The 5 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Switzerland
Switzerland is an enchanting country during the winter season, being home to the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe, big or small. From shopping to enjoying a steaming cup of mulled wine, the Christmas Market is an enjoyable way to spend time in December, absorbing the holiday spirit. There are markets in every city, so which ones should you visit? Here is a list of our picks, from fan favourites to underrated gems.
Basel: Culture Unlimited
24th November - 23rd December 2022
The city’s cultural institutions host countless festive events in the run-up to Christmas. From Advent concerts and Christmas markets to special exhibitions, Basler Weihnacht offers something for everyone. Basel’s Christmas market was voted the most beautiful one in Europe, with many different stands, beautiful lights, and fun activities. Across the Rhine river, you can find small businesses selling delicious traditional Christmas treats, and cute gifts for friends and family. The market is found on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, in front of the historical cathedral. You can eat Basel Läckerli, a traditional Basel gingerbread, which is a must try for locals and visitors. The city of Basel organizes exciting activities as a countdown for the holiday, such as concerts, card exhibitions, visiting Santa, animal exhibitions, and more!
Bern, a Capital City
December 2nd - December 24th 2022
The Christmas market in the Swiss capital is large, and magical. There are multiple locations you can visit, each one as enchanting as the next.
Berner Münster
December 2nd - December 24th 2022
The Christmas market is located on the Münsterplatz directly in front of the Bern Cathedral. Have a wonderful time enjoying local foods, drinks, and admiring handmade crafts and small businesses..
Berner Sternenmarkt
November 24th - December 30th 2022
With over 80 wooden huts filled with food and gifts, the Berner Sternenmarkt is located next to the Parliament building. Additionally, there is a Gstaad fondue chalet with 200 seats from December 2nd to December 24th opened Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, available for you to enjoy delicious food and mulled wine during the festive season..
Waisenhausplatz
December 2nd - December 24th 2022
Another fun Christmas market that has been around for twenty years is the one at Waisenhausplatz, with over 50 huts full of treats and gifts. It is beautifully decorated with lights and branches, all to create a wonderful atmosphere for all its visitors.
Savognin, Picturesque Paradise
Saturday, December 10 from 16.00 - 21.00
A small and underrated gem is the Savognin Christmas Market, located in the Grisons canton. Located at the Plazza Grava, the town centre, come visit the Savognin Christmas Market to dicover local Swiss businesses, there to create a perfect, cozy small town atmosphere. This year’s market will be the third instalment, each year getting better than the last. We are excited to be taking part in this festive activity as well, having a Tidløs stand for everyone to come and see our garments, and go home with the perfect gift. Make sure to come and say hi, as we cannot wait to chat with you!
Zauberwald Lenzerheide - A Magical Festival
December 16th 2022 - January 4th 2023
The Zauberwald Lenzerheide Christmas Market is an unmissable event this holiday season. With a jam-packed programme and sparkling decorations, this event is a Christmas festival suitable for both adults and children. With a musical schedule filled with contemporary and classical music artists and orchestras, grab a cup of glühwein and let your senses be transported to a magical world. Children are not left out, with daily activities for them to enjoy, such as magic and comedy acts. Of course, you cannot forget the delicious regional delicacies, and the beautiful light art installations. The Zauberwald Lenzerheide is the only market on this list that is open after New Year’s Eve, allowing you to appreciate the magic of Christmas for longer.
Zurich, the Swiss Metropolis
November 24th - December 23rd/24th 2022
Zurich is one of the most important cities in Switzerland, being its economic beating heart. For a city this grand, the Christmas markets need to measure up in size and beauty, and we are happy they do. Read more to see what the best markets to visit this holiday season are.
Zurich’s “Wienachtsdorf” at Sechseläutenplatz
November 24 - December 23, 2022
One of the largest Christmas markets in the city of Zurich is held at Sechseläutenplatz, in front of the Opera House. It comprises 120 wooden huts filled with everything you know and love, from small businesses showing off their craftsmanship to delicious foods, keeping you warm and happy. Other activities to keep you and your family entertained include artistic showcases, face painting, and handcrafting Christmas objects. In addition, keep in mind that this market is cashless.
Christmas Market Dörfli in the Niederdorf
November 24th - December 23th, 2022
Zurich's oldest Christmas market is held every year in the Niederdorf quarter. Filled with stands of food and presents, enjoy a traditional Swiss market with a metropolitan twist, suited for everyone. Make sure to enjoy the delicious cheese specialties at the Fondue Alp.
Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Station
November 24th - December 24th, 2022
One of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe is the one at the Zurich Main Train Stations, with 140 stands, and a 9 meter tall Christmas tree. Attracting travellers and visitors, this market features stands of all kinds, ready to pull you in the holiday spirit.
In conclusion, Swiss Christmas Markets are amazing for visitors and locals, filled with magical decorations and an overall festive atmosphere. No matter which one you choose to go to, know that many people put so much heart and dedication into creating these events, and we are so grateful to everyone involved.
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