Lausanne Christmas Market 2024: Experience Bô Noël

Lausanne is a stunning winter destination as it’s busy with events, including the Lausanne Christmas Market.

In this guide, I share all you need to organise your visit, detailing the 2024 dates, opening hours, locations and the best regional specialties.

Lausanne Christmas Market

Lausanne’s market is known as Bô Noël. It has over a hundred stalls, each decked out with artisanal crafts and gourmet specialties.

One highlight is the ice-skating rink in the Flon district. Another is the ‘Trees of Light’, an artistic light installation that illuminates the city, creating a festive atmosphere during the dark winter evenings.

Dates and Location

Lausanne Christmas Market dates: 15th November to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Place du Château, Lausanne.
Opening times: 10:30am to 11pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 15th November (unconfirmed).
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Esplanade du Flon.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Reason to visit: The blend of Swiss tradition and modern aesthetics and the light installations.
Specialities: Raclette, fondue and Swiss chocolates.
Where to stay: Hôtel des Voyageurs is a great hotel option near the square.

Convenient Hotels

The Old Town area is La Cité. It’s a popular area to stay in as you can visit most of the main sights and attractions without having to walk too far in the cold.

Staying at Hôtel des Voyageurs Boutique places you within a short 5 or 6-minute walk of Place du Château.

To help in planning your Swiss travels, you might like to read my Switzerland Christmas Markets 2024 guide for a list of where to go and what you can expect and each destination.

Event Location

What to Expect

Regional Specialties

• Raclette: Originating in the Swiss Alps, raclette is a semi-hard cheese that is melted and scraped onto boiled potatoes, pickles and onions.
• Fondue: Synonymous with Switzerland, fondue is a rich, communal dish in which small pieces of bread are dipped into a pot of melted cheese, often flavoured with garlic, white wine, and a touch of kirsch.
• Rosti: This iconic Swiss dish is akin to a large, crispy, coarsely grated potato pancake.
• Swiss Cookies: In Switzerland, it’s a tradition to bake Christmas cookies, known as ‘guezli’, in the lead-up to Christmas. There are several variations, including zimtsterne (cinnamon stars), mailänderli (shortbread cookies) and brunsli (chocolate almond cookies).
• Swiss Chocolate: Switzerland is world-renowned for its high-quality chocolate. Try a variety before stocking up on your favourites.
• Lebkuchen: Similar to gingerbread, lebkuchen is a spiced, honey-sweetened biscuit that’s often beautifully decorated with icing. You’ll often find them hanging from the market stalls.

At the Food Stalls

• Vin Chaud: Mulled wine is a traditional drink and a Christmas market staple.
• Chestnuts: Roasted on open fires, these are a popular street snack during winter.
• Pain d’épices: This is the Swiss version of gingerbread, traditionally made with rye flour and sweetened with honey.
• Sausages: Stalls sell a variety of sausages and grilled meats, typically served in a bun.
• Churros: An international market favourite.
• Crêpes and waffles: Originating from neighbouring France and Belgium, these are often served with toppings such as chocolate, fruits and whipped cream.
• Pretzels: You can have them plain, salted, or even filled with cheese.
• Glühbier: If you prefer beer over wine, glühbier is an intriguing option. This mulled, warm, spiced beer offers a different take on traditional mulled wine.

What to Buy

• Artisanal Crafts: Unique handmade gifts are plentiful, such as intricately carved wooden toys, glass decorations and pretty ceramics.
• Swiss Chocolate: The market has a tempting selection of Swiss chocolates.
• Swiss Cheese: Switzerland is renowned for its cheese, and a selection of locally produced cheese is a great gift. You can find traditional types like Gruyère and Emmental and artisanal varieties.
• Local Wines: Lausanne is located in the heart of the Swiss wine region. You can purchase bottles of local wines, including those from the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Winter Clothing: Swiss winter clothing, known for its quality and warmth, can be found at several stalls. These include scarves, hats, and gloves.
• Ornaments: Available in a range of designs, from traditional Swiss motifs to more contemporary styles.

To gather more information for planning your itinerary and visit to Bô Noël this year, I suggest spending some time at Lausanne Tourism. It’s a helpful platform with practical tips and suggestions for exploring the city.

Sustainability Tips

• Renewable Energy: Lausanne has made significant strides in using renewable energy sources at its hotels. Consider this when booking.
• Food Waste: Be mindful of your food consumption at the market.
• Ethical Consumption: Lausanne has a number of ethical businesses that promote fair trade and ethically sourced materials.
• Sustainable Diet: The Swiss culinary scene is rich in locally sourced and seasonal plant-based foods.
• Sustainable Transport: Public transport in Lausanne is efficient and reliable, making it a great choice for sustainable travel within the city. Consider using the metro, buses, and even boats across Lake Geneva instead of hiring a car. Walking or riding a bike can be a healthy way to explore the city for shorter distances.

If you would like to leave a review of the Xmas Market, comment below.

—

Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.