Advent is the most magical time of the year for us - the smell of local delicacies, twinkling fairy lights everywhere and the streets transformed into living fairytale landscapes. For us, Christmas time in Switzerland is one of our favourite times and we want to bring you closer to the magic that each and every one of our favourite Christmas markets has.

PUBLISHED: 23 Feb 2025 | JUMP TO COMMENTS & QUESTIONS

Leave the stress of everyday life behind and soak up the festive atmosphere. Enjoy local food, discover the handmade jewellery and of course the delicious mulled wine is not to be missed.

In this blog entry, we take you on a journey through Switzerland with our favourite Christmas markets – places where the winter dream becomes reality.

Zurich Christmas village

The Christmas market at Bellevue is a true Christmas village in the heart of Zurich. Set against the impressive backdrop of the magnificent opera house and surrounded by the glittering city, this market has a very special atmosphere.

The selection of sweet market stalls is as varied as the market itself – from regional delicacies such as fondue in bread, raclette, rösti and hot chestnuts to international delicacies – everyone will find something to make their stomach growl. You won’t be short of something special either – handmade decorations, textiles, jewellery and artistic designs await you.
We have only experienced the ice skating rink in Zurich on our Christmas market tour so far and think it’s a super great idea that will make your Christmas market evening unforgettable – a bit of romance and fun at the same time.

The mighty opera house in the background gives the market an elegant, magical touch, especially in the dark – when the Christmas lights come on. The combination of historic architecture, culinary delights and festive atmosphere makes this a beautiful and romantic place in Zurich.

Illuminarium Zurich

The Illuminarium in the courtyard of the National Museum Zurich is no ordinary Christmas market – but it is definitely an experience for all the senses. As soon as you enter the inner courtyard, you are greeted by a fairytale light show that transforms the walls of the National Museum into an incredible play of colours. In addition to the impressive lights, the Illuminarium offers a variety of culinary highlights at the market stalls, a fondue chalet and a kind of disco that tempts everyone to shake a leg.

The Illuminarium takes you to a magical place where art, technology and tradition merge and is definitely a different but definitely worth seeing Christmas market in Zurich.

TIP: Whether with the family, alone or as a couple – the Yuki Show is a unique experience that you have never experienced before. This enchanting Christmas story about a small, lovable monster is projected onto the interior walls of the museum and takes you into a fascinating world full of magic and wonder. Let yourself be enchanted and immerse yourself in an unforgettable Christmas story. We promise – this experience will inspire you.

Christmas market Einsiedeln

This Christmas market is a real insider tip for anyone longing for a magical Advent atmosphere. In the middle of the idyllic landscape of Central Switzerland and directly in front of the imposing, world-famous backdrop of the monastery, you will find the festive Christmas market. The monastery square, which forms the centrepiece of the market, shines with thousands of fairy lights and beautiful Christmas decorations. The decorated market stalls adorn the entire route through the old town and leave nothing to be desired – from regional specialities such as monastery honey, homemade gingerbread, spicy mulled wine, our favourite the ‘berliner bänzli’ to traditional arts and crafts.
This Christmas market also has plenty to offer families. Here you’ll find a children’s carousel, a craft house and you can even make your own candle – although candle making is certainly a great experience for all ages.

We love this Christmas market, especially for the variety of super beautiful crafts that you won’t find anywhere else (a winner for a unique gift). And without a doubt, the magnificent backdrop with the monastery, the music playing over the loudspeakers through the market, the smell of delicious fresh food. All this makes it one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland.

TIP: The duration of the Einsiedeln Christmas Market is short compared to the others – it is usually open from the end of November to the first week of December.

Portrait photography of Remo at the Christmas market

Zauberwald Lenzerheide

This Christmas market really amazed us. You will quickly realise that this Christmas market is not ordinary – you need tickets for this market alone – but it was definitely worth it for this unique experience.

In the middle of a fairytale winter wonderland, in the snow-covered forest of Lenzerheide, this place is transformed into a glowing world full of magic during the Advent season. The trees are brought to life by artistic light installations. Bright colours and creative projections transform the forest into a magical place that will make your eyes light up.

In addition to the visual highlights that you can discover throughout the forest, it is also a cultural meeting place. Musicians and artists perform on stage and create an incredible atmosphere with their live performances. Culinary delights are not neglected either – delicious delicacies await you in the so-called gourmet village and all your senses are quickly catered for.

This enchanting, magical place is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Winter wonderland Locarno

A Mediterranean version of a Christmas market can be found here, in the south of Switzerland – in Locarno. Surrounded by palm trees, charming alleyways and the gentle sparkle of Lagio Maggiore, this Christmas market is a place where Mediterranean lifestyle and winter magic meet.
The sparkling winter wonderland can be found on the Piazza Grande. A large ice rink, lovingly decorated market stalls offering delicacies from Ticino, handmade jewellery and Christmas decorations await you here.

With atmospheric live music framed by the light show that illuminates the houses all around, the piazza offers you a cosy atmosphere to linger in.
Special highlights include local delicacies such as polenta, creamy risotto and sweet panettone – a feast for your taste buds.

This Winterland combines a festive atmosphere with the unique charm of the region. A place where you can enjoy winter in a very special, picturesque and cosy atmosphere.

Christmas market Winterthur

The Christmas market in Winterthur is a rather small but beautiful market in the centre of the old town. Here you have the great opportunity to enjoy the city of Winterthur and round off the day with a delicious mulled wine and a local delicacy.

TIP: If you have time, travel to the Christmas markets in Colmar and Eguisheim – France. These markets are known for their fantastic scenery and the wonderful Christmas atmosphere in the otherwise unique old town.