On the shores of the lake, at the foot of snow-capped mountains, the bells of the most typical Christmas markets ring, with sweets and delicacies, crafts and much more.
The most glittering holiday of the year is now upon us and the Christmas markets are in full swing. In Switzerland, tradition is even more felt, all you have to do is get lost among chalets that offer various gastronomic options and all the winter shopping where you can buy the last gifts. A true sensorial journey where you can get lost in the magic of the period, among fairy lights, enveloping scents and all the wonder that only Christmas magic is able to create.
GENEVA – Quai du Mont-Blanc
Until December 24, 2023
In Geneva, “Noel au Quai” takes place, the majestic Geneva market on the Quai du Mont-Blanc along the shores of Lake Geneva. Crafts, workshops for children and the inevitable “Le Chalet a Fondue” very popular with lovers of good food and conviviality. For the more party-goers there is also the “Christmas Pub” with DJ sets on weekends. To the delight of the little ones you can take a ride on the pony, on the horse-drawn carriages or on the vintage carousels set up on the Bains des Pâquis side.
Noel au Quai – photo noel-au-quai.ch
LAUSANNE – Historic Centre
Until December 31, 2023
A rich and diversified calendar of events bursts into the streets of Lausanne on the occasion of the Bô Noël festival. Peculiarity: knowledge of the territory also comes from the table. In Place du Château you can enjoy delicious fondues and typical dishes of the Canton of Vaud at the Igloo du Terroir vaudois.
BASEL – Historic Centre
November 23, 2023/December 23, 2023
Christmas shopping in the city of museums: Basel. The market takes place in Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, next to the Cathedral, with 155 conspicuously decorated wooden chalets and delicacies such as the unmissable Läckerli (typical Basel biscuits).
Münsterplatz – photo basel.com
BERN – Historic Centre
Until December 29, 2023
From 1 to 23 December in Bern there is the market in Münsterplatz, under the Cathedral, dedicated to artisanal products and the one on Waisenhausplatz (which remains open until 24/12), the longest running, with many gift ideas and Christmas decorations. From November 23rd to December 29th the “Star Market” takes place in the Kleine Schanze park with the fondue chalet, open every day from 11am to midnight, and the village with a carousel and lots of entertainment for children. From here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Federal Palace.
Star Market – photo bern.com
MONTREUX – Historic Center
Until December 24, 2023
The magic of Montreux Noël returns. An exceptional setting between lake and mountains is the setting for the market, which boasts 150 chalets with handmade products, culinary specialities, a Ferris wheel on the lakeside and a Santa Claus Village on the Rochers-de-Naye mountain, at 2,042 meters above sea level , reachable by rack railway. The Ferris wheel and the flying Santa Claus who hovers above the Montreux lakeside on his sleigh. For the little ones there is also a workshop to create their own colored candle.
For more information on the different Christmas markets in Switzerland.
The Flying Santa Claus of Montreux Noël – photomontreuxnoel.com
On the cover, Noel au Quai – photo noel-au-quai.ch
