Switzerland Christmas Markets 2022 (ultimate list)

Our favorite season is here, and Switzerland Christmas markets are already in full swing.

Come November, many of us are yearning to stroll through a Christmas market, smell the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds, gaze at the decorations, and share moments with friends. Switzerland offers many different Christmas markets: small local events, large markets with dozens of vendors, light shows, and projections.

Will there be Switzerland Christmas markets in 2022?

Yes! Fortunately, after last year's uncertainty due to the pandemic, many cities, towns, and villages have found ways of hosting Christmas markets in 2022.

We have done all the research about Switzerland Christmas markets, so you don’t have to. At last count, our list covers 51 different markets! Consult our dedicated guide for unmissable holiday events such as St. Nicholaus traditions or illuminations.

Here are all the Switzerland Christmas markets in order of availability. (Search by canton abbreviation.)

Once again, Frau Gerolds Garten in Zürich offers us an enchanted holiday escape. The Winter Garten is entirely outdoors, but there are covered areas, cozy corners with furs, and even fire pits to keep you warm. The indoor Winterstübli is a lovely venue to enjoy a meal with friends and colleagues. The menu is all about mulled wine and creations of cheese fondue, including a Guinness Beer fondue.

The Winter Garten is open Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 11 PM, Thursday and Friday from 5 PM to midnight, Saturdays from noon until midnight, and Sundays from noon until 11 PM. The Winterstübli is open Monday through Wednesday from 6 to 10:30 PM, Thursday through Saturday from 6 to 11:30 PM, and Sundays from 6 to 10:30 PM. Credit card payments only.

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The Badener Wunderdorf is a Christmas village with more than 20 booths. Located on Theaterplatz in Baden, there will be a changing selection of vendors selling everything from handmade design objects to bamboo accessories and foods from Peruvian lomo saltado to vegan wraps.

The market is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4 to 10 PM, Thursdays and Fridays from 4 PM to midnight, Saturdays from noon until midnight, and Sundays from noon until 10 PM.

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The outdoor garden at NÜNI in Altstetten is touted as a hotspot for delicious mulled wine. Holiday decorations, firepits, and a covered terrasse with an outdoor bar: this sounds like the perfect locale to toast with co-workers, share a vegan raclette with a date, or roast marshmallows with friends.

The outdoor terrace is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30 PM.

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The best way to enjoy the Christmas market in Aarau is by grabbing a cup of mulled wine. For the first time in 2022, the market will be at Schlossplatz, Markthalle, and Kirchplatz.

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This popular Geneva Christmas market has now moved into the Jardin Anglais. All the nooks and crannies of the park will be decorated for the occasion. And with those breathtaking views of the Geneva harbor, the immersion in the world of Christmas will be all the more magical.

Expect Noël au Jardin classics such as the chalet, the bar, and the children’s village with its yurts and merry-go-round. The Ferris wheel allows for new vantage points of the Christmas market. Look out for concerts, parades, or Christmas workshops. And of course, the real Santa Claus will be visiting, too.

How to get there, more information, and an overview of events

This season will mark the 8th anniversary of Bo Noël in Lausanne. This hip festival extends throughout the charming old town in these magical weeks before Christmas. The Pépinet Creators’ Market gives local creators a platform to sell their design objects.

An unmissable venue for foodies is the Terroir Market at Place de l’Europe: expect lots of vendors selling delicacies from canton Vaud as gifts and for consumption. Another highlight this year is the Children’s Village complete with a petting zoo, storytelling tent, and pony rides.

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Montreux Noël is a Christmas village with some 150 charming booths that extend along the lakeside. From Christmas ornaments to wooden toys, you will surely find a gift for that special person.

We particularly like the views of Lake Geneva and the Christmas market from atop the Ferris wheel. And finally, a piece of advice to kids of all ages: do not miss Santa’s sleigh rides high above the lake, taking place daily at 5 PM, 6 PM, and 7 PM. It’s magical!

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Basel has a golden glow during the holidays thanks to the city center's festive decorations. Called Basler Weihnacht, the month-long happening features lots of exciting events, concerts, exhibits, and more. For instance, at Theater Basel, where a new advent window opens every night - with a small stage performance inside!

The authentic Christmas market takes place at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, as well as in between the two squares. On Münsterplatz, by the cathedral, there will be a brightly lit Christmas tree featuring elaborate ornaments. Many consider the Basel Christmas market, with its 130 decorated stalls among Switzerland's most beautiful. It is open daily from 11 AM to 8:30 PM.

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Switzerland’s sixth-largest city is back with a Christmas market. You will find about 60 booths at Neumarkt, in the middle of the historic old town of Winterthur. The Winterthur Christmas market opens daily at 11 AM.

