1. Montreux Christmas market
Everything is a little different at the Christmas market in Montreux VD: Here the cozy wooden houses of the Christmas market are right next to the exotic palm trees. There are many more Christmas events, not “only” the traditional market with 150 tastefully decorated chalets on the lake promenade.
Friends of knights, jugglers and witches can journey back in time to the Middle Ages at Chillon Castle. At the medieval market, storytellers enchant everyone, young and old, by the cozy fireplace, musicians play medieval tunes, and young fairies find the necessary accessories in the fairy market.
The highlight is the personal visit to Samichlaus, who lives on Rochers-de-Naye peak at 2042 meters and welcomes children and adults in his cabin. Meanwhile, Santa has something very special on his mind: Every day he flies with his reindeer and lands on the Place du Marché.
When: 18 November – 24 December 2022
More information here.
2. Switzerland’s oldest Christmas market in Basel
Basel’s old town is always worth a visit. This is especially true during the Advent season, when Basel turns into a Christmas winter wonderland. Nearly 100 large, ornate Christmas trees, miles of fairy lights and decorated houses: the people of Basel know how to turn their city into a veritable feast for the senses. They have enough experience: After all, Basel has the oldest Christmas market in Switzerland.
When: 24 November – 23 December 2022
More information here.
3. Christmas in Bremgarten
The medieval town of Bremgarten AG, located in a loop of Reuss, is known for its large markets. It goes without saying that seasoned market organizers also set up a Christmas market. With over 320 market stalls in the picturesque old town, Christmas and Christchindlimärt is one of the largest markets in Switzerland. Musical entertainment as well as crafts, gifts and delicacies are particularly important during the four days in Aargau.
When: 1 December – 4 December 2022
More information here.
4th Christmas market in Gallen
During the Advent season, countless stars star in romantic old St. It illuminates the city of Gallen. In Advent, the place is aptly named Star City. A visit to the Christmas market, which is located among the beautifully decorated gabled houses, also turns into a sightseeing tour. Advent tours to the Christmas market and city are offered as a highlight. A special treat is a concert at the Unesco World Heritage Cathedral.
When: 24 November – 24 December 2022
More information here.
5. Natale in Ticino
Ticino tempts as it approaches Christmas with several Christmas markets. The 2000 square meter ice rink in the center of Locarno and the “Natale in Piazza” in Lugano are known far beyond the borders. There are other events in Ticino, too: the Christmas market at one of the three Unseco honor castles in Bellinzona is particularly romantic. The tradition of biciocada in Morcote, a Christmas festival in the bell tower of the church of Santa Maria del Sasso, is unique in Switzerland.
Dates in Ticino: From 20 November 2022 to 10 December 2022
- 20.11.2022 Melano – Christmas market in Piazza Motta
- 26.11.2022 Arogno – Christmas market
- 26.11.2022 Rancate – La Via degli Elfi
- 26.11.2022 Mendrisio – Christmas market in La Filanda
- 26.11.2022 – 24.12.2022 Balerna – Natale in Piazza
- 03.12.2022 Mendrisio – Christmas market
- 03.12.2022 Ligornetto – Quando una stella si ferma al Vela
- 03-04/12/2022 Melano – Small municipal market
- 04.12.2022 Castel San Pietro – Christmas market
- 04.12.2022 Novazzano – Christmas market
- 12/06/2022 Mendrisio – Arrival of Saint Nicholas in Piazza del Ponte
- 08.12.2022 Chiasso – Christmas market
- 10.12.2022 Coldrerio – Christmas market
- 10.12.2022 Meride – Christmas market 10:30 – 20:00
- 10.12.2022 Arzo – Small Christmas market and the arrival of St. Nicholas from 16:00
More information here.
6. The bells never ring so sweetly in Trubschachen BE
The Christmas market in Trubschachen BE at Kambly biscuit bakeries is without a doubt the sweetest and most delicious market in Switzerland. Here you can listen to the sounds of Christmas and decorate the most beautiful gingerbread cookies under the guidance of master confectioners of the biscuit maker.
