The Magic of Swiss Christmas Markets
Beginning in the middle of November, Swiss cities, towns and villages transform into Christmas wonderlands. Central to Switzerland’s Christmas festivities are the many Christmas Markets that appear in town squares, parks, castles, and many other uniquely beautiful settings.
No one can be sure when the very first Christmas Market appeared in Switzerland, however markets were known to take place during Advent in both Austria and Germany as early as 1296. These markets were less about Christmas festivities and more practical in nature, selling meat and other produce.
The first official Christmas market was said to have been held in Dresden in 1434. Soon after, the tradition was brought into Switzerland and between the 17th and 18th centuries, Christmas markets were an established part of Swiss Christmas culture.
These days there are approximately 130 Christmas markets dotted across the full length and breadth of Switzerland. Of course Europe’s (and likely the world’s) highest Christmas Market is found in the Alps – the Mount Pilatus Christmas Market sits 2132m above sea level and in addition to Christmas festivities offers visitors breathtaking views.
Christmas Market Cuisine
Swiss Christmas markets are known for their tasty food, traditional crafts and workshops for children, such as candle making, baking and other festive treats! In fact it is the smell of the wonderful Christmas food and drinks that draw people out of their homes on cold Winter evenings!
Traditional holiday foods include roasted Chestnuts, Glühwein (mulled wine), Crepes, fresh pastries, Fondue, and Pain d’Épices/Lebkuchen to name a few. Here are some highlights:
Pain d’Épices/Lebkuchen
A staple of any Christmas market is the Pain d’Épices/Lebkuchen. Often called Gingerbread, this variant has its own particular taste and is less spicy than a Gingernut biscuit. Bulle is a small-ish town near Gruyères in the canton of Fribourg. Bulle is renowned for its very special Gingerbread, known as Biscôme. If you are traveling in Western Switzerland this Christmas season, make sure you stop by to have a taste!
Glühwein
Infused with cinnamon, cardamom, star anise and ginger, Glühwein is a mulled (usually) red wine popular at Christmas markets. St Gallen is without a doubt one of the best places to enjoy Glühwein. The biggest and one of the most popular places to indulge, is the family run Glühweinstand Maiersäss. There you can not only drink Glühwein, but other Christmas drinks such a Feuerzangenbowle – a type of punch where the sugar lump is set alight.
Fondue
Dipping bread or pieces of meat into warm, melted cheese for many people sounds like heaven! Although not strictly a Christmas food, it is an important Swiss national dish and therefore an important part of any Swiss cultural event. The first Fondue recipe dates back to 1699 in Zürich. Fondue is a wonderfully communal way to eat, and is a great way to bring people together in the spirit of Christmas. As many Christmas markets are located in city centres and town squares, there is usually easy access to restaurants serving Fondue. However, with the rise of food truck culture, Fondue can also be found at Christmas markets in a more portable, single serving.
Öpfelchüchli
A delicious Christmas market treat consisting of steamed apple slices, dipped in batter and then deep-fried until they are crunchy and golden brown. They are then served with cinnamon sugar and hot vanilla custard.
Of course there are many many other Christmas delicacies. Christmas markets are a wonderful experience and the food is simply unmissable – go hungry and enjoy!
Christmas Market Adjacent Activities
In addition to Christmas markets many places offer other Christmas related exhibitions, shows and other activities.
Christmas Lights
Baden Christmas lights
Help the children of Baden “wake up the lights” at the 15th Liechterwecke
Der Lichterweg Brugg
Walk through the trees by the light of 140 candle-lit lanterns.
The Enchanted forest at Parco Ciani
Discover the illuminated paths, glittering trees and decorated flowerbeds. A highlight is the talking tree – a light projection that tells fairytales and Christmas stories.
Shows and Events
Bô Noël Lausanne – 10th Anniversary Christmas Market and Celebrations
Visit the giant igloo, try curling, dance at the silent disco or enjoy the many other activities for the whole family!
Cloître Nativity Scenes
Come and discover the nativity scenes amongst the winegrowers and artisans of the Cloître district.
Exhibitions
“Wonderful Christmas traditions from around the world” at Museum Kloster Muri
This year’s exhibition takes a look at Latin America with a special focus on Peru.
Christmas is a special time of year and Christmas in Switzerland is simply magical. Regardless of which Christmas market you visit, you are sure to have an unforgettable time! For more on Switzerland’s Christmas markets, as well as a closer look at some of the smaller, more charming locations, keep an eye out for our next article!
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