of the exhibition! www.titanic-expo.ch Join their festive parade. half-bird creature). Each of the three figures has its own characteristic dances that they perform throughout the day in various locations around • Time: 18:00-02:00 Kleinbasel as well as on the Mittlere Brücke. The festival ends late at Europapark Winter Attractions ing palaces, igloos, caves, a penguin Challenge your brain cells with a quiz: Do you know night. You can find a complete list of the locations and times for their Rust, Germany mountain, a pirate’s ship, and much everything? more. There are surprises in each one performances on their website, by clicking on “Routenplan.” This is November 22 – January 11 as well as a playground, a giant swing • Sportmuseum Schweiz Time: 18:30-01:30 definitely a festival like no other! This fantastic amusement park located a little over an hour from and a pirate’s ship. The ice palace is Discover a Federer tennis racket and special Kübler shirts www.vogel-gryff.ch Basel in Rust, Germany, re-opens for the six weeks around Christ- set up at an altitude of 1,000 m but de- among the 150,000 items. mas; except for December 24 and 25. While many of the rides are pends nonetheless on the weather. It

not running in these colder months, the park turns into a fascinat- is therefore prudent to call (079-613- schwyter © andrea photo: • Haus der elektronischen Künste (HEK) Time:19:00-23:00 Basler Jugendbücherschiff (Youth Book Ship) ing winter wonderland. There will be many stunning attractions, a January 20 – February 3 0997) or check their website before heading out. Cost is CHF 10 Have your picture taken with a camera obscura. “Mrs. Piano medieval Christmas market, concerts, a New Year’s celebration, for adults and CHF 5 for kids; only cash payments accepted. Kids and her elephant” are also there. This yearly event is a very special book fair and a high-profile show to enchant everyone. Check their website under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and well-behaved that takes place on the ‘MS Christoph Me- for a full schedule of events. dogs are welcome. Open Wednesday-Friday from 14:00-21:00, Good to Know: rian’ boat that is docked at Schifflände. It www.europapark.de Saturday and Sunday from 12:00-21:00. The Ice Palace can be Ticket prices for adults are CHF 24 /€ 20, CHF 30/€ 25 includ- houses all kinds of books for kids of all ages reached by car in about 1 hour and 45 minutes or by public trans- ing travel by special night train from Basel Badischer Bahnhof, in many different languages. Each year, port by taking the train to Fribourg, then the TPF bus direction

CHF 15/€ 12.50 with Museumspass; free for children and young thousands of children, adolescents, their © ed-bs.ch photo: Santichlaus Ylüte Schwarzsee/Lac Noir to a stop called “Lichtena.” adults up to age 25 with proof of ID. Ticket sales start December 19 parents, school classes, and teachers—essentially anyone interested in Liestal children’s literature—visit the ship to leaf through the books on hand www.eispalaeste.ch at all participating museums and other sales location; tickets are December 6 also available on the night itself at participating museums. and discover new reading material. In Liestal, in a noisy tradition dating back to 1928, children gather www.ed-bs.ch/bildung/pzbs/bibliothek/literale- Your Museums’ Night ticket entitles you to free travel by bus, tram, in the late afternoon for a procession through the old town while Haut-Koenigsbourg foerderung/basler-jugendbuecherschiff ship, and train in the TriRegio network from 17:00 until late at night. loudly ringing small and large bells. The procession is led by Orschwiller, France Samichlaus, dressed in blue robes, and Schmutzli. They are For wheelchair users and seniors, three vehicles with wheelchair Haut Koenigsbourg is a castle that was built in the 12th century accompanied by the “Yfflen”—illuminated bishop’s hats that are access are available at Münsterplatz from 18:00-01:30 for transport Sonntagsmatinée and wonderfully restored in the early 1900’s. Here you can visit the either worn by older youth or carried on a wooden structure. This between the museums (sorry, no home transport service). Telephone January 25 towers and dungeons, bedrooms and grand rooms, and see an im- group is followed by the enthusiastic kids with their bells. At the booking line during Museums’ Night +41 (0)79 424 30 77. pressive collection of suits and armors. It is a very interesting and If a late Sunday-morning concert appeals to you and your family, why not end of the procession, all children receive a Grättimann (a little You can find more information and additional offers in conjunction educational family visit in Alsace (about 45 min drive from Basel). come to the Musiksaal of the Stadt-Casino Basel to listen to the Ensem- man shaped from sweet dough). Meeting place is the Liestal- with Museums’ Night on their website. During the month of December, Haut-Koenigsbourg castle offers ble Symphonique Neuchâtel play compositions by Mozart and Haydn. er Allee (close to the train station and McDonalds) at 17:00; the ways of rediscovering ancestral traditions with an exhibition that www.museumsnacht.ch The concert will start at 11:00 and tickets cost CHF 46-63. procession ends around 17:45. traces the history of Christmas and its practices in the region over www.konzerte-basel.ch www.liestal.ch the centuries. It presents an Advent calendar with medieval illumi- nations, a feast organized for the emperor, a medieval kitchen with Jazz Concert at the Tinguely Museum Ice Palace , Christmas trees decorated with apples and wafers, ending with a special artistic exhibit closely associated with Christ- January 30 Fribourg mas in the high garden of the fortress. The castle is closed Decem- From 16:00-18:00 on the last Friday of every month, top jazz performers From Christmas until the beginning of March ber 25 and January 1. From Basel you can take the A35 highway are giving concerts in the space dedicated to the current exhibition at Karl Neuhaus, also known as the “Tinguely of Ice,” builds his ice towards Strassbourg, exit Kintzheim or Saint-Hippolyte and follow the Tinguely Museum, providing a musical highlight and a point of focus. world in the area of the Schwarzsee valley near Fribourg. Here you the signs to Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. Concert is free with admission to the museum. can walk through the forest and visit numerous ice buildings, includ- www.haut-koenigsbourg.fr

photo: © go trotting.com © go photo: www.tinguely.ch

8 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 9 10 photography: © jon hoefer CHF 5-8; you can buy activity tickets at coststhe on-site ticket booth. There activity Each forging. metal and minting, coin glass-blowing, making/decorating, figure pewter decorating, gingerbread making, as such activities in or partake can chocolate also They hot children’spunch. of cup a enjoying while book, wish children’s the organiz- in sign/draw can is family.Kids whole the for activities for of Robi-Spiel-Aktionen variety a ing fantasyland 4-22, a Christmas December From find children. can you Münsterplatz, at Also also opendaily from 11:00-20:00;only until18:00onDecember 23. is market This sauce. garlic or sauce, chili applesauce, either with and bacon), and onions cream, pancakepotatoserved of type “Kartoffelsinfullydelicious Puffer”—a thick with topped pizza Alsacian of type (a Flammkuchen Crêpes,Fondue,Raclette, as such foods, al tradition the of - some in indulge place and gifts to one-of-a-kind find great a it making stands,food and goods with lined also is It square. the throughout trees chestnut the from hanging globes lighted and is site absolutely This magical with its Münsterplatz.beautifully decorated giant Christmas at tree up set is market Christmas second A Münsterplatz 18:00 onDecember 23). until (only daily 11:00-20:00 from open is market The weight. its on based is candle each of costprocess. The the continue to returncan you visit, one youthat so number a yourcandlerackwith hang a canthem haveon in finish to want don’t you if but visit, one than morerequire may that process lengthy a is This hut. little the of window the of out candles swinging people see you why is cooled,which and wax hot into dipped repeatedlyare candles The market. the of front the at house wooden the in candle a make to is gift) personal a ate cre- to way (and tradition favoritecider. Another hot or wine) spiced joy some local delicacies and warm up with a cup of Glühwein (mulled making it a great place to pick up some special gifts. You can also en- hand-carved to puzzles, candles, toys scarves, jewelry, and woodenmany other hand-made crafts, and ornaments Christmas with from the around anything offering area stands 140 the with as lined is well (church) Barfüsserkirche as square, The alike. old and young but different enchant to sure is that scene Christmas a miniature delightful always exhibits year each Museum Welten Spielzeug the market, the of front the year.each Near toforward look to tradition ful wonder- and quaint a is here visit a stalls, and trees,lights, decoratedChristmas hundredsof its and front the at right star stylized illuminated large its With Basel. in market original Christmas the is Barfüsserplatz in market The Barfüsserplatz Basel weekends they can become very crowded. the on especially because markets these through stroller a push to though, when traveling with small children that it can be challenging aware, Be cities. neighboring in several as well as area, Basel the in get into the festive spirit. There are many beautiful Christmas markets to not hard is it stands, many the browse to squares and streets the in gathering people of bustle and hustle the mention to air,not the lights, warm their With world. decorations,enchanting ofspicedsmell the cakes the in mulled wine and of the part of this highlights in season the holiday of one undoubtedly are Markets Christmas Christmas Markets Markets andFairs (Until December23) (Until December23)

and canals running through town, reminiscent of a little Venice. As Venice. little a of reminiscent town, through running canals and signs, store crafted artistically houses, timber exceptionallyold with an town quaint is Colmar Basel, from minutes 40 about Located Colmar (November 21–December31) these markets to visit. of noteworthy most the of some are below neighboring Alsatian region of France. Listed the in tradition important most the among are markets Christmas and concerts, lights, decorations, Scenes, Nativity Nicolas, Saint Alsace,France from 10:00-20:00. decorated festively with stallstakes filled placeBahnhöfliareal the on train the (near station); open market Christmas traditional This Therwil local handcrafted and find wine, specialty foods. mulled Open12:00-20:00(until21:00for food). will wares, decorated you lovingly center, masterpieces, community the Surrounding Muttenz 9:00-18:00 onSaturday, Friday, and11:00-18:00onSunday. on 11:00-20:00 Open market. Christmas special very a this roastingmakeand chestnutsmulled steamingwine of smell the and specialties, culinary accessories, fashion products, local crafts, and mospheric snowflake lights, Christmas carols, a colorful range of arts the at- right, of and left middlewindows shop decoratedfestivelyRathausstrasse, the in stalls and houses wooden pretty of rows Two Liestal highly recommended. is transportation public taking scarce,so often is parking Baselland; that tradition makea of a experience.visit wonderful ofofin list some those a is Here years the and charm their have too Basel they markets, the than scale smaller certainly December.While in days two or one for normally markets, Christmas host also Baselland in towns smaller the of Many Baselland Riehen, there willbesomethingto suitalltastes of andbudgets. center the in Located specialties. culinary and candles, scented wares, decorative handmade of range diverse a offer will Exhibitors Riehen website: their from market mas Christ- Basel’s flyer of German/English Note: Youofficial the candownload and weekends from 12:00-19:00. you can buy freshly cut trees. Open Monday to Friday from 13:30-19:00, is also a Christmas tree market right in the center of the square where Reinach urday 10:00-20:00andSunday12:00-18:00,someparkingavailable. Muttenz Dorf along the main road up to the Arbogastkirche. Open Sat- stationtram from the runs stalls 80 over with marketChristmas The docs/christmas_basel?e=2492316/5410391#search (December 12-14) (December 6) (December 3) (December 10) (December 20and21) basel lifemagazine

