Christmas is just around the corner! Might be a bit early to think about the Christmas dinner menu, gifts and Christmas tree theme, but definitely time to plan for which Christmas market to visit this year! So here’s our menu of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland, an early gift from us to you!
ZURICH CHRISTMAS MARKET
Opening dates: 21 November – 23 December 2019 
Zurich Christmas Market is not one but a multitude of markets spread all over the city:
- “Wienachtsdorf” in front of the Opera House
- another in the Zurich Old Town in the Niederdorf quarter
- an indoors Christmas market at the Main Train station, also known as Christkindlimarkt.
Christkindlimark is our favourite. This Zurich Christmas Market is considered one of the largest indoor markets in Europe with its 150 stalls of crafts and souvenirs, local produce and wine. Why we personally like it so much? Come and visit its impressive 50-meter Christmas tree lighted up by the Swarovski crystals, and you’ll understand us! Zurich Christmas Market opening times differ depending on location, so take note: Wienachtsdorf at Bellevue: Monday to Saturday, 11 am – 10 pm, Sunday until 8 pm Old Town Zurich Christmas Market: Monday to Saturday 11 am – 9 pm, Sunday 11 am – 7 pm Christkindlimarkt at the Main Train Station: Sunday to Wednesday, 10.30 am – 9 pm, Thursday to Saturday, 10.30 am – 10 pm. This is the only Zurich Christmas Market that actually ends on December 24 (not 23) at 4 pm
BASEL CHRISTMAS MARKET
Opening dates: 28 November – 23 December 2019
A definite no-miss from the rich variety of Swiss Christmas markets is the Basel Christmas Market. It is hosted annually on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz with its 180 wooden chalets selling artisanal products & delicacies like waffles, glühwein & Basel Läckerl. As at the Zurich Christmas Market we are at awe of its Christmas tree decorated with ornaments by well-known Johann Wanner. Basel Christmas Markets opening times: 11 am to 8.30 pm, except 23 December when the markets close at 6 pm (Münsterplatz) and at 8 pm (Barfüsserplatz)
GENEVA CHRISTMAS MARKET
Opening dates: 4-31 December 2019 
Geneva Christmas Market at Parc des Bastions is a new comer that started only a year ago. The enchanting atmosphere in the park gives this market a special touch, you will be wowed with the light decoration as you walk the pavements between the trees. While in Geneva, you can visit also Carouge Christmas Market, a pretty local gem at Saint-Joseph street. Or even pass by Place de Mont Blanc for the lovely Christmas decoration and wooden stalls facing the train station (Gare Cornavin). Geneva Christmas Market opening times: Noël aux Bastions: Monday-Wednesday, 11 am – 9 pm, Thursday-Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm, Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm. Market will be closed on December 25. Noël à Carouge: only during 1 week-end on December, 13-15.
EINSIEDLER CHRISTMAS MARKET
Opening dates: 29 November – 8 December 2019
Thanks to its enchanting location just outside of the monastery on the Zurich lake, the Christmas market in Einsiedler is a no miss. 140 stands will keep you entertained and offer vast choice of food and vin chaud. Einsiedler Christmas Market opening times: 11 am – 7.30 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and 11 am – 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays
GRUYÈRES CHRISTMAS MARKET
Opening dates: 13 to 15 December 2019 and 20 to 22 December 2019
During two week-ends in December, the main street of Gruyères welcomes the traditional Gruyères Christmas Market with around 30 craftsmen stalls offering authentic decorations and products. Gruyères Christmas Market opening times: On December 13-15 and December 20-22, 1 pm – 8 pm on Friday, 11 am – 8 pm on Saturday and 11 am – 6 pm on Sunday.
MONTREUX CHRISTMAS MARKET
Opening dates: 21 November – 24 December 2019
Montreux Christmas Market is one of our favourites and this year it will its celebrate its 25th anniversary! Strolling along breathtaking Geneva lake promenade and getting the Christmas spirit from 172 chalets is something to be looking forward to every year! On top, Montreux Christmas Market offers so many attractions for children and adults that make it stand out: a visit to the real Santa Claus house on top of Rochers-de-Naye mountain, or the Middle Ages Christmas at the Chillon Castle (open only on week-ends though)! Montreux Christmas Market opening times: The artisan stalls are open on Sunday-Tuesday from 11 am to 8 pm, on Wednesday and Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm and on Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm. The food stalls stay open 1 or 2 hours more. On Tuesday 24 December Montreux Christmas market will be open only between 11 am and 5 pm.
BREMGARTEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Opening dates: 5 – 8 December 2019
Bremgarten Christmas Market is an impressive array of more than 300 stalls spread over Christchindli-Märt. It is open only during 1 long week-end in December but it is definitely worth a visit! specially, that this year it celebrates ins 25th anniversary (similar to Montreux Christmas Market!). One of the main delights apart from strolling and shopping at artisans, is climbing the Spittelturm. 100 steep steps up and you’ll be rewarded with the spectacular view of the lights of Bremgarten Christmas market! As a tip, there are also several guided tours every afternoon. Bremgarten Christmas Market opening times: Thursday, December 5 from 1.30 pm to 10 pm, Friday, & Saturday December 6-7 from 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday, December 8 from 11 am to 6 pm. This is far from an exhaustive list of Christmas markets in Switzerland, as you would definitely find one in the main cities like Lucerne, Lugano & others. The good thing is that they are spread all over December and hopefully you’ll have a chance to visit more than one! Let us know your impressions!
