Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland (2025)

Where to find 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.

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 first Christmas markets to show off its magic with an opening date on the 20th of November and running to the 24th of December. More info here.

Geneva: The International Marché de Noël at Geneva – Noël au Quai- is also an early one operating from the 20th 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 20th of November.

Murten: Opening dates for the Murten Christmas market in 2025 is between the 12th to the 14th of December.

Christmas Markets in the Swiss German Part

Bern:  Official dates for the Christmas markets in canton Bern are from the 20th of November until 31st of December. Find out more.
if you like a in Bern City the main markets are; Stars Market / Kleine Schanze, Waisenhausplatz and Münsterplatz, each with slightly different dates.

Basel: You can admire not only the oldest Christmas market in Switzerland, but also voted the best Christmas market in Europe 2021, from 27th of November to 23rd of December. More infos

Luzern: The main Christmas market in Luzern (Lucerne) – on Franziskaner Platz – starts on 4th of December and finishes on the 21st of December. More info.

Note: There are other smaller markets in Lucerne with different dates.

Einsiedeln: This beautiful Switzerland Christmas Market opens between the 28th of November to the 8th of December. Find out more.

Zürich: The main attractions of the many Christmas markets in Zürich city start on the 20th 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 6th of January 2026. There are Events until the 6th 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: NEW in 2025, the festive market “Winterland” runs from 20 November to 6 January, much longer than just a one-day/one-weekend event. Check all the activities here.

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 2025 is from the 20. 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

Bô Noël and City Lights in Lausanne – 2025

The 2025 edition of Bô Noël in Lausanne, which combines festive markets and citywide light installations, will take place from Thursday, 20 November, to Wednesday, 31 December 2025. This 11th edition will showcase illuminations at multiple central locations throughout the city.

Main Highlights of Bô Noël

• Opening Banquet: 22 November 2025
• “Grande Raisinée” Wine Tasting: 12 and 13 December 2025
• 💡 Lausanne Illuminations – Key Locations and Dates
  Place de la Palud Projection: Daily from 11 to 24 December 2025, featuring a 15-minute show each hour between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (Note: No show on 13 December due to the Christmas Run event.)
  Montfalcon Gate (Cathedral): Light projections from 29 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
  Bel-Air Tower and Pont Bessières: Illuminations active from 20 November to 31 December 2025
  Rue de Bourg: Street light displays running from 20 November to 31 December 2025

These illuminations, together with the festive market atmosphere, create a magical holiday experience across Lausanne’s city centre, perfect for families and visitors alike.

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.

Here are the official Christmas market dates of the Bô Noël, Lausanne for 2025.

Geneva’s International Christmas Markets

Geneva’s main Christmas market, Noël au Quai, is located along the lakeside at Quai du Mont‑Blanc. Drawing an international crowd, the Genève Marché International de Noël features a wide variety of exhibitors offering traditional Christmas foods from around the world.

The market stretches between Place de la Fusterie, the old town, and Lake Geneva.

Another large Christmas market can be found in the Jardin Anglais (English Garden), just below the old town.

While this may not be your typical Swiss Christmas market, visitors are treated to some of the city’s most impressive Christmas lights. Geneva often showcases its festive magic along Rue du Marché, where the largest light displays are located, while the high‑end shop windows along Rue de Rive are renowned for their elegant seasonal decorations.

The official dates for Geneva’s Christmas market in 2025 are 20 November to 24 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

Zurich is more of a Christmas city than a city with just one Christmas market.

Throughout the city, you’ll find a variety of events, pop-ups, light displays, and festive Christmas villages. There is enough to fill an entire blog post dedicated to the city’s seasonal activities.

The two main Christmas markets in Zurich are:

• Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Hauptbahnhof, where you can see the famous Swarovski Christmas Tree.

• Wienachtsdorf Market at Sechseläuteplatz, near the Opera House.

That said, Zurich exudes a festive spirit everywhere you go. Small market stalls appear throughout the city, and one of the most charming areas is the old town at Niederdörfli.

The official dates for Zurich’s Christmas markets in 2025 are 20 November to 24 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 2025, are from the 20th 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 2025 are from the 20th of November until 23rd of December.

Lucerne (Luzern) Christmas Markets

Lucerne is another must-visit on your list of Switzerland’s best Christmas markets. Not only is it one of the country’s most picturesque cities, but it also hosts a festive market that truly captures the spirit of Christmas.

Lucerne does not have just one market; visitors can explore several locations with different dates and events.

The main traditional market, the Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt (Lucerne Christmas Market), is held on the square next to the Franciscan Church (Franziskaner Kirche). It runs from 1 December to 21 December 2025.

While you’re there, be sure to step inside the beautiful church—it’s well worth a visit.

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 Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s largest and most popular holiday destinations in the Bernese Oberland. While it’s famous for iconic attractions like the Jungfraujoch – the Top of Europe, take a moment to pause and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Stroll along streets filled with the scent of gingerbread and cinnamon, and enjoy the twinkling lights that adorn the Interlaken Christmas market.

The Interlaken region hosts around 30 local markets spread across the area, so you are sure to find one that suits your taste—whether you’re after handcrafted gifts, festive treats, or simply a cosy winter stroll.

For more details, including exact dates and locations, visit the official Interlaken Christmas market website.

Einsiedeln Christmas Market

Arguably one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Switzerland can be found in Einsiedeln. The Monastery Square forms the heart of the market, beautifully decorated to capture the festive spirit.

A visit here can be combined with seeing the largest Christmas crib in the world, located in Einsiedeln, as well as the Gingerbread Museum. For more details, be sure to check their Christmas Market brochure.

The official dates for the Einsiedeln Christmas Market in 2025 are 28 November to 8 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

If you’re looking for one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland, the Lugano Christmas Market is a must-visit. Here, not only is the Christmas tree beautifully decorated, but the palm trees sparkle with tinsel, creating a unique festive atmosphere.

Piazza della Riforma transforms into a festive Christmas square, illuminated with twinkling lights and featuring a large Christmas tree at its centre.

Follow the enchanting trail through Parco Ciani, where you can capture magical Christmas photos. The mix of palm trees and traditional Christmas trees makes this market truly unique in Switzerland.

Along Piazza della Riforma and Piazza Manzoni, visitors can enjoy a culinary feast from numerous food stalls, offering treats to satisfy every palate.

The official dates for the Lugano Christmas Market in 2025 are 27 November – 6 January 2026, with the grand inauguration on 27 November, when the Christmas tree lights are officially switched on.

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. However this year you will find for the first time the “Winterland” Locarno, which runs from 20 November to 6 January, much longer than just a one-day/one-weekend event.

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

Best Places to visit around Ascona – Locarno

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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