The festive season is upon us, and there’s no better way to experience the holiday spirit than by exploring the magical Christmas markets of Europe. If you’re looking for an unforgettable getaway during winter that blends diverse cultures and traditions, set your sights on the regions bordering France, Germany, and Switzerland. Charming towns like Montreux, Basel, Colmar and Strasbourg offer a unique take on the beloved Christmas market and all are within an easy day tour out of Zurich.

Montreux, Switzerland
Known locally as “Montreux Noël”, this market takes place from November 20th to December 24th, 2025 and is set along the Lake Geneva promenade. It features over 170 decorated stalls offering local crafts, seasonal gifts, and winter treats. You can also enjoy ice skating, festive workshops, and a magical show of Santa Claus flying over the market. A large Ferris wheel adorns the Market Square (Place du Marché), providing panoramic views of the market, the lake, and the mountains. You’ll also find a wide selection of festive Swiss food available, including fondue, raclette, mulled wine, grilled sausages, and traditional sweets.

Colmar, France
Colmar, located in the Alsace region of France, transforms into a fairytale town during the Christmas season, with its charming setting enhanced by timbered houses and a canal system. The markets are spread around the city’s old town center and feature local delicacies, handcrafted goods like ornaments, jewelry, pottery, and holiday sweets and toys. The intimate scale of this market and the stunning architecture make Colmar’s Christmas markets an unforgettable experience. Open from November 26th to December 24th, 2025.

Strasbourg, France
Just 30 minutes away from Colmar, Strasbourg proudly holds the title of “Capital of Christmas”. Home to France’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1570, Strasbourg has over 300 chalets set up in the heart of the city along with a 30 meters tall Christmas tree. The town is adorned with spectacular light displays, and the warmth of its people makes for a unique atmosphere where Christmas takes on its full meaning. This market runs from November 26th to December 24th, 2025.

Freiburg, Germany
Freiburg’s market spreads across several locations in the historic Old Town, including the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square). The charm of the Gothic architecture and the famous Bächle (small water channels) running through the streets are enhanced by the festive lighting. You will find the traditional German fare as well as regional products that celebrate the Black Forest, such as Glühwein from local vineyards, handmade wooden carvings, and traditional items like Spätzle (a type of soft egg noodle) and the famed Lange Rote (a long, red bratwurst that is a local icon). The market also features activities like a carousel and, traditionally, a candle-dipping workshop where visitors can make their own unique Christmas gifts. It takes place from November 20th to December 23rd, 2025.

Konstanz, Germany
Konstanz is a beautiful city located in the south of Germany, right on the border with Switzerland and sits on the shore of Lake Constance, at the point where the Rhine River flows out of the lake. With this location, the Konstanz Christmas Market offers a unique setting where you will get to enjoy classic market treats while taking in the water views. The food and drink often reflect the proximity to Switzerland and the diverse culinary traditions of the Lake Constance region. A unique feature about this market is the “Christmas Ship” (Weihnachtsschiff), a ferry docked at the harbor that transforms into an extension of the market, featuring additional stalls, a restaurant, and a popular “Ice Bar” on the top deck offering panoramic views over the illuminated market and the lake. This market starts November 27th and ends December 23rd, 2025.

Basel, Switzerland
Basel hosts Switzerland’s largest and one of its most beautiful Christmas markets. The market is spread primarily across two magnificent squares: Barfüsserplatz (the largest and busiest) and Münsterplatz (set in front of the stunning Basel Cathedral). This market has many highlights featuring around 150 rustic wooden chalets, offering a huge variety of local crafts, decorations, toys and regional culinary specialties. A prominent, 13-meter-high Christmas pyramid is a popular meeting point, especially for enjoying hot beverages like Glühwein (mulled wine), and located in front of the magnificent Basel Cathedral, you will see a spectacular Christmas tree, often adorned with ornaments from the famous local designer, Johann Wanner. Enjoy the “Christmas food mile” on Rheingasse in Kleinbasel (across the river), known for its wide selection of food and drink, including raclette, fondue, waffles and, most famously, the traditional Basler gingerbread known as Läckerli. This Christmas market will open daily from November 27th to December 23rd, 2025

By combining these beautiful towns, Montreux, Colmar, Strasbourg, Freiburg, Konstanz, and Basel, you create a truly international Christmas market itinerary that will capture the best of Alsatian tradition, German coziness, and Swiss elegance.