Welcome to Swiss Christmas Markets, a winter wonderland where every nook and cranny is soaked in the season’s magic.
Swiss Christmas markets are considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. They beckon every visitor with a charming atmosphere, stunning decorations, and heartwarming experiences.Â
And what better way to explore these enchanting markets than through a Christmas-themed rail journey?
Lucerne: The Gateway to Festive Delights
Our journey begins in Lucerne, a postcard-perfect city in central Switzerland.
Picturesquely located at the shore of Lake of Four Cantons, Lucerne is surrounded by the famous peaks of Rigi, the Queen of Mountains, Pilatus, Schweizer Mythen, and many more which snow-covered peaks add to the magical holiday atmosphere.Â
Lucerne Christmas Market is a charming place to be: nestled against the backdrop of historic architecture, it offers an array of artisanal crafts, from delicate ornaments to intricately carved wooden toys. Indulge in steaming cups of Glühwein (mulled wine) and savor delectable Swiss dishes like raclette and gingerbread.
Montreux and Vevey: Lake Geneva's Sparkling Christmas Gems
The next stop on our Swiss Christmas Markets adventure is Montreux. Board the famous GoldenPass line from Lucerne to Interlaken (the market here is also worth popping by), through Gstaad and Zweisimmen, to the charming town of Montreux.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux is home to the world-famous jazz festival and, it so happens, the biggest Christmas Market in Switzerland.
Several squares comprise the Christmas village, where you can enjoy a whole range of Christmas attractions. The Logger cabin hosts raclette and fondue chalets, and the lakeside market features a Ferris wheel and a flying Santa sled.
Vevey’s intimate setting invites you to explore local crafts and sip on hot chocolate while admiring the view. If you have any steam left, check out the small and cozy Christmas market inside the famous Chillon Castle.
Zurich: Where Christmas Lights Chase Away The Darkness
Zurich is one of the biggest Swiss Christmas Markets. Spread across the medieval Old Town, its beating heart is located on the plaza in front of the Opera house.
Full of lights, delicious smells, and beautifully decorated trees and chalets, the Zurich Christmas Market has something for visitors of every age. The Elf village offers interactive games and puzzles while the vintage carousel spins around, transporting children into the bygone days.
Older marketgoers will be delighted to pass by one of the few Christmas-themed pop-up bars wrapped in colorful foils and tinsels. As tacky as they may be, they attract plenty of visitors with their playful and charming atmosphere.
But it’s the Landesmuseum’s Illuminarium that steals the show. Impressive light installation that lits up the inner courtyard of the museum transports hundreds of visitors every evening into a fairytale Christmas land.
But that’s now all! On your way back, you must pass by the Christmas Market at the Zurich Main Station and admire the tree decorated with huge Lindt pralines.
Basel: Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Christmas Magic
Our next stop in the Swiss Christmas Markets tour brings us to Basel. Voted one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Switzerland, the Basel fair spreads over several city squares and streets, offering unique experiences.
Small cobbled streets around Barfüsserplatz are filled with wooden chalets and stalls selling everything: from glass baubles, to wool mittens and tea. Among other delicious treats, here you can also taste one of Basel’s most iconic street foods. Chäsbängel, a baguette filled with steaming hot creamy fondue cheese, is a simple yet delicious alternative to a traditional fondue.
At Münsterplatz, you will find an enchanted forest filled with cozy chalets, bonfires, and even a tiny railroad beloved by children. Shop for delicious food, enjoy the warmth of the opean hearth and sip on some aromatic mulled wine.
Bern: A Medieval Wonderland Decked in Festive Cheer
Stepping into Bern feels like entering a medieval fairytale. The old town market exudes charm with its cobbled streets, illuminated by the soft glow of twinkling lights.
The main attraction here is the Christmas Market organized in the park right next to the parliament. Stroll around beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wooden chalets selling sweet and savory treats and discover handcrafted souvenirs.
If you’re lucky, you can even spot a steam-run old timer city tram. Try local dishes such as raclette (boiled potatoes covered in melted cheese served with pickled onion and cucumbers) and enjoy a special fondue dinner served in an old cable car!
Discover Swiss Christmas Markets
Our 9-day Swiss Christmas Markets rail tour is your key to discovering the magic of Christmas in Switzerland. Join our small group tour for a holiday-themed ride through snow-covered landscapes. Learn about local traditions and taste typical holiday food. Enjoy the charming atmosphere of 7 towns wrapped in their Christmas attire and lit up with thousands of twinkling lights.
Your benefits:
- small group tour,
- local English-speaking guides,
- luggage transfer,
- 9 Swiss Christmas Markets,Â
- 1-st Class Swiss Pass,
- breakfasts and dinners,
- all-inclusive itineraries – no hidden costs,
Enjoy the beauty of Christmas in Switzerland on an unforgettable Swiss rail adventure.Â
