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 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!
This year we've added a couple of smaller and multi-cultural events to our list of Christmas Markets - interesting places where you are likely to see unusual ideas for gifts in the days leading up to Christmas.
Don't forget to click on the name of the event to see more information on each listing. 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.
NEW THIS YEAR! We have created a Pinterest Board for Christmas / End of Year Events to display some of the more colorful and artistic promotional flyers that we have received so far. This will also include posters about concerts and other special events taking place this year. Follow our board to keep up-to-date with the latest events as we receive them!
Don't forget that you can see all our Christmas markets listed in one place on our Events Calendar by selecting the Events - Fairs/Markets/Sales category at the bottom of the calendar.
It's impossible to cover all the markets in the area. These links will help you discover a few more in France:
- Christmas Markets in Rhône-Alpes, 2016
- Christmas Markets in Haute-Savoie, 2016
- Christmas Markets in Ain, 2016
This web page on Loisirs.ch covers markets in Suisse Romande
And this website covers markets in France and Switzerland, including Geneva and Vaud.
12 November 2016, 9h30 to 16h
Church of Scotland Geneva Church Fair and Ceilidh (GE)
Salle Communale de Délices
20, rte de Colovrex
1218 Grand-Saconnex
Free entry to fair where food, entertainment, and many stalls will be selling homemade goods and crafts as well as toys, bottle stall, interesting objects, Christmas gifts, cards, decorations, games and books will be for sale. There is a Ceilidh in the evening.
13-14 November 2016
Sian's Brocante Sale (VD)
26 Chemin des Frenes
Tannay 1295
tel 022 776 10 41
Come and do your Christmas shopping and buy something different...Anna-Karina will be selling pashmina scarves from Nepal: Alison will have her Brit Chic range of children's clothes; Debbie will be selling jewelry on the Monday (only) with Venerable Beads; Kanthas (quilts from Bangledesh) from the Kajoli Kantha project; Boxes of Quentin Blake christmas cards and greetings cards; and a huge selection of tempting brocante at reasonable prices.
Sunday, 13 November: 11h to 18h
Monday, 14 November: 9h to 17h
13, 20, 27 November and 4, 11 December 2016
Schilliger Gland
Great opportunity to get in a few more hours of Christmas shopping or gardening for the winter at this quality garden center. They will be open 7/7 during this holiday period. If you haven't seen the magic of the Christmas season, then make sure to go to Schilliger on these special Sunday openings. They have trees (real and fake) as well as every type of Christmas decoration and lights available. They usually have tastings or demos going on. The Polish artists will be on hand to personalize a glass Christmas ornement for only Fr. 16.50 (until 12 December).
14-15 November 2016
Christmas Gift Sale (VD)
Lausanne
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lots of original Christmas gift ideas including Aloe Vera based natural products, Indian cotton Kurtas, gift vouchers for private voice lessons and yoga classes, fashion items and more! 10% discount offered on all products and services at this event. Contact Mehernaaz at the email address above for the location and to RSVP.
Monday, 14 November: 17h to 20h
Tuesday, 15 November: 9h30 to 13h30
18-19 November 2016, 9h to 17h
"C'est ici l'endroit où" Christmas Market (GE)
8, chemin de la Pralay
1294 Genthod
An inviting cosy atmosphere awaits you at this small but perfectly formed Christmas market! Book a lunch, morning or afternoon tea for you and your friends and make a start on your Christmas shopping. Xmas wreaths, candles, home décor, children's clothing and bedding, children's books, jewelry, handbags, soaps, advent calendars, greeting cards and more!
19-20 November 2016, 10h to 18h
Chateau des Bois Christmas Sale (GE)
10, Chemin de la Combe d'Ornex
1242 Satigny
Numerous stands covering everything from local food delicacies to regional crafts. Possibility to have a brunch on both the Saturday and Sunday.
