8 Swiss cities with interesting Christmas markets to check out

A Christmas tree is central to the Advent market staged in car-free Zermatt. — Switzerland Tourism

A European winter landscape of snow-capped mountain peaks, log fireplaces, atmospheric Advent/Christmas markets, and warming beverages is something that most of us aspire to be part of at this time of the year.

While Christmas is celebrated in many European countries, few rival Switzerland for its fairytale setting.

As the snow falls over much of Switzerland, its towns and cities begin a transformation throughout December. Streets twinkle with fairy lights, the sweet aroma of mulled wine fills the air, and small wooden stalls pop up in the snow, laden with seasonal delights and handmade gifts. This is the season of Advent, and in Switzerland, it brings with it one of the country’s most atmospheric traditions, the Christmas market.

The origins of the Christmas market (Christkindlimarkt or Weihnachtsmarkt, as it is known in the German-speaking part of Switzerland) dates to the late Middle Ages. Originally, these fairs were held in winter, in conjunction with religious festivals, and enabled local artisans to sell candles, foodstuffs, and gifts.

Over the centuries, they evolved into more elaborate gatherings, and today, Swiss Advent markets are immersive cultural experiences, offering artisanal handicrafts, festive performances, and regional delicacies, all within atmospheric settings that combine heritage with alpine magic.

What makes Switzerland particularly enchanting at Christmas is its regional diversity. With four languages and regional traditions, each market offers something different. From snow-capped alpine peaks above Zermatt to the glittering lakeside promenades of Montreux and the lively streets of Zurich, each market adds a unique note to Switzerland’s Christmas symphony.

Naturally, families will love this time of the year here, but adult activities will also ensure that this is a magical time to travel to Switzerland.

A tram in Zurich all lit up and ready for Christmas. — Zurich Tourism

Zany Zurich

It is appropriate to start discovering a Swiss Christmas in the city that most tourists will fly into. Zurich, the largest city, embraces the festive season with both variety and grandeur. It is a big city, so there is more than one market, each one slightly different from its neighbours.

The best known is the Christkindlimarkt held inside the city’s main train station, and it is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Visitors can browse more than 140 stalls and admire a spectacular Christmas tree adorned with thousands of shimmering crystals.

Not far away, in the old quarter known as Niederdorf, the Dörfli Christmas Market offers a different ambiance. Set among medieval buildings and narrow alleys, this market is known for its traditions and friendliness.

Vendors sell roasted almonds, toys, ornaments, and decorations, while buskers and carollers add to the festivities.

Beyond the Limit River and along the lake foreshore, the Wienachtsdorf market in front of the Opera House takes on the appearance of a winter village. With an ice rink, gourmet food stalls, and unique crafts, it too is universally popular.

Zurich’s markets open from late November and close just before Christmas Day, allowing for ample time to explore most.

Blissful Bern

The Swiss capital of Bern has several blissful markets, including Sternenmarkt and Munsterplatz, but for something with a difference, the winter pop-up Oscar Elch in Ringgenparkli is the one to explore.

The market transforms the quaint park into a little winter wonderland in the heart of the city. Visitors can keep warm with hot glogg (Scandinavian mulled beverage made from red wine, korn or vodka, and spices), hot mules (a hot variation on a Russian mule), and schnouse (nibble on) tarte flambee (like pizza).

Naturally, various Oscar Elch craft beers will also be available.

Memorable Montreux

Among the most celebrated Christmas markets in the country is the Montreux Noel (as Christmas is known in Romandy or the French-speaking part of Switzerland), set along the foreshore of Lake Geneva.

Here, 170 small wooden chalets create a fairytale scene against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The market stretches along the Grand Rue and the picturesque lakeside promenade, where palm trees shimmer with lights and the scent of spiced wine drifts through the air.

Three times a day, Santa Claus soars above the market in a sleigh suspended in the air, much to the delight of the children. Children also join in the festivities by making Christmas cookies and candles to give away as presents.

Montreux Noel chocolates are a popular treat at this time of the year.

Not far away from the town centre, the medieval Chateau de Chillon hosts its own celebration, complete with historical re-enactments and traditional crafts. Nearby, the snow-bound villages of Rochers-de-Naye and Caux are destinations where visitors head to admire the colourful festive decorations and magical settings.

Lakeside Lausanne

Close to Montreux is the city of Lausanne, which offers a more contemporary-styled Christmas market known locally as Bo Noel. While modern in its approach, the market preserves strong links with the land and local artisans.

Over the Advent period, Bo Noel offers a window into the city’s many treasures, including local wines, cheeses, artisanal beers, clothing, and gifts made by local designers.

Relatively new on the scene, Lausanne’s Christmas market has quickly become a highly anticipated annual event. The market spreads across the heart of the city, with themed villages dedicated to different experiences. There’s the Artisans’ Market, where creators and designers sell their products, alongside the Children’s Village, complete with festive workshops, rides, and storytelling.

