10

Christmas Markets To Visit in Switzerland

Highlights:

• Around 180 stalls across two historic squares

• Famous for gingerbread, mulled wine, and Christmas souvenirs

• Culturally rich performances and art installations

Basel hosts one of Switzerland’s largest and most culturally significant Christmas markets, located between Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. The market features over 180 wooden chalets selling handcrafted ornaments, candles, toys, and local treats like Basel Läckerli and roasted almonds. Visitors can explore festive streets illuminated by thousands of lights, enjoy seasonal dishes, and admire the city’s medieval architecture. Cultural performances, art displays, and workshops add to the charm, making Basel a key destination for experiencing Swiss traditions and authentic Christmas celebrations.

• Dates & hours: November 27 to December 23, 2025; 11:00 am to 8:30 pm daily

• Locations: Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz, and Claraplatz

• How to Reach: You can reach the main markets at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz using trams and buses, and if you have a BaselCard, you can travel for free on public transport.

• Churches nearby: Münster (St. Mary's Minster) and Roman Catholic Church of Allerheiligen

• Must-Eats: Basel Läckerli, grilled sausages, waffles.

• Must-buys: cheese products, mulled wine, ornaments, decoration items, and handmade souvenirs like trinkets, jewellery, and wooden toys.

Highlights:

• Located in front of the famous Einsiedeln Abbey

• Around 140 stalls selling regional crafts and festive treats

• Known for religious atmosphere and alpine charm

The Einsiedeln Christmas Market is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque and spiritual markets, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Einsiedeln Abbey. Around 140 wooden chalets line the Klosterplatz, offering handmade candles, ornaments, nativity figures, and winter delicacies. Visitors can enjoy the aroma of roasted almonds, local cheeses, and Glühwein while exploring the illuminated streets. The religious heritage, mountain views, and traditional crafts makes this market a serene and memorable festive destination.

• Dates & hours: November 29 to December 8, 2025; 11:00 am to 7:30 pm daily

• Locations: Klosterplatz, Einsiedeln, Canton of Schwyz

• How to Reach: You can reach the markets by taking trains running from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Einsiedeln Station; the market is a 5-minute walk from there.

• Churches nearby: Einsiedeln Abbey (Benedictine monastery)

• Must-eats: Raclette, churros, roasted nuts

• Must-buys: Nativity sets, beeswax candles, local cheese, ornaments

Highlights:

• One of Switzerland’s largest and oldest Christmas markets

• Over 300 stalls are spread across the medieval Old Town

• Known for a short yet vibrant four-day festive celebration

The Bremgarten Christmas Market in Aargau is celebrated for its medieval charm and traditional Swiss character. Held over four days, it features around 300 beautifully decorated stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, candles, and festive delicacies. The entire old town glows with thousands of lights, creating a cosy, fairytale-like atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy street performances, children’s rides, and local choirs that bring the town to life with Christmas spirit.

• Dates & hours: December 4 to December 7, 2025; 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (weekdays); 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (weekends)

• Location: Old Town of Bremgarten, Canton of Aargau

• How to Reach: You can reach the Bremgarten Station by train from Zurich or Aarau; the market is a short walk from Bremgarten Station.

• Churches nearby: Church of St. Nicholas and St. Mary’s Church (Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus)

• Must-eats: Roasted chestnuts, Swiss cookies, mulled wine

• Must-buys: Wooden crafts, candles, winter accessories, ornaments

Highlights:

• Main markets at Franziskanerplatz and Lucerne Train Station

• Features traditional crafts, food, and live performances

• Known for its cosy alpine charm and lakeside beauty
  
  

The Lucerne Christmas Market beautifully brings Swiss tradition with the city’s lakeside elegance. The Franziskanerplatz market features wooden chalets selling handmade ornaments, candles, toys, and local delicacies. Inside the Lucerne Train Station, some markets also offer regional foods, mulled wine, and artisan gifts. Carol performances, festive lights, and views of snow-covered mountains add to the experience, making Lucerne one of Switzerland’s most beautiful holiday destinations.

• Dates & hours: November 21 to December 23, 2025; 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily

• Locations: Franziskanerplatz, Lucerne Train Station (Bahnhof Luzern)

• How to Reach: You can reach the Lucerne Train Station, and both markets are within walking distance.

• Churches nearby: Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) and Jesuit Church of Lucerne

• Must-eats: Raclette, bratwurst, gingerbread, roasted nuts

• Must-buys: Wooden ornaments, Swiss chocolates, candles, souvenirs

Highlights:

• Set along the stunning Lake Geneva promenade

• Over 170 chalets with crafts, local products, and gourmet food

• Famous for Santa’s Grotto and scenic Alpine backdrop

The Montreux Christmas Market (Montreux Noël) is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque holiday destinations. Located along Lake Geneva, it features over 170 decorated chalets selling regional delicacies, handmade gifts, and festive decorations. Visitors can meet Santa in his grotto on Rochers-de-Naye Mountain, enjoy live music, and admire the illuminated lakeside views. The unique lake reflections, alpine scenery, and warm Christmas cheer create a magical atmosphere in Montreux.

• Dates & hours: November 21 to December 24, 2025; 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily

• Location: Lake Geneva promenade, Montreux

• How to Reach: You can reach Montreux Station via train from Geneva or Lausanne; the market is a short walk from the station.

