Given the huge number of requests we receive to post Christmas events on our website, we have decided, again, to compile this list of Christmas markets for you, and add a few of our own recommendations as well.
Christmas markets are a great place to go to get a flavor of the local customs and traditions of this region - and of course to buy unique, hand-crafted products to send as presents to your folks back home. Most of the markets provide food stalls offering local delicacies, including of course a welcome glass of mulled wine (otherwise known as vin chaud or glühwein). For the children, there are often many activities organized - and if they're lucky, Santa Claus may make a surprise visit!
Since some of the information has been sourced from other websites, we recommend that you verify the time and location of any events that interest you before you set out – just in case the dates have changed.
It's impossible to cover all the markets in the area. These links will help you discover a few more in France:
- Christmas Market in France, Switzerland and Belgium (mostly French listings)
- Christmas Markets in Rhône-Alpes, 2013
- Christmas Markets in Haute-Savoie, 2013
- Christmas Markets in Ain, 2013
This website also includes lots of links to Christmas markets in this part of Switzerland, including Geneva and Vaud:
22 November to 24 December 2013
18th edition of Montreux Noël
1820 Montreux (VD)
021 965 24 12
www.montreuxnoel.ch
One month of festivities at this very picturesque Christmas market. All along the lakefront you will find nearly 160 little chalets selling gifts and trinkets, including hot-spots for foods in several locations. Under the large structure in the center you will find foods galore with picnic tables. Further along there is a tent hosting an array of delicacies including fondue, sausages, churros, and more. Be sure to try Lisa’s favorite waffle, Manneke Kris or the giant tartiflette. Dress warmly as the whole event is outdoors and at the lakefront. The Ferris Wheel is sure to thrill young and old!
NEW FOR 2013: LUMBERJACK VILLAGE
This year the Lumberjack village will have a completely new look with a new cabin and new infrastructures. Special hot teas and its wood-fired pizzas, fondues, and more will be once again the meeting place par excellence. Discover the new stand featuring local Vaud specialities.
Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11h to 20h + 2h (food and drink)
Friday 11h to 22h + 1h (food and drink)
Saturday 10h to 22h + 1h (food and drink)
10h to 20h + 2 hr (food and drink)
22 November to 24 December, 2013
Various Christmas Markets, Lausanne (VD)
http://noel-lausanne.ch/
Marché de St-Francois
A warm and welcoming traditional market with various Lausanne traders proposing all kinds of different products, decorative items, food delicacies etc – there is something for everyone here. Come and taste raclette and vin chaud amongst other delights!
Marché de Pépinet
A traditional craft market, with the opportunity to take a break and enjoy some food as well.
Marché du Flon
Near the ice rink, you will find whatever you fancy to eat and drink with friends at this animated market including a good raclette!
25 November to 21 December 2013
Marché artisanal de Noël a la, Vernier (GE)
MACAV
Rue du Village
1214 Vernier
Open Monday to Saturday from 14h30 to 17h30
079 401 01 90
Traditional Christmas market.
27 November to 1 December 2013
Marché de Noël au Château de Coppet (VD)
Château de Coppet
Rue des Murs 2
1296 Coppet
022 776 73 55
www.noelcoppet.ch
Tons of stands selling gourmet foods, Christmas gift items, wines and olive oils, Christmas trees, decorations. There will be plenty of areas where you can buy food to eat immediately but if you want to sit then it is best to reserve.
Wednesday, 27 November / 14h to 20h
Open to the public, activities for children, exhibitors and ice castle
Thursday, 28 November / 14h to 20h
Open to the public, exhibitors and ice castle
Friday, 29 November / 14h to 20h
Open to the public, exhibitors and ice castle
Saturday, 30 November / 11h to 21h
Open to the public, activities for children, exhibitors and ice castle
Sunday, 1 December / 11h to 17h
Open to the public, children's entertainment, exhibitors castle, ice rink, arrival of Saint Nicolas and the Père Fouettard from 16h to 17h30.
29 November 2012 to 5 January 2013
Marché de Noël des Alpes, Annecy (France)
http://www.annecy.fr/620-noel-des-alpes-2013.htm
Opposite the Hotel de Ville (Espace Hôtel de Ville) and on the Place François de Menthon (Espace Village des Alpes).
Christmas markets offering regional crafts and local “produits de terroir”. Ice rink at the Villages des Alpes. Numerous activities throughout the month of December and early January, including:
- Christmas parade on 21 December
- Magic Mirrors with Artootem
- Free Christmas concerts at the Imperial Palace
- Puppet show on 11 December
A Petit Train will lead you from one activity to another.
