Top 15 CHRISTMAS MARKETS Switzerland

Top 15 CHRISTMAS MARKETS Switzerland

In this video, I present you the top 15 most 
beautiful Christmas markets of Switzerland. Whether you strolling through snowy alpine 
villages, wandering along lake shores,   or exploring lively urban centers, Switzerland 
truly enchants with its festive spirit. If you’re searching for inspiring gift 
ideas, delicious seasonal specialties, warm Glühwein, or magical Christmas parades, 
you’ll find it all at these 15 unforgettable markets. Strap yourself in and get ready 
for what might be just the most complete   travel guide video here on YouTube about 
Switzerland’s best Christmas markets. Hello everyone. Let’s start get started 
with the first one in these top 15 most   beautiful Christmas markets of Switzerland 
list. Number one would be the one in Basel. We start with one of the most 
beautiful Christmas markets in   all of Europe. Basel hosts two 
main markets that are nearby, one at the Barfüesserplatz and a second one 
at the Münsterplatz next to the main church. The moment you arrive in here, you will 
feel enchanted by the magical spirit of   Christmas. Normally it’s the entire setting of 
location, narrow alleys and beautiful houses combined with lighting decorations and stalls 
that contribute to the magic of a market… in Basel alone the beautifully decorated stalls make 
up for the entire magical spirit of Christmas. Basel’s Christmas market feels like an openair 
museum, really one stall is more beautiful than the other one! And I can assure you having been 
to many wonderful Christmas markets around Europe, Basel indeed ranks among the Top 5 markets 
regarding the beauty of the stalls. Not is is only great to come here to take a look 
at the many beautifully decorated stalls but also to hunt for some great presents for your family 
and friends. Myself, I often do not know what exactly I should buy for my parents, brothers or 
their kids, but I always end up with many great gifts after having visited this market here.
You find plenty of great things, ranging from a variety of Christmas baubles, nativity scene 
figurines and other Christian decoration items, magic pens for painting, artisanal glass items, 
candles, lamps like these beautiful stars, lighting decorations for your celebration 
at home, general Winter deco items, and a lot more, it’s simply amazing!
Besides all the great present ideas and heavily decorated stalls, you also can get various 
snacks in here that are typical for the season: giant meat skewers, Raclette, crêpe, delicious 
Hungarian Baumstriezl, fresh Berliner, chocolate coated fruits and so on. You definitely will 
have a great time on Basel’s Christmas market. For number two, we have to change the 
canon of Valais, to the Swiss Alps. Among all Christmas markets presented here, 
that one is the one located on the highest altitude. Up on 1600 m, in the probably most 
beautiful alpine village of Switzerland you will have your perfect Winter Wonderland moment.
Les Féeries de Noël is a Christmas market that invites with many beautiful stalls but also its 
fairytale atmosphere. You have spectacular artist shows, last year the theme was the magic of fire, 
even Santa decided to spend a visit to the market arriving through the church tower and even more, 
you see various fairytale figures and dressed up people roaming around the alleys of Grimentz.
Besides the cultural program, Grimentz old town is beautifully decorated with plenty of lights, 
thus really take your time to explore this market. The old wooden houses and the various 
lamps, candles and Christmas figurines,   everything just perfectly blends together!
The entire magic is even amplified when there is snowfall, something that happens quite 
frequently up there. What more could one wish for? The market has a very local vibe, most of the 
vendors are from the region, their goods being sold are unlikely to be found on other markets 
of Switzerland. The atmosphere is unhurried and just very cozy. There are great foods you 
can try up here: fresh Grittibänz breads, filled croissants, marshmallows for caramelizing 
over the fire and more. The restaurant in the middle of the old village serves great crêpes 
in different varieties, savoury or sweet ones. The Christmas market is held yearly 
around mid-December, unfortunately   only on one weekend. I advise to visit it on 
Saturday as the stalls remain open for longer. With number three, we’re heading all the 
way down to the south of Switzerland,   to the wonderful city of Lugano. When people talk about Christmas markets, 
Italy is rarely mentioned, and same goes   for the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. 
