Even though it’s still officially autumn in Switzerland, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as the song says.
Towns big and small are preparing to celebrate the holiday season in — so far, at least — a pandemic-free environment. In fact, the festive mood makes it easy to forget that in 2020 markets were closed, and in 2021 some places required a Covid certificate to enter.
While most markets in Switzerland will open at the beginning of December to coincide with the start of the Advent on December 1st, some will be inaugurated this week and next.
This is an overview of where you can begin the Christmas season in November.
Lausanne, ‘Bô Noël’
Starting on Thursday November 17th, the Vaud capital will inaugurate small Christmas markets in various locations throughout the city:
- St. Francis Square
- Place Pépine
- Arches of the Grand-Pont and Place de l’Europe
- Jean Monnet Terrace
- Central Places
- Cathedral Esplanade
- Flon Esplanade
Various activities from Christmas shopping to eating, drinking, and entertainment for the young and old will be plentiful at all the sites.
Open: From November 17th to December 31st
Geneva, English Garden
The traditional market, located in the middle of a lakeside urban park, is opening on November 18th.
Like any Christmas market worthy of the name, it will feature an artisan market where you can purchase holiday decorations and other trinkets, as well as enjoy typical fare like mulled wine and raclette. (Christmas purists may argue that melted cheese is not really a ‘typical’ holiday dish, but you are, after all, in Switzerland).
Open: from November 18th to December 23rd
Geneva, Mont-Blanc Christmas
As a complement to the Jardin Anglais site, Geneva’s second Christmas market, on rue du Mont-Blanc, will open on November 24th.
As each year, it will feature a wide range of artisanal products and local specialities.
Open from November 25th to December 28th
A lit statue ‘floats’ over a Geneva street at Christmas. Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP
Montreux (Vaud)
Scenically located along the shore of Lake Geneva, the “Montreux Noel” market is one of the country’s most famous Christmas fairs.
Attractions include Santa Claus / Father Christmas flying on his sled, as well as special activities inside the legendary Chillon Castle, located just a snowball away from the cite centre.
Open from November 18th to December 24th
Basel: Barfüsserplatz and Munsterplatz
Spread across two squares, Basel’s annual Christmas market – open from November 24th – is one of Switzerland’s largest and most picturesque.
About 200 booths offer an array of things traditionally associated with this holiday, from exquisite hand-made ornaments to regional delicacies.
Open from November 24th to December 23th.
Basel’s Old Town decorated with Christmas lights. Image by Christophe Schindler from Pixabay
Zurich, several markets
Switzerland’s largest city has not one, not two, but FIVE Christmas fairs spread around town, all opening on November 24th: at Sechseläutenplatz, Old Town, Bahnhof, Münsterhof, and Werdmühleplatz.
They include attractions like a singing Christmas tree, one decorated with 7,000 crystals, along with gifts, decorations, food, and drink.
Open: November 24th to December 23rd.