Do note for those travelling over the festive period – some of the markets close on 23 December, so it’s worth checking their individual opening times and dates.
Visit our Switzerland Selling Guide
1. Zurich
Like many Swiss cities, the ancient city of Zurich doesn’t have just one Christmas market, but at least 10! Whether it’s the destination’s oldest festive market in the picturesque Old Town, the urban “Wienachtsdorf” Christmas village on Sechselautenplatz, or the site next to the 15-metre-tall sparkling Christmas tree at Zurich’s main Train Station – there’s a market to suit every taste. There’s punch for the children, mulled wine for the grown ups, or a hot bite to eat, such as mouth-watering raclette or fondue. Those keen to venture further out in the region around Lake Zurich are sure to encounter a picturesque market or two there, too.
2. Thun
In the run-up to Christmas, the Balliz shopping promenade in Thun – a town near Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland region – becomes a playground for young and old. Children can try their hand at candle making or enjoy a ride on the merry-go-round. Decorated stalls make up the heart of the market, which offers pretty wood carvings, regional specialities and other treasures with panoramic views of the Alps.
3. St. Gallen
This pretty town in northeast Switzerland has a market set over the squares and alleyways of its old town. A total of 700 illuminated stars will cast a festive glow over the historic facades of the UNESCO World Heritage site this year. Wares range from artistic handicrafts to mouth-watering delicacies.
4. Montreux
This resort town on Lake Geneva is home to a market considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Each year the Montreux Christmas Market brings an extra touch of magic under the palm trees of the Riviera. For a month, the lake shores welcome more than 170 merchants, craftspeople and restaurant owners installed in illuminated chalets. It’s enchanting for young and old, especially when Santa Claus flies over the area in his sleigh (every day at 5, 6 and 7pm, as well as at 4pm on Saturdays).
5. Lucerne
The Lozarner Christmas market in Lucerne boasts the Franziskanerbrunnen fountain, which come Christmas is adorned with metre-high candles, twinkling lights and pine branches to become “the largest Advent wreath in Central Switzerland”. The concerts in the church of St Maria and the unique nativity scene with life-size figurines are also worth seeing.
6. Lugano
Lugano, Switzerland’s southernmost city, in the Italian-speaking Ticino region, is home to lots of festive lighting, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, lovingly displayed market stalls and the scent of cinnamon wafting through the alleyways. It’s a delight for young and old.
7. Geneva
And finally, to Geneva. Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city has views of dramatic Mont Blanc. Although the Noel au Quai Christmas market is held in the heart of Geneva, it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is the ideal place to relax with a mulled wine and delicious “moitie-moitie” fondue – made from half Gruyere and half Vacherin cheeses.
