Switzerland is one of the top European destinations, and there are a variety of Christmas markets that you can visit during the festive period. If you are looking for top Christmas markets in Switzerland, you have come to the right place because we cover all the main markets you should not miss visiting in Switzerland. Switzerland is a dynamic country that is located in central Europe. Four neighboring countries are surrounding the country, making it one of the most diverse nations in Europe. The cultural landscape is exceptional as it is rich in cuisine, culture, language, and Christmas ideas.

The exciting diversity creates an ultimate destination in Europe with fun activities and market places that you should visit in Switzerland. You can get your shopping from the top mountain Christmas markets or the city markets filled with a hyper photogenic location in Europe. Here are some of Switzerland’s top Christmas markets that you should not miss visiting during your shopping or tour in Switzerland.

Zurich Christmas Market

Christmas market in Zurich
Zurich Christmas market – Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

This is the first and most exceptional market in the Swiss city. If you are looking for glam and glitz, then this is the right place to visit. As soon as you arrive in the city, you are greeted by Christmas trees down right from the train station. You can explore the sugary delights in the market as well as the shopping stalls around the area.

Walking down the street will take you through the main city markets, and you will find singing Christmas trees and the Christmas market that is nestled between the Globus and Jelmoli department stores. There are so many magical stops that you can indulge in a shopping spree in the markets around the area. Zurich is the right place to visit during Christmas as you will have adequate time to explore the city and what it has to offer.

Lakeside Montreux Market

The Montreux Christmas market is known as the best market in Switzerland. The setting of the market and the location makes it a go-to destination in Switzerland. Upon arriving at the market, you will find numerous stalls along the shores offering you anything you will want for your Christmas period. The snowcapped mountains, post castle hotels in the backdrop (learn more about Swiss castles) create an ambient environment where you can enjoy your shopping experience as you relax along the shore.

You can visit it towards December when the mountains’ snow peaks begin to appear for you to feel the ultimate Christmas experience. You can get stall after stall selling various goods from wooden masks, golden bookmarks, crepes, and candied nuts. 

Running out of activity ideas while in Montreux? Don’t worry, here you can find my top suggestions for things to do in Montreux.

Lausanne Christmas Market

Lausane christmas market
Lausanne Christmas market – NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

You will experience the joyfulness, and the youth feel in the city of Lausanne. Vibrant and art lights and artwork illuminate the streets. Visiting the market gives you a chance to explore Europe’s best market with glowing red elephants and glimmering archways in nearly all corners of the city. The city has a somewhat hilly terrain, and you should be ready for some work out if you are going to be walking around and exploring beautiful Lausanne

Lausanne becomes lively and more vibrant during the Christmas season, and the market is covered by St. Francis, which keeps the spirit of Christmas going on. You will get a wide array of items you are looking for in the stores. Besides you can get accommodation around the area easily and make your trips easy.

Lugano Christmas Market

Located just a few miles away from the famous lake common in Switzerland, Lugano is a beautiful holiday destination that you should explore. Staying in this region will give a more Italian than a swiss feel.  Besides, it gives the location a perfect environment for Christmas as you can indulge in dolce vita as you soak up the Christmas spirit. Lugano market is a perfect place to do your Christmas shopping, and although the climate can be mild, you are bound to enjoy your stay in the region.

During the advent period, you are sure to get the best of the Swiss market as there are many items that you can get. The magical Christmas tree, coupled with numerous Christmas stalls, will give you a perfect Christmas shopping experience. People in this region take Christmas seriously, and you are bound to enjoy your stay and shopping here.

Basel Christmas Market

Basel Christmas Market
Basel Christmas market – Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

During Christmas, Switzerland is one of those magical places that you should not miss to visit while on your vacation. The city of Basel is known for the exceptional features that it offers during Christmas. The thriving culture and art scene make it a perfect destination to do your shopping. Just a short distance from the trains station, you will find yourself clinking to hand-carved trinkets, glittering archways, and colorful lamps. 

Two main markets are considered as the biggest markets in Switzerland. The Munster Platz and Barfusserplatz form one of the best destinations to visit during the Christmas period.

Lucerne Christmas Market

Lucerne Christmas market is an exceptional tourist destination that you should visit during Christmas. The market is lined up with a wide array of stalls that makes your shopping experience easy and quick.

Besides, you will find all the items that you have been looking for in this market. The festive stalls with dazzling glass doors make the shopping experience amazing. If you’d like to experience Lucerne on an intimate level, then go ahead and do other things than visiting Christmas markets.

Bern Christmas Market

Bern Christmas Market
Bern Christmas Market – NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The beautiful city of Bern offers some of the best shopping experiences during the Christmas period. The spirit kicks in, and people enjoy the period with a display of items in the market stalls. When in Bern, you are sure to find anything that you will want for your Christmas from souvenirs to artworks. 

The picturesque location of Bern city is magical, and you will truly enjoy your experience in the city while shopping.

Einsiedeln Market

Located in the majestic Benedictine Einsiedeln Abbey is one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland. You will have an amazing experience while in this location. During the advent season, it is opened for a couple of weeks, and be sure to enjoy the experience that this location has to offer.

The markets are well equipped with numerous items that you will run out of options to buy because the sellers put their work in bringing all the Christmas items that people are likely to buy to the market.

St. Gallen Christmas Market

St. Gallen Christmas Market
St. Gallen Christmas market – Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

St. Gallen is known as the city of stars, and as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, the city has some of the most exquisite Christmas shopping locations. Over 800 stars illuminate the city, and it is glistened during Christmas making your shopping experience amazing.

They also claim that they have the largest Christmas tree in Switzerland. You are sure to get nearly all the items that you are looking for in this market. St. Gallen, apart from Christmas experience, is an awesome place to learn about Swiss history, as the city features multiple museums and heritage sites. 

Ice-Skating Christmas Market in Interlaken

Interlaken is popular for adventurous sports, and it is not left behind when it comes to what it has to offer during the Christmas period. The market is set in the mountainous backdrop and they have a signature attraction to the area.

There are numerous winter activities that you can enjoy as you do your shopping. Besides, there are numerous amazing beautiful views of the city.


What’s your favorite Christmas market in Switzerland? Share your experiences below.

Aurimas Bio

Hi there! I’m Aurimas, a man behind Go Look Explore. I’m passionate about hiking, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and everything outdoors related. Let’s connect.