Are you looking for the Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland?
During this festive time in Switzerland you will find beautiful street decorations, fragrant aromas filling up the streets, and sparkly eyes of happy children and adults.
The Christmas lights will brighten many streets and public spaces and it is the time to be jolly.
With the shorter days and longer nights, it is time to focus on the bright lights that bring warmth, happiness and positive vibes.
Before we go more in to the details of the many great Christmas markets in Switzerland let’s just have a look when the magic begins.
List of Contents
- 1 When do the Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland Start?
- 2 Best Christmas Markets in Lake Geneva Region (Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva)
- 3 Where to stay around Lake Geneva Region
- 4 Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland in the Swiss German part
- 5 Where to stay when visiting the Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland
- 6 Christmas Market in the Italian part of Switzerland
- 7 Where to stay when attending the Christmas Markets in Ticino
- 8 More winter and advent inspired activities in Switzerland
When do the Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland Start?
Here is a quick summery of the best, most romantic and well-known Christmas markets in Switzerland (grouped within the different Swiss regions).
Christmas Markets in the Swiss Romandie (French speaking) part
Montreux: Always one of the 1st markets to show off its magic with an opening date on the 23rd of November and running to the 24th of December.
Geneva: The International Marché de Noël at Geneva – Noël au Quai- is also an early one operating from the 16th of November to 24th of December.
Lausanne: If you have missed visiting a market before Christmas then this place is open for you until the 31st of December. It starts on 21st of November.
Murten: Opening dates for the Murten Christmas market in 2023 is between the 8th – 10th of December.
Christmas Markets in the Swiss German part
Bern: Official dates for the Christmas markets in Bern are from the 23rd of November until 29th of December. Find out more
Basel: You can admire not only the oldest Christmas market in Switzerland, but also voted the best Christmas market in Europe 2021, from 23rd of November to 23rd of December. More infos
Luzern: The main Christmas market in Luzern (Lucerne) starts on 1st of December and finishes on the 21st of December. More info
Einsiedeln: This beautiful Switzerland Christmas Market opens between the 1st to the 10th of December. Find out more.
Zürich: The main attractions of the many Christmas markets in Zürich city start on the 23rd of November and continue until the 24th of December. All markets
Interlaken: There are so many markets here that we could not just name one. They normally run from end of November into December. here is a link to all Christmas Markets around Interlaken.
Christmas Markets in Ticino (Italian speaking part)
Lugano: Exactly on the first of December the official inauguration occurs when the Christmas lights are switched on. The market lasts until the 24. December. There are Events until the 7th of January.
Bellinzona: Here you can experience a Christmas market with a medieval flare for two days only, which are the Sunday 10th and 17th of December.
Locarno: Walking down the cobbled streets of Locarno, the air filled with the scent of cinnamon hot tea and gingerbread cookies is possible on the 8. December
Now as you have the dates for some of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland, let’s look at them in a bit more detail.
Here below is a list of some of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland, separated into the different Swiss regions.
Best Christmas Markets in Lake Geneva Region (Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva)
There are three main Christmas markets around Lake Geneva that you should not miss. Whether you are visiting the magical Montreux market, the popular Christmas market in Lausanne or the International one in Geneva, you will find the Christmas spirit.
Montreux Christmas Market – Montreux Noël
One of our favourites is the Montreux Christmas market or locally known as Montreux Noël.
Not only is its location along the Montreux promenade, right next of the shore of Lake Geneva breathtakingly beautiful, but also the way it combines Christmas magic with the smell of mulled wine, melted cheese, hot chestnuts and the statue of Freddie Mercury. What more can you expect!
Discover the fairy-tale ambience of one of Switzerland’s most beautiful Christmas markets with all its attractions and more than 170 richly decorated chalets (merchant stands). In each of these chalets’ craftsmen, bakers, and other various artisan displays offer a wide variety of gifts to buy, and food to taste.
Probably the biggest surprise at Montreux Noël is the flying, singing Santa! When the night has set, Santa is flying through the sky, singing a little song before his fairy lights make him disappearing again. A magical moment for every child.
He flys through the sky every day at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm with an extra run at 4pm on weekends.
The official opening dates for the Montreux Christmas market in 2023 are from the 23. November to the 24. December.
The Christmas food stands are open from 11am to 10pm, and the Christmas activities open their doors from 11am to 8pm. (Different times may apply depending on the day of the week).
