Christmas markets 2023: Experience Advent in French-speaking Switzerland

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The unique Christmas market in Montreux has been attracting young and old to Lake Geneva for over 25 years. In 2017, the event attracted 530,000 visitors; this number has doubled in ten years. Along with an extensive presentation, the lakeside promenade and festive lighting and decorations are among the highlights of the traditional Christmas market.

The program is also quite diverse. Live music with bar and DJ, light shows, lumberjack village, Espace Gourmande and much more provide a unique experience. A large number of participants, including 160 artisans, provide a wide range of presentations with numerous gift ideas. Children especially look forward to visiting Santa Claus at the Rochers-de-Naye summit. The climb on the cog railway is worth the journey alone.

Christmas market in Montreux
23 November – 24 December 2023
Getting there: Montreux Christmas market is just near the SBB train station. Therefore, it is recommended to travel to Montreux by train.

More information here

For a month, the city dances to the music of the market, where young and old meet in a festive and joyful atmosphere. Over the years, Bô Noël spread throughout the city. During Advent, local artists and craftsmen share their work throughout the city. Visitors can also taste local delicacies and admire local design.

The markets are spread across three locations: At the Place St-François market, the city meets under a glass roof, where concerts are held some evenings. Local producers offer their products on Place Pépinet. Winemakers from the region also present their wines at Bô Caveau under the Grand-Pont bridge.

Christmas market in Lausanne
21 November – 31 December 2023
Transportation: Various addresses in the city (Place Centrale / des Pionnières Place Saint-François, Place du Château), so it is recommended to travel to Lausanne by train.

More information here

The Christmas market in Geneva provides a cheerful atmosphere and pure pleasure, offering not only tasteful handicrafts but also regional specialties. In December, Quai du Mont-Blanc transforms into a fairy-tale winter village with a variety of atmospherically lit chalets.

The beautiful retro style carousel will create dreams young and old throughout the entire Christmas market. Noël au Quai also means a beautiful walk along the shores of Lake Geneva, decorated with Christmas lights, and of course Chalet à Fondue is where you can enjoy real Geneva fondue.

Christmas market in Geneva

16 November – 24 December 2023
Transportation: Since the Geneva Christmas market is located on Quai du Mont-Blanc, it is recommended that you travel by public transportation.

More information here

The Christmas market in Villars sur Ollon has a special charm. Wines from Ollon brighten your mood, accompanied by hearty meals and cheerful Christmas carols.

A real festival with many free concerts and entertainment is held every evening in the market in the center of the small town in the Vaud Alps.

christmas market Villars-sur-Ollon

21 December – 7 January 2024
Address: Place du Marché, Villars-sur-Ollon
More information here

During Advent, the historic center of Yverdon-les-Bains is bathed in lights. The highlight is the castle at Pestalozziplatz, which gives fairytale magic to the entire Christmas market. Here you can warm up with local mulled wine, wander around the market stalls, admire the handicrafts of the region and try the delicacies.

Even inside the castle, protected from wind, weather conditions and cold, there are various local specialties and pop-up restaurants.

Christmas market in Yverdon-les-Bains
24 November – 24 December 2023
Address: The Christmas market is spread across three squares in the old town: Place Pestalozzi, Caves du Château and Place de l’Ancienne Poste. Locations are not far from the train station where parking spaces are available.

More information here

Source : Blick