Anyone have an itinerary for Christmas markets in Switzerland and then a couple stops in France ending in Paris? We are thinking 2 weeks. Flying into Zurich, home from Paris. We loved Murren and want to add that, not for markets. We have heard Zermott is beautiful so hoping to add it also. Right now I just don’t know how to start. Planning to use trains. Thank you!
Posted by
San Diego, California
4883 posts
Perhaps my 2019 Trip Report will have some helpful info, or at least be a starting point.
Have a magical experience!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2332 posts
Time your trip carefully. Many markets close before Christmas. This catches a lot of people by surprise.
We are going to Strasbourg and Colmar this year, with stops in Kaysersberg and Ribeauville. We visited the area over the summer and it was so ridiculously cute. I’m so excited to see it decorated for Christmas!
Book your hotels far in advance. When I started looking in September, many places were already booked. And expect high prices. The place we stayed in Colmar in June more than doubled its price for December.
Posted by
San Diego, California
4883 posts
When I was booking Xmas markets hotels, I found many fully booked by June of that year , especially on the weekends. Strasbourg is incredible during the markets- the lights and decorations are exceptional.
It's an magical experience!
Posted by
MPLS, MN
358 posts
We based in Colmar for a week before Covid hit us. Colmar, Strasbourg, and Ribeauville in France we’re all great. The highlight for us was a long day trip to Freiburg, Germany and Basal, Switzerland. Basal was initially an afterthought for us but ended up being our favorite stop. Multiple Christmas markets in a cool little city that doesn’t seem to get its due on here.
Posted by
Thun, Switzerland
491 posts
Take a look at the markets advertised on the Switzerland tourism website for this year to give you some ideas (currently 221 are listed!).
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/events/events-search/?rubrik=adventchristmasmarkets
There are many wonderful small markets that last only one day, or a weekend. These are actually some of my favourite ones. When in Mürren see if you are there at the right time for the markets in Lauterbrunnen, Brienz, Iseltwald, Grindelwald, Wilderswil, Matten and Unterseen (by Interlaken), etc.
Interlaken has many Christmas events, including the Christmas village
https://www.interlaken.ch/en/experiences/winter-wonderland/winterlaken
Nearby Thun has a lovely little market