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Christmas Markets

A Guide to Christmas in Europe and Beyond

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You are here: Home / Switzerland / Bern Christmas Market 2022: Starts 24th November

Bern Christmas Market 2022: Starts 24th November

When arriving in Bern this winter you’ll be immersed in a festive atmosphere within the UNESCO heritage-listed Old Town. Christmas decorations and colourful lights brighten up the streets that come together at Bern Christmas Market. In this guide, I list the locations of the various markets (there are several) along with updated dates and times for 2022.

Bern Old Town on a misty day

Bern Christmas Market 2022

Bern has 3 main Christmas markets and 3 smaller markets and events spread out around the city. For the most traditional market, head to Waisenhausplatz Christmas Market. For a cosier market, you might prefer the Christmas market in front of Bern Minster and for an upmarket, designer village-style Christmas market, Berner Sternenmarkt is the place for you.

Bern Christmas Market on Waisenhausplatz

Bern Christmas Market dates: 2nd to 24th December 2022.
Opening times: 11am to 6:30pm. Closes at 8pm on Fridays. Open 10am to 6pm on the weekends. Closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve. 
Location: Waisenhausplatz, Bern Altstadt.
Reason to visit: The unique Clock Tower and, if you’re lucky, snow covered landscapes.
Recommended tour: The Clock Tower tour takes you through Zytglogge, one of Bern’s most popular attractions.
Specialities: Tartes flambées, fondue, Swiss raclette (the best cheese in the world) and charcuterie boards.
Where to stay: Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel is located directly around the corner from Waisenhausplatz.

Hotels near Bern Christmas Market

The historic centre of Bern is a compact, walkable area serviced by an excellent tram system. The central district is known as Altstadt von Bern. It’s a narrow section of streets that is surrounded by the River Aare on both sides. The Altstadt is the area where you’ll most likely want to stay to be near the Christmas markets.

I suggest staying at a Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel as it’s located directly around the corner from Waisenhausplatz Christmas Market and it’s a 7-minute walk to the market in front of Bern Cathedral.

Kreuz Bern is an affordable hotel, at least for Switzerland. In my guide to hotels near Bern Christmas Market, I list several other well-located hotels that you might prefer.

Location of Bern Christmas Market

Bern Minster Christmas Market

One of Bern’s most popular and beautiful Christmas markets is located in front of the beautiful Bern Cathedral. This is one of the biggest Christmas events in Bern and it’s easily the cosiest and most inviting.

Bern Christmas Market dates: 2nd to 24th December 2022.
Opening times: 11am to 6:30pm. Closes at 8pm on Fridays. Open 10am to 6pm on the weekends. Closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve.
Location: Berner Münster, Münsterplatz – The square in front of Bern Cathedral.

Location of Bern Minster Christmas Market

Berner Sternenmarkt – Star Market Bern

A designer Christmas village that’s great for fancy Christmas shopping with fondue chalets and views of the Parliament Building.

Berner Sternenmarkt dates: 24th November to 30th December 2022.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm. Closes at 8pm on Sundays and 5pm on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Location: Kleine Schanze – A small hilltop park towards the west of the old town.

Location of Berner Sternenmarkt

Artisan Christmas Market

A special Christmas edition of the regular handicraft market where you can buy directly from local artisans, designers and makers.

Location: Münsterplattform, next to Bern Cathedral.

Location of the Artisan Christmas Market

Chalet Alpenland

A lovely space to enjoy a light meal, hot chocolate and handmade mulled wine. All originated from the city of Bern and the surrounding region.

Location: Kornhausplatz (Granary Square).

Location of Chalet Alpenland

House of Generations Winter Event

Small wooden huts where you can sit and drink, covered in a wool blanket. You’ll also find an interesting mix of speed dating and pony rides.

Location: In the courtyard of Berner Generationenhaus.

Location of Berner Generationenhaus

Plan your Christmas holiday with my Swiss Christmas markets guide. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience Swiss food, history and culture.

The City of Bern has information regarding events, attractions, art, culture and nightlife for visitors to Bern, the Beer Capital. It’s an excellent resource for those visiting Bern in winter.

Read the complete list of Switzerland Christmas markets in my full guide that details where to go, dates, locations and opening times.

Sustainable Travel Tips

The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. When visiting the Christmas markets, keeping sustainability in mind is important. Implement some or all of these responsible travel measures during your visit.

  • Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
  • Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
  • Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
  • Stay in hotels. Short-stay apartment accommodation can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
  • Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
  • Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
  • Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
  • Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
  • Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
  • Support the arts and attend local events.
  • Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.

FAQ

Does Bern have a Christmas market?

Bern has 3 main Christmas markets and 3 smaller events spread out around the city.

When is Bern Christmas Market?

The Christmas market on Waisenhausplatz starts 2nd to 24th December 2022. Berner Sternenmarkt starts 24th November to 30th December 2022.

Where is Bern Christmas Market?

The Christmas markets are located at Waisenhausplatz, Münsterplatz and Kleine Schanze.

Is Bern Christmas Market open on Christmas Day?

No, the Christmas markets are closed on Christmas Day.

If you have visited Bern in winter or would like to leave a review of the Xmas market, feel free to comment below. This helps others who are interested in visiting and are trying to plan their holiday.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Bern, Switzerland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.

Last Updated: October 3, 2022 Filed Under: Switzerland

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After 20 years of living and travelling in Europe, I created these guides to share my knowledge and experience. Find updated Christmas market dates for 2023, locations and destination guides. Andrea

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Christmas Markets
A guide to Christmas in Europe and beyond.

Written by Andrea Anastasakis
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