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Planning your visit to the best Christmas markets in Switzerland and neighboring countries? You’ve come to the right place!
After a lot of hard work and research, meaning visiting dozens of enchanting Swiss Christmas markets and tasting more mulled wine than I care to admit, I put together this ultimate list to help you go on your own Christmas market holidays.
I love Christmas in Switzerland. Actually, I think Christmas was my favorite time of the year during my 10 years as an expat in Switzerland.
I always dreamed of having a white Christmas. But with or without snow Christmas in Switzerland is always a big deal. From late November on, wherever you go you can’t help but get into the Christmas spirit.
From landlocked Switzerland, you can also easily hop on a train or rent a car and, in just a couple of hours, find yourself in some other of the best Christmas markets in Europe, in next door France or Germany.
So without further ado, here are my choices of the top Christmas markets in and around Switzerland in 2024, as well as what to eat and drink at a traditional Swiss Christmas market.
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Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland
#1 Zurich: largest indoor Christmas market
Christmas markets are an institution in Switzerland. It’s not Christmas in Switzerland without its picturesque wooden stalls, artisanal products, and romantic flair.
Zurich Christmas Market is actually not only one, but three big Christmas markets, plus some smaller ones around almost every corner.
The Christkindlimarkt, held at Zurich’s main train station, is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe.
Every year the 15-meter tall Swarovski Christmas Tree, decorated with 7’000 sparkling Swarovski crystals, is the top attraction of the Christkindlimarkt. And one of the most iconic images of Christmas in Switzerland.
Located in front of Zurich’s Opera House, the Wienachtsdorf, or Christmas Village, is the biggest outdoor Christmas market in Zurich, featuring an ice rink, and a fondue chalet.
Last but not least, the Christmas market in the Old Town (Niederdorf) is Zurich’s oldest Christmas market and the most romantic one.
One of my favorites though is the small Christmas market hidden at Werdmühleplatz, next to the Bahnhofstrasse, which has a unique and lovely attraction: a Singing Christmas Tree, where school children and adult choirs spread Christmas joy with their carols.
But there’s more: the Christmas lights switch-on, taking place every year on the third Thursday of November, represents the official beginning of the Christmas season in Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest city.
Now, you can think that switching on some lights is not much of a big deal. But for the Swiss it is. And they throw a whole party around it, with late-night shopping, live music, mulled wine, and culinary delicacies.
The Christmas lights even got a name: Lucy, inspired by the Beatles’ song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. And that’s exactly the kind of atmosphere the almost 12’000 white, red, and blue LED lights create in Zurich at Christmas.
Main Station: From November 21 to December 24, 2024
Christmas Village: November 21 to December 23, 2024
Old Town: November 21 to December 23, 2024
The Singing Christmas Tree & Christmas Market: November 21 to December 23, 2024
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#2 Bern: most beautiful Christmas market
The Swiss capital boasts not one, not two, but three lovely Christmas Markets.
The oldest Bern Christmas Market is located on Waisenhausplatz (Orphanage Square), where 50 charmingly decorated stalls sell all kinds of gifts, souvenirs, and much more.
Bern’s stunning Cathedral Square hosts the cozy Bern Minster Christmas Market, dedicated to local arts and crafts. On this delightful Christmas market, Bernese artists display their work and handcrafted pieces under a different theme every year.
But my favorite is the newest Bern Star Market in the beautiful setting of Kleinen Schanze Park.
From designer to handcrafted items, from traditional Swiss Christmas treats to street food snacks from around the world, from mulled wine under a giant Christmas tree to a popular children’s village, this scenic Christmas market has something for everyone.
Make sure to visit in the evening so you can admire the wonderful star-shaped lights that decorate the park, which give the Bern Star Market a very special atmosphere.
Bern Star Market: November 21 to December 28, 2024
Orphanage Square: 2024 dates TBA
Minster Christmas Market: November 30 to December 24, 2024
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#3 Montreux: most magical Christmas market
If I had to choose the most magical Christmas market in Switzerland, Montreux Christmas Market would definitely be it.
There’s just so much to do, see, and taste here, that you’ll want to set aside a whole day to truly enjoy it.
Start by strolling along the lakeside promenade with more than 170 chalet stalls selling all sorts of arts and crafts, Christmas gifts, souvenirs, local specialties, and, of course, mulled wine.
Grab a hot drink at the Lumberjack Village, make a wish to Santa at the House of Wishes, give the elves a helping hand at the Elves Square, or ride the big wheel and admire the Christmas lights and Lake Geneva from above.
There’s also a gourmet space where you can taste all kinds of delicious treats and local specialties, as well as lots of other attractions and animations for both kids and adults.
But the main highlight is Santa Claus himself flying and singing over Lake Geneva in his sleigh pulled by reindeer, every day at sunset – because you’re never too old to be surprised by Santa!