30 November to 1 December 2013
Bellevue Christmas Market (GE)
www.artisans-bellevue.ch/
Saturday, 30 November: 10h to 18h
Sunday, 1 December: 10h to 17h
Lisa will be selling her new LAKE GENEVA posters at the market on Saturday and on Sunday will leave some posters for sale at another table but not be present that day.
There will be other stands selling Christmas gift items, decorations, jewelry, painting on porcelain and silk, decorated candles and beeswax, cards and calendars, chocolates and cookies, knitted and crocheted objects, stained glass items, ceramic, handmade soaps, advent wreaths. A snack bar selling drinks, sweet and savory foods will also be on hand. Santa promises to be there at 17h on Saturday and 16h on Sunday!
Click here for more information
30 November - 1 December 2013
Marché de Noël
Chêne-Bougeries (GE)
www.chene-bougeries.ch
Christmas Market featuring more than 70 craft stalls, as well as lots of refreshments (including roasted chestnuts, biscuits and mulled wine!), animations and music too!
30 November 2013
Marché St. Nicolas
La Chataigneraie Campus - International School of Geneva (VD)
Chemin de la Ferme 2
1297 Founex
11h30 to 14h
Come to the International School of Geneva, La Chåtaigneraie campus, Jura Building for a holiday gift market, delicious food and wonderful musical entertainment. Children can buy gifts for Mom and Dad at a special stall of pocket-money-priced gifts and beautiful baskets up for silent auction!
30 November 2013
Christmas Market (VD)
Christ Church Lausanne
Av. de l'Eglise Anglaise 1
1006 Lausanne
www.christchurch-lausanne
Traditional Christmas stalls, large choice of second-hand books and brocante, and special activities for all ages. Refreshments and seasonal snacks also provided.
1 December 2013
Divonne Christmas Market (France)
Esplanade du Lac
Divonne-les-Bains
France
10h to 19h
Make sure to bring cash to buy some great presents, taste great food, and be part of a great event. 28 different vendors.
1 December 2013
Aire-la-Ville Christmas Market (GE)
Salle Polyvalente
10h to 17h
Not only will you find quality presents but there is a snack bar and bake sale worth going for! Items include: Painted porcelain; Italian delicacies: Carved wooden items; Fabric items; Decorations; Jewelry; and other beautiful craft items...
4 - 8 December 2013
Morges Covered Christmas Market (VD)
Wednesday to Friday : 16h to 22h
Saturday : 10h to 20h
Sunday : 10h to 19h
The biggest covered Christmas market of French-speaking Switzerland, held in the great wooden hall at the railway station of Morges. More than 160 artisans (90% of which are from French-speaking Switzerland) present lots of different creations – blown glass, pottery, flower decorations, textile products, wooden objects, ceramics and of course delicacies such as jam or foie gras…
6 - 7 December 2013
Munchkins' Christmas Market (VD)
Munchkins Boutique & Café
38A Grand'Rue
1297 Founex
022 776 51 48
6 December: 12h to 18h
7 December: 10h to 17h
Showcasing Mumpreneur businesses, this market will feature original gifts for all the family: Stands from Rose & Lula, Lulu's Wardrobe, BritChic, Usbourne Books and many more! Mulled wine, mince pies and roasted chestnuts on Saturday afternoon.
6 - 8 December 2013
Christmas Market at La Noyère (VD)
Mont-sur-Rolle
www.marchedelanoyere.ch
6 December: 14h to 21h
7 December: 11h to 17h
8 December: 11h to 17h
Discover 14 exhibitors and artists in the charming hamlet of “La Noyere”, in the heart of the vineyards of la Côte. Lots of stalls selling delicacies, jewelry, floral arrangements, and crafts to be explored!
Special events and entertainment on St. Nicholas’ day, Friday 6 December: From 16h - Donkey ride for children; Wine tasting at Domaine Beau Soleil, Mont/Rolle; from 17h30 -Vufflens Jazz Band Concert.
6 - 9 December 2013
Fête des Lumières, Lyon (France)
http://www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/La-Ville-en-Fete
Come and witness this annual event, which culminates with a spectacular sight on 8 December, where the houses of Lyon place candles all round the outside of their houses. Visit the website to find a full program of events. Christmas market at la Place Carnot with more than 140 chalets.
7 December 2013
Marché de NoëlL'Amicale de L'EHPAD "Le Crêt de la Neige"
131 Allée de Frênes
Divonne-les-Bains
From 14h to 18h
Beignets, mulled wine and lots of ideas for Christmas presents.
7 December 2013
Marché de Noêl, Avenches (VD)
Salle sous l'église de Villarepos
10h30 to 18h
Christmas market with food and drinks available from 11h30, and music by the amis du Belmont from 14h to 17. Story-telling for children from 3 years old.
