Switzerland offers a truly magical atmosphere during the Christmas period, mainly thanks to its beautiful and colorful markets.
That’s why today we’re going to see them in detail!
Best Christmas Markets in German Switzerland
1. Zurich
As we’ve already seen, Zurich’s Christmas Markets emanate a marvelous festive mood, and its most famous ones are:
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Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Station: as soon as you get off the train, you’ll be enchanted by an overpowering scent of mulled wine and cinnamon, and its 32-ft-tall sparkling Christmas tree;
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Zürcher Wienachtsdorf am Bellevue: a village-like market that offers around 100 stalls of manufacturers and artisans selling their own products and food specialties.
2. Basel
What’s more, you can’t miss a trip to Basel, which is located on the Rhine and offers a magical atmosphere, thanks to the large Christmas markets at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.
They feature over 160 traders and artisans who sell their products in rustic wooden chalets, as well as delicious dishes like waffles, raclette, and grilled sausages.
3. Bern
Besides, Bern is another perfect Christmas destination, where you might enjoy:
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Berner Münster Christmas market, whose stalls are located on Münsterplatz and local artisans sell different handcrafts like arts, food, or jewelry;
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Waisenhausplatz Christmas market, where you’ll find the perfect presents in one of its 50 stalls, while tasting the hot mulled wine served all-round the square;
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Bern Starsmarket, on the Kleine Schanze, a real paradise for food lovers, as it offers around 60 wooden huts full of winter specialties.
Best Christmas Markets in French Switzerland
1. Montreux
As regards French Switzerland, you should give a try to Montreux Noël, where you can marvel at 172 chalet stalls along the lakeside promenade – including crafts, local specialties, and musical events – or even swing by the Bar des Étoiles to enjoy its lounge atmosphere.
2. Geneva
Then, you can’t miss the Noël Aux Bastions market in Geneva, where over 8,000 square meters of Parc des Bastions are dedicated to this stunning Christmas Village that’s rich in traditional wooden cabins selling local food and crafts.
3. Lausanne
Furthermore, you should visit the Christmas market of Lausanne, Bô Noël, which makes visitors discover this beautiful city, its lake and historic streets.
The market itself offers also different activities and events, until the big New Year’s celebration!
Best Christmas Markets in Italian Switzerland
1. Bellinzona
On the other side, you can enjoy the Italian Switzerland’s Christmas markets starting from the Bellinzona’s one, which animates the historic center and Viale Stazione, offering about 200 stalls full of products, local food, and musical entertainment!
2. Lugano
What’s more, you can discover Lugano Città del Natale, the Christmas market that starts on the 28th of November.
Since then, the heart of the city becomes a bright village, with a lot of opportunities for entertainment, musical concerts, and products!
3. Locarno
Finally, you may visit Locarno’s market in Città Vecchia (the Old Town), surrounded by magical lights all over the streets, the fragrance of mulled wine and hot chestnuts, as well as several stands full of handcrafts and local dishes, such as sweets, raclette, and minestrone soup!
