--- title: "Christmas Markets in Switzerland 2026: Dates and Route" description: "Christmas markets in Switzerland for 2026: official dates and hours for Basel, Zurich, Montreux and Einsiedeln, train times between them and a 7-day route." url: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/swiss-christmas-markets" image: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124FWDNBFP6TJXZ10AGA.DJ5sBxMU_ZuiQ69.jpg" --- 1. [Home](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/) 2. [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) 3. Christmas Markets in Switzerland 2026: Basel, Zurich, Montreux and Lucerne [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) # Christmas Markets in Switzerland 2026: Basel, Zurich, Montreux and Lucerne Christmas markets in Switzerland for 2026: official dates and hours for Basel, Zurich, Montreux and Einsiedeln, train times between them and a 7-day route. By [Aurélie](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/aurelie), Travel Designer · Published on October 22, 2026 · 6 min read ![Zermatt, Belgium, Alsace & Switzerland by Train in 10 Days: Brussels to Zermatt](/_astro/01M5J4124FWDNBFP6TJXZ10AGA.DJ5sBxMU_Z1EUPnG.webp) The best Christmas markets in Switzerland in 2026 are Basel (November 26 to December 23), Montreux (November 20 to December 24), Zurich, with Polarzauber inside the main station (November 19 to December 24) and the new Bellevue Noël by the lake (November 19 to December 23), Einsiedeln in front of its abbey (November 27 to December 6) and Lucerne, whose 2026 dates had not been published when we wrote this. All are linked by direct or one-change trains of one to two hours, which makes Switzerland one of the easiest countries for a Christmas market trip by rail. Swiss markets are smaller than the great German ones, often prettier, and almost all close on December 23 or 24. Here are the official dates, what makes each market different, and how we combine them. ## Swiss Christmas market dates for 2026 | Market | 2026 dates | Hours (official) | | --- | --- | --- | | **Basel**, Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz | November 26 to December 23 | Daily 11 am to 8:30 pm; closes earlier on December 23 | | **Zurich**, Polarzauber in the main station | November 19 to December 24 | Market 11 am to 9 pm Sunday to Wednesday, to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday; December 24, 11 am to 4 pm | | **Zurich**, Bellevue Noël on Sechseläutenplatz | November 19 to December 23 | Monday to Saturday 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday 11 am to 8 pm | | **Montreux**, Montreux Noël on the lakefront | November 20 to December 24 | Shops from 10 or 11 am to 8-10 pm depending on the day; December 24 until 5 pm | | **Einsiedeln**, in front of the abbey | November 27 to December 6 | As listed by Switzerland Tourism; check hours | | **Lucerne**, Franziskanerplatz | Not yet published (December 4 to 21 in 2025) | Check before booking | | **Bern**, Münsterplatz and Waisenhausplatz | Not yet confirmed by the city | Check before booking | | **Geneva** (Noël au Quai) and **Lausanne** (Bô Noël) | Not yet confirmed when we published | Check before booking | We confirm dates and hours with each organizer before your departure, and adjust the order of the cities if needed. ## Basel: the classic Swiss market Basel's market fills two squares of the old town. The **Münsterplatz**, in front of the red sandstone cathedral above the Rhine, is the larger and more atmospheric, with a decorated tree and a children's area, the Märliwald, with crafts and a puppet theater. The **Barfüsserplatz**, a few minutes downhill, is busier, with food, gifts and candle-making. A food and drink area also sets up on the Claraplatz, across the river. Basel is the natural link with Alsace: Colmar is about 45 minutes away by regional train and Strasbourg about 1 hour 20 minutes, so you can combine the two regions in one trip (see our guide to the [Alsace Christmas markets](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/alsace-christmas-markets)). Try the **Basler Läckerli**, a hard spiced honey biscuit, and the hot spiced wine served at every stand. ## Zurich: a market under the station roof, and a new one by the lake **Polarzauber**, in the main hall of Zurich's main station, continues a tradition of an indoor Advent market in the station since 1994, relaunched under this name in 2025. It is warm, dry and step-free, and it stays open later than most Swiss markets. If your train arrives in the evening, it is the first thing you see. **Bellevue Noël** is new in 2026. The city awarded the Sechseläutenplatz, between the opera house and the lake, to a new organizer after the long-running Wienachtsdorf. Its centerpiece, according to the organizers, is a giant Advent wreath 50 m across with a walk-on platform 5 m high, booked through the market's website. Elsewhere in the city, the **Singing Christmas Tree** on Werdmühleplatz and smaller markets in the Niederdorf lanes complete the picture; their 2026 schedules are worth checking closer to the date. Try **Tirggel**, Zurich's thin honey biscuits, and **Magenbrot**, glazed spiced cake pieces sold warm by weight. ## Montreux: the lakeside market Montreux Noël lines the quays of Lake Geneva, with chalets facing the water and the Alps across the lake. The setting is the most beautiful of any Swiss market, and the promenade is flat, which makes it one of the easiest