Swiss Christmas Markets

It’s that time of year again! With my belly still full from a beautiful American Thanksgiving, it is finally time to start celebrating Christmas! And you know what that means.

ITS CHRISTMAS MARKET SEASON.

After visiting Zurich and Montreux, I forgot how much I missed wandering around these festive markets with a mug of mulled wine and the lights twinkling overhead. I may have lived in Santa’s hometown last season, but we were lacking in the classic-European-Christmas-market department (probably because Santa’s village is technically one big, permanent, year-round Christmas market, but whatever). But luckily, Switzerland is so on top of it.

Zurich’s Wienachtsdorf

Sitting near the banks of Lake Zurich, the Wienachtsdorf, or Christmas Village, is one of the biggest markets in the city. Browse over 100 stalls of tasty treats and artisan crafts or take a turn gliding around the ice skating rink in the shadow the opera house. As long as you’ve got a cup of glühwein, you can’t go wrong!

The Christmas Village is best known for its Fondue Chalet, where visitors can eat this Swiss specialty in an alpine lodge near the big Christmas tree. But if snacking is more your vibe, there is no shortage of delicacies to try. If you are looking for a gift for someone special, there are several vendors selling jewelry, scarfs and toys. There is even an entire building dedicated to beautiful ornaments depicting traditional Swiss landmarks, foods and styles.

Montreux Noel

Not only is Montreux a beautiful city in itself, their Marche Noel is a pleasure to behold as well.

Montreux’s lakeside market features 172 stalls, several chalets and gathering halls, not to mention Santa Claus on his sleigh flying around the market. You could spend all day visiting the vendors and trying all the foods (10/10 recommend the Tartiflette), taking a spin on the large roller coaster or enjoying a hot drink in the glow of the Christmas light installations.

The Marche Noel in Montreux cannot be missed!