http://issuu.com/baseltourism/ / www.basellife.com

cember 24-26andareduced numberofvendors after December 25). De- on hours (reducedSaturday and Friday on 21:00 until Thursday, Sunday- 10:00-19:00 Open completeday-trip. shops the taurantsand and don’tforget to askfor your tax-back forms! in one of the large underground parking garages and make a day of it; Müller), Karstadt, (eg, location.park Simplyshopping Christmasgreatone-stop a storesit making modern great some by surrounded is candle.It a make to or almonds, candied some wine, spiced of cup warm fora Come Lörrach. of town old the centerpedestrianof the in up set from stands decorated beautifully as 100 over the well in France, and as Italy region, the from crafts and arts high-quality Find Lörrach may incurafine. emission sticker (Umweltplakette) to drive within the city limits or you 11:30- from19:30. Note that if you go to Freiburg Sunday by car, you need a green German and 10:00-20:30 from Monday-Saturday Open market in proximity to Basel. It Christmas is also German spread prettiest marketout overand largestseveral Christmassquares. the probably is Freiburg the in Basel, from hour 1 approximately Located Freiburg to themarkets inSwitzerland, butatmuchlower prices. markets.similar are food and The wares Christmas German lovely some visit to far so travel not in need you But Nuremberg Bavaria. in one the is in Germany markets Christmas notorious most and original, most largest, the of One Germany Strasbourg gion, inoneofthemost celebrated villagesofthewineroute ofAlsace. This is an original medieval-style Christmas market, a classic of the re- Only openonFriday-Sunday, aswell asonDecember 22and23. littleitself.townthe quaintnessof the by especially enchanting made and region the for typical very but market Christmas small a is This Kaysersberg a reduced numberofvendors after December 25). until Sunday-Thursday, Fridayon 21:00 Saturdayand (reduced hours Decemberon and 24-26 10:00-19:00 Open decorations. Christmas the all with magical particularly it making town, the throughout out spread is market Christmas the square, main large no has Colmar DECEMBER 2014/ JANUARY 2015 Ribeauvillé 21:00 onSaturday, and10:00-19:00onSunday. farm animals, and boar on the spit. Open 14:00-19:00 on Friday, 10:00- taverns, by, gone days from crafts costume, period in exhibitors and actors with 1700s, the to back you take will market Christmas This Neuf Brisach (December 4-14) (November 25–December23) (November 28 –December31) (November 28 (December 6,7, 13,and14) (November 28 –December23) (November 28 (December 12,13,and14) France. A visit to the city’s great res- great city’s the to visit A France. and most revered Christmas market in oldest the is it 1570, since existence In market. special and large very this thedral makes a gorgeous backdrop to worth the drive. The city’s beautiful ca- Strasbourg’s Christmas market is well fromBasel, minutes 90 about Located

11 Basel Traditions by Susanne Hiller Magical Holiday Season in Basel Silvester (New Year’s Eve)

The month of December is a magical time in this part of the world, particularly for the children, as everybody New Year’s Eve is another “half-holiday” like , with prepares for Christmas. Of course the holiday has become highly commercialized over the years, and the first stores closing early. The evening is often used for private parties, seasonal delicacies and decorations already appeared in stores as early as September. But the true Christmas but many restaurants and clubs also offer special dinners or other Season here starts at the end of November/beginning of December and runs through January 6. It is marked by events. Many people in Basel then traditionally welcome the New numerous charming traditions that you may not be familiar with from your home countries but which might become part Year at Münsterplatz, where the city’s brass and choir ensemble will of your personal Christmas celebrations, from the advent wreaths to the Three-Kings crown. play and count down to midnight. This is followed by a brief service at the Münster and then a big fireworks display over the Rhein that Advent Today, Nikolaustag remains starts at 0:30. a celebration for the children Fireworks are also a part of The four weeks or so before Christmas are known as the Advent sea- in this part of the world, with private New Year’s Eve celebra- son. They herald the arrival of , whose birth is celebrated on specific customs varying across tions. This is particularly the Christmas. It begins on the 4th Sunday before December 25 and may European countries. In Switzer- case in neighboring Germany fall anywhere between November 27 and December 3. This year, the land, St. Nikolaus is known as but is also becoming increas- Advent period starts on November 30. While the Advent season origi- “Samichlaus” and usually trav- ingly popular here in Switzer- nates in the Christian Church, over the past 200 years several associ- els with his helper, Schmutzli, land. At the stroke of midnight, ated traditions have become mainstays of the season even for many to meet with the children. He often carries a big golden book with him many people will set off their families who have no strong Christian beliefs, including the Advents- in which he purportedly has recorded all of their good and bad deeds own fireworks in their back yards or on the streets. Accordingly, in kranz () and Adventskalender (advent calendar). over the past year. Children who have done well during the previous the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, some stores will again sell months, and who can recite a short Christmas poem or song, will Advent Wreaths fireworks, similar to what is done before the Swiss National Day on receive a small present or some treats from Samichlaus’ big sack, August 1, although at a smaller scale. You can also buy fireworks in Towards the end of November, you can find these wreaths in grocery whereas for those who have “misbehaved” the Schmutzli threatens to neighboring Germany; however, keep in mind that the total weight stores, gardening centers, and department stores. They are tradition- take them with him to his lair in the Black Forest (an empty threat, of must not exceed 2.5 kg, and certain types of fireworks that are ally made from pine branches, but nowadays come in all shapes, sizes, course…). In some communities, Samichlaus (or Niggi-Näggi, as he is deemed unsafe are prohibited from import into Switzerland (eg, fire and materials. You can buy them at the store already decorated with also called in this area) and his helper will come to a central location crackers that are designed to explode while still on the ground). four candles and some other decorative items, buy a plain wreath to to meet with all children; check the Basel Events section for details of decorate yourself, or make your own from scratch and decorate it to “Niggi Näggi” events. your liking. The only “requirement” are the four candles that represent Dreikönigstag (Three-Kings Day) the four Sundays of Advent. On the first Sunday (and every day of the Weihnachtsbäume (Christmas Trees) The end of the Christmas season is marked following week), you light just one candle, on the second, you light by Three-Kings Day, also called , two, and so on—providing a visible indication that Christmas is getting One of the staples of Swiss Christmas celebrations, like in many on January 6. It represents the day that, closer and closer. other countries, is the Christmas tree. The custom of having a deco- according to the gospel of Matthew, three Advent Calendars rated tree in the house for the holidays supposedly started in the 16th wise men, or kings, visited the Baby century in Alsace and since then has spread all around the globe. In Jesus at his birth place in to Advent calendars are a tradition that originated in Germany at the Switzerland, most families typically set up and decorate their worship him, bearing gifts of gold, myrrh, beginning of the 20th century and which is particu- Christmas tree only right before, or even on, Christmas Eve, and frankincense and guided by the light of larly attractive to children (but not only them) as it and sometimes the children are not allowed to go into the a particularly bright star. In some areas, in- allows them to count down the days until Christmas. room with the tree until late afternoon on Christmas Eve, cluding some of the Swiss cantons (Schw- They contain 24 windows (or packages), often marked when the lights (or even real candles) on the tree are lit for yz, Uri, Ticino) and the neighboring region with the numbers 1 to 24, one of which they can open the first time and they receive their presents. of southern Germany, Three-Kings Day is on each day from December 1 to December 24. As with a public holiday. In Basel, however, it is a regular work day, although the wreaths, advent calendars can take all shapes and it is associated with some traditions you may come to appreciate. sizes. The simplest type are printed ones ranging from Weihnachten (Christmas) The most common one in this area is the baking and eating of a post-card size to large wall hangings with 24 windows Dreikönigskuchen (Three-Kings cake), which is especially popular that when opened reveal a picture underneath. Then Christmas in Switzerland is celebrated over 3 days—De- with children. The cake, whose origins date back to the 16th cen- there are the chocolate-filled calendars you find mainly cember 24 to December 26. Heiligabend (Christmas Eve) tury, is made from sweetened yeast dough that is formed into sev- at the supermarket and which are always a favorite with on December 24 is not a full holiday, but stores generally eral balls which are arranged in a flower shape before baking. One the kids. Other calendars for children are filled with little will close early, many around noon or early afternoon. of these balls contains a small plastic figure representing a king. To toys, and for adults there is a wide variety filled with any- Nevertheless, Christmas Eve is the most important part of the holi- eat the cake, each family member breaks off one of the balls, and thing from semiprecious gem stones to small liquor bottles. Of course days, at least for the children, because that is when they will get their whoever gets the one with the little figure is now the “king (or queen) you can also make your own advent calendar for your children and/or presents. These presents are brought either by the Weihnachtsmann for the day.” You can buy these cakes at all supermarkets, where your partner with 24 small presents, poems, vouchers, or whatever () or by the (Christ child) in the late after- they are sold with a gold paper crown that the “king” gets to wear to else you can think of. Again, the only limit is your imagination! noon or evening. Additionally, many families will visit Christmas Eve signify his (or her) position. church services, either in the late afternoon, before the gift-giving, or Nikolaustag (St. Nicholas Day) late in the evening, around midnight. Sternensingen (Star Singing) Both December 25 (Christmas Day) and December 26 (Stefan’s Day) An important date during the weeks leading up to Christmas, particu- are official holidays that people usually spend with their families. Another tradition that you may come across here is the “Sternen- larly for the children, is December 6, or Nikolaustag. It is named after Accordingly, all stores are closed both days, and with the way the holi- singen” (star singing). You will find it in predominantly Catholic St. Nikolaus, who in the 4th century was bishop of the city of (today days fall this year, this means that stores will close in the afternoon areas where it is organized by the church parishes. For this, groups called Demre) on the southwestern coast of Turkey. He was chosen as of Wednesday, December 24, and then will only open for their shorter of three children, dressed up as the three kings, go to people’s homes patron saint for many groups, including children, and was associated Saturday hours on December 27, before they close again for the week- between December 27 and January 6 to sing special songs in return with the giving of gifts. As a result, as early as the Middle Ages, children end. So you should plan your shopping needs accordingly and be pre- for charitable donations. Additionally, they say a prayer to bless the received gifts in his honor on December 6, the day of his death. In the pared to deal with very busy stores on both Wednesday and Saturday. home, which is also indicated by the letters 20*C+M+B+15, written in 19th century, St. Nikolaus evolved into in North America. (Note that this is also true in neighboring Germany and Alsace.) chalk above the house’s front door.

12 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 13 Did You Know?

