Posted on 22 December 2021
There is nothing more enjoyable than Christmas markets in Switzerland when it comes to festive spirits. The country embraces December to provide feel-good factors for everyone regardless of age. Think jingle bells music, horse and sleigh, tinsel, baubles, Christmas trees, gingerbread, and mulled wine to have a perfect Christmas fair outing. Switzerland is a classic ski destination, home to Saint Moritz, the birthplace of downhill skiing, and other famous destinations like Zermatt, Verbier, and Klosters, so combine your Christmas market trips with other well-known places to visit. Let us look at where to go and what to do to indulge in famous Swizz Christmas markets.
Christmas Markets in Switzerland
1: Basel Market
Having won Europe’s best Christmas market award, Basel, often called Switzerland’s most beautiful city, is nothing short of spectacular when pulling out stops for festive enjoyment. Follow pine trees on the roadside to find Christmas market stalls in the Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz squares. Basel market is not just about stalls either, since most areas are kitted out in Christmas decorations, and of course, an enormous tree for perfect photo opportunities. Buy artisan gifts for your loved ones and indulge in traditional Christmas feasts sold by street vendors.
2: Bern and UNESCO Switzerland
Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a festive ambience by holding its Christmas markets on medieval streets. Head to cathedral square to browse stalls of artisan handiwork, culinary goodies, and perfect gifts to give someone close. Bern market usually opens from the beginning of November to the end of December, so there is ample time to get there. Locals make every effort to make Christmas market trips a roaring success, and while there, we recommend staying overnight to indulge in festive spirits fully.
3: Best of Lausanne
Running throughout December, Lausanne makes this month a fun time for all. They end their market with a New Year’s celebration, hence for a perfect December getaway, Lausanne is the place to go. Christmas markets include a live nativity scene and a special children’s section to embrace festive magic in Switzerland. While shopping leads the Christmas market, Lausanne goes far out with foodie stores so, do not eat before.
4: Lugano Market
Running for the whole of December and into January, southern Lugano doesn’t hold back when celebrating Christmas. Stalls sell Christmas time snacks, culinary delights, and the perfect presents to put under Christmas trees. With a special section designated for children, Lugano market offers 100% family fun with festive spirits for memorable Instagram photos.
5: Biel / Bienne Christmas Market
Biel’s market is spectacular. Stalls sell everything with an array of Christmas lights twinned with local inspiration for festive treats. Head to Nidaugasse for daily Christmas cottages open every day during December. Enjoy big markets, and festivals like Bieler Wienachtsmarit also mulled wine in a Burger Gemeinde log cabin. Expect to see all stops pulled out, including Christmas music, festive lights, gingerbread scents, handmade crib figures, candles, glass angels and much more. The glassblower typically receives big crowds while kids hop onto the nostalgic carousel and the miniature Marktgasse railway.
6: Chur Market
In Chur’s Graubunden district, think of magical atmospheres to know what awaits anyone who chooses to wander around their Christmas market. Enjoy a theatrical advent calendar show with half-hour surprises during main event days of Friday and Saturday, and for delicious cheese fondue, head to the alp hut. Otherwise, the family enjoy the monthly circus shows but check performance times beforehand. Finally, go ice skating or enjoy the story “From Fux to Ganz” by the Grison Chamber Philharmonic choir.
7: Geneva Christmas Market
Of course, no Christmas market endeavour would be complete without mentioning Geneva. This wonderful city makes for a perfect weekend getaway and is also the gateway to the alps, so time your visit with a skiing expedition. Then, head to Jardin Anglais for a winter wonderland treat, including arts and crafts stalls and regional festive treats to tempt your tastebuds.
8: Enjoy the Best of Lucerne
Head to Franziskanerbrunnen fountain that makes a perfect Christmas water feature when decorated with candles and lights. Otherwise, expect usual nativity scenes and concerts held by Saint Maria church. Lucerne is well worth a day trip. As well as the Christmas market, see other well-known landmarks like Lucerne Lion, a monument carved into a rock face dedicated to fallen Swiss Guard members during the French Revolution. Also, see the 170-metre Kapelbruckle footbridge, the oldest in Europe dating from 1333.
9: Lake side Montreux
For a lakeside Christmas setting, Montreux delivers everything like the perfect present wrapped up with bows until Christmas Eve. Then, head to Rochers-de-Naye to introduce kids to Father Christmas so they can tell him what presents they eagerly await. Chillon castle makes a festive destination thanks to marvellous decorations. Every day, at 4, 5 and 6 pm, Santa Claus flies in on his sleigh, so make sure kids are ready with their wish list.
10: Olten Advent Village
Olten city creates their little mini-Christmas village to enjoy festive times with spirit, warmth, and goodwill to all men. Take your boots off to enjoy the ice rink, put kids on the carousel, and wander stalls with various vendors selling all goods to put under Christmas trees and on the table. The village is near Olten train station, so visitors can get there and back quite quickly from other surrounding places. Alternatively, reach it by car, in one hour from Basel, Bern, Zurich and Lucerne
Also About Switzerland
7 Places to visit in Switzerland: As well as the Christmas markets in Switzerland, one exemplary aspect of the country is the fantastic array of places in amongst the world-famous scenery. Potential buyers looking for a Swiss Alpine property can enjoy the spectacular natural beauty anytime they want! Check out our favourite sites with incredible architecture and postcard-pretty landscapes in Switzerland.