Christmas in Switzerland! Here are the 5 places to visit
If you are in Europe or planning to visit the continent to ring in the New Year, you should not miss a trip to beautiful and idyllic Switzerland during the Christmas season. The small, landlocked country with diverse geographical features — from snow-capped Alps to expansive Lake Geneva — teems with charming, festive Christmas markets. Adorned with beautiful stalls adorned with glittering fairy lights, one should simply hop from one Christmas market to another to shop for everything from baked treats and local delicacies to crafts, jewelery and much more. However, most Christmas markets are open until December 23rd or 24th. So don’t miss the opportunity to visit them.
Here are the five Swiss cities not to be missed this Christmas.
1. Basel
Located on the banks of the blue Rhine, Basel’s charm during the Christmas season is the hundreds of Christmas trees that decorate the streets, making it an enchanting Christmas experience. In the middle of the city center is the picturesque Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. According to Switzerland Tourism, it is one of the largest markets in Switzerland and one of the most beautiful in Europe. While the Barfüsserplatz offers everything, the view in front of the Barfüsserkirche over the white roofs of the market stalls is simply bewitching. Münsterplatz, on the other hand, looks like a dream during the Christmas season. The main attraction here is the magnificently decorated Christmas tree on Claraplatz, created by well-known decorator Johann Wanner.
2. Montreux
Idyllically laid out on a lake shore with wooden stalls, Montreux Noël is the second largest Christmas market in Switzerland and, according to Switzerland Tourism, offers a “diverse range of events and attractions for young and old”. With more than 170 richly decorated chalets overflowing with gifts, don’t miss a chance to enjoy a warm fondue and a glass of wine at one of the local restaurants. Any other ideal way to warm up this Christmas? I doubt it.
3. Lucerne
Mulled wine and mistletoe! What better way to enjoy Christmas? While Lucerne is home to many Christmas markets, the craft market is the best place to shop for Christmas gifts. And speaking of Voligeligartli, a cozy little Harry Potter-style winter village, the place to visit is for its sheer culinary delights. Switzerland Tourism recommends a visit to the Inseli Park, where Rudolf’s Christmas spectacle takes place on one of the days.
4.Lausanne
The hilly town on the shores of the expansive Lake Geneva offers traditional yet modern Christmas treats with its Bô Noël’s programme. The 7th edition of Bô Noël, which began on November 17th, will continue until December 31st. “This year the festival will be different as the facades of the three iconic buildings will be uniquely illuminated. A subtle but spectacular light up,” says Switzerland Tourism.
5. Geneva
This cosmopolitan city of Geneva reinterprets the Christmas celebrations by transforming its Christmas market in the English Garden into a magical and enchanting place. All you have to do is follow the path that leads to a place with shimmering lights and the wonderful Jet d’Eau in the background. In the Christmas Village you will discover objects, delicacies and other wonderful surprises made by local producers, designers and artisans. If you love culinary excursions, street food, melted cheese in various forms and Christmas-scented mulled wine, then there is no better place than the Christmas market in the garden.
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