Ticino hosts very inviting Christmas markets, one of them being in Lugano. Lugano has 
a very beautiful small old city, which serves as great location for a Christmas market.
The alleys full of heavy lighting decorations, these giant Christmas baubles, the piazza with 
the giant Christmas tree and the promenade by the lake make up for Lugano hosting one 
of Switzerland’s best Christmas markets. Although Lugano being one of the major cities of 
Switzerland, this Christmas market here is not overly commercialized, which you can easily see 
from the various stalls. Many of the gifts sold in here are handmade and I rarely met the 
same vendors elsewhere. There are a lot of interesting stalls to be explored, surely you 
will find some great presents for Christmas. Besides the many stalls, Lugano 
also has a good cultural program.   There are a couple of artists around, on the 
piazza there is a grand spectacle of acrobats. As there are many restaurants 
around the old city of Lugano,   you will not find much foods sold on the 
market itself. This might be a bit odd, but I can assure you that you 
won’t leave Lugano being hungry. Number four would be the Christmas 
markets in the city of Bern. This is one of the less talked about large cities 
of Switzerland for visiting Christmas markets. Similar to Basel and Zürich, Bern hosts a few 
Christmas markets of which each has its own vibe. The most important one to mention here is the 
Stärnemärit that is at the Grosse Schanze near   the Swiss parliament. This Christmas market charms 
with different kinds of lighting decorations… as the name suggests, with its many stars around.
At this market, you can find several stalls with present ideas, overall, I would say, it’s quite a 
commercial market with a large variety of street food. Especially up on the hill you can try 
various international dishes like Taiwanese, Mexican, Greek or French food.
The market is located inside a park, which provides a nice atmosphere, 
perfect for families to go with kids. There is also a Merry Go round and if you 
are lucky, you will bump into these charming   ladies that bring extra magic to this market.
The other larger market is at the Waisenhausplatz. This one is less dedicated to foodies but overall 
quite commercial with many stalls you would find on other markets throughout the year.
Just in front of the big minster,   you find a third smaller market of which I 
think really has a charming and traditionally Christian atmosphere. In here you can buy 
things like candles and decoration items, overall more dedicated to the season. The 
market furthermore is not too busy here, which might be a good option for you 
if you prefer it a bit more quiet. Number five, we’re changing to my home region, and 
that would be the Märlistadt in Stein am Rhein. This Christmas market is held within the 
beautiful medieval town of Stein am Rhein. Unlike a traditional Christmas market, the Märlistadt 
Stein am Rhein combines the magic of Christmas with traditional fairytales.
The market is suitable for all age groups to visit, but the focus on 
targeting families is quite apparent. There is a yearly fairytale parade, a large merry 
go round, fairy faba is often around and there is a fairytale trail. Throughout the old city of 
Stein am Rhein, you can find various windows with special decorations where you can read a 
fairytale. By following the stations in the right order, you can work yourself through the entire 
story. Every year, there will be a new one told. The Märlistadt opens on the first Wednesday in 
December with a spectacular parade at 5:30 pm, where you will see a group of Trychler marching 
through the main gate towards the townhall. You will also see fairy faba and her fellow 
elf Nox, which by the way is starred by me. Much is happening during the entire month of the 
Märlistadt, the grand opening as just mentioned, the medieval Christmas market that is 
held on one weekend near the main church   at the former monastery, there is even a 
sword fight show, very impressive, then, there are also concerts and even Saint-Nicolas 
will spend a visit to the town on 6th of December. The market is open for the entire December until 
very early January. The Märlistadt is furthermore probably the only Christmas market that is open on 
Christmas day itself, if that date does not fall on a Monday or Tuesday, as on these two days 
of the week, the market always remains closed. On the market, you find various food stalls, 
crêpe, raclette, asian food and even a fondue hut. Very good are the Curry Saussages 
from Don Fuego as well as his delicious Feuerzangenbowle. The Baumstriezl you get 
here in Stein am Rhein is one of the best as it is prepared in the traditional way!
