The St Gallen Christmas Market adds a cosy winter atmosphere in the heart of the city. Interesting stalls present a blend of local crafts and gastronomic specialties.
In this article, I share details to help you plan a visit, including the dates, opening times and where to see the 700 stars illuminating the city during Advent.
St Gallen Christmas Market
The Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas market in St Gallen, has pretty stalls where you can find ornate Swiss crafts, fresh gingerbread and traditional mulled wine.
With its baroque architecture, the illuminated Cathedral of St Gallen makes for a beautiful backdrop to the festivities.
Dates and Location
St Gallen Christmas Market dates: 28th November to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
City of Stars: 28th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Waaghaus, Bohl and Marktgasse.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 11am to 7pm. Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 6pm. Christmas Eve: 10am to 4pm.
Food stalls: Monday to Friday: 11am to 8:30pm. Thursday: Until 10pm. Saturday: 11am to 7:30pm. Sunday: 11am to 7pm. Christmas Eve: 10am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Childcare: Wednesday and Saturday: 1:30pm to 5pm, at Waaghaus.
St Gallen Christmas paper: Available at the tourist information centre.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site providing a historical backdrop; Swiss craftsmanship on display; regional culinary specialties.
Specialities: St Gallen bratwurst; biberli gingerbread; rösti; Swiss fondue; raclette; spiced mulled wine; schüblig sausages.
Where to stay: Hotel Walhalla is a popular hotel, 8-minutes from the centre square.
Convenient Hotels
A great place to stay is Hotel Walhalla, which has excellent ratings and an enviable location near Waaghaus.
For a round-up of the most popular and best Christmas markets in Switzerland, make sure to explore my guide, which I’ve designed to help you create the perfect Swiss itinerary.
Event Location
What to Expect
Regional Specialties
St Gallen Bratwurst: Originating from the region, St Gallen Bratwurst is a sausage primarily made from veal. The meat is finely ground and combined with milk, mace and nutmeg. It’s traditionally grilled and served with bürli, a Swiss bread roll.
Biberli: A St Gallen speciality, biberli is a type of gingerbread filled with a sweet almond paste. The dough is typically embossed with various designs, and the finished product, with its blend of sweet and spicy flavours, is a popular snack or gift.
Rösti: A simple yet beloved Swiss dish, rösti consists of thinly grated potatoes pan-fried until crispy. Originally a breakfast dish for farmers, it is now enjoyed throughout the day. Variations can include onions, cheese, or even apples for a sweet twist.
Fondue: Nothing says Swiss cuisine quite like fondue. A pot of melted cheese, typically a mixture of Gruyère and Emmental, is kept warm over a small flame. Participants dip pieces of bread into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. Although most are associated with mountainous regions, it’s a hearty winter treat that is appreciated all over Switzerland. Of course, you can find chocolate variations, too.
Raclette: Another cheesy dish, Raclette, is traditionally a semi-hard cheese wheel melted on one side. The melted part is scraped off onto boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions. Traditionally, it’s a social dining experience, with the Raclette grill set up in the middle of the table so everyone can make their own.
Schüblig: A variety of sausage usually served during festive occasions, schüblig is made of beef, bacon, and sometimes veal. It’s distinctive for its larger size and is generally served with hot mustard.
Zopf Bread: Made from braided strands of dough enriched with milk and eggs, zopf bread is a common sight on Swiss tables at special events. This buttery loaf is slightly sweet and dense, perfect for sopping up the last bits of fondue or raclette.
At the Food Stalls
Gluhwein: As the temperature drops, people huddle around the stalls serving gluhwein or mulled wine. This warm, spiced wine is a staple at Christmas markets and provides a cosy contrast to the chilly weather. It often contains a mix of red wine, various mulling spices, and sometimes citrus peel.
Swiss Chocolates: Switzerland’s love affair with chocolate is well-known and should be experienced while you’re there. Shops and stalls are laden with beautifully packaged Swiss chocolates to enjoy or gift. Dark, milk, white, filled chocolates and even hand-painted artisan creations vie for attention.
Chestnuts: Roasted chestnuts are a classic winter snack. Vendors roast these in large pans, filling the air with a unique aroma.
Pretzels: Pretzels, or ‘Brezeln’, are often found at market stalls.
Apfelküchlein: These Swiss apple fritters are a popular snack. Slices of apple are dipped in batter, deep-fried until golden and often served dusted with icing sugar.
Sausage and sauerkraut: In true Swiss fashion, many stalls serve different types of sausages with a side of sauerkraut. From the thinner, spicier cervelat to the beefier landjäger, these hearty meats tend to be filling and satisfying.
Hot Chocolate: As you would expect from a country known for its chocolate, the hot chocolate in St Gallen is rich and indulgent. Often topped with whipped cream, this warm drink is a favourite among young and old visitors.
Flammkuchen: A dish hailing from the French-German border in Alsace, flammkuchen is also a popular choice in this region. This thin, crispy flatbread is typically topped with cream, onions, and bacon, although many vegetarian versions are also available.
What to Buy
St Gallen Embroidery: St Gallen has a long-standing tradition of producing high-quality embroidery known for its detailed craftsmanship and elegant designs. Amongst other intricate pieces, embroidered tablecloths, handkerchiefs, and clothing items make for beautiful and unique gifts.
Swiss Lace: Delicate and sophisticated, Swiss lace is another textile product available in St Gallen. Renowned for its quality, it’s used in various items, including doilies, table runners, and clothing. A piece of this intricately worked fabric can serve as a special keepsake or gift.
Appenzeller Cheese: This hard cow’s milk cheese is produced in the Appenzell region near St Gallen. Known for its distinctive herbal brine, the cheese is available in various maturities, each providing a unique flavour profile.
Swiss Watches: While perhaps an extravagant gift, Swiss watches represent a centuries-old tradition of precision and craftsmanship. You can find them at specialist stores across the city.
Wooden Toys: True to Swiss tradition, many stalls feature charming, handcrafted wooden toys, ranging from simple puzzles to intricate music boxes.
Ornaments: From intricately carved wooden figurines to delicate glass baubles, these decorations add a touch of Swiss charm to any Christmas tree.
For additional information to aid your visit to the city, head over to My Switzerland, which provides an overview of things to do in the city and region.
Sustainability Tips
Use Public Transport: St Gallen has an excellent public transport system, making it easy to get around without a car. The trolleybus system, in particular, is one of the oldest in the country, and it provides a cleaner alternative to driving.
Eat Locally and Seasonally: To support sustainable diets, choose foods that are grown locally and are in season. Many stall vendors source their produce locally, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting food and supporting local farmers.
Avoid Food Waste: Be mindful of portion sizes when buying food at the market to prevent unnecessary waste. In St Gallen, you’ll often find smaller serving sizes available, which can help reduce the amount of uneaten food that ends up in the bin.
Ethical Consumption: Pay attention to the source and production methods of the products you buy. Many stalls and shops sell handcrafted items made by local artisans. Purchasing these supports local businesses and economies.
Support Renewable Energy: Consider staying at places that use renewable energy sources.
Bring Reusable Bags: When shopping, bring your own reusable bags and containers for carrying goods and leftover food. This simple act can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated from your visit.
Explore on Foot or By Bike: St Gallen is a compact city, perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Not only does this allow you to discover hidden gems around the city, but it also reduces your carbon footprint by limiting the use of motorised transport.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
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