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The Christmas village returns to the Sechseläutenplatz square in front of the Zurich opera house. When strolling through the market, you might notice the unique things for sale. That’s because the 120+ chalets are exclusively rented to handpicked vendors. Those selling gifts will only stay for a week before making space for someone else.

The market is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM and on Sundays from 11 AM to 8 PM. Please note that vendors, including restaurants, will only accept cashless payments.

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St. Gallen has all the rights to claim the title of City of Stars. During the pre-holiday season, some 700 large stars will be lighting up the old town streets and alleys. We have reported about the Sternenstadt event in the past.

On Dec 11, witness a live re-enactment of the Christmas story. The parade of human and animal actors starts at Klosterplatz and lasts from 1:30 to 4:30 PM. The regular Christmas market in St. Gallen is located at Waaghaus, Bohl, and Marktgasse street. It is open daily from 11 AM.

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One of Europe's largest indoor Christmas markets returns to the Zurich main station. The Christkindlimarkt is 100 percent weather-proof, allowing you to stroll around even during a blizzard. Some 140 booths will be hawking everything from gifts to international foods. But the real star of this market is the magnificent Christmas tree featuring Swarovski crystals…

The Christchindlimarkt in Zürich is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, with extended hours until 10 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The oldest town in Switzerland hosts a beautiful Christmas market featuring foods and goods. The visit of Swiss Santa on Dec 4 at 12:30 PM will light up children’s eyes. There's an American-style Coca-Cola Christmas truck. And Poststrasse will be renamed Adventure Street as of Dec 1, offering you the chance to try various winter sports activities: cross-country skiing, curling, and even Christmas ball throwing (?).

The market is open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM.

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We really like Yverdon-les-Bains and its medieval old town, although we have never visited during winter. It must be magical to wander those charming alleys lit with Christmas lights. Vendors spreading Christmas cheer will be located on the central Place Pestalozzi with its majestic tree and Santa appearances (Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.) The grand opening will occur at Place Pestalozzi on Nov 25 at 6 PM.

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We love visiting Rheinfelden during summer, but the town is even more beautiful during the holidays. Adventsfunkeln Rheinfelden is all about the illuminations that stretch from Inseli to Stadtpark and some 25 Christmas trees throughout the old town.

Regarding special events, look out for the pile of snow on Zähringerplatz starting Dec 9. Other highlights include a Nativity scene or carriage rides.

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The medieval old town of Stein am Rhein is our favorite quick getaway during summer. One year, we have to venture there during the holidays as the place is turned into a fairytale village. Maybe you will beat us to it this year? Before you head there, get started by reading up on this year’s very own fairytale.

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The WiehnachtsStädtli opens up every week from Thursday through Sunday. This year, more than 100 market stalls spread along the pedestrian zone in the harbor area. There are lots of special events, too: candle-making, storytelling time, Samichlaus arrivals, and concerts.

During the main Christmas market from Dec 8 to 11, there will be 100 additional vendors in the Rapperswil old town, such as on the Fischmarktplatz, Hauptplatz, and Engelplatz squares.

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The Christmas market in Biel stretches some 300 meters along the Nidaugasse shopping alley. Vendors from neighboring France, Germany, and Italy will be setting up booths alongside local producers. One of the special attractions this season will be live glass-making. Meanwhile, the merry-go-round and train tracks are returning traditions.

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As part of Natale in Piazza, the old town of Lugano will feature countless market stalls, festive lights, and decorations. On Piazza della Riforma, there will be a giant decorated Christmas tree. And Parco Ciani is turned into an enchanted forest. Live music, theater performances, film screenings, and narrations are also on the schedule.

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The theme of this year’s Christmas market in front of the Bern Minster is “peaceful” (Friedvoll). What sets it apart from other Christmas markets are the vendors. They are largely locals who are hawking handcrafted gifts. The market is open weekdays from 11 AM, and weekends from 10 AM.

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Located on Waisenhausplatz, the Berner Weihnachtsmarkt features some 50 vendors hawking everything from household gadgets to locally produced foods. The market is open daily from 10 AM.

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As part of Montreux Noël, the beautiful Chillon Castle will be lavishly decorated, too. And during one weekend, the castle will open its doors to authentic Christmas festivities. From 10 AM to 6 PM, you will be able to participate in traditional handicraft workshops, see dances, hear stories, and play medieval games. This family-friendly Christmas tradition allows you to experience the holidays as they were celebrated in the past.

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On several days in December, the Weinmarkt plaza in Luzern's old town will feature an artisanal market. Handmade jewelry, knitwear, toys, and healthy foods are among the things you can buy at this unique market. Check the website below for dates and times.

