The Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland to Visit
Looking for the best Christmas markets in Switzerland? Did you know that Switzerland has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe? For the Swiss, the holidays are not only the festive season; they have their own special traditions.
A visit to Switzerland at Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without spending some time at one (or all) of the Christmas markets.
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Why You Should Explore the Christmas Markets in Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in central Europe, and the Christmas markets are integral to this country’s culture.
The Swiss are known for their love of tradition and celebrate many different traditions throughout the year. The Christmas markets are a great way to see these traditions and experience all Switzerland offers during the holiday season.
Here are four reasons why you should explore the Christmas markets in Switzerland:
The Food is Amazing
A wide variety of traditional Christmas market foods are available for purchase from vendors who have travelled from all over Europe just for this event! These include bread, candies, crafts, and other items made by local artisans.
You will also find plenty of seasonal drinks like hot chocolate and mulled wine – perfect for keeping warm on cold winter days!
The Atmosphere is Magical
Christmas Markets in Switzerland are a magical experience. With beautiful lights, delicious food, and festive music, the Swiss Christmas markets are a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
There’s Something for Everyone
There is an abundance of things to do during your visit! You can enjoy live music performances by local bands or even watch children’s puppet shows put on by professional performers who travel all over Europe during the winter months with their shows!
It’s a Great Way to Experience Swiss Culture
The Swiss Christmas markets are a fantastic way to experience Switzerland’s culture and history at its best time of year.
Visiting Switzerland at Christmas
Christmas time is one of the best times to visit Switzerland! As well as the Christmas markets, Switzerland is famous for its snow-capped mountains, lakes, and landscapes.
During Christmas time, you can enjoy skiing in the Alps or spend some time in one of Switzerland’s picturesque villages.
There are also many festivals and events happening during this time that you can attend with your family or friends.
Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland
The Swiss have a love affair with Christmas. The country has celebrated the festive season since the Middle Ages, and many towns and villages hold their own traditional Christmas markets.
These are usually held in the main square or on the main street, so you can enjoy the festivities while you shop for gifts.
There are many traditional markets. The Top Christmas markets are located in Bern, Lucerne, and Zurich, but smaller ones are also in other cities, such as Geneva and Lausanne.
Even if you have never been to Switzerland at Christmas, it’s hard not to be amazed by the beauty of its landscapes and cities during this time of year.
The Alps provide stunning Christmas villages in Switzerland for everything from ski trips and winter hikes to festivals or medieval fairs.
Christmas Markets Basel Switzerland
Some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland are in Basel, located at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.
Basel was chosen as the best Christmas market in Europe and the best Christmas market in Switzerland in years past.
The main market is located in the city center and has a lot of different things to do. There are many booths selling food, drinks, and souvenirs. If you decide to spend an awesome time with your family, be sure to visit Basel with kids.
Basel Christmas Market offers a lot of entertainment for children, like puppet shows and rides, ice skating on a frozen river that runs through the city center or visiting Santa Claus at his crib.
Places to stay near the Basel Christmas market:
SET Hotel.Residence by Teufelhof Basel: This hotel, which is less than 5 minutes from the Basel Christmas market, offers a restaurant, free bikes, a fitness center, and a bar.
Grand Les Trois Rois: For those looking to splurge, this historic 17th century property is the place to do it. This hotel is about 5 minutes walking from the markets and located along the Rhine River. There’s a 2-bedroom family room and afternoon tea that shouldn’t be missed.
Steinenschanze Stadthotel: The university, Old Town, and the city center of Basel are within five minutes walk. The main Basel Christmas market is also only 1.75 miles away.
Zurich Switzerland Christmas Markets
The Zurich Christmas Market is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe and has been running since 1445.
Hardly pleased with having just one Christmas Market, Zurich has an outstanding four big markets and a few smaller ones.
Sechseläutenplatz Christmas market
One of Zurich’s biggest Christmas markets is held directly in front of the Opera House. Zurich’s “Wienachtsdorf,” or Christmas village, charms visitors of all ages and is only a short distance from the lake.
In front of the magnificent Opera House, almost 100 market booths are arranged to create a festive holiday village that welcomes guests to explore and sip some glühwein.
Old Town of Zurich Christmas Market
One of the most charming Christmas markets in the city is located throughout Zurich’s Old Town.
