12 Christmas Markets in Switzerland That Feel Straight Out of a Fairytale

Many of the Christmas markets in Switzerland are considered the prettiest in Europe, drawing in millions of festive travelers yearly with romantic winter destinations, traditional market stalls, exceptional food and drink, and mesmerizing decorations. Not to mention, Christmas markets across Switzerland host exciting forms of entertainment, such as live music and winter activities.

However, with many epic markets, deciding which Swiss market to visit this winter is no easy feat. Luckily, we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find 12 fantastic Swiss Christmas markets that you don’t want to miss. These markets offer festive cheer, beautiful light displays, events, and more.

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Basel Christmas Market, Basel

The Basel Christmas Market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is widely considered to be one of the largest, prettiest, and best markets in Switzerland. Every year, the city center comes to life with warm Christmas lights, fascinating stalls, trees, and fairground rides. Better yet, the Old Town looks spectacular, adorned with decorations.

You’ll spend most of your time at this market exploring the 150+ wooden stalls. Amongst the stalls, you’ll find delicious food and drink, handmade jewelry, traditional toys, and unique handicrafts made by local traders. However, you’ll most likely be drawn to the mulled wine stand. The Basel Christmas Market takes place between late November and December 23rd.

Montreux Christmas Market, Montreux

Few people have heard of the market in this small town that sits alongside Lake Geneva, which is a shame because it’s easily one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland. Montreux is a beautiful place to visit year-round, but it truly comes to life at Christmas when its lakeside setting and exciting market serve as the perfect festive setting.

Approximately 170 chalets line the lake, allowing visitors to shop for gifts, feast on fondue, drink mulled wine, and admire the town’s breathtaking scenery. However, the main highlight of this market is the Santa Claus meet and greet, which takes place atop the Rochers-de-Naye. To meet Santa, families must ride a cog train up to 6,700 feet (2,042 meters).

Zurich Christmas Markets, Zurich

Zurich, a global hub for banking and finance, is one of the finest Christmas market destinations you can visit in Switzerland if you’re seeking more variety, as several exciting markets take place across the city every year. Almost every corner of the city is covered in festive decorations during the festive season.

Meanwhile, shop windows are filled with festive displays, and famous tourist destinations are transformed into winter wonderlands. However, there are some things you don’t want to miss, including the singing Christmas tree, the Old Town Christmas market, the Opera House, and the village on Sechseläutenplatz.

Furthermore, a beautiful 32-foot (10-meter) Christmas tree takes center stage at the Zurich Main Station Market. You’re certainly not short of options.

Bulle Christmas Market, Bulle

Those of you looking for a lesser-known Christmas market that offers a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and a less commercial experience should consider visiting Bulle. Every year, the charming town of Bulle delivers a beautiful Christmas market that features over 100 traditional chalets, sparkling decorations, and festive activities.

When you’re not getting lost in the local stalls or overindulging in sweet treats, listen to carol singers, attend a local performance, watch the ice sculptures, and meet the local husky dogs. The Bulle Market takes place on the main pedestrian street. It usually starts in early December and lasts for approximately a week. It takes place at the beginning of December.

Baden Christmas Markets, Baden

Baden’s small-time charm, fairytale setting, rich history, and prolonged markets make it one of the best places in Switzerland for a Christmas market getaway. The festive fun starts in Baden in late October and runs until December 22nd, giving festive visitors seven weeks to visit the city and experience the festivities.

Honestly, you’ll need the seven weeks to experience the town to its fullest. You’ll find bright lights, festive market stalls, fairground rides, and more at every turn. Baden is renowned for having not one, not two, but three Christmas villages. Each one tempts travelers with delicious street food, festive beverages, cozy houses, and a vibrant festive atmosphere.

Bern Christmas Markets, Bern

Like Baden, Bern has multiple markets to explore, so you’ll never be short of things to see and do. Bern makes our list of Switzerland’s best Christmas markets for several reasons. For starters, the Waisenhausplatz Christmas Market offers visitors a traditional experience with classic, beautifully decorated chalets and festive food and drink.

