Montreux Christmas Market in Switzerland
Traditional European Christmas Market on Lake Geneva
Sep 11, 2009
The Montreux Christmas market embodies the long tradition of European Christmas markets with French flair. The history of European Christmas markets goes back to medieval times, when midwinter events were introduced to lighten up the dark days and public spirits around the solstice.
The Montreux market is one of three Christmas markets in the Lake Geneva region, and offers a seemingly endless assortment of Swiss souvenirs: local handicrafts, clothing, local food., cultural events, and an incomparable outdoor setting on the shores of Lake Geneva. Visitors enamored with the holiday season can also visit the other Lake Geneva Christmas markets in Lausanne and Geneva.
The Montreux Christmas Market Activities and Shopping
The Montreux Christmas market (Marche de Noel) occupies a big part of the center of town, near the famous Montreux Casino, whose gardens are decked out for the occasion in seasonal finery.
Montreux is, of course, famous for its annual jazz festival. To rock and rollers, it's also the place memorialized in Deep Purple’s "Smoke on the Water."
But in December, the music takes a more traditional turn, and Montreux is all about Christmas carols and handicrafts, handmade European Christmas ornaments, and, seemingly everywhere, foodstuffs. Visitors can try Swiss fondue or raclette, the signature cold-weather potato-and-cheese dish of French-speaking Switzerland, which is cooked in huge bubbling vats over an open fire. Spiced wines, gourmet local cheeses, and, of course, chocolates complete the menu.
The market spills throughout the town center. In the middle is a covered area filled with food stalls, including a sit-down eating area. There are also workshops sponsored by local vendors where visitors can learn to decorate traditional hand-blown glass ornaments, make an Advent wreath, or dip Christmas candles. A special feature of the 2009 market is the addition of a Canadian contingent, showcasing traditional Canadian crafts, cuisine, and culture.
At the nearby Château de Chillon, which presides over the lake, the Montreux Noël Medieval Market and Story Festival takes place on weekends. Characters in period costumes bring visitors into the world of the knights and nobility of Medieval Savoie.
Father Christmas's Magic World
An hour (and more than a vertical mile up) by cog railway train from Montreux is the Monde Magique du Pere Noel, Here, near the cog railway stop at Rochers-de-Naye mountain 6,000 feet above Lake Geneva, Father Christmas holds court, doling out cheer and souvenirs to children.
The train ride offers glorious views of the Alps, and the experience of riding from palm trees to snow is unforgettable. There is even a herd of Santa's reindeer. Santa receives visitors most days through the 24th of December; after which, presumably, he has other jobs to do. Cog railway reservations are required, and can be made at the railway office.
Practicalities of Visiting the Montreux Christmas Market
- Montreux is in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Although many of the vendors speak English, having a few well-practiced French phrases will break the ice.
- Montreux hotels fill up quickly in December, but lodgings can be found in neighboring towns and cities such as nearby Vevey and Lausanne, which is only a 20-minute rail ride away.
- For a splurge, try Fairmont's Montreux Palace, which is palatial indeed; it is located smack in the middle of town and all of Montreux's Christmas Market action.
- The Montreux Christmas market is near the train station, which is probably the best way to travel. In Montreux, parking during market season is at a premium, and sometimes impossible.
- Montreux is an hour from Geneva by rail.
- The 2009 Montreux Christmas market is open from 26 November till 24 December.
Each of the famed European Christmas markets has its special highlights. Montreux boasts Lake Geneva, the Alps, a temperate climate, and a charming atmosphere that is in a perfect prelude to the holiday season. Not to mention Santa himself.
For more on souvenir shopping worldwide, see Resources about Souvenir Shopping..
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