Christmas markets in Bern

Unique and festive

Bern's Star Market is located in the Kleine Schanze park and is one of the city's most picturesque markets, adorned with twinkling lights and star-shaped decorations. It offers around 80 wooden huts with winter delicacies, hot drinks and changing design exhibitors. On Europapromenade next to the Parliament Building, you can enjoy a marvellous view over Marzili to the Alps, accompanied by a wide range of culinary delights, which are also available from food trucks.

For families, there is Bern Children's Village with a carousel and entertainment that will make children's eyes light up. A cosy fondue chalet with seating for 200 people invites you to enjoy cheese specialities and drinks in a heated lounge from midday until late in the evening.

This and much more makes the youngest Christmas market in the heart of Bern so unique.

Dates

21 November – 28 December 2024

Mon–Sat   11.00–22.00 hours
Sun           11.00–20.00 hours

The Christmas market at Bern Minster

Surrounded by the impressive backdrop of Bern Minster, this market offers a festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from near and far. Around the square are about 50 lovingly decorated stalls offering a variety of handmade products, including artistic Christmas decorations, candles and original gifts from local artisans.

You can look forward to delicious treats such as freshly roasted almonds, savoury cheese spaetzle and traditional Swiss fondue. The warm, inviting stalls also serve mulled wine flavoured with various spices, as well as non-alcoholic alternatives such as hot chocolate and fruit punch. For children, there is a carousel in the centre of the market and creative craft stalls where they can make Christmas cards.

Dates

30 November – 24 December 2024

Mon–Thu   11.00–18.30 hours
Fri              11.00–20.00 hours
Sat–Sun     10.00–18.00 hours

Waisenhausplatz during Advent

The Christmas market on Waisenhausplatz can look back on over 20 years of tradition. More than 50 festively decorated, individually designed wooden huts and stalls are presented here, surrounded by an enchanting fence of fir branches. The culinary delights are another highlight: from fragrant gingerbread to savoury raclette and aromatic mulled wine – there's something for every palate.

Dates

Mon–Sat   10.00–20.00 hours
Sun           10.00–18.00 hours

Christmas market:
29 November – 24 December 2024

Old Year's Market:
27 – 31 December 2024

New Year's Market:
3 and 4 January 2025

Inspired by tradition

At this traditional market on Münsterplattform in front of the Minster in the heart of the old town, around 100 craftspeople offer their handmade goods at their stalls – all unique pieces! The stands are lovingly decorated and offer you the opportunity to talk to the artists and find out more about their techniques and inspirations.

In addition to the artisan products, the market also offers a wide range of culinary delights. You can sample regional specialties ranging from traditional dishes to modern, innovative creations.

Dates

On 1, 7 and 8 as well as 21 and 22 December 2024

Sat    09.00–17.00 hours
Sun   10.00–17.00 hours

With Oscar Elch in Ringgenpärkli

As usual, the atmosphere at Oscar Elch is cheerful and colourful. The popular winter pop-up takes place in Ringgenpärkli at Kornhausplatz and transforms this cosy place into an enchanting winter paradise in the heart of the city. The bar offers a tempting selection of "Gløgg" (Scandinavian mulled wine made from red wine, corn schnapps or vodka, flavoured with spices), home-made Hot Mules and tarte flambée. Warmth and cosiness is guaranteed here – that's a promise!

Dates

From 16 November 2024

Mon–Wed  12.00–22.00 hours
Thu            12.00–23.00 hours
Fri–Sat       12.00–00.30 hours
Sun            12.00–22.00 hours