Visit the Festive Christmas Market in Montreux
Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, the Montreux Christmas Market, or Montreux Noël, is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe that stretches for 1 kilometer along the waterfront. The market takes place every November to December and offers a huge range of activities and treats that cater to people of every age. The Christmas Market in Montreux easily grabs the attention of visitors with its spectacular twinkling lights, and wooden stalls sell the most exquisite ornaments.
This market stands out from the crowd due to its exclusive offerings. The key highlight is it allows you to see Santa Claus flying through the sky. A simple visit to this market ignites the Christmas spirit even in the most money-grubbing visitor. The Christmas market enchants approximately 420,000 visitors for a month, and everyone gets a hospitable and heartfelt welcome.
Montreux allows visitors to visit the house of the actual Father Christmas, located on the Rochers-de-Naye, and it turns into an awesome tour through the real Christmas village. Again, they can also see a medieval market and a fairytale festival besides the outmoded
Christmas Market. The market becomes more magical when the night falls, as the air gets enchanted with glowing decorations and soft candlelight. It becomes an ideal evening of holiday merriment that makes the Montreux Christmas Market a memorable seasonal experience for everyone who visits it.
How to Arrive at the Montreux Christmas Market?
If you opt for public transportation, you can reach the Montreux Christmas Market without any hassle. However, parking is limited in Montreux, especially on weekends. Hence, you might be required to park in a small village. Montreux has excellent train connections from different towns like Geneva Airport (GVA), Geneva, and Lausanne. Many visitors opt for the Golden Pass panorama trains too to reach Montreux at the festive season. However, do not settle for the boat cruises, as passenger ferries don’t operate near Montreux, and regular cruises remain confined to sailings on Sundays only.
Displays and Food and Drink Facilities
If you are like countless others and hunt for the best food, then your one-stop destination will be Village des Bûcherons. Here, you will come across many restaurants that serve various menus. You will find no dearth of traditional Christmas market food, as many stalls offer it. A few popular food options are grilled sausages, hot chestnuts, chocolates, and crepes. Though the Christmas Market in Montreux caters to every person, it is a paradise for families and children, as they can try out food at different family-friendly stalls. Children can thoroughly enjoy the experience of coloring their own candles. They can also involve themselves in baking Christmas cookies.
Visitors who visit this place during Christmas love to stroll along Lac Leman. Besides the usual ones, they find lots of crafts that are exhibited in the market. They are compelled to linger at the different food stalls. Though the air seems chilly, it can be tolerated well. The temporary stalls that are bunched around the town are the best places from which you can buy some wine or cider. Again, they are also great for cakes, cookies, coffee, tea, or various souvenirs. Some visitors try their hands at making traditional Christmas crafts or simply decorating delicate glass ornaments.
Take a tour around the Christmas Village
One of the most popular outings that both children and families enjoy is a tour to the Christmas village and Santa’s workshop located at Rochers-de-Naye. Make your journey to these sights botheration-free by taking a train ride. The Christmas village has a magnificent beauty, and it is located in the gardens of the Chateau de Caux, which is accessible from Montreux by train.
It is characterized by a magic forest and remains open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm. Rochers-de-Naye is located at a high peak of 6611 ft (2042 m). Whoever reaches it has a chance to get astounding views over Lake Geneva and the nearby Alpine mountains. You will find Santa’s workshop to remain open most Wednesdays to Sundays during the Montreux Christmas season.
Watching the Flying Santa Claus
You can watch a real Santa Claus flying in Montreux! Yes, you heard it right. In Montreux, a real Santa Claus rides in his sleigh across Lake Geneva. He starts his journey from the CGN dock and soars across to Market Square (Place du Marché), close to the big Ferris wheel.
Every person gets a couple of opportunities to see Santa flying at each hour. However, when he gets back, his sleigh does not emit any smoke. Santa Claus flies every day at 5 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm. Those who visit on Saturdays and Sundays tend to be fortunate, as they can enjoy an extra flight at 4 pm.
So, Santa makes even fairy tales come true. From above, he plays on his guitar, shouts out greetings, and also sings Christmas songs until Christmas Eve. Try to visit this place on the weekend, or else you have to capture the flying Santa before sunset, at 5 pm. This will ensure that you have captured clear images of Santa. Many people find Chalet Fondue to be a nice place to watch Santa flying. The tasty cheese fondue is the highlight of this restaurant. Additionally, it offers everyone a balcony with views so that they can catch a glimpse of Santa flying.
The House of Santa Claus
It is impossible to find a child who would refuse to visit the house of Santa. His house is located at the peak of “Rochers-de-Naye,” and Santa Claus loves to have children at his house. If you want to get a good view of the lake and the Alps, don’t miss visiting this place. Good news for children is that they can have a 1-on-1 time with their favorite Santa Claus.
They can chat and deliver their wish list to him and take as many pics as they like. Additionally, they can also buy a professional picture, a stamped certificate, and a little gift that proves that they had a meeting with the actual Santa. When you reach there, you should be mindful that you are at a high altitude. During Christmas, the place seems freezing as it is filled with snow. Hence, take along your gloves, scarves, hats, and everything that can keep you warm.
Explore the Lumberjack Cabin and Village
Another attraction of the Montreux Christmas market is the “Lumberjack Cabin,” which is located within the area of Lumberjack Village. This is a good place where you can enjoy drinks and food and warm up a little. Visitors never fail to taste hot drinks, such as mulled wine, fondue, flammkuchen, hot chocolate, and wood-fired pizza here.
The Lumberjack Cabin works as an inviting and warm space where visitors can experience the festive atmosphere of Christmas. Both the Lumberjack Cabin and Village intend to arouse a feeling of rustic charm. Thus, they work to enhance the charm of the Montreux Christmas market.
The Elves’ Village
If you plan to visit Montreux during Christmas, ensure you have visited the Elves’ Village. It is one of the six chief attractions of the Montreux Christmas market. This village is particularly designed keeping children in mind. It offers different kinds of activities, including chocolate decorating, candle-making, and workshops, in exchange for a moderate fee.
This place is also a favorite with the families. Hence, they make it a point to visit it whenever they have the chance to visit the market. The Elves’ Village is isolated from the market square and located in Casino Barrière. You can easily reach this place by observing the area where the statue of Freddie Mercury is located.
Enjoy Christmas carols
Different kinds of festive music and Christmas carols fill the air at the Christmas Market in Montreux. You can also watch dances and folklore music. The market remains busy with laughter and creates a joyful and warm atmosphere in spite of the cold temperature.
Chillon Castle
Though Chillon Castle isn’t a part of the Montreux Christmas Market, it is another eye-catching destination that visitors never miss visiting. Chillon Castle is a well-known destination as it offers stunning views and has a rich history. You will be amazed at the interior of the castle, including its ramparts, halls, and dungeons. Though the opening hours vary, the castle remains open all year round. You can access this place by boat, bus, or train. Lots of tourists prefer to visit both the Montreux Christmas Market and the Chillon Castle. This permits them to experience the festive atmosphere of both places.
Planning a 2025 visit to the Montreux Christmas Market
In 2025, the Christmas Market in Montreux will remain open from the 20th of November to the 24th of December, 2025. Commonly, the opening hours will be from 11 am to 8 pm and till 10 pm on the weekend. The 24th of December (Christmas Eve) and the 25th of December (Christmas Day) will turn out to be quiet days as Swiss people engross themselves in family Christmas celebrations. You must reserve the restaurant beforehand on these days and not rely on a last-minute booking.
