Bern’s Christmas markets and winter pop-ups

The trendy Christmas market on Kleine Schanze: this festively decorated Christmas market looks like a little village, with numerous chalets offering seasonal delicacies, hot beverages and products from local designers inviting you to linger and “schnöigge” (browse). You’ll also come across a large fondue chalet, weather-proof lounges, a children’s area with a merry-go-round, and a fabulous view of the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building). The entire market is cashless; you can pay by card or Twint (a Swiss mobile payment app)

The traditional Christmas market with several decades of history: Festively decorated stalls on Waisenhausplatz offer candied almonds, star-shaped tree ornaments, cookie cutters, and many other wonderful gift ideas and souvenirs. With all the strolling, marvelling, and “Schnouse” (nibbling), you’ll be in the Christmas spirit in no time! Speaking of nibbling: we’ll let you know who will be operating the food stalls this year as soon as it’s out.

A festive atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle: Against the impressive backdrop of the Bern Minster, which has Switzerland’s highest steeple at 100.6 metres, artisans from Bern and its surroundings display their unique items – all lovingly handmade in their own ateliers and sold by the makers themselves. And it is rumoured that the mulled wine in the “Märitbeizli” is the best in town. It is made in advance with quality wine and spices, then cooled down and brought to the market cold, to be warmed up before being served. This prevents its rich flavours from being destroyed by constant heat.

Perfect for everyone who loves handicrafts: At the Christmas edition of the artisan’s market on Minster terrace, local artisans and designers present their beautiful, carefully handcrafted products. You’ll have no trouble at all finding a gift or two for your godfather, mom, or sister. If you need a break from all the Christmas shopping, stop to enjoy the fantastic view of Switzerland’s green federal capital with the beautiful River Aare and its local mountain, the Gurten.

Where the evenings are merry and bright: the popular winter pop-up Oscar Elch is once again setting up shop at Ringgenpärkli, transforming the quaint park into a little winter wonderland in the heart of the city. It serves hot Gløgg (Scandinavian mulled wine made from red wine, korn or vodka, and spices) made from an original recipe, homemade hot mules and tarte flambée – exactly what we need on a cold winter’s day!

The Berner Generationenhaus (Bern House of Generations) is just as cosy in winter as it is in summer. There are warming beverages served inside and a diverse winter programme: the live Advent calendar “Lametta für alle” (“tinsel for everyone”), the exhibition “Hilfe, ich erbe! (“Help, I’m inheriting!”) in the cellars and more turn December into a month filled with culture. To celebrate the holiday season, we recommend candle making, getting creative with Offcut, laid-back game nights, or “Halt auf Verlangen” (“stop on request”), a musical performance at the hospital chapel by music students from the University of Applied Sciences. For the youngest visitors, there are ponies, a sustainable bicycle merry-go-round, and story time at a fairytale house. This lovingly designed space for encounters is open to anyone, no consumption required.

Head to Laupen on 30 November and 1 December for some holiday magic. Strolling through the historic old town and taking in the festive atmosphere will get you in the Christmas spirit in no time! Various associations prepare fun activities, there’s Christmas music playing in the background, and locals set up stalls to sell hot chocolate and mulled wine, gingerbread and anything your heart and stomach desire. Highlights include the Laupen library’s “Gschichtlizyt” (story time), the play “Nora das Zauberpferd” (“Nora, the Magic Horse”), and the oboe and trumpet concert at the church. With a bit of luck, visitors might even come across “Samichlous” (Father Christmas).

On 1 December, Burgdorf is going into Christmas mode with over 150 festively decorated stalls in the old town and the Kornhaus neighbourhood. And at the castle, different craftspeople – potter, blacksmith, basket maker, soaper, candle maker, dyer and tailor – present and demonstrate their historic trades and sell their products. Visitors have the opportunity to help medieval figures thresh grain, grind herbs, spin wool and more at the hands-on stations. There’s a pot of warming soup simmering over a fire and the medieval music in the background makes a visit to the Advent castle an experience for the whole family.

In the historic centre of the town of Huttwil, 60 minutes by train from Bern, you’ll find one of the largest, prettiest, and most romantic Christmas markets in the country. Step into a world of candlelight, music, fairytales, holiday treats, traditional craftsmanship, and good company. Lovingly decorated wooden huts and a choir singing Christmas carols complete the idyll. What’s less traditional about this Christmas market: it takes place in the month of November only – but that just means you’ll be able to get your Christmas shopping done early!

• Seedorf Christmas market, 22 to 24 November 2024

• Eggiwil Christmas market, 29 November 2024

• Kambly Christmas market, 29 November to 1 December 2024 and 6 to 8 Dezember 2024

• Rüeggisberg Advent market, 30 November 2024

• Belp December market, 1 December 2024

• Sumiswald Christmas market, 3 December 2024

• Kühlewil Advent market in Englisberg, 4 and 5 December 2024

• Schloss Köniz Christmas market, 7 and 8 December 2024

• Schwarzenburg Christmas market, 6 to 8 Dezember 2024

• Wasen Christmas market, 10 December 2024

• Langnau Christmas market, 11 December 2024

• “Klein aber fein” (small but nice) Christmas market in Langnau, 13 and 14 December 2024