Montreux Marché de Noël Grand Rue (Ferris Wheel)

The best Christmas market in French-speaking Switzerland, and one of the largest in the country, is the Marché de Noël à Montreux. This traditional Christmas market spreads along the Lake Geneva lake-side quays. (Interestingly, French speakers call Lake Geneva Lac Léman. And in German, it is called der Genfersee.)

Montreux is known as the pearl of the Swiss Riviera. The setting is indeed picture perfect with snow-capped mountains rising above crystal blue waters and jazzy holiday music playing everywhere. This is the home of the famous summer Montreux Jazz Festival after all—and there’s a hip, jazzy vibe to the entire locale.

Each December, however, when sparkling snow flutters down from the pretty mountain peaks, 170+ market stalls sell Christmas wares, food, and wine at the charming covered Marché that spills into the open main square. Here, Freddie Mercury’s statue greets Santa as he flies overhead to entertain the crowds. (Freddie Mercury made Montreux his last home. He’s revered here.)

Vin chaud (mulled wine/Glühwein), chestnuts, crepes, and chocolates are particularly popular. In contrast to German Christmas market customs in the north, mulled wine is sold in disposable plastic cups but Montreux souvenir mugs are available from a few stands. Naturally, Swiss fondue is offered in a variety of ways, along with raclette, sausages, meats wrapped in pastry, cookies, nougat, roasted chestnuts, and much more.

Cold cuts, Swiss cheeses, and Swiss Wine

Another unique feature of the Montreux Christmas Market is its Santa & His Flying Sleigh spectacular where Santa magically appears to glide over the lakeside promenade in his sleigh 3+ times a day. Not only does Santa ride his sleigh into the sky in a hail of sparks, he pulls out his guitar and sings a song (in French)!

Pure magic.

If you tire of mulled wine and singing Santas, you can treat yourself to a medieval Christmas experience. Visit the well-preserved Chateau de Chillon castle, where a Christmas Festival is held each year. Or just see the castle itself as we did while the staff installed Christmas decorations all around us. Situated in nearby Caux, it’s even within walking distance of downtown Montreux—and we had a gorgeous walking experience along lapping Lake Geneva after touring the handsome castle.

Not to be missed (especially if you have young children) is a visit to Santa’s Workshop at Rochers-de-Naye at an altitude of 2,042 m (6,600 feet) above Montreux; it’s essential if you have a child's heart! The cogwheel railway climb, which you take from the main Montreux station, is in itself worth the ride. The views of Lake Geneva are sublime. Up top, you will walk the red Christmas carpet through the bowels of an Alp until you enter Santa’s chamber. Santa and his helpers will be waiting!

Santa’s Helpers Provide Gifts and Photo Ops

Before you Leave, Have a Snowball Fight!

From Montreux, you can explore all of the Lake Geneva region easily. For example, you can go for hikes around the vicinity or hop on board one of the Goldenpass Line trains. Geneva, Gruyères, and Lausanne are minutes away by train or car. And, if you have a down day, you can just enjoy the fantastic views of this Alpine paradise. Or stop into Funky Claude’ bar for a rock-and-roll aperitif!

Happy Holidays!