Centrally located, Switzerland is a winter wonderland with wondrous snow-covered landscapes to explore. During the Advent season before Christmas, do as the Swiss and enjoy a mug of gluhwein and pop into a fondue chalet. From North to South, to East to West, Switzerland is a favorite for Holiday Markets. Blending the cultures of German, French and Italian, the Christmas Markets in Switzerland are among Europe’s favorites.
9 Glittering Swiss Christmas Markets
Basel Christmas Market
Christmas Markets in Bern
Lugano Holiday Market
Montreux Riviera Noël
Mount Pilatus Christmas Market
St. Gallen Holiday Market
Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz in Zürich
Christmas Market in Old Town Zurich
Winterthur Winter Market
Basel Christmas Market
Along the Rhine, the Basler Weihnacht is a favorite Swiss Christmas Market for its holiday ambience. With over 100 decorated Christmas trees and thousands of tiny white lights, this Holiday market is one of the top-ranked in Europe.
The market at Münsterplatz is in the shadow of the cathedral, decorated with hanging white stars. Its Christmas tree is decorated by an acclaimed local designer.
Families should stroll through the Marchenwald, or fairy forest, for the miniature train and activities. For a unique viewpoint, festival goers can climb St. Martin’s tower in the evening to see Basel’s lights.
Located at Münsterplatz, Basel. Open from Thursday, November 27 to Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Christmas Markets in Bern
On the streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Berner Sternenmarkt, on the Bundeshaus
Promenade (the Parliament Building) is one of Switzerland’s most beloved Holiday markets. It features over 80 wooden huts, including the Gstaader Fondue-Chalet with 200 seats.
For kids, the Carousel and the Bernese Christmas Village are tops. There’s even entertainment just for the youngest guests.
Located on Kleine Schanze, Bern. Open from Thursday, November 20 to December 28, 2025, from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lugano Holiday Market
For an Italian twist in Switzerland, head to its southern-most city along the Italian border. The Lugano city centre transforms into a Holiday wonderland. Its towering Christmas tree in Piazza della Riforma sets the stage for the season. Best of all, this market is open until past New Year’s.
With over 60 wooden market stalls, shoppers can sip and browse unique gifts.
In Parco Ciani, visitors can lace up skates at its iconic ice rink. Or play a round of ice mini-golf, like putt-putt but cooler.
Located in Piazza Manzoni, Lugano. Open from November 27, 2025, to January 6, 2026, from Sunday to Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Montreux Riviera Noël
The Montreux Christmas Market is the most popular market in Switzerland. Visitors will find 120 traditional chalets selling seasonal food and beverages, holiday gifts and ornaments.
With the Quais de Montreux in the background, the weather is warmer at this market than at most in Switzerland. There’s even a flying Santa with his sleigh. Kids will delight in visiting Santa hut at his hut.
Located at Place du Marché. It runs from Thursday, November 20, to Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
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Mount Pilatus Christmas Market
Visitors can enjoy a view of the Alps from indoors or out, then dine on fondue. Or they can shop at the Mount Pilatus Christmas Market, the highest market in Switzerland.
Running from mid-November to mid-December, visitors can browse 40 different stalls. Guests will find roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. There are activities for kids as well.
The gondola and the aerial tram are used during the winter season. From Lucerne Station, take the No. 1 Bus to the Kriens/Zentrum Pilatus stop, then walk a short way to the Gondola station in Kriens.
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St. Gallen Holiday Market
In St. Gallen’s Old Town, the shoppers meander through the Old Town with 700 stars lighting the way from above. This town sparkles during the Christmas season, with its history dating back 800 years.
Its Baroque cathedral is part of St. Gallen’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, including its library. During the holiday season, a Christmas tree glitters in front of the cathedral’s baroque towers.
Opening on November 30 and until Wednesday, December 24, 2025, visitors can enjoy mulled wine, cider and traditional St. Gallen treats, like Biber, a popular treat in Eastern Switzerland.
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Christmas Markets in Zurich
As Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich offers several Holiday Markets. From the Old Town, or Alstadt, to Winterthur outside of the city, shoppers stroll the markets of Zurich.
Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz
In front of the Opera House, the Wienachtsdorf, or Christmas Village, at Sechseläutenplatz, is one of the city’s largest. With over 100 stalls, shoppers will find a bit of everything from glühwein to gifts.
The wooden chalets and carousel add a festive ambience. The entire market is covered by white string lights, and here’s a Fondue Chalet, too.
Located at Sechseläutenplatz, less than 10 minutes from Zurich’s main station by train. Open daily from Thursday, November 20 to Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Oldest Christmas Market in Zurich at Old Town
The Weihnachtsmarkt Dörfli market is the oldest in Zurich, with red wooden chalets. This market offers handicrafts, and there’s an ice rink at Rosenhof.
This is a smaller market; however, it is full of Holiday vibes. There’s gluevien and treats, too.
Located at Weihnachtsmarkt Dörfli, Niederdorfstrasse, less than 5 minutes from Zurich’s main station by train. Open from Thursday, November 20 to Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Zurich Main Station
Not all the Swiss Christmas Markets are outdoors; some are indoors. Zurich’s main train station is one of those markets, and it’s the easiest market to visit in Zurich.
With over 100 stalls, the Polarzauber offers a selection of treats from Swiss Fondue served in a train car to hand-pulled noodles. There’s a towering Christmas tree, decorated with Lindor truffles.
Located at Hauptbahnhof Zürich, Bahnhofplatz. Open daily from Thursday, November 20 to Wednesday, December 24, 2025, Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Winterthur Winter Market near Zurich
In Teuchelweiherplatz, a canton northwest of Zurich, this charming market features over 70 stalls, including a fondue chalet. There’s a Slalom Bar, with an apres ski vibe and during the weekends, visitors can enjoy the live DJ.
Located in Teuchelweiherplatz, about 30 minutes by train from the Zurich International Airport. Open from Wednesday, November 19 to Wednesday, December 23, 2025. Hours are Monday to Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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