Lake Geneva Christmas Markets, Switzerland

Tour Three Traditional European Christmas Markets in One Trip

Sep 11, 2009

Geneva, Montreux, and Lausanne are all within an hour's train ride. They host three different traditional European Christmas markets with historic and cultural programs

Travel in Switzerland has always included interesting souvenir shopping for watches, cuckoo clocks, hand-made wooden crafts, and foodstuffs. All of these and more can be bought at Lake Geneva's three Christmas markets.

The tradition of the European Christmas market has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages, when winter solstice was a frightening time, and public events and performances lightened the dark nights and moods of winter. Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, in Dresden, Germany and Salzburg, Austria, date back at least to the fifteenth century; and the famous Christmas markets in Nuremberg and Munich began in the seventeenth century.

Lake Geneva’s Christmas markets are relative newcomers. Each showcase different aspects of the tradition, and include cultural events, historic reenactments, music, and traditional crafts. Montreux, at the northeast end of Lake Geneva, is only an hour from the Geneva Airport. Lausanne is 40 minutes from Geneva. Because they are so close, visits to all three markets can be combined into one trip.

Another appealing factor: the weather. Like other large alpine lakes, Lake Geneva is a heat-attractor, so much so that parts of its shores are literally lined with palm trees. Vineyards take up every spare square meter of available dirt, including embankments along the railroad tracks that take visitors from city to city along the lake. Yet rising above the palm trees and the vineyards are white-tipped Alps, with ski areas just a few kilometers away. Visitors still need winter jackets, or at least warm sweaters, but the milder weather here makes it possible to comfortably roam around these outdoor markets for hours at a time.

Geneva Christmas Market

Highlights of the Geneva Christmas market include stalls built as miniature country cottages to form a traditional Christmas village in the center of Geneva, a charming contrast to this city of modern banks and business. A worldwide group of craftsmen offer a selection of traditional and original gifts.

On December 8, 9, and 10, Geneva adds another historic element to its Christmas traditions. L'Escalade is a festival that celebrates the city's victory over the Duke of Savoy's invading troops in 1602.. A parade commemorates the event, with participants dressed in 17th-century garb.

The dates of the Geneva Christmas market are the last week of November through Dec 24.

Montreux Christmas Market

Highlights of the Montreux Christmas market include a covered central area with food stalls, a dining area, and workshops where visitors can learn traditional Swiss holiday crafts. Visitors can enjoy llocal specialties such as fondue, raclette, and mulled wine. An historic reenactment of medieval times takes place on weekends at neaby Chateau de Chillon.

A train ride starts at the Montreux station and climbs via cog railway 6,000 feet up to the magic kingdom of Pere de Noel on the mountain of Rochers-de-Naye, 6,000 feet above the town.

Lausanne Christmas Market

Highlights of the Lausanne Christmas market include 50 stalls that are each built as miniature replicas of traditional Swiss ski chalets. Stalls sell a mixture of traditional crafts, foods, clothing, and jewelry,

Other seasonal; events include city-wide displays of Christmas lights, a living tableaux and performance of the Nativity, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve organ concerts performances at the gothic cathedral, which boasts the most expensive and one of the most famous organs in he world

One of the benefits of the Lake Geneva markets is their proximity to some of the ski areas. Visitors who are done with their shopping can head to the high peaks for a day of downhill. Montreux, in particular, is well positioned, just a few kilometers away from Leysin, Villars, and les Diablerets (which has early season glacier skiing and a fantastic gourmet restaurant at the summit. Heli-skiing is also available.

The copyright of the article Lake Geneva Christmas Markets, Switzerland in Historical Travel is owned by Karen Berger. Permission to republish Lake Geneva Christmas Markets, Switzerland in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.