The Niederdorf neighborhood of the Old Town is home to Zurich’s oldest Christmas market, which is a miniature universe unto itself.
When perusing the plethora of goods for sale, it is simple to lose track of time because the numerous market stalls line the nearby Hirschenplatz and Niederdorfstrasse.
It is imperative to stop by the Old Town Christmas market during Advent, even if merely to take a stroll and sip some mulled wine.
Zurich Hauptbahnhof Indoor Christmas Market
The Zurich main station is magically illuminated yearly by a Christmas tree covered in 7,000 crystals. The Main Train Station’s main concourse hosts Zurich’s most central Christmas market.
One of the biggest indoor Christmas markets in Europe, it has 140 stalls. The enticing aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon draws visitors to the market as soon as they step off the train.
The 32-foot-tall Christmas tree covered in tens of thousands of dazzling crystals is the ultimate highlight of the Christkindlimarkt.
Christmas Market Münsterhof
Giving presents is a sheer joy, whether it’s the iconic Zurich Tirggel cookies from the Bäckerei St. Jakob, Tsüri sauces, DillySocks, or writing implements from the venerable company Landolt-Arbenz – at the Münsterhof Christmas market.
The market’s contemporary, stylish atmosphere offers the ideal setting for all kinds of interactions related to Zurich Christmas. Local companies, Zurich brands, and premium goods are highlighted here.
Additionally, there is a culture tent with captivating performances, readings, and workshops for kids. The occasion is made memorable by adding historical guided tours on the subject of the Münsterhof to the list of available activities.
Places to stay when visiting the Zurich Christmas markets:
Storchen Zürich: Spectacular historic hotel in the heart of the city with a beautiful setting overlooking the River Limmat and Grossmünster Church. They have a beautiful two-bedroom suite that is perfect for families.
Hotel Europe: Positioned just off the bustling Seefeld district of Zurich, close to the Opera House and Lake Zurich. It takes only a few steps to get to the Stadelhofen Train Station.
Geneva Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Geneva is one of the most beautiful, magical, and enchanting events held in Switzerland. It is a celebration of the winter season, and it is known as the Christmas Village. It is located at Quai des Nations and has been there for more than 20 years.
The Christmas Market in Geneva offers visitors a variety of gifts, food items, and other things that can be used during the festive season. The market has around 150 stalls where you can find unique objects like handmade toys, ornaments, decorations, and much more.
You can also find delicious food items such as sausages, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and much more. At this event, you will also see many live performances from various bands playing traditional Swiss music.
If you are visiting Lake Geneva with your family, this event is definitely worth visiting because there are activities available for children too!
The fantastic vintage carousel will have everyone at the Christmas Market daydreaming, and the yurt will bring kids together for various activities, crafts, Christmas decorations, games, face painting, storytelling, and lots of opportunities to laugh and have fun!
Places to stay near the Geneva Christmas market:
Hotel Tor: The charming and tiny family hotel Tor offers contemporary-styled and completely furnished accommodations in a prime location in the center of Geneva, just 5 minutes from the Cornavin Train Station.
Hotel Suisse: Very central location close to train station and a quick walk to Old Town. Clean and comfortable rooms.
Bern Christmas Market
Bern Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most popular in Switzerland. There are several Christmas markets in Bern, and the two greatest are:
Bern Star Market
It is well worth viewing the 80 wooden huts with winter specialities, and hot beverages positioned right close to the Parliament building with a view of Marzili to the Alps. provides a vast variety of gastronomic treats, both in huts and food trucks.
For children’s fun and enjoyment is provided entertainment area and carousel. Additionally, there is the inviting 200-seat Gstaad fondue chalet, which offers cheese delicacies from noon until late at night and encourages you to enjoy a drink in the mulled wine with friends.
Weihnachtsmarkt
The Christmas market at Waisenhausplatz has a tradition of more than 20 years. The wide assortment is presented on more than 50 festively decorated, individually designed wooden houses and stands framed by a fence of fir branches.
The visitor will find many typical Christmas items and goods for everyday use. Here you will also find the right gift or something for your wish list.
Places to stay nearby Bern Christmas markets:
prizeotel Bern-City: The Stade de Suisse, Bern Expo, and the Bern Clock Tower are all popular attractions close to the prizeotel Bern-City.
