Basel on Christmas Eve

Things should still be open then. In any case there is a supermarket in the station where you should be able to get chocolate at reasonable Swiss prices (we really don't do cheap). As for cow bells I have no idea, sorry.

Alright thanks!

Supermarkets and most other shops will close early (as they always do on the afternoon before a holiday). Typically at 5pm instead of 8pm. THe supermarkets at the station will stay open later, but they are small, have a limited range, and will be busy.
As you say, you will miss the Christmas market.
For chocolates, go to any large supermarket (Mgros, Coop).
For cow-bells or any other such souvenir, go to the Manor department store. Take a tram 8 from the station, get off at the first stop after the river, and it is in front of you on your right.

*
Supermarkets and most other shops will close early (as they always do on the afternoon before a holiday). Typically at 5pm instead of 8pm. *

So I'll still be able to visit them I guess since we're reaching around 10 am

Also is there a difference in prices of stuff at marked at the station compared to the regular markets?
Any idea of how much I should expect to spend on cowbells and chocolates from these places you mentioned?

Thanks for info I'll keep it in mind!

nanwar1214, The supermarkets at the station (Coop and Migros) are small, very limited range and cater for the locals who desperately want a loaf of bread or something basic. But the prices are the same as any other Coop or Migros in the city.
The other larger ones in the city will have an aisle of chocolate of varying sizes.
There are specialist chocolate shops, but they are expensive and up market. The brands in Coop and Migros (Lindt etc.) have always been well received by the females of my family whenever I return to England. Prices from CHF 1.50 up to about CHF 4 per bar.
There is a large Migros at Bankverein, two tram stops from the station, which should satisfy your needs.

Manor is a multi-storey department store which has a department dedicated to Swiss souvenirs. I forget which floor it is on.

While you're buying your souvenirs at the Manor you may get hungry. No worries, just head upstairs to the Manora restaurant cafe. Good food, cheap(ish). The one I know about is just over the bridge in Klein Basel but there may be another in the old town.

There is only one Manor in Basel. Just over the river (middle bridge) on the Kleinbasel side. It is where I go when I want a proper sit down cooked meal for lunch. Today was Ostrich fillet plus as much vegetables or salad as you can pile on the plate. There is an outside roof terrace which is great for eating your lunch in the Summer, not so much in December.

Wow thanks guys that's a lot of info!
So all these places should be open on 24th?
Also should we get the day ticket to get around or we'll be able to explore by walk considering we only have a few hours?

nanwar1214,
Basel station is a distance (15-20 minute walk) from the city centre, and you have to get to your boat at the end. so it is easier to get a one-day ticket. This also means you can get a tram for one stop if you feel like it.
Supermarkets and Manor will be open until about 5pm on the 24th.

Is it worth pointing out that Basel isn't particularly close to the Alps and buying a souvenir cowbell there would be like buying a cowboy hat in New York City?