The best Christmas markets (Marché de Noel or Weihnachtsmarkt) to visit in Switzerland usually are in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Montreux, Pilatus, St Gallen, and Zurich. However, in 2020, most were canceled or several in the German-speaking part of the Swiss confederation are planning to remain open.
In recent years, many Swiss cities have introduced Christmas markets to bring some holiday cheer to the December advent period. Very few Christmas markets in Switzerland can claim the long tradition of German Advent markets and most are much smaller and less lively. The Christmas lights in many Swiss cities are spectacularly beautiful and often stay switched on until mid-January. Well-known Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) in German-speaking Switzerland are in Basel, Bern, St Gallen, and Zurich while Montreux (pictured above) on Lake Geneva has the most famous Marché de Noël in French-speaking Switzerland. Mt Pilatus and Rochers-de-Naye have Christmas markets on Alpine peaks. Many ski resorts have small markets that may stay open past Christmas Day.
In 2020, most of the markets in the French-speaking cantons were canceled, while many in the German-speaking region are still planning to open. Depending on the situation in December, these may also be canceled at short notice if required.
The best Christmas markets in Switzerland are to a large extent recent inventions by local cities and the Swiss tourism industry. Very few Swiss Christmas markets can claim a history much longer than two decades but the markets are now a well-established part of the Advent period. Larger cities have the better-known markets but many smaller towns and especially Alpine ski-resorts also have smaller markets to entertain visitors.
Famous Christmas markets in Switzerland that were in early October still planning to open in December 2020 include:
Top Christmas markets in Switzerland that already confirmed being canceled for 2020 include:
Swiss Christmas markets are generally open from end-November to Christmas Eve. Smaller towns and ski resorts often have markets only over weekends or just the few days leading up to Christmas. Markets are generally open from late morning to around 8 or 9 pm. Late afternoon, early evening is often the most atmospheric time to visit open-air markets.
The best Christmas markets will generally not be open on Christmas Day (December 25) but some may be open on Christmas Eve (December 24) but probably not at night. In some tourist areas, the markets are now extended for a few days past Christmas Day and even into the New Year.
Travelers familiar with a true German Weihnachtsmarkt may well find Swiss Christmas markets a bit of a disappointment. Not only do they not have the same long tradition but they are generally much smaller and on quiet days may feel far less exciting too, which in 2020 is generally not a bad thing.