Open Sundays first drunk-driving offence, the duration of the Downtown businesses will be open on two driver’s license suspension increases with Sundays leading up to Christmas—December each offence and may eventually culminate in 14 and 21—from 13:00-18:00, making a stroll the permanent loss of the license. through the city and Christmas shopping an Interesting Fact: Please note that the same blood enticing prospect. In addition, the city’s res- alcohol limits also apply to riding your bike! taurants will be offering seasonal delicacies Buying and Disposing of a and fine wines during those times. Christmas Tree Tip: It is not uncommon to have a couple of drinks www.proinnerstadt.ch in the course of an evening, and while you may not If you are planning to have a real Christmas feel impaired, it is prudent to be sure that you have tree this year, here is what you need to know Alcohol and Driving not surpassed the legal limit of 0.05%. To this end, it about buying and disposing of a fresh Christ- mas tree in the Basel area. As the number of parties, out- is recommended that you carry a Breathalyzer test ings, and celebrations increas- in your car at all times. These are disposable tests You can buy your tree directly from a store es drastically during the Holiday that you can buy in most drugstores (Apotheke), starting at the end of November; most of the Season, so does, unfortunately, often in a package of two, for just a few francs larger Migros and Coops sell trees, as well the incidence of drinking and each. They will display your blood alcohol level, as OBI, Jumbo, Migros Do-It-Yourself, Coop driving. In Switzerland, the Bau & Hobby, and other garden centers. But giving you the confidence to either drive your car legal alcohol limits are much be aware that these trees may have been cut or find another mode of transportation! stricter than in the United States and United several weeks in advance. IKEA also sells Kingdom, with a maximum allowable blood Christmas trees, but only starting around alcohol level of 0.5 mg/ml (0.05%). Geschenk-Tausch-Aktion the middle of December. Additionally, sev- For the 17th year, a very special “gift eral independent stands around town start The police have the right to stop any car at exchange” will be taking place in Basel to to sell Christmas trees in December, in- any time, without any suspicious behavior, help poor children at Christmas time as well cluding ones at Münsterplatz, Aeschenplatz, and submit the driver to a Breathalyzer test. as protect the environment by cutting down Gellert, by the Heiliggeistkirche, and at the If the test reveals a blood alcohol level of less on waste. To this end, children ages 3-10 Matthäuskirche in Kleinbasel. Other Christ- than 0.05%, you will be allowed to continue on are asked to donate at least two of their no- mas tree sellers can be found in neighboring your way. If, however, your blood alcohol level longer-needed toys in exchange for another communities in Baselland, including at the exceeds the legal limit of 0.05%, the punish- toy of their choice. The children can bring their Mathis-Hof in Bottmingen, where you can ments are as follows: exchangeable toys to one of two locations: also cut your own tree on December 20 Blood alcohol level between 0.05-0.079%: You and 21 (www.mathis-hof.ch), and at will receive a fine OR a 1-day to 3-month 1) Basler Kindernäscht (Gerbergasse 14 in Basel) a stand between Oberwil and Biel-Benken imprisonment. If there are no other traffic in- between 9:00-18:00 on Monday-Friday, and 9:00- (www.weihnachtsbaum-regional.ch), that fractions of any kind on your record, you will 17:00 on Saturday until Friday December 12, or 2) only sell locally grown trees. walk away with just a warning. If, however, Offene Kirche Elisabethen (Elisabethenstrasse 14 Getting rid of your Christmas tree after the you already have a violation on your record, in Basel) between 14:00-17:00 on Wednesday, De- holidays is easy! You can simply put it out on your license will be suspended for a minimum cember 3 and 10. When they bring in their two the curb next to your garbage bag at 7:00 on of 1 month. toys, they will receive a coupon that they can then exchange for a toy of their choice on the the morning that regular trash is normally Blood alcohol level of 0.08% and above: If a picked up in your neighborhood. No part of it Breathalyzer test reveals a blood alcohol exchange day. Exchange day takes place at can be longer than 1.5 meters (roughly 5 feet), level above 0.08%, you will also be subjected Offene Kirche Elisabethen on Wednesday, De- so if it is taller than that, you need to saw it in to urine and/or blood tests, which are more cember 17, from 14:00-16:00. Reserve about half. In Basel-Stadt, this service is available precise and are needed to confirm (or dis- one hour’s time to choose your gift and partake for free for the entire month of January, so prove) the illegal levels. A confirmed blood in the many Christmas crafts that will be offered if you want to put up a real Christmas tree, alcohol level above 0.08% will result in a hefty on that day. All leftover toys will be donated to go for it! Other communities may schedule a fine OR 3 days to 3 years in prison. In addi- needy children. You can find more details on the particular day for the free pickup of the trees, tion, your driver’s license will be suspended project on their German-only website. check with your local Gemeinde. for a minimum of 3 months. If this is not a www.geschenktauschaktion-bs.ch

14 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 www.BASEL LIFE.com

Ongoing Events / Winter 2014-15 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Visit the Basler Münster Towers >> Santichlaus Ylüte (Liestal) Until December 19 NOV 30 DEC 1 2 3 4 5 6 >> Niggi Näggi at the Zoo >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Winter Circus >> Winter Circus >> Winter Circus >> Winter Circus >> Santas on Motorbikes Europapark Winter Attractions >> Family Play at play4you >> Children’s Theater—“Sleeping Beauty” >> English Panto—“Snow White” >> English Panto—“Snow White” >> Children’s Theater—“Sleeping Beauty” Rust, Germany >> Ballet—”The Little Nutcracker” >> Christmas Caroling >> Palazzo Colombino >> Disco Night at the Rink >> English Panto—“Snow White” Until January 11 >>Therwil Christmas Market >> Ave Maris Stella—A Winter Gathering >> Bookbinding Workshop for Kids >> Niggi Näggi at Volkshaus >> English Storytelling (with BCT) >> AFTER HOURS: Chillen im Museum >> Storytelling in Spanish & German >> Storytelling in Turkish & German >> Storytelling in German >> Bryan Ferry >> Palazzo Colombino >> Winter Circus >> Christmas Tram Basel’s Christmas Market >> Palazzo Colombino >> English Comedy >> Wine Tasting >> Newcomers Tour >> Guided Tour Until December 23 >> Elton John >> Wine Tasting >> Otello >> Palazzo Colombino >>Riehen Xmas Mrkt >> Symphony Concert—High on the Mountain >> Don Pasquale >> St. Nick’s Day! >> Don Pasquale >> Wine Tasting >> Christmas Ball Basel’s Christmas Ferry Until December 23 >> Christmas Concert >> Orchestre National de France 7 >> Advent Show at Theater Basel 8 9 10 11 12 13 >> Basler Mineralientage >> Children’s Theater—“Sleeping Beauty” >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel Exhibit—Sad Christmas >> English Panto—“Snow White” >> Swan Lake Ballet >> Winter Circus >> Winter Circus >> Winter Circus >> Winter Circus >> Christmas Caroling >> One Million Stars Museum der Kulturen, Basel >> Niggi Näggi at the Tierpark >> Family Play at play4you >> Children’s Theater—“Sleeping Beauty” >> Palazzo Colombino >> Bookbinding Workshop for Kids >> Children’s Theater—“Sleeping Beauty” Until January 11 >> A Cappella Christmas Choir >> Talk—Curating an Exhibit >>Reinach Christmas Market >> Christmas Tattoo >> Palazzo Colombino >> Storytelling in French & German >> Tour—Peter Doig Exhibit >> Tinguely Tour—Poetry of the Metropolis >> Storytelling in Italian >> Nils Landgren—Christmas Concert >>Liestal Christmas Market >> Tour—Parasites. Life Undercover >> Bookworms—English/German >> The Great Dance of Argentina >> Voices of Gospel >> Christmas Tattoo >> Screening—“Meistersinger von Nürnberg” Peruvian Nativity Scene Exhibit >> Storytelling English/German (Markthalle) >> Theater Screening—“John” >> Christmas Tattoo >> Voices of Gospel >> Flip Flop Wrkshp >> Christmas Tram Forum Würth, Arlesheim >> Ave Maris Stella—A Winter Gathering >> Bryan Adams >> Guided Xmas Tour >> Welcome Kids! Until February 1 >> Ballet Screening —“La Bayadère” >> Christmas Tattoo >> Palazzo Colombino >> Swan Lake Ballet >> Otello >> Voices of Gospel >> Ü30 Party >> Palazzo Colombino >> Winter Circus >> Otello >> Dance Night Exhibit—A Realm of Flowers Antikenmuseum, Basel >> Basler Mineralientage Until March 29 14 >> Advent Show at Theater Basel 15 16 17 18 19 20 >> Winter Circus >> Children’s Theater—“Sleeping Beauty” >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >>Liestal Christmas Market >> Family Sunday at play4you >> Children’s Theater—“Sleeping Beauty” >> Winter Circus >> Triptychon >> Children’s Theater—“Sleeping Beauty” >> Family Sunday at play4you >> Screening—“Alice in Wonderland” >> Christmas Caroling >> Cocktails and Spotlight Tours >> Disco Night at the Rink >> Christmas Tram >> Ski and Snowboard Excursion >> Voices of Gospel >> Kids Lab >> Christmas Carols in Backyard >> Bookbinding Workshop for Kids >> Welcome Kids! >> Tour—Parasites. Life Undercover >> Talk—Peggy Guggenheim >> Palazzo Colombino >> Palazzo Colombino >> Triptych at Marionetten Theater >> Tour—Switzerland and the Great War >> Storytelling Albanian & German >> Otello >> Family Concert—“Jingle all the Way” Dr. Eva Mindszenty >> Science for Families >> The Harlem Gospel Singers >> Guided Christmas Tour >> Flip-Flop Wrkshp >> Tour—G. Courbet >> Palazzo Colombino • Specializing in Family Dentistry >> Kids Lab >> Sunday Shopping! >> ABBA Gold for over 20 years! >> Tales of Hoffmann >> Palazzo Colombino >>Muttenz Christmas Market >> Tuba Christmas >> Christmas Tram • Convenient Office in Central Basel 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 >> Winter Circus >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Christmas Eve >> Christmas Day >> Stefan’s Day >> Jazz Brunch • Fluent in German and English >> Advent Show at Theater Basel >> Triptych at Marionetten Theater >> Triptychon >> Palazzo Colombino >> Palazzo Colombino >> Women’s Top Volley International >> Children’s Theater—“Sleeping Beauty” >> Tinguely Tour—Poetry of the Metropolis >> Dance Night >> Flip-Flop Workshop >> Christmas Tram >> Palazzo Colombino >> The Magic Flute for Children >> Palazzo Colombino Now Accepting New Patients >> Triptych at Marionetten Theater >> Otello >>Muttenz Christmas Market Adults and Children Welcome >> Tour—Parasites. Life Undercover >> Sunday Shopping! Office: 061 261 09 25 >> Palazzo Colombino >> Ballet—”The Little Nutcracker” For more information about our >> Ballet Screening—“Der Nussknacker” practice, staff or location, visit: www.mindszenty.ch COLOR KEY 28 29 30 31 JAN 1 2 >>Basel Events >> Women’s Top Volley International >> Women’s Top Volley International >> Palazzo Colombino >> New Year’s Eve Concert >> Tour—Parasites. Life Undercover >> Don Pasquale >> Otello >> Choir and Brass Ensemble at Münsterplatz IMPORTANT NUMBERS >>Beyond Basel >> Flip-Flop Workshop >> Giuseppe Verdi Gala >> Fireworks start at 00:30 >>Markets and Fairs >> Palazzo Colombino >> Palazzo Colombino sOS: 112 Poison Center: 145 >>Workshops, Tours, and Education >> My Fair Lady >> Dance Night >> The Tales of Hoffmann Police: 117 a Hand in Need: 143 >>Sports and Recreation >> Big Bang Basel 2014 Child/Teen Helpline: 147 >>Entertainment: Night on the Town >> New Year’s Eve Concert Fire Department: 118 ambulance: 144 >>Did You Know? >>Basel Traditions Get Going!

