.

Tis’ is the season
To begin the festive season, on Friday the 25 to Sunday the 27 November in the cute village of Rossinière, the Tzam'Artisans winter market begins. This advent market has so many events and music, such as pony rides, lace making, fanfare, wagon rides, face painting and so much more; there is literally something for the whole family. 

The first Saanen Christmas Market will be held on 6 December (the second one is on 17 December) in the Saanen Village, and it is definitely not an event to be missed. The Saanen Christmas Market has always been popular among locals and guests and has become a tradition over the last few years; no doubt, this year will be just as successful. 

On Saturday the 10 December, the Advent Market in Gsteig begins at 5pm until 9pm. The Advent Market is a traditional market and includes a concert by the Musikgesellschaft Gstaad in the schoolhouse hall.

The market street will be lined with stalls from local businesses, farmers and schools, where children and adults of all ages are invited to visit this coming December. 

The stalls of the market will have something for everyone, whether you are looking for toys, gifts, food, desserts, decorations, ornaments, socks, hats, gift bags, upholstery, keepsakes and so much more – the market will have it all. 

Popular, of course, are the many food products of local produce. The local farmers will all sell own produce of eggs, cheese, and meats to give you a real taste of Switzerland. And many other products, such as hats, ornaments, upholstery, decorations etc., will be homemade by the local people of the Saanenland area. Not only will you find products and gifts at these markets, but you’ll also find Swiss culture, music, attractions, food and who knows - maybe even Father Christmas. 

But the Saanen Christmas Market is just one of many Christmas Markets that will be held in the surrounding areas this December. 

Hop onboard the train and explore the snow-covered landscape. 
The well-known Montreux Lakeside Christmas Market has already started and will continue until 24 December. It is the largest Christmas Market on lake Geneva, with around 170 market stalls of foods, toys, decorations and much more. You can even take the opportunity to meet Father Christmas himself at Santa’s Workshop at Rochers-de-Naye. It is the perfect family event to attend this holiday season, with plenty of the finest foods, gifts, activities and attractions. Remember not to miss the flying sledge as Santa takes off.

The Aeschi Winter Market, down by the village of Spiez, will be held on Saturday, 10 and Sunday, 11 December, at the Aeschi Community Centre. This winter market will be selling homemade goods by artists and craftsmen, where you are sure to find the perfect Christmas gift for your friends and family. 

On Saturday, 10 December, 12 pm – 5 pm, the Iseltwald Christmas Market, by Lake Brienz in the Village Square, will offer all kinds of delicious foods, music, yodelling and even a visit from Father Christmas. 

In the beautiful city of Thun, the large Christmas Market of 2022 will take place from the 7 to the 23 December, where regional products, craftworks and gifts will be on show, not to mention many Christmas attractions around the city. 

The Christmas Market in the lovely town of Bulle begins on Wednesday the 7 to Sunday 11 December from 10am to 9pm. Experience Christmas produce from local craftsmen and city retailers with decorated chalets, lots of delicious food and fun for all the family.

This year’s Christmas Market in Gruyères will take place on the 9 to 11 December and on the 16 to 18 December. This medieval city will be enchanted with Christmas music, gift stalls and plenty of Christmas spirit. 

In the village of Jaun, the Christmas Market will be held from Friday the 2 to Sunday the 4 December.  Lots on offer such as traditional Christmas biscuits, candles, cards, wood sculptures, various liqueurs, mountain cheeses etc.; you are sure to find the perfect gift at the Jaun Market.

Keep a look out for other events in the area taking place this Christmas season; here are a few:

LOCAL

• Gstaad Alive! Winter Bar, on the Promenade from 16 December – 8 January 
• Zauberweg (light and night walk) in Saanenmöser, from 16 December – mid-February 

REGIONAL

• Light trail walk along the quayside in Oberried on Fri 16 and Sat 17 December, from 5pm – 9pm 
• Stroll in Thun on 30 November, and on 7, 14, 21 December, from 5.30pm – 7.30pm
• Saint-Nicolas Day in Bulle on Sunday, 4 December, from 2pm – 9pm 
• Aeschi Christmas Path from 27 November to 6 January 2023. Accessible daily, illuminated from 5 pm – 10 pm
• Ice Skating on Parliament Square in Bern, from mid-December to mid-February, daily from 11am to 10pm
• Schwarzsee ice palaces from 23 December to mid-February from 3pm to 10pm 

Selected by Clare Marie Mc Namee for GstaadLife