20 November 2016, 10h to 18h
Style Market 2016 (VD)
Domaine de Bon-Boccard
St-Prex
Lots of beautiful lifetsyle and design goods for sale including jewelry, accessories and decorations. Each vendor is hand-picked to ensure that you dive into a sea of rare treasures! Food and drinks available. Kids animation.
20 November 2016, 10h to 18h
Marché de Noël du LEC (France)
L'Esplanade du Lac
01220 Divonne-les-Bains
Regional craft stalls, food available. Free entry and parking.
20 November 2016, 10h to 16h
LGB Seussical Winter Market
La Grande Boissière
62, route de Chêne
1208 Genève
Lots of food and entertainment, Santa for the kids, and some great items for sale for people to start their Christmas shopping!
23 November 2016, 16h
Christmas Market (VD)
Haut-Lac Bilingual International School
Ch. de Pangires 26
St Légier
The festivities will commence at 16h with songs around the Christmas tree, followed by the official opening of the market with numerous stands run by our families, staff and students. Hot apple punch and mulled wine will be served, along with French fries, sausages and waffles on sale from the PTA.
23-26 November 2016, 8h to 20h
Advent Market (VD)
Guichard Fleurs
"Les Pralies"
Route d'Arnex 7
CH-1277 Borex
Traditional Advent Market. Mulled wine offered from 18h to 20h!
24 November to 24 December 2016
Montreux Noël (VD)
1820 Montreux
021 965 24 12
One month of festivities at this very picturesque Christmas market. All along the lakefront you will find around 150 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! You can visit Santa, who comes directly from faraway Lapland to his house at the Rochers-de-Naye, discover an authentic Christmas Village in Caux, or stroll through the Medieval Enchantement within the walls of the legendary Château de Chillon.
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)
Sunday 10h to 20h + 2 hr (food and drink)
24 November to 24 December 2016
Bô Noël, Lausanne (VD)
We are still waiting for more information on this. Last year, there were 3 themed markets: Marché des Créateurs des Artisans de Pépinet, Le Grand Marché Couvert de Saint-François, and Le Marché du Terroir et de la Vigne des Arches, and the hours were:
Monday to Thursday: 11h30 to 21h30
Friday and Saturday: 11h30 to 22h30
Sunday: 13h to 19h
The website indicates that there are lots of new events planned for this year - click here for more information.
24 November to 24 December 2016, 10h30 to 20h (most days, see below)
Lyon Christmas Market (France)
Place Carnot, Lyon 2e
Lots of stalls selling locally produced crafts and food, including Christmas decorations, "produits du terroir", original ideas for presents, and children's toys.
Late night openings until 22h on Saturdays.
Fête des Lumières: 10h30 to 19h
24 December: 10h30 to 16h
25 November 2016 to 1 January 2017
Marché de Noël d'Annecy (France)
Christmas markets offering regional crafts and local “produits de terroir”. Numerous activities throughout the month of December and early January, including an ice rink, concerts and poney rides. Check the website on our event listing for the full program. Click here to view the opening hours of the main markets: Village des Alpes et Patinoire - Place Francois de Menthon; and Village des Artisans - Parvis du Centre Commercial Courier.
26 November 2016, 9h to 18h
Ecole Steiner de Lausanne Marché de Noël (VD)
Route du Bois-Genoud 36
CH-1023 Crissier
Lausanne
Possibility to buy a variety of artisanal craft products, and attend workshops for children and adults. Various performances have been scheduled throughout the day, including dance, music and singing. Gastronomic food stands. Raclette on offer until 21h.
26 November 2016, 11h to 16h
Norwegian Christmas Market (GE)
Théâtre Forum Meyrin
1, place des Cinq-Continents
1217 Meyrin, Switzerland
Delicious Norwegian dishes in the café, and many stalls selling fresh Norwegian produce such as salmon, cheese, gifts, and home made cookies, as well as hand-made Christmas decorations and gifts. Lots of fun for the kids - a visit from Santa Claus and a craft activity corner and more. Tram 14 or bus 57 to Forum Meyrin. Free parking (2 hours).
