Christmas Markets in Switzerland: Top Festive Destinations to Visit This Winter

Switzerland looks magical in winter, but it seems more magical when the festive period arrives, the New Year and Christmas in Switzerland. The lights, cold air of the Alps, and the fresh smell of mulled wine spread through these beautiful old-town streets. To get yourself a festive holiday, here are some of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland that will offer you a warm atmosphere, hand-crafted products, and Christmas treats. 

In this guide to the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland, you will find out which Christmas markets are the most distinct, and how to take advantage of them.

Why Choose Switzerland for Christmas Markets

Switzerland is the best place to watch an Alpine landscape and a time-honored holiday feel. The Swiss Christmas markets are contrasted with the magnificent mountainous scenery, old towns, and lakeside promenades. The Christmas markets in Switzerland blend both time-old traditions and the spirit of contemporary celebration.

In larger cities, such as Zurich and Basel and in smaller towns like Lucerne or St. Gallen, Swiss Christmas markets guarantee the feeling of a winter wonderland with warm lights, hot fondue, and wooden crafts that warm the heart.

Top Christmas Markets You Should Visit

1. Basel Christmas Market

Basel is among the top Christmas markets in Switzerland. The Christmas market in Basel extends on the Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz and is enclosed by the medieval old town.

Highlights:

• Munster Platz with its grand Christmas tree, with its glittering lights.

• More than 100 wooden chalets with hand-crafted products, decorations, and sweets.

• Taste the festive season with warm gluhwein (mulled wine) and Basel Läckerli (spiced).

Why go: Basel is the ideal location to start your holidays, if you want the traditional Swiss Christmas atmosphere in a large city with an old-town atmosphere, Basel is the best for you. To make your Christmas more luxurious, you may hire a Basel chauffeur service to travel around Basel stress-free.,

Tip: Go in early December so that you do not have to go through the holiday crowd and take a leisurely walk through the Christmas lanes.

2. Zurich Christmas Markets

In Zurich, there are several magical Christmas markets with their unique ambience. It is ideal for the traveler who prefers to explore different types of indoor markets as well as lakefront villages.

Highlights:

• The Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Hauptbahnhof has a 15-meter Christmas tree, which is decorated with Swarovski crystals.

• Wienachtsdorf Sechselautenplan creates a warm outdoor village atmosphere along the Lake of Zurich.

• In the Old Town, there is a market called Niederdorf where gifts from the artisans and Swiss delicacies are sold.

Why go: Zurich is a combination of shopping during holidays, experiences in the restaurants, and seeing attractions. You are able to explore from one market to another and even have time to experience the luxury stores and cafes that the city has. But to manage all these in the peak season, you should hire a Zurich chauffeur service, so that you can travel in Zurich and do shopping.

Tip: Go there in the evening when the lights of the city are shining over the lake - it is one of the most romantic winter views in Europe.

3. Montreux Noël

Montreux Noel is one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland, located on the beautiful Lake Geneva shores. The beachfront cosmetics turn into a shimmering fantasy village.

Highlights:

• More than 150 festooned chalets with local crafts, Swiss chocolates and warm food.

• On top of Rochers-de-Naye, a magical house of Santa was accessible through a picturesque cogwheel train.

• The views are the snowy Alps and the shiny lake - ideal as a background.

Why go: Montreux Noel is a great event to attend with a family or couples who want to experience a beautiful and relaxed holiday season. If you are landing at the Zurich Airport and want to go to Montreux, you may hire a Zurich to Montreux Transfer for a luxury travel experience.

Tip: When booking in Montreux, book early because the place gets full very fast, especially during the holiday period.

4. Lucerne Christmas Market

The Christmas Market in Lucerne is located at the centre of the Old Town, which is medieval in nature with the cobbled streets, ancient facades and a view of a calm lake.

Highlights:

• The primary target market is the Franziskanerplatz, full of crafted gifts and classic Swiss snacks.

• An ambiance of a fairy tale with Christmas lights shining on Lake Lucerne.

• Easy accessibility to the traveler - it can be a day trip from Zurich.

Why go: Lucerne is a picturesque combination of Christmas and stunning views. It is ideal among tourists who desire a calm but celebratory Swiss time.

Tip: Do not pass the evening stroll along the lakeside promontory when the market is closed - it is pure magic.

5. St. Gallen Christmas Market

St. Gallen, also known as The City of Stars, turns into a bright fairytown every December. The Old Town, which is included as a UNESCO sight, is brightened by more than 700 bright stars suspended over streets and squares.

Highlights:

• The medieval facades with hundreds of stars illuminating them.

• Homely wooden chessboards with local delicacies, hot drinks, and holiday souvenirs.

• Less noisy and more personal setting in comparison to big-city events.

Why go: St. Gallen is the ideal place to be during the festive season, in case you want to avoid the hustle and bustle but still have something authentic.

Tip: Visit in the evening to enjoy the full lights of the Star City, which is one of the most magical Christmas markets in Switzerland.

Planning Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Switzerland

Best Time to Visit

The majority of the Swiss Christmas markets are open from the end of November to Christmas Eve, some even till the beginning of January. The most favorable time is early in December, when the crowds will be smaller and the stalls will be full before the most intense week of the holiday.

Travel and Accommodation

Switzerland has a rail system that links all major Swiss cities. It is easy to reach Lucerne or Basel in less than an hour by traveling north of Zurich. 

Make early bookings in smaller towns such as Montreux or St. Gallen because dates in festivals are easily booked.

What to Try

These are seasonal favorites that one should not miss:

• Hot chocolate and Glühwein (mulled wine) to keep warm.

• Raclette and fondue - typical Swiss comfort food.

• Ornaments and wooden toys - handcrafted ornaments and wooden toys are also great souvenirs to bring home.

Practical Tips

• Wear a lot of warm clothes, as the weather can become colder than freezing in December.

• Go to Christmas markets in Switzerland in the evenings when the lighting is best and take photographs.

• Bring cash because there are small shops that might not accept cards.

• Show deference to local traditions; the markets usually shut down by 9 p.m.

• Travel via a Swiss chauffeur service that will take you anywhere you want. 

Christmas markets in Switzerland: The Best Markets 

The shopping at the Christmas markets in Switzerland is not only about shopping, it is also about experiencing the happiness, warmth, and togetherness the Swiss people have in their Christmas moods. No matter how much you like the splendor of Basel, the brilliance of Zurich, the lakeside of Montreux, the fairy-tale atmosphere of Lucerne, or the star-laden skies of St. Gallen, each of the Christmas markets in Switzerland has something different to offer.

Wrap up, take a cup of gluhwein and have the Christmas magic of Switzerland turn your winter holiday into something you will remember forever.

• Professional Service
• Always on Time
• Always on Time