To get the exact timings check their website.
Christmas Market in Lausanne
Lausanne is buzzing during the period of advent and offers a very active program.
The main Marché de Noël (Christmas market) can be found on Place St Francois, where just over 50 Christmas stalls sell the usual festive decorations, delicious food and other crafts.
In many pubs you will hear live music, mainly in a jazz style, but they all guarantee a great night out in Lausanne.
If you prefer the more traditional Christmas chorals, you can of course also hear these mainly on the square. Also check out the Place de la Louve, as normally over a dozen actors perform a Christmas spectacle.
But we feel that Lausanne is more than just a Christmas market. Don’t miss the Lausanne, Bô Noël, Lumières- the Lausanne Light Festival. It runs from the 1st of December to 31st of December.
The official Christmas market dates of the Bô Noël, Lausanne for 2023 are from 21st of November to 31st of December, the activities are closed on Christmas day 25th of December.
Geneva’s International Christmas Markets
There is no surprise that internationally linked Geneva holds every year the “Genève Marché International de Noël”.
As the name says you find a mix of many different international exhibitors and their traditional Christmas food.
Its location is between the Place de la Fusterie and the old town and Lake Geneva.
Another large Christmas market can be found in the Jardin Anglais (English Garden) which is just below the old town.
This might not be your typical Swiss Christmas market, but you will be treated with some of the best Christmas lights.
Geneva often pulls out the magic at the Rue du Marché, where the largest display can be found, whilst the high-end shop windows along Rue de Rive are known for their classy festive displays.
The official dates for the Geneva Christmas market in 2023 are from the 16th of November to 24th of December.
Where to stay around Lake Geneva Region
It is always nice to actually spend the night in the city you visit the market from. Check out the map below to find your perfect accommodation in the Lake Geneva Region.
How the map works: You can move the location around with your mouse to focus on either Lausanne or Montreux.
Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland in the Swiss German part
Zurich City Christmas Market
Well, Zürich is more a Christmas city then just one Christmas market.
Many different events, pop ups, Christmas light shows and Christmas villages are scattered throughout Zurich City.
It could do with a blog post in its own right to explain all the Christmas activities around Zürich.
In Zürich the two main Christmas markets are,
- The Christkindli Market at the Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the one where you will find the Swarovski Christmas Tree.
- Wienachtsdorf Market at the Sechseläuteplatz near the Opera House
But as said, Zürich screams Christmas all over the city and you will find little market set up wherever you walk. One section we loved a lot is the old town at Niederdörfli.
The official opening dates of Zürich’s Christmas market in 2023 is from the 23rd of November to 24th of December.
Bern Christmas Market
Always a nice time to visit the capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is during the advent time.
Two great markets can be visited here at the Waisenhausplatz and in Minsterplatz.
If you prefer the smaller markets then you will be happy to spend some extra time in Bern and also visit the Christmas market Kleine Schanze
Official dates for the Christmas markets in Bern in 2023, are from the 23rd of November until 29th of December.
Christmas Market in Basel –Nominated the Best Christmas Market in Europe 2021
The beautiful city of Basel holds one of the oldest and best Christmas markets in Switzerland.
Beautifully decorated Christmas huts are placed around the historic cathedral on Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz. Due to the close proximity of these two places to each other, this is therefore considered to be the biggest Christmas market in Switzerland.
What makes this market special is the many different surprises they lay on for the kids.
The special surprises are to name a few, D’Wiehnachtsfähri (the Christmas ferry) the Wiehnachts-Drämmli (the Christmas Tram), and the Palazzo Colombino with a special show put on by Cirque Noel de Bâle.
Official dates for the Christmas markets in Basel in 2023 are from the 23rd of November until 23rd of December.
Luzern (Lucerne) Christmas Markets
Here is another contender for your bucket list of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland. Not only is Lucerne one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities it is most certainly also a contender for the best Christmas market.
Lucerne doesn’t just have one large Christmas market but offers its visitors different locations and dates.
The main traditional market, the Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt (Lucerne Christmas market) can be found on the square next to the Franciscan Church (Franziskaner Kirche). It can be visited from 1st of December through to the 21st of December.
Make sure to also visit the inside of the beautiful church.
If you are staying in Lucerne check out our Self guided Lucerne city walking tour. Perfect for the day!