Besides the amazing Christmas market, the very festive atmosphere and the great program, I 
highly recommend visiting the Krippenwelt museum, which showcases all kinds of nativity scenes 
from allover the world. The nativity scene is   a traditional element of Christian culture that 
displays the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. In here, you find various interpretations from the 
Philippines, Peru, Poland, Persia, Tanzania, Italy and so on, quite a highlight and well… what 
better time could you choose to visit this museum? Number six, we’re going more 
secret. Internationally not   very much known will be the 
Christmas market of Chur. No doubt one of the most beautiful Christmas 
markets of Switzerland but unfortunately only open on one weekend on a Friday and Saturday. The 
Christmas market of Chur is held in the old town, which makes this one stand out from the 
others on this list. Chur has one of the most beautiful old sections among all 
cities in Switzerland, which looks even   more alluring when the Christmas market is on.
Easy to reach by train, you need to walk for about 8-10 minutes past the Christkindlimärt, which 
is another market of Chur that remains open for the entire month until Christmas. The market in 
the old city is more dedicated to local artisans and the shop owners. Here you can find many great 
present ideas or decoration items like mistletoes, different kinds of Christmas figurines, 
various candles, artisanal glass and so on. The market is pretty large, it reaches into 
almost every alley of the old town, thus, a lot to discover! Despite all the wonderful 
Christmas booths also do look up at times to admire the beautiful lighting decorations 
that really nicely blend with the old houses. This Christmas market is a must-visit for those 
that want to avoid the standard commercialized   markets like in Bern or Zürich. My advice, 
come here on Friday if you can as on Saturday, the market already closes on 7pm, 
which is too early in my opinion. With number seven, we’re going even more secret 
and that would be the Christmas market of Bülach. This market here is a true local favourite. 
Bülach is not the typical town people would visit if they travel to Switzerland. When it comes 
to seeing Switzerland’s best Christmas markets, Bülach should definitely be taken into account.
The Christmas market is one of the first ones opening up, usually in the 
second half of November,   this only for 3 days from Friday to Sunday.
For visiting the market and seeing the many stalls, I would suggest to come here on Friday or 
Saturday, as the market remains open until 9pm, on Sunday it already closes at 7. Bülach may 
not be the most beautiful place of Switzerland, the centre around the townhall 
however is really cute and this   is exactly at where the market is located.
The many beautiful stalls complemented by the old buildings makes this market stand out 
from the other ones of Switzerland. In addition, Bülach’s Christmas market feels very local, 
which you can see from the goods sold here. It is quite unlikely that you will find the same 
present ideas on the larger Christmas markets. While Friday and Saturday are perfect for 
visiting the markets and taking a closer look   at the stalls, on Sunday, you should come again 
for the very highlight, which is the Saint Nicolas parade. After 5pm, you will see the arrival of the 
Trychler followed by angels and many Santas. The processions take about half an hour and will leave 
you astonished. In my opinion, the Chlausumzug of Bülach is the most beautiful parade you could 
see on any of the Swiss Christmas markets. Number eight, very close to where I’m from,   and that would be the medieval 
Christmas market at the Rheinfall. A secret tip for a bit of a different Christmas 
market. I have shown you so far two Christmas markets that are held in a medieval town, now, let 
me show you what is a medieval Christmas market. On a yearly basis at Laufen castle by the 
Rheinfall, there is a medieval market held for three days from Friday to Sunday. Instead 
of traditional Christmas stalls, you now often will see tents where you can buy various medieval 
goods like horns, cups, swords, knives, jewelry, decoration items and more. Besides the many 
artisan stalls, there are also many food stalls, serving you sort of medieval like dishes, 
I in particular liked this one here   with the many pots from where you can get soups.
