Where to find the best christmas markets in Switzerland

As December nears, Switzerland becomes a festive haven. Town squares and city streets light up with holiday markets that fill the air with the warmth of mulled wine, sweet holiday treats, and music. These markets capture the true essence of Christmas.

In cities like Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano, Montreux, and Basel, the Advent season comes alive. Rows of wooden stalls, all decorated with lights and festive greenery, offer everything from handmade gifts and artisan foods to rich cheeses, dried meats, and, of course, hot cups of glühwein.

Outside the big cities, smaller Swiss villages also join the holiday spirit with their own markets. While some only run for a day or two, others stretch for weeks, giving you a closer look at local traditions.

Switzerland may be small, but it hosts over 130 Christmas markets, each reflecting the local culture and flavors. From pain d’épices and panettone to lebkuchen and anisbrotli, every region has its own seasonal treats. These markets bring the diverse traditions of Switzerland to life, making each one worth a visit for its unique holiday experience. Here are our top Christmas Markets in Switzerland for you to check out!

1. Baden

Just outside Zurich, the small town of Baden is famous for its mineral hot springs and a festive Christmas market that lights up the Theaterplatz. The market, called Badener WunderDorf, transforms the city center into a sparkling scene of holiday joy.
At s'WunderDorf, you can eat from a variety of street food stalls, browse through the Gschänkli-Dörfli for handcrafted and unique items, or warm up with a glass of mulled wine. It also features cozy huts, a large Terrazza tent with sofas, and bars like WunderBar, and the SchatziBar with an open fire. For a bit of holiday fun, there’s a shooting gallery, a lounge tent filled with straw bales and blankets, and even an outdoor escape room, "Adventure Christmas Market."

2. Montreux

Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux is known for its luxury spas, and famous jazz festival. But as Christmas approaches, this lively town transforms into one of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets.
Each year, over 170 lit-up chalets line the lakefront, wher holiday shoppers can buy a wide range of gifts, artisanal crafts, and festive foods like classic Swiss fondue. One of the highlights for families is the chance to visit Santa Claus himself atop the nearby Rochers-de-Naye mountain. Taking a cogwheel train up to 6,700 feet, families meet Santa, snap photos, and receive a certificate and a special surprise for the kids.

3. Geneva

Set along the scenic shores of Lake Geneva at Quai du Mont-Blanc, Geneva’s Christmas market is a festive retreat, brimming with crafts, foods, and winter activities. Local artisans rotate each week so that you get a fresh batch of goodies every time you visit. Over 30 food stalls invite visitors to enjoy street food, warming cups of mulled wine, gooey raclette, and the beloved Chalet à Fondue.
In Geneva during Christmas, you can also take a plunge into winter swimming, unwind in a sauna, or treat yourself to Geneva’s renowned chocolate experiences.

4. Basel

Basel’s historic old town comes alive in the holiday season. With over 100 decorated Christmas trees, miles of twinkling lights, and festively adorned homes, Basel is a treat for the senses during Advent. The centerpiece of the city’s celebration is the grand Christmas tree in Münsterplatz.
Basel’s Christmas market, set on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, is among Switzerland’s largest and most beautiful, even earning the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2021. The scent of mulled wine fills the air as visitors explore the market stalls, celebrating the beloved Basler Weihnacht tradition. The Adväntsgass im Glaibasel, another local favorite, adds to the festive experience with its own unique charm.

5. Bern

Bern’s Christmas markets offer a magical winter experience across various locations. The Berner Sternenmarkt at Kleine Schanze features chalets selling local treats and crafts, with activities for children and cozy lounges. Waisenhausplatz’s traditional market has been delighting visitors for decades with festive food, gifts, and decorations. Other spots include the artisan market by Bern Minster and Oscar Elch's winter pop-up with seasonal delights in Ringgenpärkli park.
From late November, each market lights up with festive decorations, music, and food stands offering Swiss specialties like fondue and mulled wine. The holiday atmosphere is enhanced by cozy firesides and seasonal lighting, making it a warm and welcoming experience even in winter’s chill.

6. Zurich

Zurich offers a Christmas market for every taste, each one with its own unique charm. Wander through the city's oldest market in the scenic Old Town, explore the urban "Wienachtsdorf" Christmas village on Sechseläutenplatz near Bellevue, or marvel at the towering 15-meter (49 ft) Christmas tree at the Christkindlimarkt in Zurich’s Main Train Station. Each market is beautifully decorated, with countless stands offering a wide selection of gifts and holiday treats.
As you browse the stalls, you’ll find plenty of options to warm up, whether it’s with a glass of punch for the kids, a mug of mulled wine for adults, or a hot bite like raclette or fondue.

7. Gruyères

The medieval town of Gruyères, nestled at the foot of the Pre-Alps, hosts the Handicraft & Christmas Flavours Market along its charming main street. With more than 60 artisans participating, this market offers a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, and festive experiences that capture the spirit of a traditional Swiss Christmas.
Gruyères, known for its famous cheese and timeless beauty, creates an enchanting setting that feels untouched by time. Stroll through one of western Switzerland’s most beautiful villages, enjoying free activities for families, festive concerts, and the beloved Saint-Nicolas festival.
As you explore, warm up with a glass of mulled wine or a cozy Christmas tea, soaking in the magical atmosphere that Gruyères brings to life each December.

8. Mount Pilatus

High above Lucerne, at an altitude of 2,132 meters on Mount Pilatus, a magical Christmas market awaits. From November 15 to 17, 2024, guests can explore over 40 beautifully decorated stalls in a breathtaking alpine setting, surrounded by stunning views of lakes and mountains.
This unique market offers an escape from everyday hustle, bringing you closer to the holiday spirit and, quite literally, a bit closer to the heavens. Storytellers captivate young visitors, adding to the enchantment, while Christmas delicacies and cozy restaurants at Pilatus Kulm provide warmth and comfort. For a few days in November, Lucerne’s mountain market truly casts a spell on all who visit.

9. Olten

Olten’s city center transforms into a festive haven with the Olten Advent Village. Over 55 quaint, decorated chalets line the village, with vendors rotating daily and weekly, offering a diverse selection of holiday gifts and crafts. A full program of activities, hosted by regional organizations and clubs, enhances the experience with live events and entertainment.
Children will love the Christmas carousel, the 107-meter toboggan run, and the artificial ice rink. Each day, the Flying Santa glides down Kirchgasse into the Advent Village, adding to the magic. You can enjoy festive treats and warm drinks at the White Horse, the new Fondue Chalet Gipfeltreff, the mulled wine pyramid, and a variety of food stalls. The village also features the “Wish Forest,” a Santa Bar, candle-making workshops, and more, creating a joyful holiday atmosphere filled with festive attractions.

10. St. Gallen

St. Gallen’s charming Christmas market brings festive magic to the "Star City," with around 50 wooden stalls offering handcrafted gifts, holiday decor, and seasonal treats. Nestled in the winding alleys of St. Gallen’s historic old town, the market is beautifully illuminated by 700 twinkling stars that cast a soft glow over the UNESCO World Heritage façades.
You can enjoy a guided Christmas tour, discovering the stories behind holiday traditions, like why Santa wears red, the meaning of Advent, and the origins of Christmas tree decorations. The tour is a perfect way to explore the festive cityscape, making for an immersive holiday experience.