The most beautiful Advent markets of German-speaking Switzerland, how to combine them in a weekend, why December weekends should be booked early and what matters when arriving in winter.
From late November until Christmas, Switzerland's old towns turn into Advent markets – mulled wine, raclette, candle-making and choirs under strings of lights. For guests arriving via Zurich, several of them are within reach. This article presents the most important ones and shows how to combine them stress-free with a private driver – no car park, no crowded trains, no time pressure.
Zurich: Wienachtsdorf and Christkindlimarkt
Right at Bellevue stands the Wienachtsdorf with huts, an ice rink and a view of the lake; in the main station the Christkindlimarkt glows with its famous Swarovski tree. Add the market in the old town at Hirschenplatz and the Singing Christmas Tree at Werdmühleplatz. Everything is within walking distance – from the airport you are in the city centre in around 20 minutes, and the driver drops you right at Bellevue.
Basel: Switzerland's largest Christmas market
On Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz stretches the country's largest Christmas market, complemented by the Christmas tree in front of the cathedral and the decorated lanes of the old town. From Zurich it is around 1 hour 45 minutes – route details in Zurich Airport–Basel. Basel is perfect for a whole day; in the evening the driver takes you back to your hotel in Zurich or onwards.
Lucerne and Bern
Lucerne's Christmas market on Franziskanerplatz is small and atmospheric, joined by the "Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt" at the station with a view of the Chapel Bridge – easily combined with a trip up the Rigi or Pilatus in the snow. Bern shows the Star Market on Waisenhausplatz and the market on Münsterplatz beneath the arcades of the UNESCO old town. Both cities lie on our fixed routes to Lucerne and Bern.
Planning an Advent weekend with a driver
For two markets in one day, the hourly booking is ideal: you set the time window, the driver waits with a warm vehicle, purchases stay in the boot. Between Zurich and Lucerne or Zurich and Basel this fits comfortably into an afternoon and evening. Important: December weekends fill up early with us – book as soon as the travel dates are fixed. And allow a buffer for snow; how much is in When to leave for Zurich Airport?. Enquire now.
Ready for your transfer?
Book now →
