Seven special Christmas markets in Switzerland
Tips for Discovering and Enjoying Christmas Markets in Switzerland
The first Christmas market stalls are usually up and standing by the end of November. There are all kinds of interesting attractions for visitors that will get you in the mood for Christmas and a few extra special Christmas markets in Switzerland that you won’t want to miss.
The Magical Lenzerheidner Zauberwald
Every year at Christmas time, the Eichhörnliwald (squirrel forest) in Lenzerheide is transformed into a fascinating Zauberwald (magical forest). Visitors can experience a festival of lights where lights and music are used to tell grand stories. This makes visiting the market quite spectacular. In the market village, you will also find small wooden huts that offer tasty treats from regional restaurateurs and hand-made gifts. Visitors can also watch different kinds of live entertainment on the concert stage in the forest. This market even offers childcare. You can hand over your little ones for a while to be entertained by a children’s programme in magical yurts.
Address:
Eichhörnliwald, Lenzerheide
Opening hours: 12 December 2024 to 30 December 2024
Light displays: 17:00 to 22:30
Market village: 17:00 to 22:00
Childcare entertainment: 18:00 to 18:30
Classic Corner: 17:30 / 18:30 / 19:30
Concerts: from 20:15
Closed on 16 December
The stage and market stay closed on 24 December. However, visitors can enjoy the light displays between 17:00 and 19:00.
Parking:
The Fadali car park is the official parking area for visitors. A space here costs 5 CHF. From here you can take a free shuttle (between 17:00 and 23:00) to get to the Zaberwald.
Zürcher Wienachtsdorf
If you want to experience the true Christmas spirit in Zurich, we recommend visiting the Zürcher Wienachtdorf at Bellevue Square. The ice rink, measuring roughly 700 square meters, is an especially popular attraction. There you can ice skate together with your friends and family and also try your hand at ice stock sport, also known as «Bavarian Curling». At the Wienachtsdorf you can also find over 100 characteristic red market huts and marvel at the traditional and modern pieces of craftsmanship they offer. Some stalls also allow you to create your own pieces of art under the guidance of experienced artisans, which you can then gift as a present to your loved ones. A wide variety of international dishes provides you with the best culinary experiences. At the chalet «Klosters» you can also enjoy different types of fondue in a cosy atmosphere at the fireside. Additionally, the Zürcher Wiehnachtsdorf offers a wide variety of entertainment for both young and old.
Address: Sechseläutenplatz, Zurich
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 11:00 to 22:00
Sunday: 11:00 to 20:00
Parking:
You can use the public parking lots in the surrounding area. The Christmas market is near the «Stadelhofen» train station and the «Bellevue» tram station, so it is also possible to use public transport.
Christmas Market in Basel
The Christmas market in Basel is one of the largest and most exquisite in Switzerland. Visitors can expect to be dazzled by a beautifully lit up historic city centre with charming wooden stalls on the Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. Here you can find traditional handicrafts, regional specialities such as Basler Läckerli and mulled wine as well as creative gift ideas. Every year, a magnificently decorated Christmas tree illuminates the Münsterplatz and a ‘wishing tree’ is put up where visitors can leave wishes for children in need. During the Christmas period, you can also enjoy the magical view over the festively decorated city and the Christmas market from the Basel Minster. During Advent, you can go up to the top of the St Martin's Tower for a small entrance fee.
Address:
Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Opening times: 28 November to 23 Dezember 2024
Daily from 11:00 to 20:30
On 23 December the market at Barfüsserplatz closes at 20:00 and at Münsterplatz it already closes at 18:00.
Parking:
There are several parking lots in the vicinity as well as on the outskirts of the city centre with good public transportation. We recommend parking on the outskirts and traveling into the city centre by public transport, as parking lots can be quite full during the Christmas period.
DesignSchenken
The design exhibition in Lucerne “DesignSchenken” has quite a different atmosphere compared to a traditional Christmas market. More than 100 Swiss designers present their arts and crafts here. You won’t find an elaborate entertainment programme here, since the focus is on the one-of-a-kind crafts. Here you’ll be sure to find individual gift ideas that are affordable for both big and small budgets alike. You can get items such as home wear, jewellery, clothes, books, and even furniture here. Some artisans also offer workshops where you can watch them working and even make your own crafts. There are also numerous food stalls to keep you well nourished. Remember to buy your tickets ahead of time.