Usually, the market is held during the first weekend of December, around that time there is a 
good chance for snowfall, which makes it really magical to be there. Also do not forget to head 
into the yard of the castle, there are more stalls to be seen, listen to some medieval songs, meet 
an oriental trader who came from far to sell his spices or listen to some men playing horn.
Try out gambling at this stall playing mice roulette, or listen to a storyteller 
and learn about a new fairytale or perhaps take a seat on a manual Ferris wheel… as you see, 
this market really stands out from the rest. And with number nine, we’re changing to one of 
the very hot spots of Switzerland to Montreux. This is probably the most viral 
Christmas market on Instagram,   at least when it comes to Switzerland.
The Montreux Noël market is one of its kind as it is not held in a 
typically Christmassy environment.   In a town with a mild climate just by the lake, 
it often does not feel too wintery but as you arrive here, trust me, none of those matters.
The many beautiful stalls full of artisan products will easily compensate for that. Although 
Montreux being a very hotspot in Switzerland, the market is dedicated to local small 
businesses and artisans, which provide a unique and authentically Swiss Christmassy experience. 
If you look for great present ideas, trust me, on this market, you will find them. What 
they sell here for example would be various   kinds of lamps or plenty of decoration items 
for your your home during the Winter season, such with typically Swiss motifs, for your 
book shelf or for on your Christmas tree. With the many interesting stalls, the market 
soon will feel larger than it already is;   it stretches over a couple of hundreds of meters 
along the lakeside promenade. Towards the eastern end, there is the marketplace at where you can 
ride the Ferriswheel or some other attractions. Around that corner, you find plenty of snacks, 
especially inside this big hall. Overall, the market really provides a perfect balance 
between food options and present ideas. Even along the lake promenade on the main 
market, you have foodie stalls selling snacks   like waffles, crêpes or various other sweets.
As much as you are going to enjoy it on this market with all the beautiful decorations and the 
stalls, you will even be more enchanted when you witness the very highlight: the arrival of Santa. 
On an hourly basis for three times up from 4:30 pm, Santa will fly on his sledge above the lake. 
I have to say, this is really something unique and makes this market stand out from the others. Well, 
the hype on Social media totally justifies that. Now, I’m really curious. What do you think 
about these Christmas market so far? Please   let me know down in the comments. And also, 
I’m really interested what do you like about Christmas markets in general. And if you 
have been enjoying this video until now,   then please give it a LIKE. With that, you give 
me a lot of support. That really matters. And then I would say let’s continue with number 10. 
That would be the Christmas market of Bremgarten. You would not expect to find the largest Christmas 
market of Switzerland in this town. Bremgarten is a wonderful medieval city that charms with 
a very nice old town and its wooden bridge. For four days, the entire old city will be 
busy with the Christmas market. In every alley, at every corner, you will find plenty of stalls 
with interesting present ideas. As you stroll through the market, soon you will come to the 
same conclusion as I did: if you have no idea   what gifts to get for Christmas, at Bremgarten you 
hardly will leave without having bought anything. The old city hosts the artisan stalls while 
outside, you see more foodie stalls. Especially across the river Reuss, there you find plenty of 
typical snacks like Waffles, Baumstriezl and more. Besides the many stalls, there are a couple of 
other nice things to experience. Frequently, you will see Trychler marching through the old 
city, there will be also a group playing alphorn, Saint Nicolas will give sweets to the kids… 
and also very enchanting is the arrival of the train, especially when it crosses the bridge.  The market is usually very crowded. Thus, I highly 
advise visiting it on Thursday when it is opening. With number 11, let’s change again to the   French-speaking part of Switzerland 
to the Christmas market of Gruyères. Strangely this Christmas market is not very 
famous despite this old town being a hotspot, especially during the summer season. What 
makes this Christmas market special is   the medieval atmosphere in this 
village, the many stalls being surrounded by these beautiful old buildings.