• Churches nearby: St. Vincent Church and Église du Sacré-Cœur de Montreux

• Must-buys: Wooden crafts, Swiss chocolates, ornaments, local wines

• Must-eats: Cheese fondue, crêpes, raclette, mulled wine

Highlights:

• Known as “Noël au Jardin” in Parc des Bastions

• Features fondue chalets, gourmet stalls, and an ice rink

• Blends festive charm with Geneva’s cosmopolitan flair

The Geneva Christmas Market transforms Parc des Bastions into a lively winter garden filled with glowing lights and wooden chalets. Visitors can enjoy Swiss fondue in cosy cabins, shop for handmade crafts, or skate at the central ice rink. The market also hosts live music and themed evenings, creating a festive yet elegant atmosphere. Geneva Market’s scenic location near the Old Town and Lake Geneva  makes it a perfect choice for travellers exploring the local tradition and charm of Switzerland.

• Dates & hours: November 20 to December 31, 2025; 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily

• Location: Parc des Bastions, Geneva

• How to Reach: You can reach the Place Neuve by trams or buses from Gare Cornavin; from there you can take a short walk to the markets.

• Churches nearby: St. Pierre Cathedral and Basilica of Notre-Dame

• Must-eats: Cheese fondue, raclette, crêpes, mulled wine

• Must-buys: Swiss chocolates, candles, wool accessories, festive crafts

Highlights:

• Multiple markets across the city, including the Old Town and Central Station

• Home to the famous “Singing Christmas Tree” and over 100 stalls at Wienachtsdorf

The Zürich Christmas Market transforms the city into a winter wonderland with its dazzling lights and unique settings. At Werdmühleplatz, local choirs perform around the “Singing Christmas Tree”, while the Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz hosts over 100 stalls offering global cuisines and handcrafted gifts. The Old Town (Niederdorf) and Central Station markets feature locally made goods, ornaments, and warm delicacies, making Zürich a perfect destination to explore the Christmas markets in Switzerland.

• Dates & hours: November 21 to December 24, 2025; 11:00 am to 9:00 pm daily

• Locations: Werdmühleplatz, Sechseläutenplatz, Niederdorf, Zürich Main Station

• Must-buys: Swiss ornaments, candles, jewellery, artisanal chocolates

• Must-eats: Zürcher bratwurst, fondue, roasted almonds, mulled wine

• How to Reach: You can reach the main markets at Werdmühleplatz and Sechseläutenplatz using trams and buses.

• Churches nearby: Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and St. Peter’s Church

Highlights:

• Multiple markets across the UNESCO-listed Old Town

• Berner Sternenmarkt at Kleine Schanze park is the largest

• Known for local crafts, gourmet food, and festive lighting

Bern’s Christmas markets light up the capital’s medieval streets with charm and festive warmth. The Berner Sternenmarkt at Kleine Schanze park features over 100 wooden chalets offering Swiss crafts, handmade candles, wool accessories, and artisanal foods. Additional markets at Münsterplatz and Waisenhausplatz showcase traditional decorations and regional delicacies. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, taste hot raclette, and explore beautifully lit arcades that reflect Bern’s winter elegance.

• Dates & hours: November 23 to December 30, 2025; 11:00 am to 9:00 pm daily
  Locations: Kleine Schanze, Münsterplatz, Waisenhausplatz

• How to Reach: You can reach all the markets by walking from Bern Main Station (Bahnhof Bern) or via trams 6, 7, 8, and 9.

• Churches nearby: Bern Minster (Cathedral of St. Vincent) and Nydeggkirche

• Must-buys: Handcrafted candles, knitwear, ceramics, ornaments

• Must-eats: Raclette, fondue, Bernese gingerbread

Highlights:

• Creative and eco-friendly market spread across the city centre

• Combines art, gastronomy, and sustainable shopping

• Features live performances, workshops, and local crafts

The Bô Noël market in Lausanne stands out for its artistic and modern approach to Christmas celebrations. Set around Place Saint-François, Esplanade de Montbenon, and Place de l’Europe, it features stalls selling locally sourced gifts, gourmet treats, and eco-friendly products. Visitors can enjoy light shows, concerts, and themed villages, including a children’s area and a local design market. Lausanne’s festive streets overlooking Lake Geneva offer both urban energy and alpine beauty.

• Dates & hours: November 20 to December 31, 2025; 10:00 am to 9:00 pm daily

• Locations: Place Saint-François, Esplanade de Montbenon, Place de l’Europe

• How to Reach: You can reach the markets by taking a short walk or metro ride from Lausanne-Flon Station, accessible via the M2 metro line.

• Churches nearby: Lausanne Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame)

• Must-eats: Fondue, crêpes, raclette, pastries

• Must-buys: Sustainable decor, handmade gifts, local wines, design crafts

Highlights:

• Set along the lakefront at Piazza della Riforma

• Italian-Swiss fusion of food, music, and festive decor

• Open-air concerts, light shows, and artisan stalls

The Lugano Christmas Market (Natale in Piazza) brings a Mediterranean twist to Switzerland’s festive season. The market fills Piazza della Riforma and nearby lanes with twinkling lights, live music, and stalls selling Italian-inspired street food, mulled wine, and handmade gifts. Families can enjoy open-air concerts, children’s workshops, and light installations reflecting over Lake Lugano, making it one of the most scenic and lively markets in Switzerland.

• Dates & hours: November 30 to December 31, 2025; 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily

• Locations: Piazza della Riforma, Lugano

• How to Reach: You can reach the market at Piazza della Riforma by bus or funicular from Lugano Railway Station; public transport within the city is easily accessible.

• Churches nearby: Cathedral of San Lorenzo and Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli

• Must-buys: Local wine, candles, crafts, ornaments

• Must-eats: Polenta, risotto, roasted chestnuts, pastries