• Some of the larger ski areas have hundreds of runs, often on different Time for Winter Sports! parts of the mountains, and without a car you likely will not to be able There are hundreds of options for skiing in Switzerland, Germany, to access them all. In this case, you may be able to buy cheaper lift Austria, Italy, and France, so choosing where to go can be overwhelm- passes that are limited to certain parts of the mountain. ing to say the least. For true ski buffs, some of the mountains of Switzerland like Zermatt, Saas Fee, and St. Moritz are a must, as • If you only plan to toboggan, let them know when you are buying your much for their excellent pistes and breathtaking views as for their lift pass as it is usually less expensive than if you plan to ski or snow- notoriety. However, if you are skiing with young children; if you are board. with a group of skiers and snowboarders with mixed proficiency lev- • If you choose to go by train, look for the “Snow’n’Rail” deals offered by els; or if some members of your group would prefer to toboggan, the SBB in the wintertime. These include train and ski passes togeth- snow-shoe, hike, ride a dog-sled, or simply soak in a hot-tub, you er for a much-discounted price. You can book these online, at the SBB would best pick a resort to accommodate everyone’s needs simulta- travel office (“Reisebüro) at the train station, or in Barfüsserplatz. neously. Generally, ski options in the Black Forest region of Germany are perfect for one-day ski trips as they are accessible in just over To check weather and snow conditions in many of the ski resorts be- an hour, lift tickets are much less expensive, and they have fabulous fore heading out, you can use the following links: family deals. However, the elevations at the bases of the mountains http://snow.myswitzerland.com/snow_reports are relatively low, which means that they are not snow safe, so be www.weatheronline.co.uk/snow/report sure to check on snow conditions before heading out to these hills. Austrian ski resorts are also relatively inexpensive and very recom- mendable for longer (ie, several days) ski vacations. France and Italy Resorts with Great Skiing/Snowboarding are only slightly less expensive than Switzerland, but kids often pay Champéry www.champery.ch the same as adults, making a family ski day quite costly. Davos www.davos.ch The table to the right provides Flims Laax Falera www.laax.com some suggestions for resort areas to look at given your specific Grindelwald www.grindelwald.ch needs. These include some of the Nendaz www.nendaz.ch resorts with the best skiing and Saas-Fee www.saas-fee.ch snowboarding, those that special- St Moritz/Engadin www.engadin.stmoritz.ch ize in family-friendly fun and pric- Zermatt www.zermatt.ch es; hills that are close enough to Basel for quick day trips, hills that offer instruction in English at least Family-Friendly Resorts (Family Deals & Kids Slopes) on the weekends and during school holidays, as well as hills to visit if Adelboden www.adelboden.ch you are simply interested in a day of tobogganing with your family. For Arosa www.arosa.ch detailed information on these and many other resorts, visit the fol- lowing very comprehensive, English-language website that provides Feldberg (D) www.feldberg-schwarzwald.de meticulously summarized practical information to help you plan your Grindelwald www.grindelwald.ch winter-sport fun. Jaunpass www.sportbahnen-jaunpass.ch www.swisswintersports.co.uk Meiringen www.haslital.ch Other websites that provide information on many ski resorts in Swit- Verbier www.verbier.ch zerland and neighboring countries and which can help you pick the Villars www.villarsgryon.ch best resort for your needs include the following: www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/europe/switzerland Resorts Close to Basel (Within 1.5 Hours) www.bergfex.com/schweiz Belchen (D) www.belchen-seilbahn.de www.snowandrail.com Feldberg (D) www.feldberg-schwarzwald.de Hasliberg www.meiringen-hasliberg.ch Tips for Saving Money on Your Wintersport-Fun Klewenalp www.klewenalp.ch Skiing and snowboarding in Switzerland can be relatively expen- Sörenberg www.soerenberg.ch sive, with the larger resorts charging CHF 60-100 for a day pass for adults. Here are some ways that you can make it more affordable, Resorts with Instruction in English particularly if you go as a family: Grindelwald www.grindelwald.ch • Discounts are often available for kids, students, and seniors; inquire about age limits and make sure to bring ID cards because they will not Hasliberg www.meiringen-hasliberg.ch honor these discounts without proof. Wengen www.mywengen.ch

• Inquire about family specials that are available in some resorts. Hills that Specialize in Tobogganing • If you need to take a gondola to the base of the mountain, the Junior Bussalp www.grindelwaldbus.ch/30_eng_ Karte and Halbtax travel cards can be applied for discounts (although not to the ski lifts per se). Be sure to ask about these before buying sledging.html your ticket because this information often is not posted or Langenbruck www.skilifte-langenbruck.ch volunteered. Todtnau-Hasenhorn (D) www.todtnau.de • If you are staying at a nearby hotel and receive a guest card (Gäste- Wasserfallen www.wasserfallenbahn.ch karte), ask if this makes you eligible for discounts on lift passes.

DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 19 Sports and Recreation

Other classes focus on relaxation, including yoga, mindfulness, martial Snow Sports Camp arts, meditation, and even yodeling! There are also excursions, cooking Kids ages 11-16 are invited to experience a great classes, as well as classes geared specifically to immigrants. New class- and informative ski and snowboard week in Klosters es start in January. For a complete list of courses available, go to their during the second week of Fasnacht break; fresh air website, click on “Kursprogramm” to download a pdf of their 2015 flyer. and fun guaranteed! The Sports Department Basel- www.gsuenderbasel.ch Stadt has organized this week-long camp from Feb- ruary 21-28 for the cost of CHF 380 for residents of Basel-Stadt and CHF 430 for residents of other can- Indoor Cycling tons. Kids need to have their own complete equip- If cycling is your passion but you don’t much enjoy doing it outdoors ment (helmet obligatory), which can also be rented in the colder winter months, consider joining the indoor cycling club, from the sports department. This camp fills up fast, Cycling 3 Ländereck (c3le). This club runs their activities out of the so download the form for Sportangebot #002 from Vitis Sportcenter in Allschwil. Indoor cycling is available daily dur- [email protected] and send it in before the ing their opening hours from 08:00-23:00 and c3le cycling courses registration deadline of January 30, 2015. are available from 8:30-21:15 from Monday-Friday. From November until the end of March there are additional two-hour sessions on Sat- urday mornings from 9:30-11:30. These classes are open for adults play4you, Oberwil balance course, and more, the kids are sure to have fun while playing. and children ages 13 and up, or greater than 140 cm tall. You are The camps are at the Van der Merwe Center in Allschwil and will run December 2, 9, 14, 16, January 6, 11, 13, 20, and 27 welcome to take a no-commitment trial lesson for CHF 6; all you need daily (except Christmas and New Year’s Day) from 10:00-15:00 from 2 are good sports shoes, cycling shoes (eg, SPD Clicks), small towel, play4you is located in a 500 m large space that offers fun for the December 22-January 2; cost is CHF 295 per week. whole family. It is filled with classic and modern games of all kinds and a water bottle. www.kinderbasel.com that require skill, strategy, or just a desire to have fun. Most games Once per year, the club organizes a 12-hour indoor cycling marathon; are self-explanatory, but there is always a friendly staff on hand to this year, it will be held at the Rankhof Basel on January 10, 2015. show, explain, help and even play with you. Address: Alte Ziegelei Acrobatics Workshop You can sign up as a single cyclist or as a team of 2, 3, or 4. For more in Oberwil, Hohestrasse 134, Atelier M12. January 24 information or to sign up for this event, visit their website and click Familien Spieltreff: on “Anmeldeformular 12h Indoorcycling Marathon.” If you would like The Acroballet Center (ABC) in Gundeli is offering a workshop from to prepare for this marathon, they will also be holding three 4-hour They are open every Tuesday evening from 17:00-19:00 during the 10:00-12:00 that will focus on cartwheels and partner-acrobatics for training sessions from 10:00-14:00 prior to the event on December 7, colder months for family play. Entry costs CHF 12 for adults, CHF 8 kids starting at age 7. Cost is CHF 32 per workshop. Participants will 14, and 21. These training sessions take place at the Vitis Sportcenter; for kids, or CHF 25 for families. Discounts with Familienpass. be assisted based on their level and needs. You can register in person email [email protected] for information or to register. Family Play-Sunday: or directly on their website. www.c3le.ch They are open from 13:30-17:00 one Sunday per month from www.acroballet.ch/de/aktuell/workshops.html November to February, for an afternoon of fun and games. Entry costs CHF 15 for adults, CHF 10 for kids, or CHF 30 per family. Discounts fc basel schedule DECEMBER 2014 with Familienpass. The next Family Play-Sundays are December 14 and January 11. FC Basel 1893 (Fussball / Soccer) www.play4you.ch/agenda Red: Home Game @ St. Jakob Stadion Disco Night at the Skating Rink, Rheinfelden Date Time Home Team Guests December 5, 19, January 2, 16, and 30 Sat., Dec. 6 17:45 FC Luzern FC Basel 1893 Young and old are welcome from 20:15-23:00 at the skating rink in Rheinfelden (Kunsteisbahn Rheinfelden), where you can skate to your Tue., Dec. 9 20:45 Liverpool FC FC Basel 1893 favorite requests played by a DJ. Entrance is CHF 8 for children and

photo: © dominique schreckling © dominique photo: Prices range from CHF 75 to CHF 20 for adults in regular seating. Children ages CHF 13 for adults; skates for kids and adults can also be rented on the Women’s Top Volley International 6-16 receive a discount of 25% in the regular seating areas. There is a special spot. For more information, go to their website. area for families and young adults (up to age 22) with slightly lower prices. For www.kuba-rheinfelden.ch/kunsteisbahn.htm December 27-29 more information on seats and pricing, go to: The Women’s Top Volley International is an invitational tournament www.fcb.ch/de-ch/stadion/stadionplan-preise#preise Ski and Snowboard Day Excursions for the world’s best women’s volleyball club teams. Started in 1989 by a former series champion from the University of Basel, this world- December 14, January 11 and 25 class volleyball event will see six top international teams compete for Ski Club BVB Basel is a youth organization that offers skiing and the prestigious trophy, the volleyball equivalent of the Spengler Cup, snowboarding day trips for people ages 6-20 under the guidance of over the course of three days. The event, which attracts around 17,000 trained teachers to learn or improve their skills and techniques. Cost spectators annually, takes place at the St. Jakobshalle. A must-see is CHF 50, which includes transport, supervision, day-card, and les- holiday event if you are a fan of volleyball. son. The trips are equally suitable for beginners and advanced skiers/ www.topvolley.ch snowboarders. Participants need to organize their own equipment. www.scbvb-basel.ch Sports Classes for everyone! Starts in January Holiday Multisport Camp for Kids As a part of Basel’s initiative to keep Baslers healthy, Gsünder Basel Starts December 22 has compiled a huge list of classes available for adults in the Basel Kids Sports Camps Basel is organizing two 1-week multisports camps area. They offer classes in the daytime, evenings, and even on week- during the Christmas Holiday for kids ages 6-13. With squash, bowling, ends in the areas of gymnastics, Kraft Fit, Pilates, Nordic walking, indoor soccer, badminton, racquetball, fitness center, billiards, slack step & tone, tanz workout, table tennis, Zumba, Zumba Shape, wa- line, mini trampoline, table tennis, basketball, coordination training, ter gymnastics, water jogging, Aqua-Power Gym, and Aqua-Zumba.

