Planning to visit the Christmas markets in Switzerland in 2026? Here are the confirmed dates and opening hours for the best ones, from Basel and Zürich to Montreux and Lugano.
We live in Switzerland and visit several of them every year with our kids – Montreux, with its flying Santa over Lake Geneva, is still our favourite. Below you will find all 2026 dates in one table, then what to expect at each market and where to stay.
When do the Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland Start?
| Market | 2026 dates | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Zürich (6 markets) | 19 Nov – 23/24 Dec | German-speaking part |
| Geneva – Noël au Quai | 19 Nov – 24 Dec | Lake Geneva |
| Bern – Sternenmarkt | 19 Nov – 27 Dec | German-speaking part |
| Locarno – Winterland | 19 Nov – 6 Jan 2027 | Ticino |
| Montreux Noël | 20 Nov – 24 Dec | Lake Geneva |
| Lausanne – Bô Noël | 20 Nov – 31 Dec | Lake Geneva |
| Basel | 26 Nov – 23 Dec | German-speaking part |
| Lugano – Natale in Piazza | 26 Nov – 10 Jan 2027 | Ticino |
| Einsiedeln | 27 Nov – 6 Dec | German-speaking part |
| Bern – Waisenhausplatz | 27 Nov – 24 Dec | German-speaking part |
| Bern – Münsterplatz | 28 Nov – 24 Dec | German-speaking part |
| Lucerne – Franziskanerplatz | 3 – 21 Dec | German-speaking part |
| Murten | 11 – 13 Dec | Lake Murten |
| Bellinzona | Sundays 13 + 20 Dec | Ticino |
| Interlaken region | Late Nov – Dec | German-speaking part |
Dates checked against the official market websites in October 2026.
Now that you have the dates, let’s look at each market in more detail, region by region.
All of these markets are in city centres and easy to reach if you travel Switzerland by train. That’s how I’d do it: no parking to find, and nobody has to skip the mulled wine. If the markets are part of a bigger trip with stops in the mountains, renting a car gives you more freedom between them.
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 150 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 flies through the sky every day at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm with an extra flight at 4pm on weekends. On 24 December there are two flights, at 4pm and 5pm.
The official opening dates for the Montreux Christmas market in 2026 is from the 20. November to the 24. December.
The market chalets are open Monday to Wednesday 11am–9pm, Thursday and Friday 11am–10pm, Saturday 10am–10pm and Sunday 10am–8pm. Food stands stay open until 11pm. On 24 December everything closes at 5pm (Different times may apply depending on the day of the week).
To get the exact timings check their website.
Check hotels in Montreux for your dates before they book up.
Bô Noël and City Lights in Lausanne – 2026
The 2026 edition of Bô Noël in Lausanne, which combines festive markets and citywide light installations, will take place from Friday, 20 November, to Thursday, 31 December 2026. This 12th edition will showcase illuminations at multiple central locations throughout the city.
Main Highlights of Bô Noël
The 2026 programme (opening banquet, wine tasting and light projections) will be announced on the Bô Noël website.
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 2026.
If you have time spend 48h in Lausanne -and this is our favourite hotel in the city.
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 2026 are 19 November to 24 December. Open Monday–Wednesday 12pm–9pm, Thursday–Friday 12pm–10pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–9pm.
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 hotels in 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 main Christmas events in Zurich are:
-
Polarzauber (former Christkindlimarkt) at Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the famous Swarovski Christmas tree is replaced with the big Lindt Christmas tree in the station hall. It starts on the 19 Nov – 24 Dec, Sun–Wed 11am–9pm, Thu–Sat 11am–10pm.
-
Bellevue Noël (the former Wienachtsdorf, new organiser in 2026) on Sechseläutenplatz in front of the Opera House, with around 100 stalls and a giant Advent wreath you can walk through. 19 Nov – 23 Dec 2026.
- Singing Christmas Tree: Werdmühleplatz, 19 Nov – 23 Dec
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 2026 are 19 November to 24 December (the main station and Münsterhof markets run to the 24th, the others close on the 23rd)
Zürich deserves to be explored, check hotels near Zurich main station and enjoy one full day in Zurich.
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 2026are: Sternenmarkt 19 November – 27 December, Waisenhausplatz 27 November – 24 December, Münsterplatz 28 November – 24 December
If you arrive during the day and have some time explore Bern in 2 hours before visiting the market. And these are some great hotels within Bern city centre.
Christmas Market in Basel
Voted Best Christmas Market in Europe in 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 2026 are from the 26th of November until the 23rd of December, daily 11am–8.30pm. Always confirm with their official website for dates.
Stay overnight in a stunning hotel in Basel and explore the beautiful city.
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 3 December to 21 December 2026, daily 11am–8pm (food until 9pm).
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! Or if you like to stay longer, we have put together a 3-day Lucerne in winter itinerary.
Lucerne Christmas Market
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.
If you’re planning on staying longer in the area, check out where best to stay in Grindelwald.
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 2026 are 27 November to 6 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 2026 are 26 November 2026 – 10 January 2027. The opening-night programme is announced in early November.
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 Sunday 13th and Sunday 20th of December 2026, 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. The biggest one is ‘Winterland’ on Piazza Grande, which runs from 19 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, 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
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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