Hotel National Bern: The Main Train Station is about a 5-minute walk from the Hotel National in the heart of Bern.
Lucerne Christmas Market
The markets are held in Lucerne’s Market Square (Marktplatz) and stretch across several streets and alleys. The entire area is decorated with lights, flowers, and Christmas figurines.
The Christmas Markets in Lucerne have a special program for kids: there are plenty of activities for them to participate in and enjoy. There’s also a large stage where children can watch performances by clowns and other entertainers.
Rudolfs Weihnacht Christmas market
Inseli-Park in Luzern offers a cosy fondue chalet that serves warm cheese specialities in the evening, and wooden huts decorated for Christmas throughout the park will spoil you with culinary delights.
The log cabin exhibitors, which change every week, invite you to culinary delicacies worldwide with design and craftsmanship. The winter bar in the middle of Christmassy park ensures long winter evenings by fireplaces with a view of the city and Lake Lucerne.
And of course, there is also a great program for young and old Christmas friends with lots of magic and music…
Places to stay the Lucerne Christmas market:
Radisson Blu Lucerne – Centrally located hotel with easy access to Old Town, restaurants, and the markets.
Gasthaus Badhof – Golfhotel: The Gasthaus Badhof, which is just under 3 miles from the KKL Culture and Congress Center Lucerne, has exceptionally spacious rooms with the highest level of comfort.
Montreux Christmas Market
A magical sight for people of all ages at this Swiss Christmas Market is Santa Claus riding his flying sleigh between the Logger’s Place at the Montreux Pier and the Place du Marché.
There are also many stalls with handmade crafts ideal for Christmas gifts, such as glassware or jewelry. Some vendors even sell traditional Swiss clothing like dirndls (traditional Austrian dress) or lederhosen (traditional Bavarian pants).
The Christmas decor themselves can be quite elaborate; there are often times entire streets decorated with lights, pine trees, and more!
The Montreux Christmas Market is right by Lake Geneva, so you can enjoy water views and the Christmas spirit.
Places to stay nearby Montreux Christmas market:
Montreux Grand Rue- Swiss Hotel Apartments is situated in the center of Montreux, and offers lodging with free WiFi, free private parking, and a balcony overlooking the city.
Zermatt Christmas Market
The Zermatt Christmas Market is a great place to spend your Christmas Eve. The market is located in the main square, Piazza Matzen, which is only a short walk from the train station.
The town of Zermatt has many restaurants and bars where you can enjoy some traditional Swiss food and drink. There are also several shops where you can buy souvenirs to take home with you.
Make sure you visit the church of Sankt Niklaus before leaving, as it is decorated with candles and lights to experience unique Christmas Magic.
There are plenty of activities for kids, including an ice skating rink, sledging, and tobogganing (depending on weather conditions). There will also be live music playing all day long, so there should be something for everyone!
Places to stay nearby Zermatt Christmas market:
Chesa Valese: This hotel is an easy 3-minute walk from the center of Zermatt and 5 minutes from rail and cable car stations. Features nicely furnished rooms, a lounge with a fireplace and an inviting bar. One of their suites sleeps 4 adults plus one child, and some rooms even have views of the Matterhorn.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof: This stunning luxury historic property Grand Hotel occupies a central but peaceful location in Zermatt. It features 3 restaurants, a spa with a pool, as well as a sauna. Guests are picked up from the train station by either an electric car or in a blue horse-drawn carriage. Most rooms have panoramic mountain views.
Lausanne Christmas Market
The festive season in Lausanne can be enjoyed at the popular Christmas market, which takes place every year in Place de la Palud. The square is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, wooden chalets, and an enormous Christmas tree.
The centerpiece of this Swiss Christmas market is a 17-meter-high magnificent Christmas tree decorated with over 10,000 lights and hundreds of handmade ornaments.
The market offers plenty of entertainment for both adults and children alike. There is a merry-go-round and pony rides for kids, as well as plenty of games to play, including a giant chess set that two people can play at once.
Places to stay nearby Lausanne Christmas market:
Hôtel Bellerive: These stylishly appointed modern rooms offer views of the city or the lake.
Swiss Wine by Fassbind: It views Lausanne’s magnificent Gothic Cathedral and is close to its main commercial area. It provides you with soundproofed accommodations and free use of a sauna and fitness center.
