You have probably noticed that Christmas (at least the commercial variety) comes earlier and earlier each year. Even so, it is certainly worth visiting Switzerland’s markets, where the festive ambience prevails from November to the end of December — and sometimes even longer.
Practically each Swiss town has its own version of a Christmas market, so it is difficult to list them all here.
These seven are among the biggest and most popular in the country:
Basel
In its new ranking of the world’s 22 most beautiful Christmas markets, CNN listed Basel’s as well.
The US broadcaster qualified it as “the biggest and arguably the best around.”
It is true that the city’s annual Christmas market is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque.
Spread across two squares — Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz — are about 150 booths that offer an array of things traditionally associated with this holiday, from exquisite hand-made ornaments to regional delicacies.
Open: November 27th to December 23rd
Zurich, several markets
Switzerland’s largest city has not one, not two, but FIVE Christmas fairs spread around town: at Sechseläutenplatz, Old Town, Bahnhof, Münsterhof, and Werdmühleplatz.
They include attractions like a singing Christmas tree, one decorated with 7,000 crystals, along with gifts, decorations, food, and drink.
Open: November 20th to December 23rd (the one at the Bahnhof is open until December 24th)
Bern: Sternenmarkt
This market in the country’s capital city will include 80 wooden huts serving winter delicacies, hot drinks, and ever-changing exhibitors in the shopping area.
There will also be fondue and raclette sections, Winter Wonderland, and a carousel for kids.
Open: November 20th to December 28th
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Lausanne, ‘Bô Noël’
The Vaud capital will inaugurate small Christmas markets in various locations throughout the city:
Place Saint-François
Place Pépine
Arches du Grand-pont et place de l’Europe
Terrasse Jean-Monnet
Place Centrale
Esplanade de la Cathédrale
Esplanade du Flon
Various activities from Christmas shopping to eating, drinking, and entertainment for the young and older people will be plentiful at all the sites.
Open: November 20th to December 31st
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Geneva, Jardin Anglais
The traditional market is located in the middle of a lakeside urban park.
It will feature an artisan market where you can purchase holiday decorations and other trinkets, as well as enjoy typical fare like mulled wine and raclette. (Christmas purists may argue that melted cheese is not really a ‘typical’ holiday dish, but you are, after all, in Switzerland).
Open: November 20th to December 24th
As a complement to the Jardin Anglais site, Geneva’s second Christmas market, will be held on rue du Mont-Blanc.
As every year, it will feature a wide range of artisanal products and local specialities.
Open: November 20th to December 28th
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Montreux (Vaud)
Scenically located along the shore of Lake Geneva, the “Montreux Noel” market is one of the country’s most famous Christmas fairs.
Attractions include Santa Claus flying on his sled, as well as special activities inside the legendary Chillon Castle, located just a snowball away from the cite centre.
Open: November 20th to December 24th
Lugano
The Christmas market in Ticino’s largest city will be held around the traditional tree in Piazza della Riforma.
The streets of the city centre will be animated with live music, entertainment, Christmas decorations, and, on the 31st, the New Year’s Eve party in the square.
Open: November 27th to January 6th, 2025
