Christmas Markets 2025

When the old towns glow in a sea of lights, the scent of cinnamon, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fills the alleys, and choirs resound across squares and bridges, Switzerland enters perhaps the most wonderful time of the year. Travel to Switzerland with peace of mind using your digital vignette and comfortably take the motorways to reach your destination quickly and stress-free. That way, there’s more time for what really matters: arriving, marveling and enjoying.

Christmas Markets in Basel

In Advent, Basel turns into a stage of warm lights, the scent of wood and festive music. The heart of the action is at Barfüsserplatz and the romantic Münsterplatz. Between traditional wooden toys, glasswork, nativity figures and regional delicacies, you can soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional bratwurst or delicious raclette cheese. For that classic Basel feeling, come in the late afternoon: as the lights switch on, choirs rehearse and the Rhine sparkles below, the city reveals its full magic.

• Getting there & insider tips: From SBB railway station it’s a pleasant ten-minute walk to Barfüsserplatz, or just a few tram stops. Arriving by car, take A2/A3 to Basel and park hassle-free in garages such as Steinen or Elisabethen; from there the markets are an easy walk. For a calm end to the evening, head up to Münsterplatz later on. The scene in front of the cathedral, paired with mulled wine from local vintners, is one of the most romantic in Switzerland.
• Opening hours: In 2025 Basel’s Christmas markets run from 27 November to 23 December, daily from 11:00 to 20:30; on 23 December Barfüsserplatz/Claraplatz close at 20:00 and Münsterplatz already at 18:00.

Christkindlmarkt in Zurich: Indoor Magic at the Main Station

Right in the historic station hall, Zurich creates a weather-proof Christmas wonder: over a hundred lovingly decorated stalls, craft demonstrations, candle dipping and an approximately ten-metre-high Christmas tree bathe the main station in an unforgettable ambience. The tree is adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals. Smart planners start their Zurich Advent day here, stepping from the platform straight into the scent of mulled wine. Don’t forget to capture this unique Christmas market in photos so you can relive the memories for years to come. Of course, you can also stroll on into the city from this one-of-a-kind indoor market and admire more Christmas lights. A Christmas visit to Zurich never gets boring—whether on an Advent weekend or during the week. We’re sure a visit to Zurich’s Christmas markets will be unforgettable.

• Getting there & insider tips: It doesn’t get easier. Trains drop you right into the market in the station hall. Trams and buses are just outside. Drivers arrive via the A1/A3 and are most relaxed using park & ride on the periphery; from there, the S-Bahn/tram gets you to the hall in minutes. For photos without crowds, come right at opening or just before closing time.
• Opening hours: In 2025 the Christkindlmarkt runs from 20 November to 24 December. Sunday to Wednesday it’s usually open until 21:00, Thursday to Saturday until 22:00. On Christmas Eve the stalls close in the late afternoon.

St. Gallen in Advent: Contemplative Christmas Market

In Advent, St. Gallen is immersed in a sea of around 700 shining stars that bathe the Abbey District and cathedral in gentle light. Nestled within is a cosy market with about fifty wooden chalets: regional delicacies, fine confectionery, textiles from Eastern Swiss tradition and tasteful handicrafts. When the stars light up at dusk, the lanes take on a unique, unhurried rhythm. A perfect spot for couples and anyone who prefers a mood that’s atmospheric rather than crowded.

• Getting there & insider tips: By train, the market is a short walk from St. Gallen’s main station. By car, it’s best to take the A1 and park in nearby garages, from which you reach the Abbey District quickly. For gifts with a local touch, look for stalls offering Eastern Swiss specialties.
• Opening hours: The St. Gallen Christmas Market takes place from 27 November to 24 December 2025. The “City of a Thousand Stars” illumination carries the festive mood right through the holidays.

Einsiedeln as an Insider Tip: Christmas Market with Abbey Backdrop

Einsiedeln is an Advent fairytale with a unique setting: in front of the baroque abbey façade, stalls line the main street. The scent of gingerbread and punch mingles with choral singing. The market is ideal for a day trip. It’s especially worth visiting in the early evening, when strings of lights transform the square in front of the abbey into a glowing courtyard—don’t forget to capture the beautiful illumination in a photo. And be sure to try Switzerland’s traditional dishes. You’ll find information on the culinary specialties of Switzerland in our guide.

• Getting there & insider tips: From Zurich, take the S-Bahn and then a short bus ride or walk to the abbey village. By car, use the motorways toward Lake Zurich/Sihltal, then follow the country roads into the pre-Alps. For the most atmospheric experience, arrive in the late afternoon, enjoy a choral concert in the abbey church and then wander the lanes. Warm gloves are worth their weight in gold here—the elevation brings crisp evening air.
• Opening hours: In 2025 the Einsiedeln Christmas Market takes place from 28 November to 8 December. Sunday to Thursday it usually opens until 19:30, Friday and Saturday until 21:00.

Why You Need a Digital Vignette

All Swiss motorways require a vignette. The annual vignette is valid from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2026. There are no weekly or monthly vignettes in Switzerland. Anyone driving without a valid vignette risks a fine. The easiest way is to purchase your digital vignette from us online from the comfort of your home. This keeps you flexible if your market plans change spontaneously and makes it easy to combine different Christmas markets.

Tips for Your Trip Planning

• Traffic: For the Gotthard and similar routes: travel on weekdays early in the morning or later in the evening. Avoid holiday changeovers and weekends (especially Sat. approx. 09:00–16:00). That’s when congestion risk is highest. Mountain passes are often seasonally closed—check the status in advance.
• Heavy Vehicle Charge: Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW are subject to the LSVA (Heavy Vehicle Charge) and not the vignette requirement. Detailed information on the heavy vehicle charge can be found in our guide.
• Route & planning: Build in alternatives if heavy traffic is expected. Use park & ride on city fringes—it can save you time and money.
• Car trains & Alpine crossings: In poor weather, heavy traffic or when passes are closed, car trains (e.g., Lötschberg or Furka) are a time-saving option. Further information on car trains is available in our guide.
• Clothing: Dress in layers (the onion principle) and choose wind- and waterproof outerwear. Non-slip shoes, hat and gloves are a must at Christmas time. Also useful for capturing every memory: a power bank.
• Food: Take the chance to try regional classics (rösti, cheese fondue, Älplermagronen, nut tart).

The DMC Team Wishes You a Wonderful Trip!

Basel with its great Christmas city, Zurich’s impressive indoor backdrop and St. Gallen’s city of stars show the full range of the Swiss Advent season, and Einsiedeln awaits as an insider tip with monastic magic. Those who purchase the digital vignette early travel relaxed and can fully focus on the scent of mulled wine, the glow of lights and gifts with a story. Get your digital vignette from us now!

FAQ on Christmas Markets in Switzerland