Every winter, the city of Montreux comes alive with the Christmas spirit. With its bustling Christmas Market known as Marché de Noël à Montreux, overflowing with festive decorations and delicious treats, Montreux is without a doubt one of the best Christmas destinations in western Switzerland.
Unlike many other Christmas markets in the region, which tend to be quite German-influenced, the Christmas Market in Montreux draws inspiration from both French and Swiss traditions to create a uniquely charming experience that can't be found anywhere else.
In addition, unlike other large towns in Switzerland like Basel or Zurich which have various locations of Christmas markets, Montreux has only one main market along its beautiful lakeside promenade.
Boasting hundreds of stalls selling everything from beautiful hand-crafted ornaments and wonderfully aromatic candles, to locally-produced wines and deliciously warm comfort foods, there is something for everyone at this truly magical Christmas celebration.
With its idyllic location on Switzerland's beautiful Riviera, it's no surprise that Montreux's Christmas Market has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful markets in all of Europe.
Whether you come for the stunning Alpine backdrop or just to indulge your taste buds with some mulled wine or gingerbread cookies, a visit to the Montreux Christmas Market is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit! dcrafted gifts, there's something for everyone at these festive markets.
Christmas highlights in Montreux 2023 (18th November to 24th December 2023)
Whether you're looking for Christmas cheer, excitement, or magic, Montreux is the place to be. At one of Europe's prettiest Christmas markets, you'll find all the holiday favorites, from traditional Christmas market stalls to garlands and lights that shine brightly along the scenic lakeside promenade.
And best of all, you can even visit Santa at his house perched atop Rochers-de-Naye mountain!
But that's not all. There are plenty of other Christmas highlights in Montreux too. For the foodies out there, you can indulge your senses at the many gourmet areas and tasty pop-up stalls throughout the city.
And if you're looking to soak up some Christmas magic, Montreux also offers tours of Chillon Castle by candlelight – an experience that is sure to capture your imagination and set the perfect tone for this festive season. So whatever your Christmas desires may be, come to Montreux and let the magic begin!
The Marché de Noël à Montreux Christmas Market
Montreux Christmas boasts an array of wonderful Christmas highlights at the lake side promenades from Quai de la Rouvenaz to Quai Edouard-Jaccoud. From Christmas trees dripping in sparkling lights to window displays featuring handcrafted Christmas decorations, there is plenty to see and celebrate along this dynamic holiday strip.
Whether you're looking for Christmas shopping, delicious food and drink, exciting attractions, or fun rides and games, this vibrant Christmas strip has it all.
And if you're looking for even more excitement during your visit to Montreux Christmas, be sure to check out all the restaurants, café's, and food trucks.
The marketplace is home to unique cabins like Loggers Cabin offering everything from sweet treats like hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies to savory dishes like pea soup and fondue, there is truly something for everyone here.
Plus, the lovely patios along the waterfront are ideal spots for taking in the serene lake views and enjoying some quality time with friends and family.
But Christmas in Montreux is about more than just shopping; it's also about embracing the holiday spirit with family and friends.
Flying Santa at Marché de Noël à Montreux Christmas Market
At the Montreux Christmas Market, one of the most unique and exciting features is its flying Santa spectacle.
Every afternoon at 17:00, 18:00, and 19:00, Santa seems to magically glide over the lakeside promenade atop his magical sleigh.
Amid cheers from onlookers young and old, Santa flies across the sky against a stunning backdrop of snow-topped mountains and glistening waters.
Truly a sight to behold, this incredible Christmas highlight promises to be an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. So don't miss your chance to catch a glimpse of Santa in action on his flying sleigh at Montreux this holiday season!
Unique Santa Train & Santa Claus's House at Marché de Noël à Montreux
Visiting Montreux Christmas Market is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. With its stunning Christmas decorations, bustling Christmas markets, and wide array of festive events, Montreux truly captures the magic of the holiday season.
But what makes this Christmas experience truly special is the chance to meet Santa himself at his office on Rochers-de-Naye, a towering mountain top overlooking Montreux and the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva. Climb aboard a magnificent cogwheel railway that whisks you up to Santa's magical Christmas palace in the clouds, where he awaits your visit.
Whether you're young or old, Santa's warm and welcoming presence surely puts everyone in the holiday spirit.
Plus, no visit would be complete without leaving with a special gift from Santa himself!
So if you're looking for a memorable Christmas adventure full of enchantment and cheer, make sure to include a visit to Montreux Christmas Market on your holiday itinerary.
La Redoute House of Wishes at Marché de Noël à Montreux Christmas Market
Looking for the perfect Christmas experience in Montreux? Look no further than La Redoute House of Wishes!
At this special place, you can send your Christmas wishes directly to Santa Claus, simply by filling out a few simple fields.
Whether you want to ask for a new toy, some Christmas decorations, or just want to say hello to friends and family, your wishes will be carefully considered by the big man himself.
The Big Wheel at Marché de Noël à Montreux Christmas Market
The Christmas season is a wonderful time to visit the charming city of Montreux. As one of Switzerland's top Christmas tourist destinations, this scenic town is full of festive activities and attractions perfect for visitors of all ages.
Perhaps the most popular attraction during the Christmas season is the Big Wheel, also known as the Grande-Roue. This huge wheel offers incredible views over the city and its many Christmas lights, and you can even catch glimpses of nearby landmarks like Chateau de Chillon and Lake Geneva from high up in the sky.
The Christmas season has something special in store for everyone in this magical Swiss city by the lake.
Christmas at the Castle Chillon
At Chateau de Chillon Castle near Montreux, children and adults of all ages will find endless entertainment. With its beautiful architecture and rich history, this castle is the perfect place to visit all year round.
But during advent weekends, something truly special happens at the castle. Each advent weekend from 2 to 5 pm, a medieval market and festival take place, with music, food, arts, and technology on display.
The themes of each weekend's festivities vary widely, making each event truly unique and exciting.
For an unforgettable Christmas experience in Switzerland, be sure to check out the Chateau de Chillon Marché Médiéval Festival de Conte – one of the biggest highlights of Christmas in Montreux!
Whether you're traveling with kids or spending a romantic evening with your partner, this fantastic festival has something for everyone. Admission is just CHF15 per person – with family discounts and child fares available. Don't miss out on all
Read also: 14 Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland
Three Great Hotels Near the Montreux Christmas Market
Christmas is a great time to do just that, and there's no better place to celebrate than at the Montreux Christmas Market in Switzerland! Here are three great hotels near the market so you can make the most of your trip.
Hotel Eden Palace au Lac 4*: This hotel is perfectly located for the Christmas market, also with easy access to the Santa train. The rooms are simple and clean, and the lake view with its decorated promenade from the hotel is great.
J5 Hotels Helvetie & La Brasserie 3*: This hotel is very nicely situated 2 minutes from the Casino and a short walk to the waterside, where the Christmas market is located. The rooms are comfortable and clean, with a good view of the mountains.
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace 5*: This hotel is centrally located with the Christmas market pretty much starting right across the street and going along the promenade for over a mile. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with some offering stunning views of Lake Geneva and the snowy Alps.
Read also: Christmas Markets in Basel 2022
Conclusion:
Montreux is a beautiful town in Switzerland that comes alive during the Christmas season. With its stunning location on Lake Geneva and its charming Christmas markets, Montreux is the perfect place to enjoy a festive getaway.
If you’re looking for a unique Christmas market to visit in 2022, make sure to put Montreux on your list.
With its festive atmosphere and charming setting on Lake Geneva, this market is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.We highly recommend adding it to your travel bucket list – you won’t regret it!
