A group stands under an ornate pavilion with a view of snow-covered buildings and domes. The atmosphere is wintry and festive, characterised by conviviality. The snow-covered benches and the background convey tranquillity and a magical winter feeling.

Christmas in Bern

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine wafts through the festively decorated, sparkling streets and alleys of Bern. Here’s everything you need to know about the festive season in Bern – Christmas markets and winter pop-up bars, fondue and chocolate places, gift guides, city tours and much more.

Bern’s Christmas markets and winter pop-ups

From traditional markets to Bernese craftsmanship to foodie heaven, the Christmas markets in Bern are as diverse as the people who visit them. Trendy Christmas markets and winter pop-up bars in Bern’s old town – all within walking distance from one another –, Advent atmosphere steeped in history at Burgdorf Castle, pure Yuletide idyll at the Christmas market in Huttwil: here are our must-visits this holiday season.

To the highlights

The picture shows Bern's festively illuminated Christmas market on Waisenhausplatz. People stream past, wrapped in warm jackets, while the lights create a magical and inviting atmosphere. The mood is lively and full of anticipation.

Festive experiences in Bern

Restaurants set the tables for fondue. The streets of Bern’s charming villages light up. Museums polish their exhibits. Products made in Bern wait to be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. And Bern launches its November Window campaign: every day, a new, creatively decorated window is opened, spreading joy and getting the entire city in the festive spirit.

Two young women in winter clothing stand cheerfully in front of a shop window decorated for Christmas. One of them holds several shopping bags and points to the display of small wooden figures and lights. The scene is set in a festively lit old town passageway and conveys a warm, pre-Christmas atmosphere.

Bern’s November Windows

In the blue hour, Bern is cloaked in a mystical light, while the snow blankets the city in silence and the cathedral rises proudly into the night sky, a scene of quiet splendour.

Christmas adventures in Bern

The picture shows a convivial group in the Rosengarten restaurant in Bern, enjoying a fondue with a magnificent view of the city of Bern in the background, creating an atmosphere of cosiness and friendship.

Bern’s best fondue spots

Eine Laterne erhellt den Weg einer nächtlichen Führung durch Bern, wobei die Führerin unter einem Bogen Geschichten teilt, die das Interesse der Teilnehmer wecken.

From CHF 12.00 per person

City tour “Spooky Bern”

Encounter the ghosts of the city: This unforgettable tour through Bern’s Old Town traces hidden stories and long-forgotten legends.

Bernmobil takes visitors to the city’s most beautiful Christmas attractions.

Winter getaway

Is there anything better than taking a few days off to unwind and reset before the Christmas festivities begin? Be it a romantic “Znacht” (dinner) in the city or a long weekend in the countryside – find out what Bern's hotels and their restaurants have come up with to spread Yuletide joy.

The picture shows a bright, inviting double room at the Hotel Kreuz in Bern with modern furnishings that exude a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. The combination of soft beds, warm wood tones and decorative city map on the wall conveys a feeling of peace and security, ideal for relaxation and recuperation. A fresh bouquet of flowers on the desk adds a personal and vibrant touch, while the natural light streaming through the window fills the room with an inviting brightness.

Kreuz Bern

The picture shows a bird's eye view of the Kursaal Bern. The building stands in the centre of a picturesque cityscape, surrounded by old houses. The sky is slightly cloudy, which creates a calm, peaceful atmosphere.

Swissôtel Kursaal Bern

Romantik Hotel Bären Dürrenroth

Novotel Bern Expo

Bern Youth Hostel

bern_hotel_schweizerhof_exterior_panorama

Schweizerhof Bern & Spa

The picture shows a modern high-rise building that rises into the sky while the sun gently shines through the trees. The contrast between the clear, geometric design of the building and the natural surroundings creates a harmonious balance between urban architecture and nature. The warm rays of sunlight give the scene a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere, while the green leaves of the trees in the foreground add a touch of vibrancy. The image radiates a positive, optimistic mood that unites the beauty of the city and nature.

Harry’s Home Bern-Ostermundigen

Find more wintertime accommodation options here.

Christmas shopping

“Lädele” (shopping) in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town is filled with magical moments – enjoying a traditional Christmas “Güetzi” (biscuit), a friendly smile, gentle snowfall. The scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts wafting through the streets and the sparkling, festively decorated shop windows make Christmas shopping in Bern an unforgettable experience. And beautiful, hand-picked presents await, from charming souvenirs to stylish surprises.

Christmas gift guide: from Bern with love

The picture shows two young women walking along a busy, historic shopping street. They are laughing and carrying shopping bags as they walk past traditional buildings and a decorative statue. Their winter clothes and the cheerful atmosphere convey a feeling of cosiness and joy.

Bernese Treasures

The “I love Bern” Advent calendar

Bern has a lot of surprises in store – and some of them are hidden behind the doors of our famous Advent calendar. Starting on 1 December, you’ll have the chance to win wonderful prizes. Got curious? Then be sure to drop by every day and participate – good luck!

A door a day

The picture shows a festively wrapped gift on a wooden table, decorated with twigs and berries. Next to the gift is a glass with a lit candle. Blurred lights can be seen in the background, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

Looking to gift a bit of Bern?

Various products that together make up the Wachmacher Christmas gift. The package consists of a Bern mug, Bern postcards and two packs of coffee beans from the roasting plant in Bern.