20 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 21 Workshops, Tours, and Education in Basel

Children ages 6 and up may participate if accompanied by an adult. would cause widespread devastation and damages of up to 50 billion Guided Christmas Tours in Basel Participation is free and there is no need to register for the workshop, Swiss francs. Particularly at risk are the nuclear power plants, the although you may need to wait for a turn. reservoirs in the Black Forest, and the chemical companies whose December 6, 13, and 20 www.spielzeug-welten-museum-basel.ch products could pollute the Rhein. But while safety professionals These German-language walking tours throughout the Christ- envision dramatic disaster scenarios, the population and government mas season in Basel include the best views of Christmas trees, may underestimate the risk. lights, ornaments, and angels, as well as stories about the Tour of 14/18—Switzerland http://cafe.unibas.ch/cafe/programm/ history, customs, and traditions of Christmas in Basel. The and the Great War tours start at 16:00 each Saturday and last approximately December 14 90 min. They start at the Tinguely fountain by the Theater Kids Lab Basel and end at Schifflände. Space is limited, so reserve early The Museum für Geschichte in Bar- The University of Basel organizes three workshops per month (in at the Basel Tourist Information office at Barfüsserplatz; cost is füsserplatz will be giving a tour in German) where children ages 6-13 can explore a topic related to CHF 20 for adults and CHF 10 for children up to age 16. English of their current exhibit at 11:15. Early on in the 20th century, the month’s Café Scientifique. Children can attend the Kids Lab on

www.basel.com zbiden © erwin photo: Sunday, which takes place at the same time as the adult Café Scienti-

the world was shaken to its core by a © museenbasel.ch photo: war later known as the Great War. This tour will talk about the impact fique talk (15:00-17:00), or on one the following two Wednesdays from Basel for Newcomers—Live, Talk About Curating an Exhibit that the First World War had on Switzerland, and especially Basel 14:30-16:30. Learn, and Enjoy December 9 as a border city. Tour is free with entrance to the museum. December 14, 17, and January 7: The December topic is “Götter und Glaube” (Gods and faith). Judaism, December 6 As part of a series of talks on curating museum exhibits offered by the www.museenbasel.ch , Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism… Why are there different On this tour, specially designed for Museum für Gegenwartskunst (Museum of Contemporary Art), the religions? Go on a search for their historical origins, the meaning of new residents of the city, you can get director of the Kunstmuseum Basel, Elena Filipovic, will be giving a Science for Families their symbols, and their differences and similarities. to know the city and at the same time talk in English entitled “The Authority of the Exhibition: On Exhibiting December 14 and January 11 gain some valuable tips for day-to-day Felix-Gonzles-Torres.” For this series of lectures, curators, theorists, January 11, 14, and 21: The University of Basel has a German-language program designed to life, such as public transport, post, and and artists are invited to talk about the concept of curating, be it an The January topic is “Wenn Berge wachsen…” (When mountains stimulate families’ interest in science. Café Scientifique takes place healthcare. You will also receive use- insight into their own curatorial practice, reflections on projects of grow…). When mountains disintegrate and reshape themselves, one Sunday per month from 15:00-17:00, with specialists in various ful information on where to shop, the other curators, or discussions of the theoretical concept of curating. millions of years can pass. In just two hours, learn about what power- fields of research giving talks in a relaxed café atmosphere. There is many cultural institutions in the city, The talk is free of charge and will be held at 18:15 in the MGK studio ful forces are at work when volcanoes erupt, the earth quakes, and no fee and no registration required. Simply show up at the Universität and possibilities for spending your lei- opposite the Museum für Gegenwartskunst (St. Alban-Rheinweg 64). new countries, mountains, and valleys are formed. sure time. This is a joint project by the Basel, Totengässlein 3 in Basel. www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch/de/museum-fuer- http://cafe.unibas.ch/kidslab/programm December 14: Presidential Department of the can- tourismus © basel photo: gegenwartskunst/studio ton of Basel-Stadt and Basel Tourism and is designed to make new The December topic is “Projektionsfläche Jesus—Was weiss die Wis- residents of the city feel welcome and at home as quickly as possi- senschaft über den jüdischen Märtyrer?” (Projection screen Jesus— Tour of Gustave Courbet Exhibit Tinguely Tour—Poetry of the Metropolis. The Affichistes ble. The tour in English is from 10:00-12:30 and costs CHF 5; meeting What does science know about the Jewish martyr?). Who doesn’t December 14 and January 18 point is at the Basel tourist information at the SBB train station. You December 9 and 23 know him or at least thinks they know him? Jesus of Nazareth, the From 15:00-16:00, the Fondation Beyeler will be giving a public tour can contact them at [email protected]. You are invited to join a short, guided tour in English at 13:00 of the Jewish itinerant preacher and founder of Christianity. Nailed to the in English of the temporary exhibit featuring the works of French www.basel.com/en/search/citytours exhibit “Poetry of the Metropolis. The Affichistes” at the Tinguely cross by Roman soldiers around 2,000 years ago, at the behest of the painter Gustave Courbet, who led the Realist movement in 19th-cen- Museum. Among the avant-garde artists around 1960, the Affichistes prefect Pontius Pilate, this popular martyr is currently experiencing a tury French painting. Admission to the museum is kind of revival in the media. The preoccupation with Jesus Tour of Peter Doig Exhibit were perhaps the most radical, or at least the most poetic group. CHF 25 for adults (CHF 50 for the whole family with Admission to the museum costs CHF 15 for adults; free for kids 16 in literature, film, and art reflects a renewed interest in this Familienpass), CHF 6 for kids ages 11-19, and free December 7 and under when accompanied by an adult, otherwise CHF 10. Cost of influential figure. What image do we have of Jesus today? for kids under age 11. The tour costs an additional From 13:00-14:00, the Fondation Beyeler will be giving a public tour in tour is included in the entrance fee. How close are these images to historical facts and what is CHF 7. speculation? English of the temporary exhibit featuring the works of British painter www.tinguely.ch www.fondationbeyeler.ch Peter Doig, presenting the artist’s major monumental paintings and January 11: a selection of works on paper. Admission to the museum is CHF 25 The January topic is “Leben auf dem Pulverfass—Wie die for adults (CHF 50 for the whole family with Familienpass), CHF 6 Bookworms Program— Talk—Peggy Guggenheim: Doyenne of Basler Bevölkerung mit dem Erdbebenrisiko umgeht” (Life for kids ages 11-19, and free for kids under age 11. The tour costs an English/German Surrealism on the powder deg—How Basel’s population deals with the additional CHF 7. December 9 and January 13 earthquake risk). Basel is the area with the highest risk of December 17 www.fondationbeyeler.ch Bibliothek Basel West is hosting a book group for babies and toddlers earthquakes in the German-speaking world. An earthquake This presentation in English at the Kunstmuseum

ages 9 months to 4 years and their caregivers with nursery rhymes, with a strength similar to the one that hit Basel in 1356 Basel is organized in conjunction with the © kunstmuseum basel photo: Tour of Parasites—Life Undercover finger plays, action stories, singing, and picture books in English and German. Participation is free of charge and no registration is required. December 7, 14, 21, and 28 From 10:00-10:30 at Allschwilerstrasse 90 in Basel. The Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, in conjunction with the www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, is presenting an exhibi- tion that sheds light on life cycles, transmission, and reproduc- tion strategies of parasites and illustrates their amazing ability to Flip-Flop Workshop make their hosts mindless slaves of their own interests. On Sunday, December 13, 14, 27, and 28; January 3, 4, 24, and 25 December 7, 14, 21, and 28, there will be a 1-hour German-language In conjunction with the special exhibition “History under your feet– public tour of this special exhibit at 11:00 and at 14:00. On Sun- 3000 years of shoes” at the Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel, you are day, December 7, an additional tour of the exhibit from 15:00-16:00 invited from 13:30-17:30 to participate in a workshop for young and entitled “Kuckuck, Katzenfloh und Kopflaus” (cuckoo, cat flea, and old where you can design your own flip-flops any way you please— head louse) is especially designed for families. With riddles to solve classic, crazy, smart, colorful, glamorous, or playful. It’s up to you! and exciting stories about the amazing feats of parasites, this tour is Everything you need to create your artwork will be provided free of sure to be fun and educational. Tour costs CHF 7 for adults and CHF 5 charge by the museum, including a pair of flip-flops in the size and for teens ages 13-19; kids under 13 are free. color of your choice. The special exhibition is the perfect place to draw www.nmb.bs.ch inspiration, with hundreds of shoes providing ideas for your own pair.

22 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 23 Workshops, Tours, and Education in Basel (continued) exhibition “For your eyes only.” Philip Rylands, director of the Peggy Guided Tour of St. Jakob-Park Guided Tour of the Riburg Salt Mine in Möhlin Guggenheim Collection in Venice, will talk about the vital role that January 17 January 24 Peggy Guggenheim (1898-1979) played for the Surrealist movement in an era of extravagance. The presentation focuses on the colorful The PEB is inviting adults with prima- The PEB is inviting adults with children ages 11 and up to visit the life of Guggenheim and her contribution to the early years of what is ry school-age children to discover the Saline Riburg and learn all about how salt is produced. In operation now known as American Abstract Expressionism. The presentation St. Jakob Stadium in all its diversity: since 1848, the plant can produce up to 50 tons of salt per hour. You starts at 18:30; entrance is free. visit the EURO stadium, peek into the will see one of the largest evaporators in Europe and get to peek VIP rooms, the media room, and the into the salt warehouses, the largest dome in Switzerland, and the www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch sacred catacombs. Afterwards you can logistical heart of Switzerland’s salt supply. The German-language enjoy the walk through the legendary tour takes place on a Saturday afternoon from 14:30-16:30 and