26 November 2016
Marché de Noël de Confignon (GE)
Salle Communale
Confignon
20th edition. Local market featuring local produce and crafts.
26 November 2016, 10h to 16h30
Christmas Market (VD)
Christ Church Lausanne
Av. de l'Eglise Anglaise 1
1006 Lausanne
Traditional Christmas stalls
26 November 2016, 9h30 to 16h
Holy Trinity Church Christmas Fair (GE)
14 bis, rue du Mont Blanc
Geneva
Traditional Christmas Fair with mulled wine, home made cakes, cards and gifts as well as kids activities, bric-à-brac and second hand books. Come and enjoy refreshments and our choir performing carols and get into the festive spirit.
26 November 2016, 10h to 16h
Marché de Noël, Versoix (GE)
Town center
A range of stands and products created especially for this festive occasion.
26 November 2016, 10h to 13h
Christmas Crowns Sale, Gland (VD)
Protestant Church of Gland
Cakes, breakfasts with home made tresse, and beautiful, fresh, artisanal Advent crowns made by the protestant community in Gland. Lots of choice.
26-27 November 2016
Trélex Christmas Market (VD)
Saturday: 9h30 to 18h
Sunday: 10h to 18h
Small crafts market with around 20 exhibitors. Snacks, and activities for the kids.
27 November 2016, 14h to 17h
Charity Event (VD)
Chalet au Moulin
Arveyes (near Villars)
Cards, Forever Aloe Alps, unique handcrafted jewellery and many more homemade goods on sale. 10 % of sales goes towards the Desmond Tumour Research Foundation
27 November 2016, 10h to 15h
Collège du Léman Christmas Market (GE)
Olympus Gymnasium
Route de Sauverney
Versoix
40 vendors will be offering their products including local foods, English specialities, artisanal beer, jewelry, clothing, mulled wine, vintage finds, flowers, bespoke cakes and much, much more. Also present will be Santa Claus, local food trucks and live entertainment throughout the day.
27 November and 4, 11 and 18 December 2016
Sunday Christmas shopping, Carouge (GE)
More than 130 local shops and businesses of Carouge will exceptionally open on 4 consecutive Sundays for Christmas shopping!
30 November - 4 December 2016
Marché de Noël au Château de Coppet (VD)
Château de Coppet
Rue des Murs 2
1296 Coppet
Lots of stalls with local produce and crafts. Entertainment for the children, including a visit from Santa Claus. Click here to view the program.
Wednesday: 14h to 20h
Thursday: 14h to 21h (nocturnes)
Friday: 14h to 20h
Saturday: 11h to 20h
Sunday 11h to 18h
2-4 December 2016
Marché de Noël de la Noyère (VD)
Route de la Noyère
1185 Mont-sur-Rolle
La Noyère is an 18th century mansion surrounded by vineyards on the shores of Lake Geneva. The host of the market, Anne-Catherine gathers, twice a year, artists and craftsmen she “has fallen for” and opens her period house to the public with them, including its characterful outbuildings and its gardens: once to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and the other to welcome the arrival of spring. Her love for beautiful handicraft and original creations is contagious. On Friday there will be a concert by the Harasse Jazz Band, and wine tasting from the Domaine Beau Soleil.
Friday 2 December, 14h to 21h
Saturday 3 December, 11h to 18h
Sunday 4 December, 11h to 17h
2-4 December 2016
Marché de Noel, Prevessin-Moëns (France)
Parvis de la Mairie
Around 25 wooden chalets selling jewelry, Christmas decorations, local produce, games etc. Lots of activities and entertainment including ice sculpure, craft workshops, face painting, pony rides, concerts and story telling. Call 04 50 40 51 09 to register for the workshops.