Christmas present «Wachmacher:in»

Various products that together make up the Herzaufwärmer Christmas gift. The package consists of a Bern mug, Bern postcards and mulled wine seasoning from La Cucina.

Christmas present «Härzufwärmer»

The candle raclette has space for two raclette slices and is heated with normal candles.

Candle raclette 2go

On display is a lovingly designed LEGO model of Bern's Zytglogge tower. The detailed replica with red, green and beige-coloured bricks evokes childlike joy and a nostalgic connection with Bern's landmark.

Brick Model “Zytglogge” (Clock Tower)

The picture shows a lovingly designed chocolate bear from nobile, presented in elegant packaging. The sweet little bears with a heart immediately spread joy and are the perfect gift with a heart.

“Bärner Mutzli” chocolate from Casa Nobi

To Bern by Eurocity

If you’re travelling to Bern from Italy to experience the federal city’s incomparable Christmas charm, we recommend taking the train and benefiting from Eurocity’s 2x1 promo: from 15 November to 20 December, two people can travel from Milan, Venice, Bologna or Genoa to Bern in first or second class for the price of one.

To the offer

The picture shows Michelle Hunziker and Yann Sommer sitting in a Eurocity train compartment travelling through the beautiful old town of Bern.

Culinary Christmas

Be it a creamy fondue in a cosy chalet or raclette with a view: in Bern, melted cheese is as much a part of winter as the “Fyrabe-Schwumm” (after-work swim) is of summer. The regional diversity ranges from classic blends to sophisticated herbal compositions – all lovingly handmade.

Those with a sweet tooth will find an array of fine chocolate creations in the city's confectioneries, from melt-in-the-mouth truffles to handcrafted chocolate bars. Whether you’re looking for delicate “Schwizer Schoggi” (Swiss chocolate) to take home or a sweet treat to enjoy right there and then, you can have it all in Bern.

Choose cheese Choose chocolate

The picture shows a romantically laid table in the Rosengarten restaurant, with a fondue pot and a view of the city of Bern at night. The atmosphere is cosy and inviting, perfect for an intimate dinner with an impressive panorama.

A Läderach chocolatier concentrates on the skilful making of pralines, a picture of craftsmanship and dedication that makes the passion for the finest chocolate palpable.

Be it a candle-light dinner, a disco bash or a local tradition: Bern has plenty of options to end the year in style. This way to our New Year ’s Eve recommendations.

FAQ – Christmas in Bern

Which Christmas markets are there in Bern?

What are the opening hours of Bern’s Christmas markets and winter pop-ups?

How do I travel to the Bern Christmas markets by public transport?

Bern’s Christmas markets can easily be reached by public transport – it takes only one hour by train from Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, and Lucerne, for example. The Christmas attractions in Bern’s old town are all within walking distance from one another and barrier-free. If you’ve done some heavy Christmas shopping and need a quick break, just hop onto a Bernmobil tram or bus and have it take you to the next location. If you’re staying at an accommodation in Bern, you can even do so for free thanks to the Bern Ticket. The Christmas experiences in the entire region can be reached comfortably thanks to the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and the BLS (Bern and Central Switzerland regional trains).

Where can I park my car in Bern?

When can I do some Sunday shopping in Bern?

On 30 novembre, the shops in the lower part of the old town are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the traditional 1st of Advent event, which celebrates its 30-year anniversary this year and has many festive surprises in store (pun intended). The official “Sonntagsverkauf” (Sunday shopping) in Bern takes place on 14 and 21 December. On those days, most shops in Bern are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where in Bern can I use the restroom for free?

Where can I find shelter if the weather turns?

Several of the Christmas markets have covered and, in some cases, heated areas, so neither rain nor snow can stand in the way of a festive outing. You can find shelter at the Sternenmarkt on Kleine Schanze, the Christmas market on Waisenhausplatz and under the arcades by the Minster, in the huts at Oscar Elch in Ringgenpärkli park as well as in the restaurant of the ice rink on Bundesplatz and in Bern’s numerous other restaurants and cafés.

Where can I find roasted chestnuts?

The best recipe against nippy winter weather is indulging on warming seasonal comfort food. We’re looking forward to mulled wine, hot chocolate, candied almonds – and Marroni (roasted chestnuts)! In Bern, there are numerous stalls that sell the tasty winter treat.

Bahnhofplatz, on the corner of the LOEB department store, Bulloni AG
Bahnhofplatz, west side of the Heiliggeistkirche church, Bulloni AG
Neuengasse, entrance to the train station, Marroni Tricolore SA
Bärenplatz, Marroni Maletti
Waisenhausplatz going onto Zeughausgasse, Marroni-Import Gysi & Strazzini AG
Behind the Zytglogge (Clock Tower), Zytglogge Marroni GmbH, Bajrami Zudi

More inspiration

A cosy evening in a warm chalet ambience: a cheerful group enjoys a fondue, laughs and toasts with wine - a festive atmosphere, good food and warm company.

Company Christmas

Three people enjoy the view from the Oberaltösch alp in the Emmental during a snowshoe hike. The sun is shining and the views of the Bernese Alps are marvellous.

Winter in Bern

Winter in Bern

Bernese highlights in December

“I love Bern” Advent calendar

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City tours of Bern

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