I Weihnachtsmärkte in der Schweiz sind zahlreich und gut organisiert, und unter ihnen hält einer den Rekord des größten überdachten Weihnachtsmarkts ganz Europas. Es handelt sich um den Zürcher Weihnachtsmarkt, der in der ShopVille-RailCity, im Untergeschoss des Hauptbahnhofs, stattfindet.
Zurich Christmas Markets
What immediately draws the attention of those entering the Zurich Christmas Market is undoubtedly the majestic Christmas tree decorated with more than 5000 Swarovski crystals: a unique brilliance, a charming sparkle that is the centerpiece of this market. Around it, there are about 160 stalls displaying everything related to Christmas (decorations, ornaments, little angels, local crafts, etc…) but there is also a lot of space for fine costume jewelry and accessories, including precious fabrics. Even outdoors, along the streets, the Zurich Christmas markets are enjoyable to visit, starting with the market in Hirschenplatz, Niederdorfstrasse, and Rosenhof, where artisans from all over the world participate, not only Swiss. There is also a Christmas market that could be called more fashionable: it is the City-Weihnachtsmarkt on Bahnhofstrasse, the heart of the city’s shopping district.
Weihnachtsmärkte in Bern
I Weihnachtsmärkte in Bern sind zwei, die sich jeweils auf dem Munsterplatz und dem Waisenhausplatz befinden. Obwohl sie im Vergleich zu anderen nicht sehr groß sind, sind diese beiden Märkte absolut charakteristisch und stimmungsvoll, eingebettet in die typische mittelalterliche Atmosphäre der Stadt. Nach dem Einkaufen und dem Genuss einer der kulinarischen Spezialitäten, die auf dem Markt in Bern angeboten werden, kann man bequem die gerade ausgewählten Geschenke beim Packlihaus verpacken lassen, einem speziell eingerichteten Geschenkhaus.
The Christmas Markets of Montreux
In this journey through the Christmas markets of Switzerland, you cannot miss the Montreux Christmas market, one of the most beautiful in the area. The landscape is stunning: between the snow-capped Alps and the shores of Lake Geneva, about 120 chalets set up by diligent artisans unfold. For the little ones, here is the Montreux Santa Claus house; to reach it, you need to climb the Roches de Naye, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view. There is also a panoramic train that happily tours the city with Santa Claus on board.
Christmas Markets in Basel
The Basel Christmas market, called Basler Weihnachtsmarkt, is located in Barfusserplatz, right in the city center. Here the gift selection is really rich and also includes scarves, plush teddy bears, dolls, stones, felt objects, decorations for the nativity scene and the Christmas tree, and many delicious food and wine treats to refresh market visitors. It is also possible to shop at the Christmas stands inside the Basel train station, where you can admire items from other times: wooden figurines, copper cauldrons, and many beautiful candles.
Christmas Market Lugano
The Advent Markets in Lugano, in the Canton of Ticino, remain open until December 24, 2012, Christmas Eve. There are over 150 stalls of typical products, purely Christmas items, decorations, traditional crafts, antiques and much more.
In Piazza Manzoni an ice rink is set up, to skate in a pleasant and safe atmosphere. Even those who have never worn skates can still try, as there are some instructors available who will be happy to give free lessons to anyone who wants to try racing on the rink. The Christmas initiatives will continue until January 6 in Piazza della Riforma, while activities specifically designed for children are in Piazza San Carlo, with spaces to create Christmas crafts, socialize and have fun.
So the Christmas markets in Switzerland are slightly smaller than those in Germany or Austria but, in terms of atmosphere and offerings, they are just as famous and beautiful.