Cocktails and Spotlight Tours at the Museum “Senftube” (mustard tube), out onto the © info stades photo: costs CHF 20 per family, CHF 24 if you live outside of canton Basel- playing field. The German-language tour takes place on a Saturday Stadt. You can register online on their website under “Familien- December 18 and January 29 afternoon from 14:00-15:15 and costs CHF 25 for adults and CHF 15 kurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop number 48. The Antikenmuseum Basel is offering an evening of short tours and per child. You can register online on their website under “Familien- www.peb-basel.ch cocktails from 18:00-22:00. A German tour will begin at 19:00 and an kurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop number 47. English tour will start at 19:30, which will spotlight the exhibition “A www.peb-basel.ch Realm of Flowers. Rebirth in the Tombs of the Pharaohs”. Entrance Tour of Messe Basel cost of CHF 5 includes the tour and admission to the cocktail bar. January 24 Peter Doig Evening www.antikenmuseumbasel.ch The PEB is inviting families with kids ages 16 and up for a behind- January 23 the-scenes look at the Messe Basel, which was completed in Feb- Tour of “Parasites—Life Undercover” The Fondation Beyeler is devoting an exhibition to the British paint- ruary 2013 after 22 months of construction. This tour will take you er Peter Doig, who divides his time between Trinidad, London, and to the different buildings to learn about the design, functionality, January 11 New York. They are presenting the artist’s major monumental paint- and technology, as well as about the possible uses of the various The Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, in conjunction with the Swiss ings and a selection of works on paper. Doig will also be creating a buildings. The German-language tour takes place on a Saturday Tropical and Public Health Institute, is presenting an exhibition that brand new mural for the museum. In a method akin to sampling, Doig afternoon from 14:00-15:15 and costs CHF 55 per family, CHF 66 if sheds light on life cycles, transmission, and reproduction strate- processes fragments of our civilization into dream-like pictures full you live outside of canton Basel-Stadt. You can register online on gies of parasites and illustrates their amazing ability to make their of melancholy and anxiety. He thereby continues the tradition of great their website under “Familienkurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” hosts mindless slaves of their own interests. On this day, there will masters such as Gauguin, Bonnard, and Matisse. If you would like for workshop number 49. be an English-language tour of the exhibit at 15:00. Tour costs CHF 7 to visit this special temporary exhibit, the Fondation Beyeler has www.peb-basel.ch for adults and CHF 5 for kids; meeting point is the entrance of the organized a special viewing evening with extended hours from 18:00- museum. 21:00, with a reduced entrance fee; free for those up to age 25. www.nmb.bs.ch www.fondationbeyeler.ch Bookworms Program—English January 27 Jukibu Intercultural Library Events Bibliothek Basel West is hosting a book group for babies and tod- dlers ages 9 months to 4 years and their caregivers. Join a morning Jukibu is a multi-cultural library that houses books for children and adolescents in over 50 languages, their of nursery rhymes and stories that are all read, spoken, and sung largest collection being English-language books. Below is the December/January schedule of the foreign-lan- in English. Participation is free of charge and no registration is guage events organized at the library. Please visit their website for a detailed list of activities or to become required. From 10:00-10:30 at Allschwilerstrasse 90 in Basel. a member at www.jukibu.ch. You can also check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jukibu. www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch Date Time Event Suitable for… Every Friday* 17:00-19:00 Bookbinding workshop for children Children ages 9-12 Talk—Architects De Vylder, Vinck, Taillieu: Collage Architecture December 3 10:00-11:00 English Storytelling (with BCT) Parents with toddlers January 29 December 3 15:30-17:00 Tell me a story in German Parents with toddlers Interpreting proportions and combining materials in new and December 5 15:30-16:30 Storytelling in Spanish and German Parents with children unique ways, Flemish architects Jan de Vylder, Inge Vinck, and Jo Taillieu have attracted international attention for their work. With December 6 10:30-11:30 Storytelling in Turkish and German Parents with children new building projects as well as conversions of existing structures, December 7 12:00-13:00 Storytelling in English and German at the Markthalle** Parents with toddlers they adeptly play with traditional architectural elements. The ar- chitects demonstrate how they continuously reinvent the codes of December 10 15:30-16:30 Storytelling in Italian Parents with children classical and regional architecture. This English-language talk will take place at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, December 13 10:30-11:30 Storytelling in French and German Parents with children at 18:00; admission is free and no registration is required. December 17 15:30-16:30 Storytelling in Albanian and German Parents with children www.design-museum.de December 18 19:30-20:15 Christmas Carols in the Backyard Everyone Classes for Kids Jan. 6 – Feb. 28 Lesewinter—Puzzle fun in all the libraries in Basel Primary school children In these cold winter months, perhaps your children would be in- January 10 10:30-11:30 Storytelling in French and German Parents with children terested in developing their artistic or creative side? kwerk offers a variety of classes for kids ages 6-16. There is something for ev- Jan. 21 – Feb. 3 Bücherschiff—A library on a ship at Schifflände Parents with children eryone, including painting, illustrating, trick-film, video, January 23 17:00-18:00 Storytelling in French and German on the Bücherschiff Parents with children drawing, interior design, photography, experimentation, printing, and web-design. You can find a complete list of classes, dates, January 31 14:00 Japanese/German afternoon in the Jukibu Parents with children times, locations, and age, as well as register, on their website. New classes start at the end of January. *Excluding school holidays; ** Markthalle, Viaduktstrasse, near Basel SBB www.kwerk.ch

24 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 25 Entertainment: Night on the Town

coming to the Kongresshaus in Zürich to present the biggest hits of his Christmas Ball Elton John career as well as pieces from his upcoming album. Tickets range from December 6 CHF 99-130. December 3 Tanzschule Basel (Dance School Basel) is organizing this Christmas Sir Elton Hercules John is one of the most prestigious and successful www.ticketcorner.ch ball at the Grosser Festsaal of the Stadt-Casino Basel from 19:30- solo artist of all time. He has received 35 gold and 25 platinum awards, 24:00. Cost is CHF 180 per couple; call 061-261-4644 or go to their sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and holds the record English Comedy site and send them an email them to reserve your tickets. for the biggest-selling single of all time with “Candle in the Wind.” In December 4 www.tanzschule-basel.ch the five decades since his career began in 1969, Elton John has played more than 3,000 concerts. This world tour to celebrate the 40th an- Returning to Switzerland, Canada’s most niversary of the release of his album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” will wayward son, Craig Campbell, is still on his “Thrilling Mic Hunt” for Swan Lake an entire one-man Christmas show! See him at the Kuppel in Basel at include a stop for one night at the Hallenstadion in Zürich. Guaranteed December 7 and 8; January 4 to be an unforgettable show; tickets range from CHF 95-200. 20:00. Tickets are CHF 35 and can be purchased online. www.internationalcomedyclub.ch The Russian National Ballet of Moscow will be presenting Swan Lake, www.ticketcorner.ch john / elton ticketcorner © photo: the most popular classical ballet of all time. It tells the story of prince Siegfried, the swan princess Odette, and the sorcerer Rothbart, a Palazzo Colombino Symphony Concert—High on the Mountain Wine Tasting story of longing, loneliness, jealousy, anger, pain, happiness, and particularly the victory of love over evil. This presentation with fas- Until January 18 December 3 December 4-6 cinating scenery, gorgeous costumes, stunning dance, and the Just in time to choose your holiday wines, Mövenpick Weinkeller For the 13th year, the Palazzo Colombino is presenting their high- Sinfonieorchester Basel closes 2014 with a trip to the Alps. This immortal music of Peter Tchaikovsky will mesmerize its audience. This (Haltingerstrasse 101) in Basel is hosting a tasting of a variety of class variety show of a different kind. Spoil yourself with a 4-course symphony concert will feature Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. wonderful production will be at the Musical Theater Basel for two wines from their current catalogue during their opening hours on candle-light dinner prepared by master chef Peter Moser in a 1 in C Minor, op. 68, the finale of which was inspired by Swiss Alp- nights in December, and at the Burghof in Lörrach for one afternoon in Thursday and Friday until 20:00, and Saturday until 16:00. The evening mirrored tent with a special atmosphere, while enjoying a mixture of horns. The concert will also include “strane costellazioni” by Swiss January. Tickets range from CHF 48-108 for the Basel performances is free of charge and the staff at Mövenpick is always happy to assist fascinating artistry brought to you by acrobats, jugglers, magicians, composer Beat Furrer and Concerto for Cello and Orchestra by Wi- and €15-38 for the performance in Germany; discounts for children. clowns, musicians, and much more. Visit their website for a complete told Lutosławski. Miklós Perényi joins the orchestra as guest soloist you in English. www.actnews.ch line-up of the artists and shows and to buy your tickets. and Alexander Liebreich leads the orchestra as guest conductor. The www.moevenpick-wein.com www.burghof.com www.palazzocolombino.ch concert will be held at Stadt-Casino Basel at 19:30 with a pre-concert talk (in German) at 18:30. Tickets range from CHF 30-90 and can be Ave Maris Stella—A Winter Gathering purchased in advance at Bider & Tanner or via Ticketcorner. A Taste of the Mountains in Basel December 4 and 7 The Great Dance of Argentina www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch Until the end of March The English Seminar Choir, under the musical direction of Michel December 10 Uhlmann, will be presenting two Christmas concerts this holiday Nicole Nau and Luis Pereyra, together with the dancers and musicians Have you noticed the alpine-style chalet located near the Basel Zoo? Don Pasquale Each winter season, the “Baracca Zermatt” is set up in Basel to bring season. The first will be held on December 4 at 19:30 at the Kirche of their company, once again celebrate “Vida” (Spanish for “life”) with the mountain spirit to our city on the Rhein. This charming fondue December 3, 6, and 29; January 3, 14, and 16 Bruder Klaus (Bruderholzalle 140 in Basel) and the second will be a feast for the senses. They dance the pain, hope, joy, and power of the chalet offers rustic cuisine in a nostalgic atmosphere that will make Don Pasquale is suffering the problems of an aging skinflint: he has held on December 7 at 17:00 at the English Seminar, Nadelberg 6 people of Argentina. The powerful beat of the large bombo drums, the you believe that the Matterhorn is just outside the door. You will be lived well, earned well, and now he wants a young wife. Doctor Mala- in Basel. Both evenings are entitled “A Winter Gathering” and in- rapid Argentinean tap dance in which the gauchos compete, and the charmed by the walls riddled with rarities from days gone by, the testa is to help him find her. It’s all about one thing and one thing only: clude both a concert part and a sing-along part. The concert part will breakneck whirling of the boleadoras are pure rhythm, bursting with chandeliers and wax-dripped candles that cast a special light, the the inheritance. Pasquale’s nephew and sole heir, Ernesto, is in love include four different “Ave Maris Stellas” from Gregorian chant to energy. Come to the Stadt-Casino Basel to celebrate the culture and roaring fire in the center of the room, and the cords of wood stacked with the impoverished girl Norina, and she is looking forward to laying E. Grieg. For the sing-along part, the audience is invited to join in inter- life of Argentina through music, song, and dance; tickets range from at the door. Whether for relaxing with friends, a big family celebra- her hands on Don Pasquale’s money. This piece of unadulterated fun national Christmas carols from the choir members’ home countries CHF 69-89. tion, or a company event, it promises a unique “mountain dining” for the theatre is all about intrigue, money, power games, mistaken (Switzerland, France, Germany, U.K., USA, Sweden, Poland, Ukraine, www.ticketino.com experience—without leaving Basel! If you are looking for a roman- identity, love affairs, and a wittily ironic battle of character types, the and Russia). On the evening on December 7, traditional foods and tic setting for 2-4 people, consider booking the quaintly decorated generations, and the sexes. This opera by Gaetano Donizetti is sung in drinks will also be served. For both concerts there will be a ‘Kollekte’ gondola lit by candles and decked with fur throws on the chairs. The Italian, with German and English surtitles. It will be performed on the instead of regular tickets. Christmas Tattoo chalet is located at Binningerstrasse 14 in Basel and can be reached Grosse Bühne of the Theater Basel. Tickets cost CHF 27-115. www.esc-basel.ch December 10-13 from Heuwaage by walking along the canal in the direction of the Zoo, www.theater-basel.ch The Christmas Tattoo cleverly combines several entertainment or from the tram stop “Zoo” by walking along the canal in the direc- elements—a giant stage set, a well-rehearsed orchestra under the tion Heuwaage. They are open Monday-Saturday starting at 19:00; Otello baton of Christoph Walter, and lots of singing. Typical tattoo forma- closed Sundays. You can make reservations under 061-564-6699, AFTER HOURS—Chillen im Museum December 5, 7, 13, 19, 27, and 30; tions, such as the regal Her Majesty’s Royal Marines from England, or [email protected]. December 4 January 2, 11, 19, 22, 26, and 31 Massed Pipes & Drums, and Highland Dancers, will be staged to a www.baraccazermatt.ch/bs The Naturhistorisches Museums Basel is inviting you to the special Theater Basel will be presenting this opera Christmas theme. Tickets for the four shows at St. Jakobshalle in exhibit on “Parasites—Life undercover.” You can visit the exhibit with a libretto by Arrigo Boito based on Wil- Basel start at CHF 69; kids under 6 pay 50%, and there are also The Little Nutcracker at your leisure from 18:00-23:00 and relax at the museum bar to liam Shakespeare’s play of the same name. family specials for 4 people at CHF 207 (family specials need to be discuss some of the awesome facts that you have discovered. Otello is an outsider, a stranger in the soci- purchased directly through the Basel Tattoo Shop near Marktplatz at December 2 and 21 Admission is free, but drinks are not included. ety in which he lives and in which he is a very Schneidergasse 27).