On this list, Gruyère’s Christmas market is one of the smaller ones, there are not too many 
stalls, which makes it possible to explore all of them. Compared to the larger Christmas markets 
in Zürich, Basel or Bern, here you won’t find the typical goods sold, instead the market of 
Gruyères feels less commercialized and more local. Many artisans are here to sell their 
products: clothings, toys, jewelry and more. The most beautiful part of the market is in 
the centre, here you only find artisan stalls, the ones selling foods are by the city 
wall. This setting makes this market   feel a lot more Christmassy than others 
like the one at Zürich’s Europa Allee. Talking about the food: Gruyères itself got 
many great restaurants with local cuisine   serving specialties like fondue or desserts with 
double cream. Because of this, the Christmas market is not having a lot of foodie stalls.
Not only are there many great restaurants, in Gruyères, you also can buy many souvenirs. 
On the days of the Christmas markets, these shops will remain open for longer than usual.
All in all nice, but small cute Christmas market, which is open several weekends up from 
late November until before Christmas. Number 12, the town where I’m from, and that 
would be the Christmas market in Schaffhausen. This is one of the smaller 
Christmas markets on this list.   Schaffhausen hosts an annual market 
at the abbey Zu Allerheiligen, which is open for one weekend on a Saturday and 
Sunday. The market is fully indoors and charms with its Christian vibe due to the location.
Perfectly sheltered from any rain or cold wind, you can stroll around the corridors and see the 
various artisan stalls selling you unique gifts. Like many of the other markets presented 
in this Top 15 list, in Schaffhausen   you also predominantly find local vendors.
If you look for a unique gift, Schaffhausen’s Christmas market is a good location. Perhaps 
getting some wooden utensils for in your kitchen, specially fragrant soaps or other decoration 
items? The artisans here may likely surprise you! The market is divided into two sections, the 
one with the artisans in the abbey and the foodie stalls outdoors just in front. Unlike the 
other markets that are more magical during sunset and dusk, the one in Schaffhausen is best to 
be visited during the day. With that you can visit a second market in the evening. Good to 
combine with Zurich, Stein am Rhein or Basel. I’m pretty sure many of you you have been waiting   for it. Number 13 would be the 
Christmas markets in Zurich. Zürich is full of Christmas markets, which 
all are quite different. Whatever you prefer, more towards hanging out, looking for presents or 
just enjoying a beautiful Christmas atmosphere, in Zürich you will find all of that.
Zürich hosts at least 7 Christmas markets. Probably the most talked about is 
the Weihnachtsdorf Bellevue at the   Sechseläutenplatz just in front of the Opera 
house. If you like heavy lighting decorations and finding various kinds of international 
foods, that market will be perfect for you. There is a very large Christmas tree, also 
a Merry Go Round and some artisan stalls. If you prefer it a bit smaller and cozier, 
then the market at the Münsterhof is a good   place to go to. Here you can find some nice 
Christmas gifts or just hang out for a drink, the atmosphere furthermore is quite enchanting.
Really nice is the singing Christmas tree at the Werdmühleplatz close by the main station. 
There will be many choirs of adults or children. The other important market of Zürich is the 
Christkindlmarket at the main station. Here   you find a good mix of artisan and foodie stalls. 
It’s a good place to look for a Christmas gift, usually you will find something nice in here. 
In the middle, there is a big Christmas tree, traditionally it was sponsored by 
Swarowski, last year is was from Lindt. Near the train station there is another market 
at the Europaallee, which comes along in the   same style as the Christmas village at the 
Bellevue. This Christmas market is basically a street food festival, various international 
cuisines are present here like from middle   East, Mexico, Africa, Taiwan and so on oh 
and yes, there are also some artisan stalls. A very highlight is the Illuminarium at the 
national museum. That market is very festive, a perfect Christmas Wonderland. If you love 
beautiful lighting decorations paired with good music and having a drink with your 
friends, then you will be right here.   There is also the art festival with 
a spectacular lightshow at the yard, you can purchase the tickets at the market itself.