Friday 2 December: 17h to 20h
Saturday 3 December: 9h to 19h30
Sunday 4 December: 9h to 18h30
2-11 December 2016 (excluding 5 and 6 December)
Morges Covered Christmas Market (VD)
Halles CFF
Morges
Wednesday - Friday: 16h to 22h
Weekends: 10h to 19h
Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 December: closed
One of the biggest covered Christmas markets of French-speaking Switzerland, held in the great wooden hall at the railway station of Morges. Approximately 190 artisans present lots of different creations such as blown glass, pottery, flower decorations, textile products, wooden objects, ceramics and of course delicacies such as jam or foie gras. Food available.
4 December 2016, 11h30-16h
Marché St. Nicolas (VD)
La Chataigneraie Campus - International School of Geneva
Ch. de la Ferme 2
1297 Founex
Come and browse over 30 stalls selling crafts , jewellery and gifts. Enjoy a tasty lunch and a vin chaud whilst listening to seasonal and festive music. Drop the younger kids off in the supervised Games Creche. Have a laugh with our talented Improv students.
4 December 2016, 10h-18h
Marché de Noël, Bernex (France)
Maison Bernolande
An artisanal market with a musical ambience. Santa Claus is arriving at 15h.
3-4 December 2016
Village de Noël de Cologny (GE)
Lots of stands selling crafts, candles, jewelry, decorations, and local produce. Hot food and drinks available. Entertainment and surprise presents for the children. Mulled wine for the parents! Cortège aux flambeaux at 16h45 on 4 December.
4 December 2016, 10h-17h
Aire-la-Ville Marché de Noël (GE)
Salle Polyvalente
Aire-la-Ville, GE
Around 30 stalls offering local crafts and a variety of great gifts for anyone. Snacks will be available including cakes and drinks.
4 December 2016, 10h to 18h
Fête des Grelottines et Grelottins (VD)
Pully
Local artisans and businesses welcome you for the 2nd edition of their Christmas celebrations in Pully. Also features a Saint Nicolas procession, fancy dress competitions, music and food stands.
5 December 2016, 9h to 14h
IWC Lausanne Christmas Market (VD)
Restaurant du Prieuré
Pully
The IWC Lausanne is holding a Christmas Market at Restaurant du Prieuré in Pully. Handmade arts and crafts, quilts and cushions, jewelry, handbags and hats, baked goods, preserves and cakes. Coffee, tea and homemade cakes will also be served. Cash payment only, no credit cards.
8 December 2016, 19h30 to 21h30
All Saints English Church Winter Fair (VD)
Avenue de la Prairie
1800 Vevey
Lots of gift ideas for Christmas, including cards, beauty products, ponchos, jewelry, and umbrellas, as well as refreshments.
8-10 December 2016
Fête des Lumières, Lyon (France)
Lyon will be awash with light for three nights. A variety of different artists light up buildings, streets, squares and parks all over the city. Over 70 light installations creating a magical atmosphere.
9 December 2016, 17h to 19h30
GEMS Winter Market and Advent Window (VD)
GEMS World Academy Switzerland
La Tuillière
1163 Etoy
Festive Winter Market with fun activities, a toy donation sale, and over 26 stands, including handmade gifts, baked goods, candles and much more. Enjoy an aperitif while admiring the school's specially decorated Advent Window! Free entrance and free parking in front of the school.
9 December 2016, 18h30 to 20h30
Festival of Lights (GE)
Ecolint Campus des Nations
Route des Morillons 11
1218 Grand-Saconnex
Multi-cultural school event that celebrates many of the ways that people bring light, joy, and gratitude into the dark winter days and nights, often with various lights, lanterns, and candles. Food, drinks, activities, games, crafts, and more! Free entrance.
9-11 December 2016
Marché de Noël de Carouge (GE)
Rue St. Joseph; Place du Marché; Place du Temple; Rue Ancienne; Rue du Marché, Rue du Pont Neuf
Outdoor event with numerous animations. Check our event listing nearer the time for more information on opening times.
