02 December 2024
The best Christmas markets in Switzerland - from Zurich to Basel: tips on sightseeing, mulled wine and more.
Christmas markets are as much part of the Advent season as snow is of the Alps. They offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy mulled wine in a festive atmosphere, find gifts and be enchanted by the twinkling lights. Switzerland delights visitors with unique Christmas markets – from the historic old town of Bern to the backdrop of Montreux. Here we present the best Christmas markets in Switzerland and provide tips for an unforgettable visit.
The festively decorated Christmas market enchants with lights, gifts and traditional delicacies that perfectly capture the winter mood.
The Christmas village on Sechseläutenplatz in front of the Zurich Opera House takes place every year from the end of November to Christmas Eve. Each year, the market offers a varied range of products: delicious specialities such as sausages, mulled wine and an inviting fondue chalet with classic cheese dishes. In the decorated huts you will find handmade gifts, handicrafts and much more. The market is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Basel's Christmas market is one of the oldest and largest in Switzerland. More than 100 festively decorated stands around Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz invite you to discover Swiss specialities, Christmas decorations and high-quality handicrafts. A special highlight is the view of the sparkling sea of lights in the city from Basel's cathedral. The market is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux Noël impresses with a dreamlike backdrop. In addition to stands with traditional food and handmade products, visitors can explore Santa's house in the mountains and marvel at the spectacular flying Santa Claus above the market square. The market is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the opening time is extended until 9 p.m., while the market remains open until 10 p.m. on Fridays. At weekends, the market opens at 10 a.m., with closing times at 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 p.m. on Sundays.
In the Swiss capital of Bern, cosy Christmas markets await you on Waisenhausplatz and Münsterplatz, where you can discover handmade products and festive treats. A highlight is the star market (Sternenmarkt) in the park around the Kleine Schanze, which illuminates the city with sparkling lights. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and until 6 p.m on Sundays. At the end of the year, Münsterplatz also attracts visitors with a year-end market (Altjahresmarkt), followed by a New Year's Market at the beginning of 2025 – the perfect start to the new year!
To make your visit to the Swiss Christmas markets unforgettable, here are a few helpful tips:
- Arrival: Use the Swiss rail network – most Christmas markets are easy to get to by public transport.
- Budget: Christmas markets can be costly, but many stalls also offer inexpensive souvenirs and tasty treats. It pays to compare!
- Clothing: Warm clothing is recommended as the markets are mostly outdoors and temperatures are often low in December.
These tips will help you to get the most out of the festive atmosphere.