Besides the Christmas markets, also consider walking through Zürich. There are many nice 
parts with beautiful Christmas lightings   like at the Hotel Restaurant Storchen, 
Strehlgasse, Rennweg or Augustinergasse. Number 14, a very beautiful Christmas market here   in Switzerland. That would 
be the one in Einsiedeln. This is a market you definitely need to put 
on your list. Einsiedeln’s Christmas market   is said to be among the most beautiful ones 
of Switzerland. Held in front of the monastery Church and the old town of Einsiedeln, the 
market charms with a brilliant atmosphere. Einsiedeln is an important centre for pilgrimage, 
many people come here to visit the church and its black Madonna. The importance of Einsiedeln as a 
place for religious tourism is also reflected in the many stalls around. You will find plenty of 
religious items like nativity scenes figurines, various types of angles, prayer candles, crosses 
and more. With this, Einsiedeln hosts the most Christian Christmas market in all of Switzerland.
The market is quite large, already on the square in front of the monastery church, you have plenty 
of stalls with unique artisan products and foods, further down along the main road in the old 
centre of Einsiedeln, there are even a lot more. For this market, you need at least two hours 
to explore it, there are many brilliant artisan   stalls around, great local specialties to try 
like confections or heavenly egg liquor. Also try out the Glühwine here, I had one of the 
best ones on any of the Swiss Christmas markets Einsiedeln is located on nearly 900 meters 
above sea level, the chance for snowfall up there is higher than elsewhere. Who knows, maybe 
you are going to be here when there is snowfall? And now, the last of these top 15 
most beautiful Christmas markets of   Switzerland. Let’s take a look at how the 
Christmas market in Eglisau looks like. The smallest and most local among these Top 
15 Christmas markets is in the wonderful old town of Eglisau. Probably most of you 
have never heard of this market before, if you prefer it simple and less commercial, 
this market will be the right one for you. Located in the alleys Ober-, Unter- and Chilegass,   the market is embedded into a very beautiful 
surrounding. There are a few stalls only, you can buy locally made Christmas gifts or even 
home-made snacks, and this for less money than on most of these markets presented in here.
As this market is mainly for people from the region, it is only open on 
one Friday in early December. So many beautiful Christmas markets here in 
Switzerland. Now, I’m really curious which   Christmas market did you like the most? 
Please let me know down in the comments. And if you want to know what are the best 
things to do in Switzerland during winter,   then let’s meet over there. Otherwise, 
if you’re more interested in a particular region here in Switzerland, then 
this video will be right for you.

🎄 Top 15 Christmas Markets of Switzerland | The Ultimate Christmas Market Travel Guide 🇨🇭

Discover the most beautiful Christmas markets across Switzerland — from charming alpine villages to historic cities and lakeside towns. This video takes you on a festive journey through 15 of the best Swiss Christmas markets, filled with twinkling lights, cozy wooden chalets, and the magic of the holiday season.

🛍️ What you’ll see:
• Beautifully decorated stalls with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, winter décor, and toys
• Artisans selling unique Christmas treasures like baubles and handmade lamps
• Delicious seasonal treats — Baumstriezl, Crêpes, Waffles, Raclette, and warm Glühwein
• Traditional Christmas parades, Saint Nicholas celebrations, the Klausumzug in Bülach, and Trychlerumzug at Märlistadt in Stein am Rhein

Top 10 Winter Switzerland: https://youtu.be/Crto60oa2VI

Top 10 Winter Villages Switzerland: https://youtu.be/Htl-3JFETTQ

✨ Featured Christmas Markets:
Zurich • Basel • Bern • Chur • Lugano • Montreux • Gruyères • Grimentz • Bremgarten • Schaffhausen • Bülach • Eglisau • Einsiedeln • Stein am Rhein • Medieval Christmas Market at the Rheinfall

🎬 Immerse yourself in Switzerland’s festive spirit — where snowy villages, glowing lights, and joyful traditions create a truly magical Christmas experience.

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