Pop-up chalets and even igloos serving local delicacies and inventive winter cocktails are always popular. A towering Ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the city illuminated with kaleidoscopic lights.

Bo Noel brings together contemporary and creative flair with old-world charm.

Genial Gruyeres

A magical market in the heart of medieval Switzerland transforms the town of Gruyères into a Christmas wonderland from late November right up to Dec 21. Famous for its namesake cheese, the hilltop castle town of Gruyeres is a near-perfect, picture-postcard setting during Advent.

Local artisans display their creations in the market among cobbled streets, twinkling lights, and a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Open over four weekends, market visitors can purchase handcrafted items, traditional Christmas decorations, and local gourmet products. Evenings are an enchanting time to visit for concerts, carol singing, storytelling, and outdoor performances. For those seeking an intimate, authentic Advent experience, mostly away from the crowds, Gruyeres should be on your itinerary.

Zesty Zermatt

In tourist towns such as Zermatt, situated at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, a large Christmas tree in the square greets those who arrive on celebrated trains such as the Glacier Express, which operates between Zermatt and the other famous alpine resort town of St. Moritz.

While not a grand market, the Zermatt offering capitalises on its wondrous alpine ambience. While the town doesn’t stage a major Christmas market, a walk along car-free streets under a canopy of lights and lined with atmospheric cafes, bars, and restaurants is most memorable.

Visitors to the Advent market in Interlaken can enjoy ice skating. — Photos: DAVID BOWDEN

Inviting Interlaken

Interlaken, located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by alpine peaks, offers a traditional festive experience. In the centre of town, the Top of Europe Ice Magic winter experience includes ice rinks, food stalls, and entertainment.

Interlaken appeals to tourists from around the world, as it is the main departure point for trains to Jungfraujoch and the “Top of Europe”. Visitors choose to stay here for its range of alpine adventures, including winter festivities at its Advent market.

The Christmas market in Einsiedeln is in front of the Benedictine Abbey. — Einsielden Zurich AG

Enlightening Einsiedeln

This Einsiedeln market in Schwyz canton is a truly local affair located off the main tourist trail. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the imposing Benedictine abbey and sprawling along the length of the main street, the Christmas market in Einsiedeln is well worth a visit.

Besides the Christmas market, visitors can look inside Einsiedeln Abbey and its heritage library.

The beautifully decorated market stalls, festive Christmas illuminations, and enormous Christmas tree bring delight to all. Local crafts, including hand-carved wooden nativity sets to delicate lacework, beeswax candles, and artisanal chocolates, also make for lasting souvenirs.

Each year, on the evening of Nov 30 at 5.30pm, St Nicholas leaves the abbey to distribute small sacks filled with goodies to eagerly awaiting children. This annual market tradition spreads good cheer among both locals and visitors.

Another big Christmas market is held in nearby Rapperswil.

Festive treats

One of the delights of visiting Swiss Christmas markets is enjoying the food and festive beverages.

Whether you’re sipping on vin chaud (hot wine), biting into a Basler Lackerli in Zürich, or sharing a bubbling pot of fondue in Gruyeres, the markets provide a gastronomic tour of regional specialities.

Visitors mull over a piping hot elixir called gluhwein made from wine or fruit juice, spices, and herbs.

Children drink hot fruit punch while playing in the snow. Vendors offer stollen and gingerbread cookies, while aromas of roasted chestnuts and sizzling bratwurst fill the air.

Tourists can also snack on grilled Raclette cheese served with pickled onions, potatoes, and gherkins. In addition to drinking hot beverages, visitors often stand in the snow around heaters, which in small villages are usually open fires set within drums.

Timing is key 

Timing is key to visiting a Swiss Advent market. Most markets begin in mid-to-late November and continue until just before Christmas Day. Weekends are busiest in popular destinations like Montreux and Zürich.

Snow often falls, so warm clothing, sturdy boots, and layered clothing are essential.

Swiss Christmas markets offer more than shopping and sightseeing; they provide a glimpse into local life, culture, and celebration.

Don’t just dream of a white Christmas; make plans to travel to Switzerland in December next year.

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Travel notes

How to get there: There are no direct flights from Malaysia to Switzerland, so a transit is required. Malaysia Airlines flies direct from Kuala Lumpur to London, England and Paris, France so you can make your way to Switzerland via rail from either city.

You can also check out other international airlines like Swiss, which has daily flights from Singapore to Zürich with connecting flights on partner airlines from KL.

Getting around: Trains are the most convenient way of travelling to most of the iconic Advent markets, and a Swiss Travel Pass (swisstravelpass.com) provides an efficient way to explore the country on public trains, buses, and even boats.