Mulled wine, fondue and fairy lights by the lake: the Christmas markets of French-speaking Switzerland can fill plenty of end-of-year evenings. Here are the three big ones, with 2026 dates checked on their official sites.
Geneva Christmas market: Noël au Quai
Noël au Quai sets up on Quai du Mont-Blanc from 19 November to 24 December 2026. It started in Parc des Bastions, moved to the Jardin Anglais and now runs along the lake. There are craft chalets, street food, a carousel and the Chalet à Fondue serving Geneva fondue (book ahead). The night-owl tip is the Christmas Pub, open until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The chalets close at 10 pm Thursday to Saturday (up to 11 pm if weather and crowds allow).
Lausanne Christmas market: Bô Noël
Bô Noël runs in Lausanne from 20 November to 31 December 2026, the longest of the three. The 2026 programme isn’t out yet, and we’ll update this page when it is.
Montreux Christmas market: Montreux Noël
Montreux Riviera Noël opens from 20 November to 24 December 2026 on the lakefront. There’s a big wheel on the Place du Marché, Santa’s house on top of the Rochers-de-Naye, and something new: Santa’s flying-boat cruise on a Belle Époque steamer. The market restaurants serve until 11 pm every night. In Vevey, “L’Éveil de Noël” lights the big tree from 27 to 29 November.
After the mulled wine?
Keep the night going: our Geneva and Lausanne listings, this weekend, or the free events. In mid-December Geneva also celebrates the Escalade.
FAQ
When does the Geneva Christmas market 2026 open?
Noël au Quai opens on 19 November 2026 (5–10 pm on the first evening) and closes on 24 December at 4 pm.
Which Christmas market stays open longest?
Bô Noël in Lausanne, until 31 December 2026.
How do I get to Montreux Noël?
By train to Montreux, then walk down to the lakefront. Transport details (including VMCV buses) are on montreuxnoel.com.