Christmas Markets In Switzerland, A Winter Wonderland You Won’t Forget!

Switzerland at Christmas is like stepping straight into a magical storybook. Imagine snow-dusted rooftops, the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, twinkling lights reflecting off glistening lakes, and lively squares filled with wooden chalets selling festive treats and handmade gifts.

If you’re looking for a holiday that combines a magical shopping experience with stunning scenery, Switzerland’s Christmas markets are the perfect choice. Whether you’re travelling with loved one’s friends, you’ll find plenty of festive cheer, winter adventures, and memories to last a lifetime.

So why are Switzerland’s Christmas markets so special and popular? Well, unlike anywhere else in Europe, Switzerland’s Christmas markets come with a spectacular natural backdrop, sparkling lakes, snow-covered mountains, and medieval Old Towns lit up with fairy lights. Many markets stay open well into the evening, so you can stroll the stalls after dark, sip mulled wine by the fire or even go ice skating beneath the stars.

But it’s not all about the markets. By day, you can take scenic train rides through the Alps, visit mountain peaks, or explore charming Swiss towns at your own pace.

Here’s a closer look at some of Switzerland’s best Christmas markets, and why each one deserves a visit, the only problem will be choosing between them!

Dates: 20 Nov–24 Dec 2025 | From: £588pp

Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux Noël is one of Switzerland’s largest and most picturesque Christmas markets. Known for its artisanal stalls selling everything from handcrafted wooden nutcrackers to Swiss chocolate truffles and festive decorations made by local artists, the lake shores welcome more than 170 vendors, craftsmen and restaurant owners fitted in illuminated wooden chalets. There’s also a Bar des Étoiles chalet serving mulled wine, craft beer, and regional snacks.

You can take the cogwheel train to Les Rochers-De-Naye to meet Santa in his snowy mountain grotto a magical experience for families. In the evenings, look up to see Santa himself flying over the lake on his sleigh, a special highlight for everyone.

Take a trip to Chillon Castle, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful castles, or relax on a cruise across Lake Geneva with its winter mountain views.

photo (c) Riviera Montreux

Dates: 4–21 Dec 2025 | From: £621pp

Lucerne's Christmas market spreads through the medieval Old Town, with wooden chalets filling cobbled squares and winding streets.

Stalls sell traditional gingerbread, Swiss cheese gifts, carved wooden nativity sets, and handmade candles, alongside ornaments decorated in the local alpine style. Food lovers can feast on crêpes, roasted chestnuts, and steaming mugs of Glühwein.

Visit the lakeside fondue chalet and open-air ice rink and skate as the sun sets over Lake Lucerne or just watch the other skaters with mountains views in the evening light. Take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne or ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus for panoramic snowy views.

photo (c) Luzern Tourismus/Laila Bosco

Dates: 20 Nov–23 Dec 2025 | From: £685pp

Zurich hosts several Christmas markets across the city, each offering a different festive experience. Christkindlimarkt in the main station features a 10m tall Christmas tree covered in Swarovski crystals.

The Old Town Market sells handmade wooden toys, Swiss raclette cheese, and winter clothing like handwoven scarves and gloves. Outside the Opera House, the city’s largest market has bubbles, gourmet food stalls, and live music.

Visit The Singing Christmas Tree on Bahnhofstrasse, where local choirs perform carols on a tree-shaped stage or take a trip up Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic winter views over Zurich and Lake Zurich or visit the Kunsthaus Zürich art museum.

photo (c) Zurich Tourism/Nico Schaerer

Dates: 27 Nov–23 Dec 2025 | From: £520pp

Basel transforms into Switzerland’s Weihnachtsstadt (Christmas City) each year, with its Old Town glowing under thousands of lights.

It has around 160 stalls fill Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, selling everything from Läckerli (Basel’s famous spiced biscuits) to blown-glass ornaments, handmade wooden toys, and fragrant Christmas spices.

Go to see Johann Wanner’s Christmas House, a legendary shop filled with exquisite ornaments and decorations, and explore Basel’s Old Town with its historic squares, then visit the Kunstmuseum Basel for one of Europe’s best art collections.

photo (c) Basel Tourism/Lezbroz

Dates: Late Nov–23 Dec 2025 | From: £664pp

Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town is the perfect setting for its three distinct Christmas markets.

• Münsterplatz Market: dedicated to local artisans selling pottery, textiles, and jewellery made by Bernese craftspeople.
• Waisenhausplatz Market: classic Christmas gifts like hand-painted glass baubles, Swiss chocolates, and spiced biscuits.
• Starsmarket: live music, a heated fondue hut, and designer stalls selling modern, creative gifts from Swiss artists.

Don’t miss the ice rink in front of the Parliament Building opens in mid-December — skate with views of Bern’s iconic sandstone architecture.

You can climb the tower of Bern Cathedral for sweeping winter views or visit the BearPark to see Bern’s famous bears in their riverside enclosure.

photo (c) Bern Welcome

With flight times of just 1½–2 hours, a festive Swiss escape is closer than you think.

Flights available from

Edinburgh | Glasgow | Aberdeen | Belfast

Liverpool | Manchester | Leeds/Bradford | Newcastle

Birmingham | East Midlands

Heathrow | London City | Gatwick

Luton | Stansted | Southend

Bristol | Bournemouth | Southampton

Both Geneva and Zurich airports have their own railway stations, providing smooth connections to your chosen resort. We’ll give you a step-by-step itinerary, including which train platform to head for - so you can travel with ease from touchdown to your hotel reception.

Good to know

• We include a generous 23kg hold luggage with easyJet, British Airways and SWISS (22kg with Jet2)

• There are daily flights from major UK airports, with multiple weekly options from regional hubs

• Holidays include return rail transfers from the airport -  and in Lucerne, Montreux and Bern a Swiss Half Fare Card, giving you 50% off excursions during your stay

Our expert team will help you find the perfect break from your local airport.

A note on guide prices

All holidays are tailor-made and airline prices fluctuate constantly. Guide prices are indicative only, for holidays with flights to Geneva for Montreux or Zurich for Lucerne, Bern & Zurich and to Basel for Basel. Prices will vary by departure point and travel date.

Also included is bed and breakfast accommodation in a 3 star hotel (based on 2 sharing), return rail transfers between the airport and resort and ATOL protection. Lucerne, Montreux and Bern holidays also include a Half Fare Card with discounts for excursions. Full terms & conditions available here.