In Montreux, you can also visit the real Santa Claus at his Swiss house on top of Rochers-de-Naye mountain. How cool is that?
And on the weekends, a medieval fair offers even more Christmas fun for all ages, inside the famous Chillon Castle.
#4 Basel: largest & oldest Christmas market
Considered the oldest and largest Christmas market in all of Switzerland, the Basel Christmas Market is certainly one of the prettiest.
In fact, it was voted the best Christmas market in Europe in 2021 – which, I have to say, doesn’t surprise me at all!
With 100 Christmas trees, 180 rustic wooden stalls, and an ocean of Christmas lights and decorations, Basel’s old town is nothing short of magical during the holiday season.
The city hosts two unforgettable Basel Christmas markets.
In the heart of the old town, the historic Cathedral Square turns into a fairy tale setting, with its magnificent Christmas tree and fantastic lights.
Tip: climb up to the Cathedral’s tower in the evening for a stunning view of Basel’s Christmas lights.
The Christmas market at Barfüsserplatz, right in the city center and spreading through the surrounding streets, offers all kinds of Christmas gifts and delicacies.
Walk along Barfüssergasse Street for some of the most beautiful and artistically decorated Christmas market stalls.
Another highlight here is the Christmas Pyramid. This 13-meter-tall wooden pyramid is a popular meeting point and a mandatory stop to enjoy a delicious Glühwein.
From November 28 to December 23, 2024
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#5 Lucerne: best traditional Christmas market
The popular Lucerne Christmas Market was on my bucket list for a while and I was not disappointed when I finally got to visit it.
Lucerne’s main Christmas market takes place in the Franziskanerplatz, in the heart of the old town.
One of its highlights is the Franziskanerbrunnen fountain, which is transformed every year into the biggest advent wreath in central Switzerland.
But the charming city of Lucerne boasts many other attractions during the holiday season, including crafts and design markets, concerts in St. Maria church, a unique nativity scene with life-size figurines, and a fondue chalet, a gourmet market, and a winter bar at the Inseli Park.
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#6 Einsiedeln: best Christmas market backdrop
Image: Pixabay
I visited the Einsiedeln Christmas Market a couple of years ago on a rainy Sunday. But despite the weather, its magical atmosphere has not gone unnoticed.
With the fantastic Benedictine monastery as a backdrop, this cozy market fills Einsiedeln’s main square and street with delicious Christmas flavors and scents.
A huge tree and enchanting lights complete the perfect picture of Christmas.
From November 29 to December 8, 2024
Top Christmas Markets Around Switzerland
#7 Strasbourg, France: most impressive Christmas market
Strasbourg proudly calls itself the capital of Christmas and truly deserves the title.
With more than 300 stalls spread over 9 Christmas markets, kilometers of fairy lights and festive decorations brightening its romantic historic center, and lots to see, do, and taste, Strasbourg Christmas Market is definitely the largest and most impressive market on this list – and my personal favorite around Switzerland!
Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg Christmas Market is the oldest and one of the best Christmas markets in France, and one of the oldest in Europe.
Every year, the Grand Island of Strasbourg, where the historic city center is located, turns into a Christmas wonderland.
Start by exploring the lovely Christmas markets in the Petite France quarter, the most famous and picturesque district of the old town, sometimes also called little Venice.
We were lucky enough to watch a choir singing Christmas carols in the narrow streets of Petite France, which was without a doubt one of the highlights of our visit!
Then head to the huge Christmas market at the foot of the extraordinary Gothic Cathedral of Strasbourg. Grab a Crepe and a hot drink and browse the many stalls for all kinds of Christmas gifts and goods.
Admire the dazzling Christmas decorations on all the city’s façades, shops, and alleys.
Finally, pay a visit to the Christmas market on Place Kléber, the city’s main square, and home to two main attractions of the holiday season in Strasbourg: a giant Christmas tree and a dreamy ice rink.
#8 Colmar, France: most fairy tale Christmas market
Considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, Colmar Christmas Market attracts thousands of visitors every year for a reason.
During the holiday season, this picturesque Alsatian town completely surrenders to the magic of Christmas, with all houses and buildings dressing up with stunning lights and decorations right out of a fairy tale.
Prepare to be enchanted by the Christmas atmosphere, as you walk around Colmar at this time of year!
There are six Christmas markets in Colmar spread around its charming old town:
Place des Dominicains: the biggest Christmas market with around 60 chalets;
Place Jeanne D’Arc: dedicated to regional produce, this market recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Alsatian village;
Place de l’Ancienne Douane: located right in the heart of the city, with almost 50 stalls selling everything, from designer items to traditional Christmas decorations;
Koïfus Indoor Market: where local artisans display their arts and crafts;
Little Venice Children Christmas Market: one of the highlights here is the Father Christmas giant letterbox, where children can send a letter directly to Santa;
Place de la Cathédrale Gourmet Market: where you can enjoy delicious Alsatian specialties prepared by local chefs.
