Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Swiss Christmas Markets
Discover the magic of the holiday season in Switzerland by exploring the best Christmas markets across the country. Click the images below to uncover a variety of festive markets and unique experiences that will make your Christmas unforgettable. From charming stalls to delightful treats, each market a special glimpse into Swiss holiday traditions. Don't miss out on the joy and warmth of these enchanting events!
Montreux
Zurich
Winterthur
Neighboring Countries
Montreux
Experience the magic of the Montreux Christmas Market, or "Montreux Noël," set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Alps. This beloved annual event, held throughout December, invites visitors to enjoy the various market stalls filled with crafts, and tasty food!
Indulge in Swiss delicacies like fondue and raclette, and sip on mulled wine amidst beautifully lit stalls. With live music, carol singing, and family-friendly activities, the market creates a festive ambiance that delights all ages.
The highlight of the Montreux Noël is the evening sleigh ride from Santa across the lake! Monday- Friday, during the month of December you can see Santa on the hour of 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm and from 4pm on Saturday's.
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Zurich
Experience the enchanting charm of Zurich's Christmas markets, where holiday spirit comes alive! Zurich has multiple different market locations around the city.
The Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Hauptbahnhof stands out as one of Europe's largest indoor markets, offering visitors a delightful mix of traditional Swiss treats like fondue and mulled wine, alongside beautifully crafted gifts and ornaments. As you stroll through the festive stalls, be sure to admire the breathtaking Christmas tree, dazzling with thousands of lights.
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2. Niederdorf, Zurich Old Town
Stroll through Zurich's Old Town and explore the different food and crafts stalls at the Niederdorf.
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Discover the magical "Wienachtsdorf" at Sechseläutenplatz, Zurich's largest Christmas market, running from the end of November into December. With around 100 stalls, you'll find unique crafts and a selection of international and traditional Swiss delicacies like raclette and fondue. With a stunning location near the Zurich Opera House and Lake. It also offers indoor Fondue chalets and an upstairs raclette and drinks chalet, perfect for the cold days at the markets!.
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4. Illuminarium at Landesmuseum
Experience The Illuminarium, Zurich's captivating light festival at the Swiss National Museum's courtyard. From early November to the end of December, immerse yourself in a dazzling display of light installations, enchanting music, and a variety of food and drinks to choose from. . Don't miss this magical Christmas experience!
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5. Zurich Munsterhof
Discover the Münsterhof Christmas Market in Zurich, located in the historic square with the Fraumunster Church. Enjoy browsing festive stalls, savor seasonal delights, and experience live music on the weekends that adds to the joyful atmosphere.
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Discover the enchanting Singing Christmas Tree at Werdmühleplatz. This unique attraction features a tiered stage where a range of different choirs perform daily throughout Advent. In the same area, you will also find smaller Christmas market stalls with crafts, food and drinks!​​​​
Winterthur
Experience the magic of Winterthur during the Advent season with its enchanting Christmas markets!
1. The Old Christmas Market
Located in the center of the Winterthur town, it features over 60 charming wooden chalets filled with a variety of crafts, food and drinks. Don't miss the
2. Teuchelweiherplatz,
A short walk from Winterthur city center or 14 minutes from the main station, you will find a Christmas wonderland filled with over 70 stalls under a dazzling canopy of lights, with a variety of handmade crafts, Christmas goodies, food and drinks. It also has a range of daily festivities, from live performances and music.
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3. Paddy O'Brien's, Irish Pub
Stop for a drink or some pub food in Paddy O'Brien's near the Winterthur main station and enjoy their amazing Christmas decorations, including their famous overhead Christmas train! Keep an eye on their website for live music shows and Christmas specials.
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4. Winti Alp Fondue Chalet
Don't forget to make a reservation in advance to enjoy a fondue or raclette in the Winti Alp, open from November through till the end of January!
The outside area of the chalet is open for drinks, relaxing by their chimney fire, a game of curling or the Swiss game 'Stump and Nagel'. It is a true Swiss Christmas experince!
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Neighboring Markets
Are you located in Switzerland but looking for a day or weekend trip to a nearby Christmas Market, below you will find some options for France and Germany!
1. Colmar, France
Colmar, France, is famous for its enchanting Christmas markets that transport visitors to a winter wonderland. Each year, the town lights up with decorations, offering a range of local, delicious treats, and traditional mulled wine.
Getting there: Basel- Colmar direct train 49 minutes (TER)
Zurich- Basel- Colmar, change in Basel for the direct train (2 hours approx.)
2. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg's Christmas markets, known as "Christkindelsmärik are among the oldest and most famous in Europe, dating back to 1570. These enchanting markets transform the city into a winter wonderland filled with over 300 stalls offering traditional crafts, holiday treats, and unique gifts making it a perfect destination for the holiday spirit. The atmosphere is truly magical, with the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral serving as breathtaking backdrop to this celebrated event.
Getting there: Basel- Strasbourg direct train 1h 20 minutes (TER)
Zurich- Basel- Strasbourg, change in Basel for the direct train (2 hours 40 approx.)
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3. Konstanz, Germany
A short train ride from Winterthur or Zurich, included in the SBB GA card. Explore the beautiful Konstanz, Christmas markets near the lake or in the center of the town.
Getting there: Zurich HB- Konstanz direct 1h 15 minutes (IR75)
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4. Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg, a picturesque city in Germany, is renowned for its beautiful architecture and rich history, including the famous Heidelberg Castle. During the holiday season, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with its charming Christmas markets. ​
Getting there: Zurich- Stuttgart- Heidelberg (4hours)
Zurich- Mannheim- Heidelberg (3h 50min)
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