Ready, set, Christmas market! These are the best Christmas markets in Switzerland offering some of the most decadent dishes.
Raclette, cheese fondue, cookies, glühwein (mulled wine), Christmas carols, twinkling lights, and your awe-inspiring views. Undoubtedly, Switzerland is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the world. There is literally a Christmas market for every mood. Each city in Switzerland hosts numerous Christmas markets, and each market gives us a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of that city. For instance, Lausanne’s Christmas markets are modern and trendy, whereas Montreux’s winter wonderlands are more traditional.
We went in search of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland. Here are the 8 most popular ones. Bookmark this guide for the ultimate winter getaway!
- Basel
Basel is a charming town on the banks of the scenic Rhine River in northwest Switzerland. During the Advent season, it is a winter wonderland. Basel’s mediaeval old town centre is adorned with over a hundred majestic Christmas trees. The city hosts two Christmas markets, one in Barfüsserplatz and the other in Münsterplatz. These award-winning Christmas markets are regarded as some of the most beautiful ones in Europe. The highlight of the Barfüsserplatz market is the Christmas tree on the Claraplatz conceptualised by renowned decorator Johann Wanner. The Münsterplatz market is well-loved for its delicious Christmas delicacies, live musical performances and spectacular city views. Since Basel is close to France and Germany, it showcases influences from these two countries especially in its food offers. Visitors can expect dishes such as bratwurst, churros, pommes-frites, potato pancakes, crepes and spätzli (egg noodles).
Open from November 24 to December 23.
- Montreux
Montreux is a picturesque resort city on Lake Geneva. Known as Montreux Noël, this town’s Christmas market is the second-largest one in Switzerland. This expansive market is known for its diverse range of events and attractions. The market itself comprises over 170 stalls beautifully decorated as Christmas chalets selling handmade Christmas decorations. Every evening, Santa Claus and his sleigh fly over the market, an unforgettable site for visitors. Additional attractions include an Advent calendar, Santa Claus’ house, a Ferris wheel, and Christmas-themed workshops and fun games. Guests can indulge in a glass of mulled wine or delicious fondue while soaking in the impressive vistas of the lake. The food stalls here serve appetising French-Swiss dishes such as malakoff (fried cheese balls or sticks), crepes, meringue and rosti.
Open from November 18 to December 24.
- Zürich
Located in an Alpine setting at the northwestern end of Lake Zürich, Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland. This vibrant city hosts numerous Christmas markets. The most popular ones are the Christmas markets at Zürich Sechseläutenplatz, Zürich Old Town, Zürich Main Station, Zurich Münsterhof, and the Dörfli Christmas Market. Zurich Main Station’s concourse’s 15-metre-tall breathtaking Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling crystals is a sight to behold. The quaint Dörfli Christmas Market comprises an ice skating rink and numerous stalls retailing festive desserts such as bubble waffles, Christmas fruitcakes and Bailey’s spiked hot chocolate. Don’t miss their hot chocolate, glühwein, veal in mushroom sauce, and zuger kirschtorte (cherry flavoured sponge cake).
Most markets in Zürich are open from November 24 to December 24.
- Lucerne
Located in central Switzerland, the town of Lucerne is spread across the northern foothills of the Alps. This lively city hosts a number of winter markets. The largest ones are the Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt, the Lucerne Christmas and Crafts Market, Winter Fun at Vögeligärtli, Rudolf’s Christmas Spectacle and the Christmas Tree Market. Tourists and locals visit the Winter Fun at Vögeligärtli village for its delicious culinary offerings. The Rudolf’s Christmas Spectacle is an aesthetically pleasing winter village that houses a Fondue Chalet and a Sports Chalet along with the market, which changes weekly. The Lucerne Christmas and Crafts Market is home to stalls by local artists that offer delightful handcrafted products that are perfect for Christmas gifting. At Lucerne’s Christmas markets, try the zuppa di zucca (pumpkin soup), Lucerne gingerbread cake and glühwein mousse (mulled wine mousse).
Lucerne’s Christmas markets are typically open from November 18 to December 23.
- Geneva
One of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, Geneva is a typical old European city. In November every year, Geneva’s scenic English Garden transforms into an enchanting Christmas market. With the striking Jet d’Eau in the background, Christmas music and twinkling lights welcome guests to the magical setting of the Geneva Christmas Market. Local artists and designers retail their unique products in wooden chalets. This market’s stalls serve tasty Swiss street food such as roasted chestnuts, crepes, fresh pastries, and bubbling hot raclette. The children’s corner features an old-fashioned carousel that keeps the kids busy.
Open from November 17 to December 23.
- Bern
The charming capital of Switzerland, Bern is spread along a narrow loop of the Aare River. The Bern Minster Christmas market has been happening for over 40 years and showcases a cheerful Advent atmosphere. This one-of-a-kind Christmas market is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is situated near the Bern Cathedral and houses several stalls with local artisans that offer everything from jewellery, tableware, handbags, home decor accessories, and artefacts. The city of Bern hosts other Christmas markets in the city centre as well. The Berner Sternenmarkt has one of the largest cheese fondue chalets in Switzerland. We also recommend ordering the tasty Berner Platte (a traditional meat dish of Bernese cuisine).
Open from 2nd to 24th December.
- Lausanne
The hilly town of Lausanne is nestled on the northern shore of serene Lake Geneva. Bô Noël Lausanne, the city’s largest Christmas pop-up, is one of the most modern winter markets in Switzerland. Highlights of this visually striking winter wonderland include a grand opening parade, storytelling for children in yurts, pony and horse-carriage rides, light shows on the facades of the three iconic buildings, and innovative culinary offerings. Moreover, Bô Noël’s pop-up bars, clubs, and restaurants serve satisfying food and warm Christmas cocktails in a lively setting. Bô Noël Lausanne’s cheese, cured meats, Swiss meringues, berries and chocolates are worth trying.
The 7th edition of Bô Noël will take place from November 17 to December 31, 2022.
- St. Gallen
Image: Shutterstock/Antonio V. Oquias
St. Gallen is a UNESCO World Heritage City. It comprises beautiful historical buildings and squares. During Advent, the cobblestoned streets of St. Gallen are lit up with over 700 twinkling lights in the form of stars. Visit the city’s Christmas and Christchindli Market and take a guided tour of the city’s centre to learn about the long history of the age-old city. The St. Gallen bratwurst, chäschüechli (cheese tarts) and chäshörnli (pasta with onions), are must-haves!
St. Gallen’s Christmas markets are open from November 24 to December 24 and the stars shine until January 6.
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