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Second, all of the markets in Bern are within walking distance of each other, so you can spend the whole day exploring, eating, and drinking. We don’t know about you, but that sounds awesome. Better yet, winter pop-ups and exciting events take place across the city. Finally, the UNESCO-listed Old Town looks magnificent during the festive season. Notable Christmas markets in Bern include the Berner Sternenmarkt, Bern Minster, and Huttwil Market.

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Noël au Quai, Geneva

Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland Noël au Quai, Geneva — © Satura / Adobe Stock

Geneva hosts several markets, but Noël au Quai, which translates to Christmas at the Quay, is the best. Despite being held in the heart of Geneva, Noël au Quai offers an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city’s busy streets. Here, you can enjoy a relaxed Christmas experience with a hot cup of mulled wine and delicious fondue.

Noël au Quai runs daily from mid-November to December 24th. It features many gift stalls, fondue chalets, food stands, and pubs while also offering a gorgeous walk along the shores of Lake Geneva. Of course, the market is also beautifully decorated with bright lights and decorations. The fun doesn’t stop there, as the market also features a carousel, live entertainment, and multiple parades.

Lucerne Christmas Markets, Lucerne

Lucerne is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland at Christmas if you seek endless festive fun, several markets, and exciting winter-themed events. From late November into the New Year, Lucerne becomes a winter wonderland covered in festive decorations while the smell of gingerbread fills the air.

There are many festive things to see and do in Lucerne, so you won’t struggle to find something you enjoy. However, some things stand out from the crowd. For example, you don’t want to miss the Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt, Lucerne’s most traditional market, the 49-foot (15-meter) Christmas tree on Europaplatz, the Advent concerts, and the Advent opening. There’s also an ice rink on Europlatz.

Olten Advent Village, Olten

The Olten Advent Village offers fun for all the family from the end of November to December 22nd. Although this festive market is relatively new, that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland. Olten’s city center offers Advent magic and a market during the event.

You can expect festive activities and events, lovingly decorated chalets selling arts and local crafts, delicious local food and drink, and plenty of things for children to do. Highlights of the Olten Advent Village include the carousel, a 351-foot (107-meter) long toboggan run, an ice rink, the Wish Forest, and a Santa Bar. Visitors can also try many hands-on activities, such as candle-making.

Lausanne Bô Noël, Lausanne

Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland Lausanne Bô Noël, Lausanne — © Bogdan Lazar / Adobe Stock

Lausanne Bô Noël is one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland for festive travelers who seek something unique. For starters, it coincides with Lausanne Lumières, a light festival that brings the city to life with mesmerizing light displays. Light displays are projected onto buildings across the city during this event.

Besides the light festival, Lausanne Bô Noël offers various unique attractions and events, including a night-time Christmas run around mid-December, horse-drawn carriage rides through the city, carnival rides, an animal farm, and a children’s village. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of market stalls selling gifts, decorations, food, and drinks. Lausanne Bô Noël takes place between mid-November and the end of December.

Biel Christmas Market, Biel

Biel Christmas Market takes place in Nidaugasse at the beginning of December, offering over 984 feet (300 meters) of fairytale winter wonderland. Right the way along Nidaugasse, you’ll find traditional market stalls, spectacular log cabins, a glittering sea of lights, and unique attractions. Meanwhile, the delicious scents of fresh gingerbread and mulled wine will take over your senses.

Allow at least two or three hours to walk along the market so you don’t miss any of the best bits. Stop by the traditional Canadian log cabin to buy tasty food and drink, visit the local glassblower, shop until you drop at the market stalls, and get cozy with a mulled wine or hot chocolate in the wooden Alpine hut.

Murten Christmas Market, Murten

If it’s an underrated Swiss Christmas market you’re looking for, look no further than the Murten market. This breathtaking medieval town on the southeast shore of Lake Murten is the perfect setting for a hidden gem Christmas market. Its stunning architecture looks magnificent, covered in bright lights and decorations.

This market only runs for a few days around mid-December, but it leaves a lasting impact on visitors, who quickly fall in love with the market’s magic, tradition, and romance. There are over 90 beautifully decorated chalets to explore, most of which feature gifts made by local producers and artisans. You can buy locally-made jewelry, regional honey, handmade decorations, and more.