Unarguably the best time of the year, Christmas and the holiday season is just around the corner. A time for joy and celebration, Christmas time is indeed one of the most awaited seasons of the year. And one of the best places to celebrate this magical season is Switzerland. From enjoying specially created winter wonderlands and light shows to experiencing unique traditions (like candle dipping, lighting ceremonies etc), Switzerland is bustling with activity during Advent and Christmas.
Christmas in the air
Christmas Market Artefacts and Accessories
And one thing that sure has to be on your list are the country’s endearing Christmas markets. With most cities having their own markets, it is a great time to go Christmas Market hopping when in the land of the Swiss. Here is a round up of some of the most interesting Marché de Noël / Weihnachtsmarkt(e)s, as they are called in German, which you can visit:
Montreux Noël: the Christmas market in the beautiful city of Montreux has about150 chalet stalls that are wonderfully decorated along Lake Geneva. The stunning backdrop of the lake forms for the perfect background to soak in the Christmas vibes. From Christmas ornamnets to pottery, artefacts and crafts galore, the stalls are truly engaging. You can enjoy local specialiities like gourmet cheese, mulled wine, hot chocolate and the like. Indulge the child in yourself by enjoying a ride on the Ferris wheel. You can also witness Santa Claus and his sleigh famously flying over the market apart from enjoying the Christmas celebration at the Castle Chillon. With multiple activities for adults and children alike the Christmas market of Montreux is often touted as one of the most authentic and beautiful markets of the country and is open from Nov 18 – Dec 24, 2022.
Geneva Noël au Jardin: The Geneva Christmas market is yet another popular seasonal attraction held on the city’s iconic lake front. Known for its absolutely gorgeous decorations, the market has multiple stalls housing a host of knick knacks, Christmas ornaments, handmade goodies, stoles, scarves and souvenirs aplenty. The market is known for its eclectic food scene with local specialities like fondue, raclette and potato rosti apart from corn on the cob, roasted chestnuts and of course wine. An ideal venue for family and friends, this one is on from Nov 17 – Dec 23, 2022.
Zurich Wienachtsdorf Christmas Market: this is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Zurich which is full of cheer during the Christmas season. It is located right in front of the Opera House in Sechseläutenplatz near Bellevue. With over 120 fascinating stalls that are richly deocrated to usher in the festive vibe, this one is a must visit for its shopping and eating scene. The Christmas market at Zurich main railway station or Hauptbahnhof is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe with close to 150 stalls and a twinkling Christmas tree in the center that is a whopping 15 m in height. There is also a traditional Christmas market in Niederdorf which is the city’s oldest Christmas market and is rightly known as the Village Christmas Market. There are markets on Bahnhofstrasse and Münsterhof also. All markets in Zurich are on from Nov 24 – Dec 23, 2022.
Lausanne’s Bô Noël: The Christmas market is Switzerland’s Olympic city is yet another one that is totally worth the wait. Held in the historic old town, the entire area is decked up with twinkling lights and decorations. The air is filled with celebratory vibes and it is an ideal place for people to get together, shop, eat and make merry. Apart from shopping stalls, it is a perfect venue to sample speciality local cheese, chocolates, churros and wines. You can soak in the Christmas spirit by enjoying the choir and gospel performances. There are storytelling sessions for children, pony rides as well as rendezvous with Santa Claus. The celebrations are on from Nov 17 – Dec 31, 2022.
Aarau Christmas Market: Christmas in Switzerland’s fairy tale towns is magical to say the least and the one in Aarau is full of character. Located just about an hour from Zurich, this one forms for a perfect day trip from the city and is replete with unique workshops, fondue chalets, mulled wine stands and fairy tale sessions. There is a special street food bar as well apart from a bakery and other events. Do check out the unique stores including one retailing lavender and its products. The market is on from Nov 17 – Dec 23, 2022.
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