Just in time for the holidays, the fabulous “Der Kleine www.nmb.bs.ch successful and powerful leader. This causes theater © basel photo: www.ticketcorner.ch Nussknacker” (The Little Nutcracker) Christmas ballet envy and hostility in many of those around him, especially in Lago, is interpreted again by students of the Ballettschule Ba- who is aware not only of Otello’s greatest weakness—his passion for sel. It is the magical story of Marie and her Nutcracker, Bryan Ferry his wife, Desdemona—but also of his unbridled jealousy. Thus, Lago Nils Landgren—Christmas With My Friends which comes to life in a dream and turns into a hand- December 4 sets about arousing suspicion in Otello’s mind that Desdemona is de- December 11 some young man. Armies of mice and sugar plum fair- Since his initial success with Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry is con- ceiving him. Otello promptly falls into the trap, and the tragedy takes Trombonist, vocalist, and producer Nils Landgren has long been one of ies will charm old and young to the wonderful music of sidered one of the most innovative and stylish musicians, its course. Calixto Bieito, Artist in Residence at Theater Basel, stages the most versatile, creative, and successful jazz musicians in Europe. Tchaikovsky. There will be one performance on Decem- songwriters, and singers in the international pop and rock Verdi’s great, yet dark, opera about power, mistrust, and the humili- He dreamed for many years of celebrating Christmas in the company ber 2 at 19:00, and two performances on December 21 scene. In recent years, he crowned his outstanding reputa- ations suffered in personal relationships. Sung in Italian with Eng- of good friends in a musical way. In 2006, “Christmas With My Friends” at 15:00 and 19:30. Tickets are CHF 42 for adults and tion with the great Bob Dylan tribute “Dylanesque” (2007) lish and German surtitles and accompanied by the Sinfonieorchester was created and, among fans and critics, quickly became known as CHF 19 for children and can be purchased online. and with “Olympia” (2010), a compilation of new composi- Basel with conductor Feltz. Tickets range from CHF 32-134. one of the finest Christmas albums ever recorded. Presented as part www.theater-basel.ch tions and cover versions. On December 4, Bryan Ferry will be www.theater-basel.ch of the Offbeat-Concert series, Nils Landgren and fellow musicians

26 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 27 Entertainment: Night on the Town (continued) will be presenting the fourth edition of “Christmas with my Friends” Dance Night wonderful love story between Prince Tamino and his beloved Pami- CHF 54. Check their website for a list of ticket-purchase locations in at the Martinskirche at 20:15. Be carried away by the haunting, joy- December 13, 26, 31; January 10 na; the magnificent, wise world of Sarastro’s temple of the sun; and Basel-Stadt and Baselland. Tickets can also be purchased online at ful, and one-of-a-kind arrangements of some of the most beautiful the evil, dangerous Queen of the Night with her incredible colora- www.kulturticket.ch. Christmas songs ever written.Tickets range from CHF 35-76. “Tanznacht40” dance parties are for those who have at least 40 years tura drama. There are also enchanted musical instruments, menac- under their belts. All parties run from 21:00-03:00. The event on www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch www.offbeat-concert.ch ing snakes, dancing animals, and a world where good triumphs over December 13 will be held at the Querfeld-Halle (Halle 8), Dornacher- evil. The charming story will be narrated in German by the actress strasse 192 in Basel and will feature DJ Ice the event on December Melinda Thompson as High Priestess Isira; she presents the story in New Year’s Concert—Nutcracker for 8 Hands 26 will be held at Kult House Basel, Steinentorstrasse 35, and will Voices of Gospel a slightly abridged, clear, and comprehensible manner, with wit and January 1 feature DJ Jorge Martin S; the New Year’s Eve event will be held at the charme. The “Magic Flute for Children” with soloists from the Prague December 11, 12, 13, and 16 Start 2015 off with a fabulous concert featuring sophisticated ar- Querfeld-Halle and will feature DJ Visconte; and the event on Janu- Chamber Opera is not only an excellent introduction to the world of The 29th edition of the “Voices of Gospel” tour brings two choirs to rangements by the Gershwin Piano Quartet. They will sway you with ary 10 will be held at the Querfeld-Halle and will feature Tony Scire. opera, but also fresh and humorous entertainment, created for chil- Basel. Don’t miss the powerful rhythms, clear voices, and moving the popular Gershwin tunes of “Rhapsody in Blue,” a fantasy about Friends, couples, and singles are welcome; admission is CHF 15. dren without being childish. This special and beautiful version of the spirit of this one-of-a-kind music style. The December 11 concert, the tunes from the musical “Porgy and Bess,” arrangements of “I Got www.tanznacht40.ch classic opera for children ages 4 years and up is performed at the which will feature Isaac Cates & Ordained from Kansas City and will Rhythm” and “Summertime,” Bernstein’s “West Side Story,” as well Stadt-Casino Basel at 17:00; tickets range from CHF 42-66 for adults, take place at the Hotel Marriott; cost is CHF 119 and includes a full as Tchaikovsky’s ballett suite “Nutcracker.” The concert will be at CHF 24-42 for children. dinner menu. The December 12 concert featuring St. Stephen Baptist The Tales of Hoffmann 17:00 in the large banquet hall of the Landgasthof in Riehen. Tickets www.starticket.ch Church Choir from Louisville, Kentucky, will take place at the Pau- December 14 and 31 range from CHF 30-75 (CHF 15 for students) and can be purchased luskirche in Basel; tickets start at CHF 49 (CHF 29 for kids up to age 16). through www.kulturticket.ch. Theater Basel presents Jacques Offenbach’s opéra fantastique in The December 13 concert will feature Isaac Cates & Ordained at the My Fair Lady www.swissclassics.ch Pauluskirche; tickets are CHF 42 and CHF 62 (CHF 22 and 42 for three acts with a prologue and an epilogue. Three women, three tales: kids up to age 16). The December 16 concert, which will feature the while eagerly awaiting the arrival of his sweetheart, the singer Stella, December 28 Chicago Mass Choir, will take place at the Stadt-Casino Basel; tickets at his favourite tavern in Berlin, the poet Hoffmann is urged by revel- “My Fair Lady,” the story about a Festive Gala—Pearls of Classical Ballet lers to recite something familiar from his works for them. Indulging in range from CHF 45-85 (CHF 25-65 for kids up to age 16). flower girl from the slums of London January 4 his fantasies, Hoffmann veers from his intended path and unwittingly turning high-society lady in a short www.voicesofgospel.ch As part of the Festive Gala—Pearls of Clas- relates stories that are rooted in his own love life. “The Tales of Hoff- time, is one of the most frequently sical Ballet, The Russian National Ballet will mann” are daring love stories in which the boundaries defining real- staged works of the 20th century, be presenting “Carmen” at the Burghof, just Bryan Adams ity, reverie, and artistic imagination become blurred. This opera will since Audrey Hepburn and Rex Har-

across the border in Lörrach, Germany. This © burghof.com photo: be performed in French, with English and German surtitles, on the rison starred in the film of the same name. The Chamber Opera December 12 ballet evening consists of two parts: The first is based on George Bi- Grosse Bühne of the Theater Basel; tickets range from CHF 27-115. Cologne performs this situation comedy that is at times romantic, For over three decades, Bryan Adams zet’s famous opera “Carmen,” a story about the limits of two people www.theater-basel.ch entertaining, and serious at the Musical Theater Basel. Tickets range has thrilled millions of fans around who hold different attitudes to life, which eventually leads to destruc- from CHF 52-98; children under 6 will not be admitted. the world with his non-stop best- tion and self-. In the second part, the Festive Gala offers a selling songs and energetic live per- The Harlem Gospel www.musicaltheaterbasel.ch varied program with a cross-section of more than 100 years of ballet formances. His CDs have achieved Singers Show history, including excerpts from the greatest ballets by Tchaikovsky, multiple gold and platinum sta- December 17 such as “Swan Lake,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “The Nutcracker;” the tus, with many of his singles evolv- Giuseppe Verdi Gala “Dying Swan” from Camille Saint Saëns’ “Carnival of the Animals;” ing into rock anthems. Join him For over 20 years, the incom- December 29 as well as scenes from “Don Quixote.” Tickets for this unforgettable parable Harlem Gospel Sing- at the Kongresshaus in Zürich for The Polish National Opera will be presenting the Giuseppe Verdi evening of ballet range from € 15-46; discounts for kids up to age 14. ers with Queen Esther at the what promises to be an unforgettable show to mark the 30th Gala, performing the most popular pieces from “Nabucco,” “Aida,” top have been the most suc- www.burghof.com anniversary of his “Reckless” album, with hits like “Run to You,” Kids “Rigoletto,” “The Troubadour,” and “LaTraviata.” The event will take cessful formation of their Wanna Rock,” “Somebody,” “Summer of 69,” and “Heaven.” Tickets place at the Musiksaal of the Stadt-Casino Basel: tickets range from kind. Their unique sound is are CHF 80 for standing room and CHF 90 for seats. CHF 45-90. Symphony Concert—Eastward

spiritual, explosive, and up- © musical.ch photo: www.ticketcorner.ch lifting by awakening hope and joy of life. Come and experience this www.actnews.ch January 7 and 8 brand new and elaborate production of “Bring it On!”— bursting with Michal Nesterowicz joins the Sinfonieorchester Basel as guest con- Ü30 Party optimism and sheer curiosity about what may come and an unshak- ductor as they usher in 2015 with a celebration of composers from Big Bang Basel 2014 the east. The concert begins with “Mała suita” (Little Suite) by December 13 able belief in the power of music! The show will take place at the Stadt-Casino, starting at 19:30; tickets range from CHF 38-88. December 31 Witold Lutosławski. Julian Rachlin, violin, and Fumiaki Miura, viola, This disco is for those over 30 years old who love to dance, listen to Switzerland’s biggest New Year’s Eve Party for young adults will take will join the orchestra for Krzysztof Penderecki’s Double Concerto good music with like-minded people, get together with “old” friends, www.musical.ch place at the St.Jakobshalle in Basel. It has something for everyone; for Violin, Viola and Orchestra. Capping off the evening will be Ser- or meet interesting new people. The Offene Kirche Elisabethen (Elis- the spectrum of music includes chart hits, pop, R’n’B, Hip Hop, House, gei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major, op. 100. The concert abethen Church) near Bankverein hosts a dance party from 20:00- ABBA Gold Electro, and Remember. The great program and party atmosphere will be held at Stadt-Casino Basel at 19:30 with a pre-concert talk (in 02:00 once every two months to raise money for charitable causes. December 20 will help you start off the New Year on the right foot. Big Bang Basel German) at 18:30. Tickets range from CHF 30-90 and can be purchased This year’s beneficiary is Cartons du Coeur, an organization that pro- is from 21:00-05:00, and is strictly for those 16 and up; IDs necessary! in advance at Bider & Tanner or via Ticketcorner. vides basic food necessities to people on the poverty line. Tickets cost Back again for one night only, “ABBA Gold” stages the music of ABBA Regular and VIP tickets can be purchased online; food and drinks www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch CHF 25; it is advisable to buy them in advance through Ticketcorner as vivid and original as possible at the Musical Theater Basel. The will be available for purchase. Check their website for a complete as this event sells out quickly. high quality and attention to detail, from the original costumes to the Swedish accent of the band members, mean that the audience does line-up. www.offenekirche.ch/programm_veranstaltungskal- James Bond in Concert not have to close their eyes to believe that they are attending a “real” www.stjakobshalle.ch ender.htm ABBA concert. Tickets range from CHF 40-80. January 9 www.ticketcorner.ch www.actnews.ch The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra, with New Year’s Eve Chamber Music Concert over 100 musicians under the direction of Orchestre National de France December 31 Ludwig Wicki, will be presenting an evening The Magic Flute for Children of the best film music and the most beautiful December 13 The Kammerorchester Basel will be playing night music December 26 by Rossini and Mozart in the Ackermannshof in Basel at songs of the previous Bond films, accompa- The Orchestre National de France, under the direction of Daniele Gat- “Die Zauberflöte” (The Magic Flute) is the most famous and popu- 22:00. Regular tickets are CHF 20 (kids up to age 14 are nied by selected movie clips projected onto a ti, will be playing pieces by Wagner, Debussy, and Beethoven at the lar German opera. The fairytale story, with its wonderful and catchy free with accompanying parent); tickets for CHF 45 in- big screen. Presented live at the Stadt-Casino Stadt-Casino Basel starting at 19:30; tickets range from CHF 50-125. melodies by Mozart, enchants young and old. The opera stimulates clude a glass of sparkling or still wine, and tickets that Basel at 19:30; tickets range from CHF 49-89.