Christmas Markets in Interlaken – the holiday region
Welcome to one of Switzerland’s biggest and most popular holiday destinations, Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland. It is time to forget for a moment the great tourist attractions you can visit from Interlaken in the Jungfrau region, like the Jungfraujoch aka- Top of Europe.
Concentrate for a moment on the gingerbread and cinnamon aromas drifting along the streets, and the sparkling lights illuminating the Christmas market in Interlaken.
The region of Interlaken has 30 different local markets distributed over the region. For sure you will find the right one for you.
Check the link to the Christmas market website where you will also find the dates.
Christmas Market in Einsiedeln
Probably the prettiest Christmas markets of them all has to be in Einsiedeln. The Monastery Square in Einsiedeln is the centre point, beautifully decorated in the Christmas spirit.
Combine a visit with the biggest Christmas crib/crèche in the world (located in Einsiedeln) and the gingerbread museum. Also read their Christmas Market brochure for more details
The official dates for the Einsiedeln Christmas market in 2022 are between the 1st to the 10th of December.
Where to stay when visiting the Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland
All of these markets can easily be combined with a great weekend trip, or just an overnight stay.
Check out the map above, to find your best accommodation in Lucerne, Einsiedeln or wherever you are celebrating the Advent time.
Before checking the map, take a look at these great hotels in Lucerne
- Hotel Des Balances beautifully situated overlooking the River Reuss and the Kappelbrücke – Chapel Bridge.
- Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern. Situated right on the shores of Lake Lucerne.
It is always nice to combine a city visit with some day trips. Check out the below trips and book your tickets online.
Christmas Market in the Italian part of Switzerland
Lugano Christmas Market
Why not visit the Lugano Christmas market where not only the Christmas tree is decorated but also the Palm trees are glittering with tinsel.
Piazza Della Riforma is transforming into a Christmas square, beautifully decorated with sparkly lights and a very large Christmas tree.
Get enchanted along the trail at Parco Ciani and capture one of these magical Christmas photos, where palm trees alongside Christmas trees are a norm.
Along the Piazza della Riforma and Piazza Manzoni one can dive in to a culinary feast and experience many food huts, something to suit all palates.
The official dates of the Lugano Christmas market in 2022 are 1st of December to 24th of December.
There will be an official inauguration on the 1st when the magic moment occurs and the Christmas tree lights are switched.
Bellinzona Christmas Market
Bellinzona Christmas market has the name of one of the biggest and also one of the most famous in Canton Ticino.
Its magic takes places in the beautifully preserved old town, against the backdrop of Castel Grande and the surrounding hills.
As with so many other best Christmas markets in Switzerland, Bellinzona is no different. You will find mouthwatering food stands, Christmas cookies, sweets and Glühwein.
There are also some kids activities such as arts and craft stands.
Unlike most of the other markets in Switzerland the Bellinzona Christmas Market only opens on two days, which are the Sunday 10th and 17th of December, From 10am – 6pm.
So make sure you are planning your Swiss Christmas market tour carefully to include Bellinzona on your list.
Locarno Christmas Market – Ticino
The tradition in Locarno is not to have one large Christmas market, but several small ones distributed throughout the Locarno-Ascona district.
If you like the city feel and are looking forward to walk down the cobbled streets with your Glühwein in your hand in Ascona City, then make your way to the Città Vecchia Locarno on the 8th of December.
Where to stay when attending the Christmas Markets in Ticino
Scroll around the map and find your perfect stay in Ticino whilst visiting the best Christmas markets in Switzerland.
If you stay several days in the Ticino region check out these travel guides and find the best things to do and see in Lugano and Ascona-Locarno region.
24 of the best things to do in Ticino
4 day Itinerary in Lugano – Family orientated and with Bikes
More winter and advent inspired activities in Switzerland
- Best Day trips from Lucerne (all year round)
- Visit Mount Rigi (Winter edition)
- From Lucerne to Mount Pilatus – How to visit Best
- 3 day in Lucerne Itinerary (Winter edition)
- LILU Light festival in Lucerne
Whatever you will be doing during this years Advent and festive period in Switzerland, make sure you fully emerge yourself into this most wonderful time of the year.
If you do go and visit any of these best Christmas markets in Switzerland, let me know how you liked it below in the comments. And if there is a Christmas market in Switzerland that needs to be on this list, also let me know.
Thank you & Never Forget to Explore
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