9-11 December 2016
Céligny Marché de Noël (VD)
The Berney family once again will organize a Christmas market in Céligny. The market will open at 17h on 9 December. Details not yet announced but last year there was an outdoor Christmas village with lots of local artisans, free activities for children and plenty of opportunity to sample local products. There was also a Saturday evening jazz concert. Check our event listing for more details nearer the time of the event.
9-11 December 2016
Marché de Noël, Femey Voltaire (France)
Discover the warm and convivial ambiance of the Christmas village under a heated tent, in the park of the Abbé Boisso, where you will see hundreds of ideas for Christmas presents, provided by around 40 exhibiitors. Ice rink, manège, horse-drawn carriage, face painting and Christmas workshops. Father Christmas will distribute sweets to the children on both Saturday and Sunday. Lantern procession on Sunday at 17h. Numerous opportunities to listen to the music of local talented musicians. And, of course, lots of great savoyard specialities to taste, as well as grilled chestnuts, oysters, pancakes, and mulled wine!
Friday 9 December, 14h to 21h20
Saturday 10 December, 9h to 19h
Sunday 11 December, 9h to 18h
10-11 December 2016
Marché de Noël, Saint-Genis-Pouilly (France)
Centre Culturel Jean Monnet
11, rue de Gex
01630 Saint-Genis-Pouilly, France
Saturday 10 December from 11h to 19h.
Sunday 11 December from 10h to 18h.
Get into the Christmas spirit at this covered market, which includes lots of activities for the kids, and numerous potential gifts to purchase. Free entry.
10-23 December 2016
Marché de Noël, Sion (Valais)
Place du Midi and L’Espace des Remparts
Monday to Friday: 14h-19h30
Saturday and Sunday: 11h-19h30
The 13th edition of this special event will feature around 60 artisan stalls, and numerous places to eat. A packed festive program of activities for young and old includes concerts, artistic demonstrations, ice rink, donkey rides, and bricolage workshop.
11 December 2016, 15h to 17h30
Geneva English School Christmas Fair (GE)
Route de Malagny 36
1294 Genthod
School fair in a beautiful setting, featuring Santa's grotto, crafts, games, raffle and competitions, mulled wine, champagne and oysters, homemade cakes and crêpes, Secret Santa, and much more!
11 December 2016, 10h to 18h
Marché de Noël, Lutry (VD)
Bourg de Lutry
Traditional outdoor Christmas market featuring more than 100 local businesses and artists as well as numerous animations.
14, 17, 21, 24 December, 9h-15h
Geneva Flea Market
Geneva, Plainpalais
A great opportunity to find that unusual item or some stocking stuffers.
16-17 December 2016
La Ferme de Budé Marché de Noël (GE)
Chemin Moïse-Duboule 2
Petit-Saconnex
This organic farm in Geneva will hold a Christmas market, which will include their typical organic fare as well as produce from 20 artisans ranging from potters to chocolate makers. There will be organic vegetable soup and raclette to warm up and even a little yodelling entertainment.
Friday 16: 15h to 20h
Saturday 17: 9h to 16h
17-18 December, 2016
Brin de Terre Marché de Noël (VD)
4, route de la Rippe
Crassier
079 519 61 00
Small Christmas market held at Brin de Terre's craft workshop in Crassier.
18 December 2016
Puces de Noël, Nyon (VD)
Rue de Rive and lakeside
Special Christmas version of the popular Sunday flea market held on the last Sunday of the month in the Quartier de Rive. Lots of stalls selling crafts, food and drink, as well as numerous local products for sale. Christmas entertainment, including Father Christmas himself! Local shops and restaurants will be open during this outdoor market. Make sure to dress warmly and bring change or cash. Check out the website above for more information nearer the time of the market.
23 December 2016 - 8 January 2017, 11h to 19h30
Villars Christmas Market (VD)
Place du Marché
Discover the flavors and scents of Christmas at this traditional market. Lots of animations and surprises on the Place du Marché to keep everyone happy!
If you would like to be featured on our Christmas market list, as well as on our Events Calendar, please use our form here.
