Switzerland Christmas Markets 2021 (ultimate list)

After a year of hiatus, Switzerland Christmas markets have woken up from hibernation.

And I would go as far as to say that 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.

Will there be Switzerland Christmas markets in 2021?

Yes! Fortunately, many cities, towns, and villages have found ways of hosting Christmas markets in 2021. Some larger venues are complying with BAG restrictions by asking for a valid Corona certificate. In exchange, no mask is required on-premise. Smaller markets also found ways to remain safe by spreading thinner or by canceling entertainment.

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! For unmissable holiday events such as St. Nicholaus traditions or illuminations, try our separate guide instead.

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. No reservations or Covid certificates are required, and food is ordered and paid via a QR code. The indoor Winterstübli, however, is a safe zone to enjoy a meal with friends and colleagues. As far as the menu, it is all about cheese this season. Think different fondues or raclette. 

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

How to get there and more information

The outdoor garden at NÜNI in Altstetten is touted as the latest hotspot for mulled wine lovers. 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.

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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, Wednesdays, and Sundays from 11:45 AM to 10 PM, and Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:45 AM to midnight. A Covid certificate is not required, but masks are mandatory.

How to get there and more information

Zürich’s Christmas Island meets St. Moritz: the Bauschänzli inlet is going to be decked, featuring a delicious menu inspired by the Engadine. Unlike in previous years, the chefs will serve a proper dinner to those with reservations. Two slots are available each night: from 6 to 8 PM, as well as from 8:30 to 10:30 PM. 

Those who just want to stop by for mulled wine or a cold platter are invited to the Weihnachts-Insel weekdays from 4 PM to 11 PM, as well as on weekends from 2 PM until 10 PM. A valid Covid certificate is required.

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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. New in 2021 is a Ferris wheel allowing you a new vantage point of the Christmas market. Look out for concerts, parades, or Christmas workshops. And of course, the real Santa Claus will be visiting, too.

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This season will mark the 7th anniversary of Bo Noël in Lausanne. In these magical weeks before Christmas, this hip festival extends throughout the charming old town. 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 - both 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 Christmas gift for that special someone. Access is open to the general public without the need for a Covid certificate.

We particularly like the views from the Ferris wheel, and there is an entirely new highlight this year, too: from Nov 26 through Jan 9, there will be an ice-skating track through Winter Wonderland. Just like any indoor restaurant, the Light on Ice attraction requires a valid Covid certificate.

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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Interlaken has definitely put itself on the map of Swiss Christmas festivals. Winterzauber Pop.Up 2021 now features unique outdoor art installations. Placed on various squares between the two train stations, you will also find 100 decorated Christmas trees spreading holiday cheers. As every year, there are open-air ice-skating rinks linked by ice paths.

And on the weekend from Dec 17 to 19, there will be a large Christmas market along the Höheweg Promenade where you will find everything from food to gifts.

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During the holidays, Basel has a golden glow thanks to the festive decorations throughout the city center. 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 to be among the most beautiful in Switzerland. 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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After a forced break, the Christmas village returns to the Sechseläutenplatz square in front of the Zurich opera house. When strolling through the market, you might notice the refreshingly unique things for sale. That’s because the 120+ chalets are exclusively rented to handpicked vendors. Those selling gifts will be staying for a week’s time only before making space for someone else.

The market is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, as well as on Sundays from 11 AM to 8 PM. A valid Covid certificate is required. Please note that vendors, including restaurants, will be accepting cashless payments only.

How to get there and more information

We are stoked that one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe is back after skipping last year. And since it is housed inside the Zurich main station, the Christkindlimarkt is 100 percent weather-proof. 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 10:30 AM to 9 PM, with extended hours until 10 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

St. Gallen has all the rights to claim the title of City of Stars. During the pre-holiday season, more than 600 large stars will be lighting up the old town streets and alleys. We have reported about the Sternenstadt event in the past.

On Nov 26 and 27, there will be an additional market selling homemade and local goods. The regular Christmas market in St. Gallen is located at Waaghaus, Bohl, and in Marktgasse street. It is open daily from 11 AM.

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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, as well as some 25 Christmas trees throughout the old town.

As far as special events, look out for the ice sculpting on Dec 11. Other highlights include a Nativity scene or a pile of snow for the little ones.

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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. And Poststrasse will be renamed Adventure Street, offering you the chance to try out various winter sports activities: cross-country skiing, curling, and even Christmas ball throwing (?).

The market is open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM.

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The theme of this year’s Christmas market in front of the Bern Minster is “winter lights” (Winterlicht). 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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We have recently visited Yverdon-les-Bains and its medieval old town - and we loved it. 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 be taking place at Place Pestalozzi on Dec 1 at 11 AM.

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The medieval old town of Stein am Rhein is a favorite of ours during summers. So we are excited to visit during the holidays as the place is turned into a fairytale village. Before you head there, get started by reading up on this year’s very own fairytale.

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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. Live music, theater performances, film screenings, and narrations are on the schedule as well.

