The holiday season is sensational here in Switzerland! As winter’s chill blankets the country, the Swiss landscape transforms into a magical wonderland of Christmas markets, each offering its own unique blend of festive cheer.
Whether you’re a traveler searching for a memorable experience or a local looking to indulge in the yuletide spirit: The Swiss Christmas markets in 2023 promise a delightful journey filled with glittering lights, artisanal crafts, delectable treats, and an abundance of holiday joy.
To make your holiday planning a breeze, I’ve curated a comprehensive list of the top Christmas markets you won’t want to miss this year. Grab your coziest scarf and let’s dive into a winter wonderland!
The Ultimate List of Christmas Markets:
2nd of November
Baden:Winter magic in Baden. Baden WunderDorf is a cozy Christmas and food market, The entrance is of course free and you can enjoy the Christmas spirit and decorations. Along with plenty of food stands and delicious steaming mulled wine. The market will be open from 02.11 to the 23.11.
9th of November
Zurich:The amazing Illuminarium opens its doors to the inner courtyard of the National Museum and invites you to enjoy Christmas treats, fondue and cocktails in outdoor and indoor bars. When: 09.11-30.12.
10th of November
Wasserschloss Wyher: The first Advent and Christmas market in Central Switzerland with a castle atmosphere! With over 70 exhibitors are looking forward to presenting you their beautiful, handcrafted works. Let yourself be enchanted and enjoy the tour through the festively decorated moated castle. When: 10.11-12.11.
16th of November
Geneva:A Christmas market in Geneva- Noël au Quai, the most majestic Christmas market in Geneva is located in the stunning Quai du Mont-Blanc by the lake shores. Here you will find plenty of food and gifts stands and even a fondue chalet! When: 16.11-24.12.
17th of November
Mount Pilatus: The HIGHEST Christmas Market in Europe can be found on the incredible mountain Pilatus. From the 17th to the 19th of November– at 2132 meters you will be able to enjoy the magic between 40 tiny festive stands and wonderful views to the lake and the alps!
Aarau:The Christmas market of Aarau is back from the 17th of November till the 23rd of December.
21st of November
Lausanne: The Christmas market- Bô Noël Lausanne is back! From November 21st to December 31st with a festive atmosphere, delicious holiday yums and wines from the region. Lausanne is also an excellent destination for a day trip- you can enjoy strolling by the lake promenade, exploring the old town, climb to the top of the cathedral and visit the Olympic museum.
22nd of November
Baden:The traditional “Liechterwecke” will take place on Schlossbergplatz. Where kids wake up the Baden Christmas lights. There will be a delicious Spanishbrödli, a puff pastry, from the Baden bakeries for all the children and glühwein for the grown-ups.
23rd of November
Montreux:Montreux Christmas Market- Without a doubt, The famous Christmas Market in Montreux is one of the most beautiful ones in Switzerland and some would say in Europe. With magical stands along the lake and an incredible Santa Claus Sleigh flying through the sky!! You can also enjoy the Christmas spirit at the enchanting castle of Chillon or visit Santa’s little house at the mountain Rochers de Naye. When: 23.11-24.12.
Basel: The Christmas Market in Basel on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered one of the most beautiful and largest in Switzerland.
Zug: The Christmas Market Zug takes place from the 23.11-03.12 with around 80 different decorated stalls.
Winterthur:A Christmas market in Winterthur- with over 70 cozy stalls and culinary dishes from all over the world. When: 23.11-23.12.
Zurich: Zurich’s “Wienachtsdorf” at Sechseläutenplatz. One of the largest Christmas markets in the city of Zurich is held at Sechseläutenplatz, directly in front of the Opera House. When: 23.11-23.12.
Other Christmas markets in Zurich are: Christmas Market Dörfli in the Niederdorf which is Zurich’s oldest Christmas market. Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Station- which is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. The Münsterhof Christmas Market and the marvelous The Singing Tree.
24th of November
Zurich: The Stadelhofen train station is a festive pop-up restaurant and bar for an inspiring stopover. With an 8.5 meter high Christmas pyramid towers over the station forecourt like a lighthouse. When: 24.11-23.12.
Chur:A Christmas Market in Chur- Mulled wine, roasted nuts and delicious food stands along with other gifts stands and art.
