This year the two biggest markets in Zurich have new names, Zug has new spots on the lake, and the Einsiedeln market only runs for ten days. Here is where to go with kids, and how to time it so nobody melts down before the hot chocolate.
Zurich city
Most Zurich markets open on Thursday, 19 November 2026, the same evening the Lucy lights switch on along Bahnhofstrasse.
Bellevue Noël, Sechseläutenplatz (19 November to 23 December). The square in front of the Opernhaus has a new market this year, replacing the Wienachtsdorf after ten years. The centrepiece is a giant walk-in Advent wreath, 50 metres across, with a platform five metres up. Kids will want to climb it more than once. Expect around 100 stalls and a big fondue chalet, so book that early if you want a family table.
Polarzauber, Zürich HB (from 19 November). The market in the main station hall, which many of us still call the Christkindlimarkt, has a new name. It is one of the largest covered markets in Europe with over 100 stalls. This is your rainy-day option, and the easiest with a buggy.
Singing Christmas Tree, Werdmühleplatz (19 November to 23 December). Children's and school choirs sing from a tiered tree stage every evening. Arrive ten minutes early so small kids can see from the front.
Münsterhof (19 November to 24 December). Local makers and designers, a culture tent, and a sleigh photo spot with a snowman Böögg. Good for gifts from small businesses in Zurich.
Dörfli market, Niederdorf (19 November to 23 December). Zurich's oldest Christmas market, spread along the old-town lanes. Lovely atmosphere, but narrow, so a carrier works better than a buggy.
Zürcher Weihnachtsallee, Europaallee (19 November to 23 December). Around 80 stalls with a strong street-food line-up, right next to HB.
Zug
Zug has more choice than ever this year.
- Zuger Weihnachtsmarkt am Alpenquai (19 November to 23 December). New in 2026, five minutes from the station, and right on the lake. It is cashless, so bring a card or Twint.
- Lake Noël, Landsgemeindeplatz and lake promenade (10 to 23 December). Around 35 vendors with the old town as a backdrop.
- Weihnachtsmarkt im Burghof, Museum Burg Zug (12 and 13 December). A small weekend market in the castle courtyard with regional makers. Combine it with the museum.
- Zuger Märlisunntig (Sunday, 6 December). The old town turns into a fairytale land with story parlours and carriage rides. This is the one to circle in the calendar if your kids are under ten.
Lucerne
- Rudolfs Weihnacht, Inseli park (20 November to 23 December). Lakeside setting near the station, with storytellers and concerts.
- Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt, Franziskanerplatz (3 to 21 December). Around 70 stalls and the largest Advent wreath in Central Switzerland at the fountain.
- Hotel Schweizerhof Christmas market (Sundays 29 November, 6 and 13 December). An indoor market in a grand hall, good on a cold Sunday.
Schwyz and Lake Zurich south shore
Einsiedeln (27 November to 6 December). Around 140 stalls along Hauptstrasse and in front of the lit-up monastery. It only runs ten days, so plan now. Extra trains run from Zürich HB at weekends. The concerts in front of the abbey are worth timing your visit around.
Rapperswil Christkindlimärt (3 to 20 December). Old town between the lake and the castle, with a Märlizelt (story tent) for children and star singing on 20 December.
Tips from parents who have done it
- Go on a weekday afternoon. Monday to Thursday after school is calm. Friday evenings and Advent Sundays are packed.
- Go before 29 November. The first Advent weekend is when crowds jump.
- Carrier over buggy in Niederdorf, Rapperswil and Einsiedeln.
- Pack a card or Twint. Several markets are cashless.
- Agree a meeting point the moment you arrive.
- Kinderpunsch is everywhere, and most stalls will fill your own cup.
Plan your Advent with Momizen
Markets are only one part of December. See our guides to Christmas light trails, Samichlaus visits, ice rinks and holiday camps, and sign up to the Momizen newsletter for our weekly "This Weekend with Kids" picks.
Dates checked 30 October 2026. Please confirm opening hours on each market's website before you go.
