December events not to miss in Switzerland – Christmas Markets
December is all about Christmas. Although many fantastic non-festive events are happening nationwide, from Christmas markets to ice skating, discover some of the best things to do in Switzerland this festive season. December events not to miss in Switzerland – Christmas Markets
You know the Christmas season is in full swing when the smell of hot spiced wine and traditional gingerbread fills the air, and every city is bathing in the glow of magic lights. And since we just stepped into the brightest and most joyous time of the year, towns and villages across Switzerland embrace the festive vibe by setting up their displays of wooden stalls for everyone to enjoy – a charming tradition that captivates. Christmas markets in Switzerland is a must-visit thing this festive season.
From north to south, east to west, there’s a market for you to explore in every canton. Glühwein, tea and punch are present in every one of them, and most of the goods for sale are handmade or artisanal. There’s nothing like Christmas markets, so we’ve picked some of them for you. December events not to miss in Switzerland – Christmas Markets
Just a sample of the Christmas Markets around Switzerland
Christkindlimarkt (Nov 23 to Dec 23, 2023) is Zurich’s largest Christmas market inside the main hall of the Hauptbahnhof. Conveniently held in the central train station, Zurich’s Christmas market swerves tacky seasonal fare in favour of luxurious, hand-crafted gifts and upmarket food and drink in a glamorous setting. It gets very crowded during rush hour.
Montreux Christmas Market brings an extra touch of fairy-tale under the palm trees of its Riviera. From November 23 to December 24th this year, the shoreline of Lake Geneva hosts more than 150 chalet-style booths. Offering traditional ornaments and decorations, delicacies like ham on a bone and platters of cold meat from the Pays d’Enhaut. Look up into the night sky; you may be lucky enough to spot Santa Claus flying on his sleigh.
Basel’s markets scenically taking place in the Old Town across two squares – the Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. There, from November 23 to December 23, 2023, you can find a variety of ornaments, including handmade wood figurines and ceramic decorations, and also regional specialities such as Basel Läckerli – gingerbread cookies made of honey, hazelnuts, almonds, candied orange, lemon peel, and various spices.
With only 80 wooden huts set up in Berner Sternenmarkt, the market in the country’s capital is smaller than in other major Swiss cities, but it is no less “Christmasy” in its spirit. There are plenty of holiday trinkets on sale, along with food and wine. Children’s village with a carousel and other kid-friendly activities and entertainment. In addition, a cosy fondue chalet will serve cheese specialities in the heated lounge. Bern’s Christmas Market is open from November 25 to December 29.
But this jolly season is far more than Christmas markets across Switzerland. December events not to miss in Switzerland – Christmas Markets.
Visit our Media section and discover all the other joyful events around our beautiful land.
