Christmas is coming, and during the following days, Europe opens Christmas Markets. Interesting fact: did you know Basel was voted the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe last year? Discover the best Christmas Markets in Switzerland in 2022 with MTX Connect.
Basel
Opening Dates: 24th November to 23rd December 2022
Basel is well known as the most beautiful and largest Christmas city in Switzerland. The market is enriched by numerous pre-Christmas events. In 2022 around one and a half hundred traders and artisans will enchant visitors with their goods for sale in small, rustic wooden chalets. Anyone looking for gift ideas can seek inspiration from the wide selection and Christmas ambiance. Last year, the Basel Christmas market was voted the winner of the European Best Christmas Markets.
Montreux
Opening Dates: 18th November to 24th December 2022
Montreux is the biggest Christmas Market in the country, situated in a stunning location between the shores of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Imagine over 160 chalet stalls on the lakeside promenade, from local handicrafts to traditional fondue cheese with mulled wine.
Where, if not in Montreux, to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere? Take a walk to Elves Square with a spectacular Christmas tree, visit Santa’s workshop and the post office or take the train to Santa’s house on the Rochers-de-Naye mountain. And don’t miss the magic of Château de Chillon with its historical reenactments and medieval music performances. Here at different workshops, you can learn how to make candles, pottery, and food like they did centuries ago!
Bern
Opening dates: From 2nd December to 24th December 2022
Bern may be one of Europe’s smallest capitals, but it certainly makes a good impression during Christmas. For a Christmas city break combining shopping, culture, and comfort Bern is a perfect choice. In the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bern’s medieval streets, with the stunning 15th-century houses lining the square, offer a unique spot for the annual Christmas Markets.
The Artisan Market in front of the Munster Cathedral is one of the most famous. Since 1984, artisans from Bern and the surrounding region each year selling their handcrafted wares. You have a chance to buy here some handcrafted earrings, necklaces, and pieces of jewelry at a very affordable price. After shopping, don’t forget to indulge in a raclette made from superb local cheese.
St. Moritz
Opening dates: From 9th December
St. Moritz hosted the Winter Olympics twice, and it is famous for winter sports, alpine resorts, and spas. Sports lovers may ride on the bobsleigh down the iconic ice run at the Olympia Bob Run or get skates on with dozens of ice rinks around the Christmas village.
Take the Glacier Express running between St. Mortiz and the Oberalp Pass through the Rhine Gorge for fabulous winter scenery. As the second option, you may ride the famous Bernina Express along the UNESCO-listed stretch of the railroad through the gorgeous Swiss Alps to Tirano. If you would like to see a Christmas Market, go to Fussgängerzone, where you can buy traditional crafts, taste some regional foods, enjoy music concerts, and visit candle-making workshops.
Zermatt
If you are already tired of the hustle and bustle during the year and dream of spending a Christmas night more secluded and in nature. This must be the Christmas village of Zermatt. This is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in Switzerland, with no vehicles allowed in town. Just stunning mountain landscapes around you. The village is set in the shadow of the legendary Matterhorn. Here you can enjoy hiking, skiing, or walking through the snow-covered forests.
If you want, you can take the cable car up to the Matterhorn – the highest point in Europe that can be reached by cable car. You’ll climb over 850 meters above sea level, observing breathtaking views of the Alps. It might be a great way to celebrate Christmas this year!
Gruyères
Opening dates: From 9th to 11th December & From 16th to 18th December 2022
If Christmas is the perfect time to indulge yourself with gastronomical delights, don’t miss the chance to visit Gruyères. This beautiful gothic town is first famous for its namesake cheese and delicious traditional chocolate. You may see one of the most beautiful Christmas villages and enjoy its magical atmosphere walking along the illuminated cobbled streets. Try all the town’s iconic delicacies during your Christmas holidays.
If you are a sweet tooth, check in the Maison Cailler chocolate factory, where you can watch the talented chocolatiers creating sweets or learn how to make your own at the Chocolaterie de Gruyères. If you are more in the mood for cheese, head to the La Maison de Gruyere cheese factory to find out how the famous cheese is made and taste it! And to burn some calories after, don’t forget to visit the 800-year-old fairytale Gruyères Castle!
Lausanne
Opening Dates: 17th November to 31st December 2022
For those who are always coming late, Christmas Market in Lausanne will conclude on 31st December with the traditional Bô New Year’s Eve and its famous Giant Silent disco. Warm up with a vin chaud (French mulled wine) or share a fondue in a horse-drawn carriage to discover the city in an unusual way. Btw, Lausanne is famous for its wineries, so the best quality of mulled wine is guaranteed here. If you are traveling with kids, a children’s village is set up for the youngest visitors to play and enjoy the pony rides or Christmas storytelling in the yurt.
Send best wishes from Switzerland for a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year, staying connected with MTX Connect. Remember to activate our Special Promo for Unlimited Internet through the app. Merry Christmas from MTX Connect!