Top 10 places for the Christmas holidays in Switzerland? [Christmas Markets]

No matter what your Christmas traditions are, Switzerland offers something for everyone to enjoy over the holidays. 

From festive markets to grandiose hotels decked out in holiday cheer, specific destinations, and some of the activities available at each place.

So, if you are planning a vacation for the Christmas holidays, Switzerland is the best option you can choose!

christmas market in montreux switzerland
Christmas market in Switzerland | Source

In this text, we are going to present to you where to go for the Christmas holidays in Switzerland. So, let’s start.

Why is Switzerland the best choice for the Christmas holiday?

With its picture-perfect scenery and centuries-old traditions, Switzerland is absolutely one of the best places to spend the Christmas holidays. 

The snow-capped mountains and quaint villages create a magical atmosphere, and there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy, from ice skating and sledding to visiting Christmas markets.

And of course, no visit to Switzerland would be complete without trying some of the delicious Swiss chocolate! 

swiss chocolate - switzerland chocolate
Who didn’t try this awesome, Swiss chocolate, isn’t a true chocolate lover | Source

Whether you’re looking for a traditional or a unique holiday experience, Switzerland is sure to delight you.

Top 10 Christmas markets in Switzerland

As the days grow shorter and the temperature starts to drop, many of us begin to feel the Christmas spirit. 

And what better way to get into the festive mood than by visiting a traditional Swiss Christmas market? 

From sweet homemade treats and rich hot chocolate to twinkling lights and snow-dusted villages, Switzerland is full of festive delights. 

Here is a list of the best 10 Switzerland Christmas markets that will make you feel like a child again:

  1. Zurich Christkindlimarkt
  2. Montreux Noël
  3. Basel 
  4. Einsiedeln 
  5. Lugano 
  6. Schaffhausen 
  7. Bern 
  8. Noël au Jardin
  9. St. Gallen Christkindlimärt
  10. Winterthur 

1. Zurich Christkindlimarkt

Located in the heart of Zurich, the Christkindlimarkt is one of the most popular Switzerland Christmas markets. 

As soon as you enter, you feel as if you’ve been transported into a fairytale world. 

zurich christmas market - christmas market in zurich switzerland
Christmas market in Zurich, Switzerland | Source

The market stalls are beautifully decorated and offer a variety of unique gifts. The Christmas tree is stunning and the lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

There is a viewing platform at the top of the market that is the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of the market. 

You can see the hustle and bustle of the market below and the Christmas tree is simply magnificent. It’s a truly magical experience that you won’t soon forget.

The Christkindlimarkt Market is open from 24 November to 24 December 2022.

2. Montreux Noël

Entertainment, excitement, and magic await you in Montreux at one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Europe. 

Montreux Noël offers entertainment for all ages with its traditional Christmas Market, stretched along Montreux’s lakeside promenade, which is specially lit and decorated for the occasion. 

montreux noel - montreux noel for christmas
Montreux Noël – Christmas destination we suggest you | Source

In this market you can:

  • Visit Santa Claus at his house perched atop the Rochers-de-Naye mountain,
  • Discover crafts and thousands of gift ideas at the Christmas Market stalls along the lakeside promenade, 
  • Experience Christmas within the walls of the legendary Chillon Castle and 
  • Indulge your senses in new gourmet areas and unique animations. 

This Switzerland Christmas market is maintained from November 18 to December 24, 2022.

Soak up the unique atmosphere of Montreux during this magical time of year and enjoy a truly memorable experience.

3. Basel Christmas Market

Basel’s Christmas market is one of the city’s main public attractions, attracting about 900,000 visitors each year. 

This year’s event offers something for everyone, from Advent concerts and Christmas markets to special exhibitions. 

basel christmas market - basel christmas
Christmas market in Basel – Beautiful and fun | Source

The whole city is wrapped in Christmas decorations and in some places sells everything that belongs to this holiday, including spicy hot wine and sweets. 

This is one of the most famous Basel events and has become a special attraction for tourists. The charming and peaceful atmosphere will make you feel special.

The Basel market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered to be one of the prettiest and largest Switzerland Christmas markets. 

This year it was opened from 24 November to 23 December.

4. Einsiedeln Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Einsiedeln is an annual event that takes place in the charming Swiss town of the same name. 

einsiedeln christmas - einsiedeln
Einsiedeln – Christmas in Switzerland | Source

Set against the backdrop of the Benedictine monastery, the market stretches along the main street and features a variety of festive stalls selling traditional Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, and tempting food and drink. 

The atmospheric illuminations and huge Christmas tree are particular highlights, and visitors can also enjoy a spot of shopping in the numerous stores and boutiques. 

Whether you’re looking for unique presents or enjoying a festive treat, the Christmas market in Einsiedeln is well worth a visit.

In 2022, this market takes place from 25 November to 4 December.