www.konzerte-basel.ch children’s imagination with the funny, memorable Papageno; the include a 3-course menu at Jay’s Indian Restaurant are www.reservix.de © eon productions photo:

28 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 29 Entertainment: Night on the Town (continued)

A Spectacular Night of Queen Magic of the Dance The Little Prince January 10 January 21 January 24 Live Classic Performances at Basel Area Cinemas The Bohemians and Orchestra will be performing a tribute to “Magic of the Dance” is a high-energy Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s masterpiece will be brought to the stage In addition to movies, several movie theaters in Basel and Lörrach bring one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Everyone knows these tap dance show from Ireland. The best with a star-studded cast, including Anatole Taubman, currently Swit- you opera, ballet, and theater performances from some of the most classic Queen melodies like “Another One Bites The Dust,” “A Kind tap dancers of the world come together zerland’s biggest movie star who has acted in over 75 movies and famous stages in the world, live, in your local cinema. Many screen- of Magic,” “We Will Rock You,” or “Radio Ga Ga.” To revive these im- with innovative choreography by eight- TV productions such as James Bond’s “A Quantum of Solace” and ings of these live performances are even subtitled in English, so why mortal hits, the best tribute band from England, The Bohemians, ac- time world champion John Carey. It is “Captain America.” This fairytale for children and parable for adults not treat yourself to a “live-theater” performance abroad this holiday companied by a large orchestra and choir, presents a live show that a thrilling love story told by Hollywood photo: © act news will be performed at the Musical Theater Basel; tickets range from season, without leaving Basel? will fascinate every spectator. With excellent band musicians, great star Sir Christopher Lee with enchanting music, spectacular fire- CHF 40-90, children receive discounts. symphony orchestra, enchanting soprano, and excellent back-up works, and an excellent light show with film clips that culminates in www.actnews.ch The Pathé Küchlin in Basel is presenting: vocals, it is considered the most elaborate tribute to Freddie Mercu- a grand finale. “Magic of the Dance” is coming to the Musical Theater ry in Europe. Come and see for yourself at the Konzertfabrik Z7 in in Basel with its newly crowned champion of the Irish Dance World. “La Bayadère” (Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow) Pratteln. Show starts at 20:00 and tickets are CHF 45. Tickets range from CHF 58-98. Academy of St. Martin in the Fields December 7 ­­– Time: 16:00; tickets cost CHF 30. www.z-7.ch www.actnews.ch January 25 As part of the World Orchestra series, violinist and director Joshua “John” (National Theater in London) Live-Multivision: A New Horizon Bell and viola player Lawrence Power, accompanied by the Academy December 9 – Time: 20:00; tickets cost CHF 30. Irish Celtic—Spirit of Ireland January 23 of St. Martins in the Fields, will play compositions by Johann Sebas- January 13-18 tian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the Stadt-Casino Basel “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” (Metropolitan Opera in New York) At the ages of 23 and 26 years, Swiss-born Eva Riedwyl and Beat starting at 19:30. Tickets range from CHF 45-125. December 13 – Time: 17:55; tickets cost CHF 45. Experience this Irish dance show with a zest for life, warm narra- Glanzmann emigrated with little more than two backpacks to the tive pleasure, and rousing live music for the first time in Basel! The www.konzerte-basel.ch Canadian wilderness in the Yukon. Glanzmann has recently created “Der Nussknacker” (Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow) Musical Theater will be the place to witness the life of the Irish pub, the live multivision project “Ein neuer Horizont,” which not only tells Irish Celtic—mystical and enchanting, then happy again, and breath- December 21 – Time: 16:00; tickets cost CHF 30. the story of an extraordinary life, but also gives a portrait of Canada’s Musical Starnights takingly fast. “Irish Celtic” treats the audience to fantastic choreogra- breathtaking nature, thanks to professional filming and photograph- “The Merry Widow” (Metropolitan Opera in New York) phy, an excellent tap ensemble, and a very good mood for a rollicking ing. For the past 20 years, Beat Glanzmann has documented the end- January 27 evening. A five-member live band plays rousing Irish music, from tra- January 17 – Time: 18:55; tickets cost CF 45. less expanses of the Yukon, traveling by canoe in summer and with Musical Starnights is one of the most lavish musical productions. ditional folk songs to fairy melodies and stormy dance music. Tickets snowshoes or sled dogs in winter. He encountered moose, bears, Over 250 colorful costumes, acrobatic dance routines, numerous range from CHF 48-88; children, students, and seniors receive special “Treasure Island” (National Theater in London) and wolves, living silence and adventure, intensity and sacrifice. He soloists and dancers, as well as impressive video productions trans- discounts. will be presenting his live multivision project “Ein neuer Horizont” in port the viewer into the fantastic world of musicals. The ensemble January 22 – Time: 20:00; tickets cost CHF 30. www.musicaltheaterbasel.ch 15 Swiss cities, including one night at the Stadt-Casino in Basel. will perform the most popular hits of the most successful musicals of “Swan Lake” (Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow) For more information about this exciting project, visit his website at the last 50 years, from “Cats” to “Phantom of the Opera,” from “The www.beatglanzmann.com. Lion King” to “Dirty Dancing.” Experience the whole world of musi- January 25 – Time: 16:00; tickets cost CHF 30. Mizmorim—Festival of Jewish Classical Music cals in one evening at the Burghof just across the border in Lörrach, www.stadtcasino.ch “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” (Metropolitan Opera in New York) January 17 and 18 Germany; tickets range from € 42-52. January 31 – Time: 18:55; tickets cost CHF 45. This festival highlighting the New Jewish School of composers in- Fromm Ball 2015 www.burghof.com cludes four different concerts: “Mizmorim…” on Saturday at 19:30 January 24 http://pathe.ch/en/pathelive/ with clarinetist Chen Halevi and the Doric String Quartet, a children’s The Tanzschule Fromm (dance school Fromm) hosts the ball event of New Zealand—200 Days at the Most Beautiful End of concert entitled “Birdies” on Sunday at 11:30, “Songs: Viktor Ullmann” The Kino Rex in Basel is presenting these two operas: with soprano Dorothee Kurmann, baritone Martin Bruns, and pianist the winter. This ball has been popular among dance fans of all ages the World for decades, even the younger generation is now finding it “in” to go Cornelia Lenzin on Sunday at 15:00, and “Music from the New Jew- January 28 “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (Royal Opera House in London) out and enjoy the live music, festive atmosphere, and alternative to ish School” with clarinetist Chen Halevi, the Doric String Quartet, and New Zealand is considered by many as a dream destination: snow- December 16 – Time: 20:15; tickets costs CHF 38. pianists Jascha Nemtsov and Menachem Wiesenberg on Sunday at the nightclub style dance venues. Book early as tickets go fast. The ball will take place at the Stadt-Casino Basel at 19:30; tickets are capped peaks over evergreen rain forests, dream roads along 19:30 (with a pre-concert discussion with Jascha Nemtsov at 18:30). unspoiled coastlines, smoking volcanoes and thermal wonderlands, “Andrea Chénier” (Royal Opera House in London) All concerts take place at the Stadt-Casino Basel. Prices range from CHF 120 per person and can be ordered online or purchased directly from the dance school at Freie Strasse 34 in Basel. idyllic farmland and historic sites with a proud Maori culture on holy January 29 – Time: 20:15; tickets costs CHF 38. CHF 10-15 for the children’s concert and from CHF 12.50-48 for the land. New Zealand is also home to rare animals, such as fur seals, other concerts. www.fromm.ch/frommballdetails penguins, and the especially rare kiwi, as well as a shelter for ancient http://www.kitag.com/programm/kitagoperalive.aspx http://mizmorimfestival.com www.ticketcorner.ch forests, glaciers, and sensitive marine habitats. Escape the winter outdoors and come to the Stadt-Casino Basel to experience a travel The Union Filmtheater in Lörrach, Germany, is presenting: The Phantom of the Opera reportage with impressive pictures and many movies presented by travel journalists Petra and Gerhard Zwerger-Schoner as they ex- “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” (Metropolitan Opera in New York) January 18 and 20 plored this beautiful and diverse country for half a year with camper, December 13 – Time: 17:55; tickets cost € 31.00. There will be two German-language productions of The Phantom of the Opera this January SUV, helicopter, airplane, canoe, or on foot. “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (Royal Opera House in London) for theatergoers to enjoy. www.explora.ch The Central Music Company will present ” Das Phantom der Oper” at the Stadt-Casino Basel December 16 – Time: 20:15; tickets costs € 26.50. on Sunday, January 18. Graceful ballet dancers, elaborate costumes, a versatile stage, and of course the great vocal ensemble elevate this performance to a thrilling and sensual expe- Tao—The Samurai of the Drum The Merry Widow” (Metropolitan Opera in New York) rience. Tickets range from CHF 69.90-129.90 for adults and CHF 34.95-64.95 for children. January 30 January 17 – Time:18:55; tickets cost € 31.00. The Musical Theater in Basel will also present a German-language musical revival of the The new show of the Japanese drum en- “Andrea Chénier” (Royal Opera House in London) 1910 novel “Le Fantôme de l’Opéra.” State of the art 3D video technology creates a perfect semble, Tao, which is explosive yet classic, January 29 – Time: 20:15; tickets costs 26.50. stage illusion that smoothly transitions between scenes and images from the ballroom original and still modern, will take you on € of the opera to the dressing rooms, from the cemetery to secret passages, and from the a journey through time and space. They re- “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” (Metropolitan Opera in New York)

lake to the secret chambers of the Phantom. “Das Phantom der Oper” is one of the most vive the centuries-old, traditional Wadaiko © michael lukaszewski photo: successful touring musicals in Europe. Tickets range from CHF 58-118. art of drumming with elements of pop. At the Stadt-Casino Basel for January 31 – Time: 18:55; tickets cost € 31.00. one night; tickets range from CHF 47-92. www.ticketcorner.ch der oper © das phantom photo: www.cineplex.de/loerrach/kino/oper-ballett/524/ www.ticketcorner.ch

30 basel life magazine / www.basellife.com DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 31 For more information about subscribing or advertising – please contact us: [email protected] www.basellife.com A Monthly Guide to Living in Basel www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine photo: © basel tourismus © basel photo: Mark Your Calendar! February 2015 Highlights How to Get Your Copy

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Individual copies can be purchased at: MUBA Home Show February 6-15 BIDER & TANNER • Aeschenvorstadt 2, Basel Vacation Fair February 13-15 4010 Basel (Bankverein) BASEL TOURISM Liestal’s Fiery Parade February 22 • At the SBB Train Station • In the Stadt-Casino Basel’s Fasnacht February 23-25 at Barfüsserplatz