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The narrow old town alleys of Estavayer-le-Lac will display a classic Nativity scene. The annual holiday event gives aspiring artists and seasoned participants the chance to showcase their cribs. All in all, more than 90 installations of various styles give you a perfect reason to walk this medieval town after dark. While some stations are decorated windows and other more traditional cribs, they are connected by a poetic path.

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The charming town of Saanen is back with its traditional Christmas market. From 2 to 8 PM, stroll among vendors hawking gifts and edibles.

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The beautiful town of Thun hosts its own traditional Christmas market. Located by the covered bridge on Waisenhausplatz, this market has more than three dozen booths with goods such as wooden crafts, alpaca products, herbal tea, jewelry, or upcycled gifts. Donkey rides for the little ones are offered on Dec 11 and 18. And even Santa has announced a visit on Dec 14 from 2 PM.

The market is open Mo/Tu/We/Fr from 11 AM to 7 PM, Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, plus Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

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The Sion Christmas market is home to no less than 80 stalls on the Place du Midi and the Espace des Remparts. It is open Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 PM, Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and from 11 AM to 7 PM on the weekend.

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Every advent season, the indoor Heiliger Bimbam Christmas market takes over a former industrial factory at the Oerlikon train station. During four days, Halle 550 offers a cozy alternative to the outdoor markets. Expect no less than 150 local designers who set up their booths. A mobile photo booth will record your vintage photographs. Children can line up for face paintings. And did we mention that this is also a foodie heaven with street food choices?

Heiliger Bimbam is open Friday from 5 to 10 PM, Saturday from noon to 9 PM, and Sunday from noon until 6 PM.

Fortunately for us, the largest Christmas market in eastern Switzerland is back. No less than 170 vendors will line the old town streets this year. And you have to see it to believe it: a real-life camel train will be trotting from the Soldatendenkmal monument through the old town, giving the Three Kings a majestic entrance. (Dec 16 at 2 PM, Dec 17 at 11 AM.)

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The Christmas Market in Brugg opens its gates from 9 AM to 6 PM. The festive atmosphere includes pop-up concerts, storytelling hours, a merry-go-round, and foods such as homebaked cakes.

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We're staying on top of our Switzerland Christmas markets list! But please let us know in case you learn about cancellations or changes before we do.

These markets have already passed:

A merry-go-round, poinsettia decorations, and fire pits to bake your own bread: the Weihnachts-Zirkus-Zauber at Unicum in Russikon seems like loads of fun. Tuesdays through Sundays from 2 PM to 6 PM, you can enter a circus-themed Christmas spectacular inside the greenhouses of this nursery.

The one-day Christmas market in Turgi celebrates the cultural heritage of market vendors. This event comes with the works: festive stalls selling crafts and foods, a nostalgic merry-go-round, candle-making, and Christmas lights. Open Friday from 2 to 8 PM.

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In the highlands of Zurich in Wald, there is a charming Christmas market. Some 40 wooden chalets with vendors from near and far will be scattered in the small center of the town. (Hot caipirinha, anyone? It's sold at booth 28.) Samichlaus is going to visit the market on Friday and Saturday evening at 5:30 PM. Highlights on Saturday include an alphorn performance at 4 PM.

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Starting at the church, the Christmas market in Aesch will snake through the alleys of the old town. As you walk past the 70 booths, you will undoubtedly hear the traditional sounds of the barrel organs. Samichlaus will be visiting the market on Sunday at 1:30 PM. The market is open Friday from 6 PM to 9 PM, Saturday from noon to 8 PM, and Sunday from noon to 6 PM.

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If you have never visited Bischofszell, this season might be your chance. The historic old town sits elevated and offers a beautiful setting for the Bischofszell Christmas market. The market is open Friday from 5 PM to 9 PM, Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM.

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During the first advent weekend, Lyss will turn into a Christmas village. On the Marktplatz square, Stärnemärit vendors will be hawking all the goodies inside wooden chalets. Meanwhile, inside the Sieberhuus, an artisanal market will be focusing on art and handicrafts.

Another highlight quite literally awaits in the Stegmattquartier neighborhood: American-style Christmas decorations! Several families, including the initiators at Stegmattweg 8, usually deck their houses with blinking lights. If they are on this year despite the energy situation, the decorations will be on from 5 PM until midnight.

Switzerland’s favorite cookie brand spreads Christmas cheers during the annual Kambly Christmas Market. Apart from the 30 chalets selling local handicrafts, you can walk along the lantern train to a bonfire. The Christmas market at Kambly Experience is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM.

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Not too many Christmas markets have a monastery as a backdrop. Einsiedeln not only boasts a gigantic Christmas tree in front of the Benedictine monastery but also the world's largest nativity scene featuring 450 hand-carved figures. The nativity scene is open from noon until 5 PM, and the market opens daily at 11 AM.