markets for travelers with reduced mobility. Above the town, **Santa's House** at Rochers-de-Naye is reached by cogwheel train. It is a separate, ticketed attraction, and popular dates sell out, so we reserve it as soon as your dates are set. Chillon Castle is a few minutes along the shore and makes a good morning visit before the market opens. ## Einsiedeln and Lucerne **Einsiedeln** holds its market in front of the Benedictine abbey, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Switzerland. It runs for only ten days at the start of Advent in 2026, so it suits a trip in late November or the first week of December. It is about an hour from Zurich by train. **Lucerne**'s main market sets up on the Franziskanerplatz in the old town. In 2025 it ran from December 4 to 21, and the city had not published the 2026 dates when we wrote this. Lucerne is worth a stop in any case, for the Chapel Bridge at dusk, the lake boats and the old town lights. ## Getting between the markets by train | Route | Typical time | | --- | --- | | Zurich to Basel | About 1 hour | | Zurich to Lucerne | About 45 minutes | | Basel to Lucerne | About 1 hour | | Zurich to Einsiedeln | About 1 hour, with one change | | Zurich to Bern | About 1 hour | | Bern to Montreux | About 1 hour 30 minutes, via Lausanne | | Geneva to Montreux | About 1 hour | A Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, lake boats and city trams and buses, and gives a discount on many mountain railways. Whether it pays depends on your route; our [Swiss Travel Pass calculator](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/tools/swiss-travel-pass-calculator) gives the answer in a minute. ## A week of Swiss Christmas markets 1. **Arrive in Zurich.** Polarzauber in the station, then the old town lights. 2. **Zurich.** Bellevue Noël, the Bahnhofstrasse decorations, Einsiedeln as a half-day trip if your dates fit. 3. **Train to Lucerne.** The old town, the Chapel Bridge and a lake cruise. 4. **Lucerne.** A mountain day: Pilatus by cable car in winter, or Rigi by cogwheel train. 5. **Train to Basel.** The Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz markets in the evening. 6. **Basel to Montreux** by train (about 2 hours 30 to 45 minutes, usually with one change). The lakeside market at dusk. 7. **Montreux.** Rochers-de-Naye and Santa's House, Chillon, then Geneva airport. Our [Switzerland in 7 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) runs a winter version with Lucerne, the Jungfrau region, Zermatt and Montreux that we time for the markets, and our [Belgium, Alsace and Switzerland by Train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/belgium-france-and-switzerland) combines Strasbourg, Colmar and Basel in its late-November version. See all our ideas on the [Christmas markets trips](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/trips/christmas-markets) page. ## Weather and what to pack Expect daytime temperatures around 37 to 41°F in Zurich, Basel and Lucerne, colder in Einsiedeln, which sits higher, and slightly milder on the shore at Montreux. Fog over the lakes is common, and the sun is often out above it in the mountains. Bring boots with good grip, gloves and a hat: Swiss markets are outdoors except Polarzauber. ## Accessibility at the Swiss markets Polarzauber is the easiest market in Switzerland for wheelchair users: indoors, level, and inside a fully step-free station. The Montreux quays and Basel's Barfüsserplatz are flat; Basel's Münsterplatz sits on a cobbled hill above the Rhine. Swiss trains are increasingly level along their whole length, and the SBB books free boarding assistance at least one hour ahead where needed. Our guide to [wheelchair accessible Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/wheelchair-accessible-switzerland) explains how. To compare the Swiss markets with Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Munich, read our guide to [the best Christmas markets in Europe](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/most-beautiful-christmas-markets-in-germany-and-france). Tell us your dates and which markets interest you, and Aurélie will [build your own route](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/plan-your-trip) around the opening days. More guides: [Christmas markets](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/christmas)[Switzerland by train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/swiss-trains) ## Related destinations - [Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/switzerland) ## Contents Written by ### [Aurélie](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/aurelie) Travel Designer · Based in Villefranche-sur-Saône Born in Alsace, lived seven years in Belgium; designs our Christmas market, Alsace and Belgium itineraries. [More about Aurélie](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/aurelie) ## Trips for this guide - [![7 days in Switzerland : mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124MCR5WBXAPXY8BMN83.COn9YTWr_ZyK0QU.webp)**Switzerland in 7 Days: Lucerne, Jungfrau, Zermatt & Lavaux by Train**From €1,999 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) - [![Belgium, France and Switzerland : a taste of the three countries](/_astro/01M5J4124FNXXY7P1DBQDES34F.2fKLGj47_ZdiuRc.webp)**Belgium, Alsace & Switzerland by Train in 10 Days: Brussels to Zermatt**From €2,999 · 10 