7 - 8 December 2013
Marché de Noël Artisanal de Corsier (GE)
Salle Communale
Route de Corsier
10h to 18h
Annual Christmas market, getting bigger every year, with lots of craft stalls.
8 December 2013
Troc de Noël
Bonneville (France)
Bored of your old Christmas decorations? Well bring them along to this special Christmas troc and exchange them for something more appealing!
8 December 2013
Marché de Noël, Nyon (VD)
022 361 28 34
www.quartierderive.ch
Christmas market in the Quartier de Rive. More than 40 stalls selling crafts, food and drink, as well as numerous local products for sale. Christmas entertainment, including Father Christmas himself! Local shops will also be open.
8 December 2013
Marché de Noël, Bernex (France)
10h00 to 18h00
www.bernex.fr
More than 50 stalls as well as food and mulled wine on offer. Father Christmas will arrive at 15h. The ATCA model train club will also make a special appearance this year!
8 December, 2013
Marché de Noël, Lutry (VD)
Bourg de Lutry
www.sdlutry.ch/marche-noel
10h to 18h
Traditional outdoor Christmas market featuring more than 100 local businesses and artists as well as numerous animations.
13 - 15 December 2013
Marché de Noël de Carouge (GE)
13 December: 11h to 20h
14 December: 9h to 20h
15 December: 9h to 18h
Outdoor event with numerous animations. Click here for more information.
14 December 2013
Marché de Noël, Duillier (VD)
www.duillier.ch
14 - 15 December 2013
Marché de Noël Artisanal, Sciez (France)
Place Alexandre Néplaz
74140 Sciez
http://www.ambiance-noel.fr/marches-de-noel/haute-savoie/le-marche-de-noel-de-sciez-2560_M
Ideal for an outing with the family or friends, the Marché de Noël at Sciez proposes all kinds of interesting gastronomic delights, as well as decorative items for the Christmas tree and table. A wonderful opportunity to find unusual Christmas gifts. Look out for Father Christmas!
14 - 15 December 2013
Marché de Noël, Mézières (VD)
Grande Salle
www.mezieres.ch/Mz/Saturday 10h to 20h
Sunday 10h to 17h
7th edition of this popular Christmas market, held in the Grande Salle at Mézières, with more than 40 craft stalls. The "Coin des Saveurs" will also be featured again this year. Father Christmas will make a special appearance and there will be music as well as special dancing demonstrations. Lots of food and drinks available.
14 - 15 December 2013
Saint-Genis-Pouilly Marché de Noël (France)
Centre Culturel Jean Monnet
01630 Saint-Genis-Pouilly
www.saintgenispouillytourisme.fr
www.facebook.com/saintgenistourisme
+33 (0)4 50 28 32 94
Saturday 14 December: 11h to 20h
Sunday 15 December: 10h to 17h
Lots of entertainment for the children, including workshops for cabin building, cooking and painting! Limited number of places, reservations at the Tourist Office.
14 - 23 December 2013
Marché de Noël de la ville de Sion (VS)
Place du Midi and L’Espace des Remparts
http://www.mdnsion.ch/
Monday to Friday 14h00-19h00
Saturday and Sunday 11h00 to 19h00
20, 22 and 23 December: Nocturnes
Friday, 20 December: shops open until 22h
Sunday, 22 December: shops open
Monday, 23 December: shops open until 22h
A special program has been put together for the 10th edition of this special event. Click here to view the full program.
15 December 2013
Marché de Noël, Sergy (France)
Salle de la Calame
01630 Sergy
From 10h00 to 17h00
Numerous stalls from local artisans and producers.
15 December 2013
Marché de Noël, Douvaine (France)
In the Bulle
http://sou-ecole-douvaine.e-monsite.com/
15 December 2013
Marché de Noël, Vacheresse (France)
Salle des Fêtes de Vacheresse, Chef-Lieu
10h30 to 18h00
Covered market with food and drinks available.
15 December 2013
Marché de Noël de Bonneville (France)
10h to 18h
Organized by the Union Commerciale Bonnevilloise, this market features lots of great ideas for Christmas gifts. From 6 - 22 December, there will also be chalets and food stalls, offering a variety of gastronomic delights. Father Christmas will make a special appearance in Bonneville this day. Poney rides also possible between 10h and 17h30. Click here to view the full program of Christmas festivities in Bonneville this year.
20 - 22 December 2013
Marché de Noël, Thonon-les-Bains (France)
Place de la Fontaine
74200 Thonon-les-Bains
The association of the Tulliérands is organising the 2nd edition of their Marché de Noel this year.
If you would like to be featured on our Christmas market list, as well as on our Events Calendar, please use our form here.