5. Lugano Christmas Market

From the beginning of December until Epiphany, the city of Lugano will be embracing the magic of Christmas, filling the festive period with cheer and events to suit all ages. 

christmas in lugano switzerland - lugano christmas market
Lugano Christmas market | Source

The streets and squares of the city center will be festively decorated and will host the traditional Christmas market, which will be inaugurated on 1 December when the Christmas tree lights are switched on in the Piazza Della Riforma. 

The many Christmas market stalls will offer a wide range of gift ideas, from handicrafts and decorations to food specialties, and will be open every day until 24 December from 11:00 to 19:00. 

So if you’re looking for a truly magical Christmas experience, be sure to pay a visit to this beautiful city during the festive season!

6. Schaffhausen Christmas Market

The backdrop for this wonderful occasion is provided by the largest cloister in Switzerland, namely the more than 800-year-old cloister of All Saints in Schaffhausen. 

schaffhausen christmas market - christmas market in schaffhausen
Adorable Christmas market – Schaffhausen

This unique ambiance underlines the pre-Christmas mood of Schaffhausen’s old town with its beautiful Christmas lights. 

The event will feature a variety of traditional Christmas stalls selling everything from ceramic figurines to handmade wooden toys. 

There will also be live music and performances, making it the perfect opportunity to get into the festive spirit. 

So whether you’re looking for some early Christmas shopping or simply want to enjoy a festive atmosphere, be sure to head to Schaffhausen’s old town on December 6th.

7. Bern Christmas Markets

Bern’s Christmas markets are as diverse as the city itself, with five different markets to choose from:

  1. Waisenhausplatz 
  2. Bern Minster 
  3. Minster terrace Artisan’s Market
  4. Berner Sternenmarkt (Star Market Bern)
  5. Chalet Alpenland

The traditional market in the old town is a great place to find traditional Swiss handicrafts and Christmas decorations, while the foodie heaven market in the new town is a must-visit for anyone who loves good food. 

For something a little different, there’s also an artisanal market selling handmade goods, and a market devoted to sustainable and fair trade products. 

No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at one of Bern’s Christmas markets!

8. Noël au Jardin

Noël au Jardin, Geneva’s most majestic Christmas market, is the perfect place to find unique gifts for your loved ones. 

geneve christmas market
Christmas market – Geneve | Source

With a large selection of local craftsmen, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. Carefully selected exhibitors will meet all your desires.

Christmas in the Garden is also a beautiful walk through a park immersed in Christmas lights. And of course, the Chalet à Fondue is there to offer you its real Geneva fondue.

This Christmas market in Switzerland is held from 17 November to 23 December.

9. St. Gallen Christkindlimärt

For those who love Christmas time, St.Gallen is one of the best places to enjoy the festive atmosphere. 

Seven hundred stars shine above the city’s romantic old town, whilst the cheerfully decorated stalls of the Christmas market line the narrow streets. 

The St.Gallen Christmas market stretches from the Waaghaus, along the Bohl, all the way to the Market Square, tempting shoppers from 26 November to 24 December. 

In around 70 huts and stands, regional traders offer their traditional Christmas goods.

Mulled wine, mulled beer, the typical raclette, and other specialties are available in the Christkindlimärt market. 

For children, there is a special Christkindlimärt post office where they can write and post their letters to Santa. 

With its unique atmosphere, St.Gallen is one of the most popular Switzerland Christmas markets.

10. Winterthur Christmas Market

Every year, the Christmas market in the middle of Winterthur’s old town attracts thousands of visitors from the region. 

The scenery of the old townhouses and decorated wooden Christmas houses offer an ideal setting for market shops in the run-up to Christmas. 

christmas market switzerland
Christmas markets are great places for couples

The market offers a wide variety of traditional Swiss Christmas items, such as hand-carved nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks, as well as more modern gifts. 

There is also a wide selection of food and drink on offer, from traditional Swiss dishes such as raclette and fondue to hot drinks such as mulled wine. 

With its festive atmosphere and range of attractions, the Winterthur Christmas market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

When do Christmas markets start in Switzerland – Calendar

As the Christmas season approaches, many people start to plan their visit to a festive market. 

Switzerland is known for its beautiful and numerous Christmas markets, which are usually held in November or December. 

However, due to the pandemic, many markets have been canceled or postponed. 

As of February 2022, only some dates for the Swiss Christmas markets have been officially confirmed. 

Most of the markets start in November or December and they usually end by Christmas. 

Some festivals are held only a few days, while others last a whole month. 

So, if you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, be sure to check the schedule before you make your plans.

Conclusion

In this blog, we presented to you the best Christmas markets in Switzerland that you should visit for the holidays.

No matter which market you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a magical Christmas experience in Switzerland.

If you need transportation to these Swiss events or to the rest of its cities, we have the best solution for you!

Edelswiss limousine service provides smooth and reliable premium transportation to your destination with premium luxury limousines and professional chauffeurs.

With our premium service, you can enjoy a comfortable and safe ride in style.

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