Get into the Christmassy spirit with this list of best Christmas markets in Switzerland for 2023! Switzerland is a great place to spend the Winter December period. If you are visiting these locations from the end of November, it’s a must to visit at least one of these Swiss Christmas markets.
1. Basel Christmas market
For 2023: 23 November to 23 December 2023
Canton: Basel
Basel is a warm welcoming city all year round, but for the Christmas markets in Switzerland, Basel the largest one to visit in the country (and it was voted Best Christmas Market in Europe 2021). Start your visit right in the heart of the city at Münsterplatz, where you will find the large decorated festive Christmas tree. Walk the beautifully lit streets to the Barfüsserplatz where the Christmas festivities continue.
You can expect at least 155 rustic wooden stands selling the most prettiest gifts and festive treasures. You can buy something for everyone here, and if you really don’t see something, there is always the food and drink stands to explore. Explore the old town of Basel while visiting, you won’t be disappointed by all the homes warmly decorated for the winter period.
The city hall will also have the an advent wishes, where residents and visitors can write down and share their wishes for the period. These wishes could be for Santa Claus, as well as hopes for peace, love and good health.
How to get there:
Address: Münsterplatz, 4051 Basel
2. Zurich Christmas market
For 2023: 23 November to 24 December 2023
Canton: Zurich
Get romantic at the old town area of Zurich, where you can fall in love at this stunning Christmas markets in Switzerland. There are a few other spots to enjoy the festivities too, such as around 100 wooden stalls at the Christmas market area right in front of the Opera House. Make sure to find yourself stopping at the Fondue-Chalet, you wont be disappointed.
During these dates, you can also enjoy the local music and festive concerts along the Bahnhofstrasse. The songs are sung from a Christmas tree shaped stage. However the highlight would be to visit the Zurich Christkindlimarkt, where a 32-ft-tall Christmas tree is decorated with thousands of sparkling crystals.
How to get there:
Address: Zürcher Wienachtsdorf Sechseläutenplatz, 8001 Zürich
TIP: Read our full Zurich post for more things to enjoy, where to eat and what to visit!
3. Lausanne Christmas market
For 2023: 17th November to 31st December 2023
Canton: Vaud
Special for Christmas, this Christmas markets of Switzerland location will be open until New Years Eve, unlike the rest. There are some activities worth joining for the market, such as the opening parade, an apéro in a horse-drawn carriage and for those with children, the children’s village full of fun. This will include storytelling in the yurt and pony rides.
For the adults, there will be Bô Noël’s pop-up bars, restaurants and of course lots of shopping to indulge in. A personal recommendation is to try the savour local gastronomy products and region’s wines.
How to get there:
Address: Place Centrale, 1003 Lausanne
4. Bern Christmas market
For 2023: 1st December to 23 December 2023
Canton: Bern
Located at the Cathedral Square market, the Bern Christmas Market is another top place to visit from our Christmas markets in Switzerland post. With freshly cooked baked goods, games for all ages and beautifully handcrafted gifts, Bern is perfect for those wanting to enjoy a festive day and evening out.
Whats unique is that you can enjoy the Christmas market while being in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bern, with the medieval streets and beautifully decorated store windows. Make sure to wander near the Cathedral of Bern too, which sets the festive setting stunningly with the local festive lights.
How to get there:
Address: Münsterpl. 1, 3000 Bern
TRAIN: only 1 hour by SBB train from Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, and Lucerne.
5. Gruyeres Christmas market
For 2023: 8th to 10th December & 17th to 17th December 2023
Canton: Fribourg
The the medieval town of Gruyeres is a very unique location for our Christmas markets in Switzerland post. For such as picturesque location, it is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Canton Fribourg. As soon as the Christmas lights are turned on, the streets come alive with most warmest, festive ambience. It’s a beautiful setting while surrounded by the mountains.
The market consists of the prettiest home made gifts and presents, locally made by 40 different artisans and Swiss sellers. For food, one cannot visit Gruyeres without eating some Gruyère cheese as well as some local wines.
How to get there:
TRAIN: Line S50 – Gruyères stop, station
BUS: Line 263 between Gruyères station and Gruyères city
6. Lugano Christmas market
For 2023: 30th November to 24th December 2023
Canton: Ticino
Located within the Ticino region of Switzerland, Lugano is a stunning and festive place for enjoying the local Christmas market.
The Christmas market is usually set up at the end of November, with the festivities from the beginning of December. This is also the start of the beautiful winter period in Lugano. You can find the market with the cutest wooden stands and lights at the main square in Lugano, called the Piazza della Riforma. From here there are also market stands near the promenade of the Lugano Lake.
The special thing about the Swiss Lugano Christmas market is the tasty local Ticino delicacies (cheeses, meats, wines and sauces). You can buy such delicious treats for yourself or to take back home for loved ones. The Swiss are very proud of their own produce and you can truly taste the rich flavours in the items they sell. For those not wanting to buy food or drink related items, the market is great for some local shopping with wintery clothes and cute Swiss Christmas decorations.
Stay till late in the city at one of these hotels in Lugano to enjoy the late festive lights and warm drink at a local restaurant.
How to get there:
Address: Piazza della Riforma, 6900 Lugano
TRAIN: Lugano main station
TIP: for a full overview of the Lugano Christmas market and December festivities, check here!
7. Lucerne Christmas market
For 2023: 17th November to 23rd December 2023
Canton: Lucerne
With over 70 stands and stalls to enjoy, Lucerne is a top festive Christmas markets in Switzerland for all ages. Located in the heart of the old town area, it’s situated in the perfect area with festive music to be heard all over.
As like other Christmas markets, most stands and stalls are wooden, selling everything you can think of. Many items are homemade and made with love, with items for you buy for yourself or as gifts for loved ones. For those with children, the Christmas carousel is a popular top at, followed by dancing along to the local live music.
Make sure to buy a warm drink or a bite to eat from one of the Christmas stands and enjoy a city walk over the famous wooden Chapel Bridge and Spreuer Bridge.
How to get there:
Address: Franziskanerplatz, 6003 Lucerne
BUS: Get off Pilatusplatz, 100m in the direction of Hirschengraben.
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