Address:
Viscosistadt, Emmenbrücke
Opening times: 29 November to 1 December 2024
29 November: 14:00 to 20:00
3 November: 10:00 to 19:00
1 December: 10:00 to 17:00
Parking:
You can find parking at the Maxx cinema in the Seetalplatz Centre.
Medieval Christmas Market in St. George’s Abbey
In St. George’s Abbey in Stein am Rhein you can experience Christmas as it was in the Middle Ages. In one of the best-preserved monastery complexes in Switzerland you’ll be able to see what trade and daily life looked like back then. You could, for instance, watch while tailors and blacksmiths make clothes or forge iron. Most importantly, you’ll be able to dive in and experience the Christmas festivities of this era. At various stalls you can try typical medieval foods and drink as well as buy medieval-themed gifts. You will also be able to hear ceramic flutes playing Christmas music the background whilst you stroll through the abbey’s courtyard.
Address:
Kloster St. Georgen, Fischmarkt 3, Stein am Rhein
Opening hours: 13 to 15 December 2024
13 December from 14:00 to 20:00
14 December from 10:00 to 20:00
15 December from 10:00 to 18:00
Parking:
You can use the parking lots located at Mühlenstrasse and Chlini Schanz. These are only 300 metres from the abbey.
Christmas Market in Konstanz on the lake
Konstanz may not be located in Switzerland, but it’s not that far away and is worth the trip for Christmas market enthusiasts. The Christmas market in Konstanz features about 160 festively decorated stalls that stretch from the city’s market square to the harbour. The highlight here is the Christmas market ship. On the ship, you can enjoy the view of the Alps from the 360° panorama bar or be inspired by the various hand-made crafts and gift ideas available. The organisers of the Christmas market purposely feature hand-made crafts by regional artisans. Only 20 per cent of the market stalls sell Glühwein, Lebkuchen, or other tasty treats. The organisers of the market support local clubs and schools proactively by allowing them to sell their handmade goods without paying a stall fee. Children will be delighted to take a ride on the historic carousel from the year 1897 and explore the Christmas elves’ village.
Address:
Hafenstrasse 2, Konstanz / Germany
Opening hours: 28 November to 22 December 2024
Food stalls: 11:00 to 21:30
Artisans‘ stalls: Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 to 20:00
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 to 21:30
Parking:
To find a suitable parking space, it’s best to follow the car-park routeing system in Konstanz.
Christmas Market Montreux Noël
At the Montreux Noël Christmas market, you’ll be completely immersed in a winter wonderland. This market is considered the most beautiful Christmas market in Switzerland and offers something for everyone. At the Chillon Castle, you can experience Christmas as it was in the Middle Ages or you can go on a leisurely stroll through the magical garden illuminated by Christmas lights. A couple of highlights for kids are visiting Father Christmas and the elves’ village. In addition, Russia is the cultural guest of honour at the Christmas market this year. Besides typical Swiss treats and hand-made crafts you’ll also be able to sample and admire all kinds of delicacies and specialties from Russia.
Address:
Grand-Rue 24, Montreux
Opening hours:
21 November to 24 December 2024
Artisans and market traders:
Monday & Tuesday: 11:00 to 20:00
Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 to 21:00
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 to 22:00
24 December: 10:00 to 17:00
Food and drink:
Monday & Tuesday: 11:00 to 22:00
Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00 to 23:00
24 December: 10:00 to 17:00
Parking:
Christmas market visitors can use the various parking garages at the marketplace, train station, casino, and Montreux Palace. Alternatively, you can take a bus.
Locarno on Ice
In Locarno the Piazza Grande is transformed into a huge ice-skating rink during winter. Here visitors can get active and spend quality time with their children or friends skating in a beautifully lit up rink. There is a red carpet laid out around the rink with small wooden huts and four transparent igloo bars. Here you’ll be able to relax after skating and end the day with an aperitif. In addition, live acts provide musical entertainment. You won’t want to miss out on the wonderful atmosphere!
Address:
Piazza Grande, Locarno
Opening hours: 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2024
Parking:
You can find parking in the Largo Zorzi and Piazza Castello parking garages.
Summary
Whether it’s a medieval village, on a ship, or in a forest, there’s a Christmas market to suit every taste. There are wonderful, one-of-a-kind handicrafts and unique designer products to explore. Enjoy a day at one of these markets with a steaming mug of mulled wine and a delectable Swiss treat. Visiting these markets will be sure to make Advent an unforgettable experience.