Lugano Christmas Market
The customary Christmas market in Lugano offers a variety of gift options, including culinary specialties, handicrafts, and decorative items.
The Piazza Della Riforma and Via Nassa will host the Christmas market with gastronomic chalets, musical animation, and family animation with a special Christmas for kids program.
Places to stay nearby Lugano Christmas market:
THE VIEW Lugano: This boutique property has stunning views of Lake Lugano (hence the name). It is a mile from the train station, but E-bikes and electric smart cars are available free of charge.
Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano: The hotel is located in the heart of Lugano, just 150 meters from the lake’s edge.
Interlaken Christmas Market
A beautiful winter experience is Interlaken. Interlaken’s Christmas market, with its quaint wooden huts, fringe events, the aroma of mulled wine, and amazing gift options, offers an alpine perspective on Christmas and is a lovely winter treat.
Shopping for Christmas in Interlaken is a fun and inspiring experience with little stress and lots of character. Enjoy the Christmas market, shopping, and the excitement of the ICE MAGIC ice skating rink.
Places to stay nearby Interlaken Christmas market:
Hotel Interlaken: The Eastern Train Station and the Congress Center are both within a 5-minute stroll of the Hotel Interlaken, which is situated in the center of Interlaken.
Swiss Hotel Apartments: If your family needs space to spread out, consider this aparthotel close to the central train station. One, two, and three-bedroom apartments are available with 24/7 concierge service.
St. Gallen Christmas Market
If you’re looking for a festive atmosphere, St. Gallen is your place. The city is full of Christmas decorations and lights. The Christmas market takes place in the center of town and is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland at this time of year.
Many stalls sell traditional Swiss food such as cheese, bread, sausage, and chocolate. You’ll also find plenty of handicrafts on offer and some interesting souvenirs like wooden toys or hand-knitted scarves.
There are many attractions for kids as well, such as puppet shows and workshops where children can make their own Christmas decorations out of paper or wood.
In addition to all the fun activities, there’s also a big Christmas tree that lights up at night, so it’s worth staying until dark so you can see it all lit up!
Places to stay nearby St. Gallen Christmas market:
Newstar Hotel: The hotel provides free private parking, a restaurant, a garden with a terrace, and free WiFi.
Sorell Hotel City Weissenstein – This boutique hotel is centrally located on the edge of the pedestrian zone in St Gallen. Rooms are clean and spacious.
Baden Christmas Market
The Baden Christmas market is located in the center of the small town of Baden. It is a great place to spend a day or even more if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and familiarize yourself with Swiss Christmas traditions.
There are about 100 stalls selling crafts, food, and other wintery goods. There are also many traditional Swiss foods include bratwurst, raclette, fondue, and sweet treats like gingerbread cookies and marzipan fruits.
Special events during this period include an international Christmas market with over 20 different countries represented by their stalls selling local foods and crafts. There is also a Christmas parade where children can dress up in their costumes.
Places to stay nearby Baden Christmas market:
Landhotel Linde Fislisbach: The hotel is situated in the heart of Fislisbach, 10 minute’s drive from Baden. It provides a chic cocktail bar, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant with a wonderful garden terrace.
Blume – Baden Hotel & Restaurant: This historic property is close to Kultur und Kongresszentrum Trafo Baden. Families will love the free breakfast buffet and an on-site restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
Chur Christmas Market
The Chur Christmas market is a must for anyone who wants to celebrate the festive season in style. The market is held in and around the old town center and offers something for everyone.
From fine chocolate to handmade jewelry, there are plenty of stalls selling traditional Swiss wares and gifts.
For those looking to purchase unique gifts, there are plenty of stalls selling antiques, artworks, and clothing. There is also an abundance of food stalls offering everything from hot chocolate and fondue to delicious Swiss cheeses.
The Chur Christmas Market has been running since at least 1836 and is one of the oldest in Switzerland. It is also one of the biggest, with over 200 stalls.
Places to stay nearby Chur Christmas market:
Hotel Stern Chur: Historic, 360 years old hotel in the center of Chur. Free parking on-site. There’s an apartment that will sleep 4.
About the author: This article was originally written by Sylvie Simpson and has been edited by Kirsten Maxwell.