In total, about 180 wooden stalls display Alsatian products and crafts, from traditional handicrafts to local delicacies and, of course, mulled wine.
There’s also plenty of seasonal entertainment, from an ice rink at Place Rapp to a unique light show all over the old town, Christmas concerts, and children’s choirs singing on boats in Little Venice.
From November 26 to December 29, 2024
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#9 Freiburg, Germany: most lively Christmas market
The lovely city of Freiburg is home to one of the most popular and lively Christmas markets in Southern Germany.
Just a two-hour drive from Zurich, Freiburg’s old town is really worth a visit during the holiday season.
Freiburg Christmas Market is held in the beautiful squares and streets of the historic center, from the central City Hall Square to the imposing Cathedral Square.
One of its main highlights is the candle workshop, where you can give free rein to your imagination while designing and making your own seasonal candles.
Over 120 wooden stalls sell all kinds of arts and crafts from the Black Forrest region, from wooden toys to Christmas decorations and goodies.
Live music and the scent of grilled sausages and mulled wine fill the streets of this giant open-air Christmas market.
It does get crowded though, especially during the weekends, but don’t let this put you off a visit.
Tip: Make sure to plan your visit for the late afternoon so as not to miss the wonderful Christmas lights at dusk!
From November 21 to December 23, 2024
#10 Stuttgart, Germany: most beautiful rooftop decorations
Still on my bucket list, Stuttgart Christmas Market is considered one of the oldest and best Christmas markets in Germany and even Europe.
With about 300 gorgeous stalls and more than 300 years of history, it really deserves a place on this list.
Some of its highlights are the giant Advent Calendar on Stuttgart’s town hall building, the Finnish Christmas Village, the antique market, and the impressive real-life nativity scene.
There’s also a competition going on every year for the most beautiful wooden stall rooftop decorations, some of which are truly works of art.
But there’s a lot more to do, see, and taste in Stuttgart during the holiday season – and that I hope to experience very soon!
From November 27 to December 23, 2024
Swiss Christmas Markets Food
If you’re wondering what to eat and drink at Switzerland’s Christmas markets, here’s a list of must-tries at least once:
Heisse Maroni
Fall marks the arrival of roasted chestnut carts to the streets of Swiss cities. You’ll also find this delicious (and healthy!) treat at every Christmas market around the country.
Waffles, crepes, and churros
You shouldn’t visit a Swiss Christmas market without enjoying some waffles, crepes, or – my personal favorite – churros with melted Swiss chocolate.
I know I don’t!
Raclette
This simple yet scrumptious Swiss specialty, made of melted Swiss cheese on top of a slice of bread or boiled potatoes and pickles, is the perfect comfort food on any winter day.
Cheese fondue
There’s no Switzerland Christmas market without a warm and cozy fondue chalet.
Make sure to book your table in advance though if you’re planning to taste this absolutely yummy Swiss national dish.
Grilled sausages
Follow your nose to find and taste another typical Swiss Christmas market food: the ever-present and delish grilled sausages.
Usually served with bread (although you can also order some French fries to go with it) and in a wide variety, a bratwurst is the perfect quick bite before or after your Christmas shopping.
Glühwein
Glühwein, or mulled wine, is one of my favorite things about Christmas in Switzerland.
You can’t possibly go to a Christmas market in Switzerland without noticing the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon spreading around in the air.
That’s because a cup of this delicious mixture of hot red or white wine, cinnamon sticks, sugar, orange, lemon, and cloves is the perfect way to warm up your hands, your body, and your soul on a cold winter day.
So there you have it. The top 10 best Christmas markets in and around Switzerland for a magical holiday season.
From the largest Zurich Christmas Markets to the traditional Luzern Christmas Market, from fairy tale Christmas markets in Alsace, France, to gorgeous German Christmas markets, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to planning your next Christmas markets break.
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Rachael says
Do you know if Geneva Christmas markets will on this year (2021)?
I believe montreux is on but I can’t find confirmation for the usual ones in Geneva city.
Thank you
Vanda says
The city of Geneva seems to have not yet released any information or dates for this year. Montreux Christmas Market is planned though, as you can read above, and well worth a visit!
Susanna says
I live in Munich and I adore our Christmas markets here, but this looks on another level. Good thing I am heading to Zurich on Wednesday to explore their markets. This post has me very excited for the adventures!
Divya says
This is absolutely beautiful and I would love to go there and sit next to the singing tree 🌲 Merry Christmas 🎄
Bonnie Dubois says
I’ve been to Zürich last year and found it beautiful. The only thing: jt’s really expensive… Your Christmas pics are lovely!!
Zoe says
Beautiful photos, that christmas tree must of been even more amazing to see in person!