When: 25-27 November and 2-4 December 2022
More information here.
7th Chur Christmas market in the old town
The Chur Christmas market takes place on Fridays and Saturdays this year and showcases what makes the historic Alpine town of Graubünden so rustic and charming: handmade artwork, homemade Christmas pastries and, of course, nutritious, delicious barley soup freshly prepared on the premises. Caution: Not to be confused with the Churcher Christkindlimart, which is also worth a visit.
Friday, November 25, 2022 14:00 – 21:00
Saturday, November 26, 2022 11:00 – 19:00
More information here.
8. Doing good deeds at Biberstein Castle
Schloss Biberstein AG once played an important role in the history of the canton of Aargau. Today there is a community that lives and works for people with disabilities. The two-day Christmas market is small but full of charm. The good thing is: everyone who buys their Christmas presents here supports a good cause!
When: 26-27 November 2022
More information here.
9. Three Christmas markets in Lausanne
Three Christmas markets in Lausanne provide a cheerful mood: in the trendy Flon district, in Place St-François and Place Pépinet, which offer not only tasteful handicrafts but also specialties from the canton of Vaud. A children’s village is being established for the little ones, where the puppies can play and listen to fairy tales.
When: 17 November – 31 December 2022
More information here.
10. Christmas markets in Zurich
There are many Christmas markets in Zurich. The Christmas market in the main station is particularly popular with commuters, with its 15-metre-tall Christmas tree decorated with 7000 Swarovski crystals. Things take a romantic turn at Niederdorf, Zurich’s oldest Christmas market. At Werdmühleplatz near Bahnhofstrasse, one might wonder: the so-called Singing Christmas Tree. Local choirs sing Christmas carols on a stage decorated in the shape of a Christmas tree.
When: 24 November – 23/24 December 2021
More information here.
11th Christmas market in Yverdon-les-Bains VD
Shimmering sequins, winter scents: Local products are served in wooden chalets, on the cobblestones surrounded by the church and chateau, in Pestalozzi square in the old town. During Advent, the historic center of Yverdon-les-Bains is bathed in light. A pop-up ice rink provides skating fun.
When: 25 November – 24 December 2022
More information here.
12. Bern Munster Christmas market
Bern Minster has a particularly authentic Christmas market. Only one-of-a-kind products produced by artisans from the region are offered for sale in the market. In addition, quality Bernese Nidletäfeli sweetens cold winter days.
When: December 2-24 December 2022.
More information here.
13. Chläuse parade in Winterthur ZH
Every year, around 350,000 visitors make a pilgrimage to the old pedestrianized city of Winterthur ZH to enjoy Advent with mulled wine and roasted almonds. The Christmas market on Winterthur’s Neumarktplatz will surprise you with a colorful array of souvenirs and Christmas gifts, with nearly 100 sweetly decorated Christmas houses. A standout event each year is the Christmas parade (November 27, 2022 at 4:16 pm), in which hundreds of Santas pass through the city.
When: 24 November – 23 December 2022
For more information here.
14. Romance on the pilgrimage route in Einsiedeln SZ
The Christmas market in Einsiedeln SZ is one of the most impressive in Switzerland. The place of culture and pilgrimage is surrounded by an especially elegant atmosphere during the Advent season. More than 130 stalls tempt you with all kinds of beautiful and delicious delicacies. If you need a break from your Christmas shopping, you can delve deeper into the story of the birth of Jesus in the diorama of Bethlehem, which has the largest cradle in the world.
When: 24 November – 4 December 2022
More information here.
15. Lozärner Christmas Market
Every year, visitors from far and near make a pilgrimage to Lucerne to visit the Christmas market at Franziskanerplatz. Franziskanerbrunnen is the festive focal point of the Lucerne market: One-metre-high candles, decorated with lights and fir branches, have been made into the largest Christmas wreath in Central Switzerland. Concerts at the Church of Maria are definitely worth a visit.
Organizers are equally proud of the crib made from life-size figures. With around 70 wooden stalls, the market is quite small but the ambiance is one of the prettiest in Switzerland.
When: one. – 21 December 2022
More information here.