Luthern:Christmas Market in Luthern– This one is a pretty small one, It takes place from the 24.11 to the 26.11 and the only reason It made it to the list is that it has a small parade of Santa Claus and the Bell ringers.
25th of November
Vevey:The Christmas village invites you to a cozy ambiance of cute chalets and wooden fire. Vevey is also an excellent place for a day trip as it’s located on the shore of Lake Geneva. You can combine some sightseeing and visit Nestlé Museum and Chaplin’s World. When: 25.11-31.12.
Zurich:Christmas Market on the Uetliberg in Zurich- Have you been already on Zurich’ home mountain? If not, and to be honest even if you did- this is the ultimate winter magic with holiday spirit, Snow, delicious food and fondue
29th of November
Sarnen:A Christmas market with around 150 stalls in the charming village, offering a wide range of food and drinks.
29th of November
Lauterbrunnen: A small Christmas market in the picturesque village in the Bernese Oberland.
30th of November
St. Gallen: A Christmas market in St. Gallen- The city of stars. When: 30.11-24.12.
Romont: A Christmas market and St. Nicholas celebration in the courtyard of Maison St-Charles in Romont.
1st of December
Einsiedeln: The Christmas market in Einsiedeln takes place in front of the stunning Einsiedeln Monastery and along the entire main street has a very special charm. When: 01.12-10.12.
Brunnen: The Christmas market on the lake in Brunnen is a beautiful and contemplative Christmas market on the lake promenade and in the village centre in Brunnen on Lake Lucerne. When: 01.12-03.12.
Bischofszell: The Advent market in Bischofszell is one of the most beautiful Advent markets in Eastern Switzerland and takes place in the festive and historic old town with over 120 decorated market stalls. When: 01.12-03.12.
Aarberg: A Traditional Christmas market in the beautiful and charming village of Aarberg. When: 01.12-03.12.
2nd of December
Biel / Bienne: The Biel Christmas market is the largest in the region with charming little chalets and around 80 exhibitors offering their products, most of them handmade. When: 02.12-23.12.
Estavayer-le-Lac: The Estavayer-le-Lac Christmas market with stands of artisanal and local products snuggle up on the cobblestones of the city center.
Lugano: The magic of Christmas returns to Lugano with the traditional tree decorated in Piazza della Riforma. Where you can enjoy delicious gastronomy, live music, entertainment and festive Christmas decorations.
Brienz: A small Christmas market in the old town of Brienz. When: 02.12-03.12.
3rd of December
Appenzell: An atmospheric Christmas market in the colorful town will take place from the 3rd till the 4th of December.
6th of December
Bulle: The Christmas Market in Bulle invites you to explore its cozy ambience in 90 different little chalets. When: 06-10.12.
Solothurn: The traditional Christmas market in Solothurn gives the oldest square in the city a magical atmosphere with its Christmas scent of chestnut, fir branch and mulled wine. When: 06.12-07.12.
7th of December
Bremgarten: With more than 320 stalls, this Christmas market is one of the largest and most attractive in Switzerland, attracting more than 100 000 visitors a year. When: 07.12-10.12.
Brig: The “Chrischchindlimärt Brig” takes place for the first time. Around 50 market stalls are part of the Upper Valais “Advent magic” under the Simplon Pass between the7th to 10th.
8th of December
Gruyères: The Christmas fairytale settles in Gruyères with 40 little chalets of artisanal goods and delicious foods. When: 08-10.12 and 15-17.12.
Murten: A Christmas magic in the medieval town of Murten with more than 90 stalls offer visitors specialties, tastings and Christmas gifts.
Willisau: A romantic Christmas market in Willisau with decorated market stalls, the scent of marroni, mulled wine and spices as well as musical entertainment. When: 08-10.12
9th of December
Bad Zurzach: The Christmas market in Bad Zurzach invites you to enjoy smells of mulled wine, cinnamon and fine, Christmas spices. When: 09.12-10.12.
14th of December
Payerne: The Payerne Christmas market takes place from the 14th to the 17th December.
So that’s it- I hope that this helps you planning a magical holiday season!
Also, if you have any worth mentioning Christmas market that you think should have made it to the list – feel free to comment down below or let me know and I’d love to add it.
Have fun and I wish you a wonderful time!
