As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, and as the aroma of gingerbread fills the air and those first tentative snowflakes are falling, it’s the time for the Christmas markets to open.
Bern Region
There are two locations in the Swiss Capital where you can enjoy a romantic stroll against a unique backdrop of historic buildings. While on Orphanage Square there are all manner of things on sale at the market, at the market on Cathedral Square it is the handicrafts that take centre stage. Here you will find the perfect Christmas gift - with everything from hand-blown Christmas tree balls to exquisite wood carvings to choose from. The latest Christmas market in the city of Bern, the "Bern Starsmarket", is situated in the idyllic park called Kleine Schanze. With as many as 50,000 visitors each year, the Christmas market in the Oberaargau "Flower Town" of Huttwil is by far the largest and most popular in the Mittelland. And in the Emmental, a visit to the Kambly Christmas market is sure to draw you into a contemplative and reflective mood.
Interlaken holiday region
The Interlaken holiday region is home to countless Christmas markets, all just waiting to be discovered. Of these, the largest and best known are the markets on the Waisenhausplatz in Thun and the Experience Christmas market in Brienz. Here, at ninety market stalls in a historic, festively decorated part of the village, there are regional products, artistic Christmas decorations and fine wood carvings on sale. And, through their nativity figures, you can also gain an insight into the work of the world-famous local woodcarvers. And likewise, let the Christmas market in Interlaken next to the Top of Europe Ice Magic Interlaken work its magic on you.
Jungfrau Region
This year again, Christmas and advent markets at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau create a warm and reflective seasonal atmosphere. The markets in Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Meiringen and Innertkirchen provide lots of opportunities to shop for all sorts of useful and decorative items. Mulled wine, teas, chessi coffee, sweet confectionery and tasty treats are of course all part of the experience, along with delicious Chäsbrätel (grilled cheese on toasted bread). The markets are complemented by events such as the mulled wine festival in Wengen, advent concerts, and activities such as candle-making. So come along and enjoy the winter magic!
Destination Gstaad
Delightfully quaint: In the run-up to Christmas, there’s no place more delightful for taking some time out and relaxing than the Christmas market in Saanen. Saanen-Aktiv and the many market vendors and stall owners extend a warm welcome to the wonderful village of Saanen!
Kandertal
The Christmas market at the Blausee in the Kandertal is definitely worth a visit. Here, there are 50 exhibitors offering regional products in a fairy-tale setting where the focus is more on the romance than on the carnival atmosphere.
Lenk
A festive atmosphere is very much the order of the day at the Christmas market at Lenk - so much so that even Santa Claus makes his appearance on a donkey.