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The WiehnachtsStädtli opens up every week from Thursday through Sunday. This year, the 120 market stalls are located on the Fischmarktplatz, Hauptplatz, and Engelplatz squares. The Rapperswil Christmas market is open to the public without a Covid certificate. Only restaurants require a valid certificate.

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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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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 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 Sion Christmas market is home to some 45 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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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. Santa has announced his visit on Dec 15.

The market is open Mo/Tu/We/Fr from 11 AM to 7 PM, Thursdays from 11 AM to 9 PM, as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM.

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If there was ever an ultimate childhood Christmas dream, it was to live inside a gingerbread house... It would be a life-size house with walls and roof tiles made of gingerbread. And of course, this house would be adorned with delicious Christmas cookies and icing!

The luxurious Bürgenstock Resort above Lake Lucerne can fulfill this dream. The cozy Christmas market features the largest gingerbread house in Switzerland. It is surrounded by a vivid market selling with local specialties, such as cheese from Bürgenberg or pear bread (Birebrot).

From Fridays through Sundays, the market serves holiday treats on the scenic terrace. While the grownups mingle with roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, the little ones can participate in baking and cookie-decoration workshops inside the gingerbread house. On Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 5 PM, the hotel's own pastry chefs will instruct children on how to bake and decorate those crunchy cookies.

The Christmas market is open Mon through Thu from 4 to 8 PM, as well as Fri through Sun from 2 to 8 PM. Ice-skating on the Bürgenstock's own rink is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM.

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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 17 at 2 PM, Dec 18 at 11 AM.)

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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:

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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The Marché de Noël Chêne-Bourg on Place Favre offers stalls with lovely gifts. Among the animations will be an accordianist (Fri from 6 to 9 PM), a carriage (Sat from 2 to 6 PM), and a visit by Père Noël (Sat from 2 to 6 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 69 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 5 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 wonderful 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. A valid Covid certificate is not required in the outdoor market.

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Geneva will be in the holiday spirit this season, and the Marché de Noël des Pâquis is an important happening. This market offers handicrafts and is a delight for foodies.

The line-up of events is long, but some of the highlights include a K-pop dance workshop for teens and a public performance, crafts workshops, and storytelling sessions. Download the flyer for more information.

How to get there and more information

During the first advent weekend, Lyss will turn into a Christmas village. On the Marktplatz square, Stärnemärit vendors inside wooden chalets will be hawking all the goodies. Meanwhile, inside the Sieberhuus, there will be an artisanal market focused 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, have confirmed that they are going to go all out this year… Think animated blinking lights - the works! The decorations will be on nightly from 5 PM until midnight starting on Saturday, Nov 27.

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)

How to get there and more information

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.

More information: Hotelierverein Klosters, 081 423 34 35

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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From 9 AM to 6 PM, some 60 vendors will be charming visitors with all the goods of the season. Truly, the Landsgemeindeplatz in Zug will be turned into a Christmas village on the first advent.

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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 get to enter a circus themed Christmas spectacular inside the greenhouses of this nursery. Please note that a valid Covid-certificate is required.

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

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Not too many Christmas markets have a monastery as a backdrop. In Einsiedeln, there will not only be 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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The best way to enjoy the Christmas market in Aarau is by grabbing a cup of mulled wine to stroll through the old town. At Oberen Graben, Holzmarkt, and Kasinopark, some 40 chalets will offer unique gifts and delicious foods.

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The Christmas market that owns the most premium website domain of all must be important: weihnachtsmarkt.ch. In fact, the Christchindli-Märt Bremgarten is the largest Christmas market in Switzerland with more than 300 booths. Sadly, it had to be canceled in 2020, which is why we are stoked that it is back this year with its 25th edition.

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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Glittering lights, live music, and a glass of Moët & Chandon champagne: what else can one ask for during the festive season? The Moët & Chandon Christmas Wonderland on the scenic terrace of Tao's at Augustinergasse promises all of this - and more. Daily from 5 to 11 PM, a charming little Christmas village will open its gates to those with a valid Covid certificate.

Inside this exclusive event space, you will be able to find booths selling fusion dishes from the Tao's menu, desserts, and personalizable gifts. And, of course, there will be a champagne bar! Expect soundtracks by renowned DJs, and live musical acts such as Carlos Leal (Dec 2), Kristina Bazan (Dec 3), or Lea Lu (Dec 10).

The annual Christmas Market in Glarus is one of the highlights for many locals. During this 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 of all. 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 for: mulled wine, entertainment, candle-making, and Samichlaus visits.

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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 get to take part 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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The narrow old town alleys of Estavayer-le-Lac will display a classic Nativity scene. The annual holiday event gives aspiring artists, as well as seasoned participants, the chance to showcase their cribs. All in all, more than 80 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 all connected by a poetic path.

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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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Once again, the historic Bellpark will be turned into 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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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 - as well as Samichlaus and Schmutzli. The Swiss Santa and his sidekick will be handing out goodies to the little ones.

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After hibernating last year, the Schaffhausen Christmas market is back with its 7th edition. The cloister with its 800-year-old history is quite a backdrop for this market which is 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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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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