When you arrive in Bern this winter, the UNESCO-listed Old Town will be filled with decorations and lights. The streets come alive across the Bern Christmas Market locations.
This guide covers the locations of the various markets, along with the 2024 dates and times.
Bern Christmas Market 2024
1. Waisenhausplatz
Waisenhausplatz dates: 29th November 2024 to 4th January 2025 (confirmed).
Location: Waisenhausplatz.
Opening times:
Before Christmas:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm.
Sunday: 10am to 6pm.
After Christmas:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm.
Sunday: 10am to 5pm.
Christmas Eve: Closed.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: Closed.
New Year’s Day: Closed.
2nd January: Closed.
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 and charcuterie boards.
Where to stay: Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel is located directly around the corner from Waisenhausplatz.
Convenient Hotels
The historic centre of Bern, or Altstadt, is a compact, walkable area surrounded by the River Aare and well-served by trams. It’s the best place to stay for a short visit.
I visited Bern on a day trip, but I would choose the Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel if staying overnight. It’s just around the corner from Waisenhausplatz and a 7-minute walk to the market in front of Bern Cathedral. Kreuz Bern is also relatively affordable for Switzerland.
Find other hotels in Bern that suit a range of budgets and preferences.
Read the complete Switzerland Christmas Markets List that details where else to go this year.
2. Bern Minster
One of the biggest winter events in Bern, and it’s easily the cosiest and most inviting.
Bern Cathedral dates: 29th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Münsterplatz – The square in front of Bern Cathedral.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 6:30pm.
Friday: 11am to 8pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 6pm.
3. Berner Sternenmarkt
The Star Market is a designer Christmas Village great for fancy shopping, with fondue chalets and views of the Parliament Building.
Berner Sternenmarkt dates: 21st November to 28th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Kleine Schanze – A small hilltop park towards the west of the old town.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
Sunday: 11am to 8pm.
Fondue chalet: 11am to midnight.
Christmas Day: Closed.
30th December: 11am to 10pm.
4. Artisan Market
A special Christmas edition of the regular handicraft market where you can buy directly from local artisans, designers and makers.
Artisan dates: 1st, 7th, 8th, 21st and 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Münsterplattform, next to Bern Cathedral.
Christmas in Bern
Bern has three main markets and three smaller ones spread around the city.
For a traditional experience, visit the market at Waisenhausplatz. For the most popular spot, go to the market in front of Bern Minster. For an upmarket, designer-style market, head to the Berner Sternenmarkt.
Local Specialties
- Zürcher Eintopf: A winter stew with root vegetables, legumes, and grains.
- Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: Thin strips of veal cooked in creamy white wine and mushroom sauce.
- Raclette: A traditional dish where melted cheese is scraped over boiled potatoes, gherkins, and pickled onions. Typically served directly from a half-wheel of cheese.
- Fondue: A communal pot of melted Swiss cheese, white wine, and garlic. Guests dip bread pieces into the cheese using long forks.
- Berner Platte: A platter from the Canton of Bern featuring various cured meats, sausages, pork belly, and smoked pork.
- Mailänderli: Traditional Swiss butter biscuits with lemon zest, shaped into various designs.
At the Stalls
- Glühwein: Warm red wine infused with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, served in commemorative mugs.
- Lebkuchen: Swiss spiced gingerbread cookies.
- Swiss Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy drink made from high-quality Swiss chocolate melted into warm milk.
- Bratwurst: Swiss sausages grilled over charcoal and served with a bread roll and mustard.
- Rösti: A crispy potato pancake originating from Bern, made by frying grated potatoes until golden brown.
- Magenbrot: Small, spiced biscuits flavoured with anise, cinnamon and cloves.
- Chäschüechli: Small cheese tarts.
- Schweinshaxe: Roasted pork knuckle typical of the German-speaking regions.
- Pretzels: Often sprinkled with coarse salt.
What to Buy
- Swiss Cheese: Sample and purchase Gruyère, Emmental, Appenzeller, and other regional varieties.
- Artisan Chocolate: Find a wide range of chocolates from well-known Swiss brands and handmade treats from local chocolatiers.
- Handmade Clocks: Cuckoo and wall clocks.
- Ornaments: Hand-painted glass baubles, wooden figurines and metal ornaments and decorations.
- Bernese Honey: Locally produced mountain honey.
- Handicrafts: Hand-carved wooden toys, lace, and other crafts from local artisans, representing the Swiss dedication to quality and detail.
Responsible Travel Tips
- 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.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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