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Expect a spectacle of lights at the Christmas market in Aarburg. The Städtli old town will host various booths, choir performances, and more. And after dusk at 5:15 PM, it will be time for Lichterschwimmen. At the Aarewaage vortex down by the River Aare, you can purchase a star-shaped paper boat with a candle, add a wish, and send it off into the stream.

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The town of trees returns with its traditional one-day Christkindlimarkt. More than 100 vendors promise goods that you would not normally expect to find at a Christmas market. Open 10 AM to 7 PM.

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The vendors at the Christmas market in Davos pride themselves on only selling handcrafted goods. This year, the market will take place on Arkadenplatz. (11 AM - 6:30 PM)

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Various booths selling decoration objects and delicacies will be lining Hintere Bahnhofstrasse in Klosters. The traditional candle-making workshop is back, as well as the crafts corner for the little ones. To top it off, Samichlaus and Schmutzli will be stopping by around 5 PM.

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From 11 AM to 6 PM, vendors will be charming visitors with all the season's goods. Kirchenplatz in front of the Pfarreizentrum St. Johannes will be turned into a Christmas village. Have a look at the largest Christmas wreath in central Switzerland!

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The Marché de Noël Chêne-Bourg on Place Favre offers stalls with lovely gifts. This year, there will be treats from Grisons. And among the animations will be a carriage (Sat from 2 to 6 PM), a visit by Père Noël (Sat from 3 to 6 PM), and a Jazz band (Sat from 5:30 to 6:30 PM)

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Geneva will be in the holiday spirit this season, and the Marché de Noël des Pâquis is where to catch those Christmas spirits. This market offers various handicrafts and is a true delight for foodies.

The line-up of events is long, but some highlights include concerts and performances at La Traverse. Yoga classes, zumba workouts, and even a K-pop dance workshop for teens await. Also: crafts workshops and storytelling sessions. Download the flyer for more information.

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The streets of Grüningen near Zürich are a lovely setting for the annual Christmas market. One winter, a long time ago, I celebrated my first birthday at this very Christmas market. And as I grew older, I would return every year to ride the merry-go-round. The market is open from 11 AM to 6 PM.

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The 27th edition of the Bremgarten Christmas Market is back. The so-called Christchindli-Märt Bremgarten is the largest Christmas market in Switzerland, with more than 300 booths.

The historic old town of Bremgarten will come alive with concerts, carriage rides at Obertorplatz, glassmakers at Schellenhausplatz, and a life-size Nativity scene. For a unique perspective on this traditional Swiss Christmas market, participate in a tour of the Spittelturm tower.

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The annual Christmas Market in Glarus is one of the highlights for many locals. For one weekend, the Zaunplatz square will be turned into a Christmas village: festive decor, vendors hawking delicacies and gifts, activities for the kids, and more. The little ones will get a chance to meet Samichlaus face-to-face on Saturday from 2 to 5 PM, and on Sunday from 1 to 5 PM.

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Every year, the Schloss Wildegg castle awakens to the most romantic Christmas market. Inside the historic structure, expect a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, a nostalgic merry-go-round, an organ player, handcrafted gifts, plus sweet and savory dishes.

All in all, there will be about 50 booths. Activities include cookie baking, nighttime tours of the castle, and Samichlaus meets. A valid Covid certificate is required for vendors and visitors alike.

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On the first weekend in December, the charming center of Bad Zurzach will be turned into a Christmas village. This small but cozy Christmas market has everything you could wish: mulled wine, entertainment, band concerts, candle-making, and Samichlaus visits.

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What better setting for the traditional Niklaus Christmas market than the Altstätten old town? From 8 AM until 6 PM, find market vendors throughout the old town, plus Samichlaus and Schmutzli. The Swiss Santa and his sidekick will hand out goodies to the little ones.

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The town of Cham is going all out this season. Some 100 booths make up the Chamer Wienachtsmärt on the Dorfplatz and Kirchplatz squares. Market activities are from noon until 7 PM.

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For the first time, Brig is hosting a Christmas market in 2022. The Chrischchindlimärt features 50 booths between the train station and the castle. There will be just as many artisans among the mulled wine vendors selling unique gifts.

Another good reason to visit this market are the various live concerts: a women's a capella group, a youth marching band, and a choir of Ukrainian men. The market is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM except for Sunday when it closes at 5 PM.

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Once again, the historic Bellpark will become an enchanting Christmas village. Foodies will appreciate the wide variety of dishes, from Asian to Italian. Or you might decide to BBQ your own sausage on the open fire - a favorite activity for the little ones. The market is generally open from 11 AM to 9 PM, but check the website for actual hours.

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The Schaffhausen Christmas market is back with its 8th edition. The cloister, with its 800-year-old history, is quite a backdrop for this market set up along Münstergasse and Vordergasse. The market is open on Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and on Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM.

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