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/belgium-france-and-switzerland) - [![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z1oIPLB.webp)**Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express**From €3,499 · 12 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) When you’re ready, we’re ready ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. ## Frequently asked questions ### When do Swiss Christmas markets open in 2026? Zurich's Polarzauber and Bellevue Noël open on November 19, 2026, Montreux on November 20, Basel on November 26 and Einsiedeln on November 27. Most close on December 23 or 24; Einsiedeln closes on December 6. Lucerne and Bern had not published their 2026 dates when we wrote this, so check those before booking. ### Which is the best Christmas market in Switzerland? Basel is the most traditional, with its markets on the cathedral square and the Barfüsserplatz. Montreux has the most beautiful setting, on the shore of Lake Geneva facing the Alps, plus Santa's House on Rochers-de-Naye. Zurich offers the most variety, with an indoor market in the main station and a new one by the lake in 2026. ### Can you visit Swiss Christmas markets by train? Easily. Zurich, Lucerne and Basel are each about an hour apart by direct train, and Montreux is about an hour from Geneva. Most markets are a short walk or tram ride from the station; Polarzauber is inside Zurich's main station. A Swiss Travel Pass also covers city trams, buses and lake boats. ### Are Swiss Christmas markets open on December 24? Some are, briefly. In 2026, Polarzauber in Zurich opens from 11 am to 4 pm on December 24, and Montreux Noël until 5 pm. Basel and Bellevue Noël close on December 23. On December 25 and 26 the markets are closed, and many restaurants are too, so book Christmas meals well ahead. ## Plan this trip Day by day, with prices. Each one is reshaped around you. [All itineraries](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages) ![7 days in Switzerland : mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124MCR5WBXAPXY8BMN83.COn9YTWr_Z1l0N9k.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [Switzerland in 7 Days: Lucerne, Jungfrau, Zermatt & Lavaux by Train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) Six nights by train through Lucerne, Grindelwald, Zermatt and Montreux: Pilatus, a free day in the Jungfrau region, sunset on the Matterhorn and a wine walk in Lavaux. Central 4-star hotels; a good first Switzerland. From **€1,999** per person ![Belgium, France and Switzerland : a taste of the three countries](/_astro/01M5J4124FNXXY7P1DBQDES34F.2fKLGj47_ZYyi9B.webp) 10 days / 9 nights ### [Belgium, Alsace & Switzerland by Train in 10 Days: Brussels to Zermatt](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/belgium-france-and-switzerland) Nine nights in three bases, Brussels, Strasbourg and Basel, with guided day trips to Ghent, Bruges, Colmar, Zermatt, Mount Pilatus and Bern. First-class trains and 3-star hotels by the station; a lot of ground covered in one trip. From **€2,999** per person ![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z2aYD41.webp) 12 days / 11 nights ### [Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) Eleven nights by train from Montreux to Zurich: Lavaux, the Chocolate Train, Jungfraujoch, Zermatt and the Glacier Express to St. Moritz. Well-placed 3-star hotels keep the price down; we upgrade one or two stops on request. From **€3,499** per person ## More to read [All articles](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) ![Chamonix, Chamonix Adventure Week: Rafting, Aiguille du Midi & Annecy in 7 Days](/_astro/01M5J4124KP7N37VC1YFM7P6DZ.CPvoeehz_Z1Iz5o6.webp) Italy ### [Recharge in Europe: The Art of Traveling for Your Well-Being](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/recharge-in-europe-the-art-of-traveling-for-your-well-being) The most restorative journeys are not the ones that take you furthest from home. They are the ones that bring you back to yourself. ![Lucerne 2](/_astro/01M5J4124FV0NDJM68AX2V6K08.BBevgpTQ_2aG6B0.webp) Switzerland ### [Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card: Which Saves More in 2026](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/swiss-travel-pass-vs-half-fare-card) 2026 prices for the Swiss Travel Pass and the CHF 150 Half Fare Card, three itineraries priced line by line, and the rules we use to choose for our travelers. ![Zermatt, Switzerland in 7 Days: Lucerne, Jungfrau, Zermatt & Lavaux by Train](/_astro/01M5J4124N3QZYQ6KAH2G9G6Z0.Bu7CMLb4_10QM79.webp) Switzerland ### [How Many Days in Switzerland? 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14-Day Plans](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/how-many-days-in-switzerland) How many days in Switzerland is enough? Seven to ten for a first trip. Our Alps designers share plans for 3 to 14 days, nights per region and pass tips. Tailor-made, from France ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. 1. 1Share your dates and wishes 2. 2Get a priced itinerary within 48 hours 3. 3Refine it together, then travel 9 travel designers in Lyon and Nice reply to every request themselves. ★★★★★ > “A wonderful travel partner” Carol W., Seattle, WA · 4.8/5 on 273 reviews - [US+1 607 354 8896](tel:+16073548896) - [Europe+33 4 26 30 36 82](tel:+33426303682) - [contact@mobeeinternational.com](mailto:contact@mobeeinternational.com) Two minutes, three steps. 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