What will the Advent markets be like in Lausanne? Program and important information in one place

If you’re looking to experience an unforgettable holiday season, consider a trip to the picturesque city of Lausanne, Switzerland.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva and backed by snowy alpine peaks, Lausanne comes alive during Christmas, offering a winter wonderland experience with festive markets, charming lights, and holiday traditions.

This year, Christmas Markets in Lausanne are ready to enchant you with seasonal treats, handmade gifts, and plenty of activities for all ages.

Dive into our guide to explore what makes the Christmas markets in Lausanne so special and why they’re worth adding to your holiday travel list.

Christmas Markets in Lausanne

Christmas Markets in Lausanne, locally known as “Bô Noël,” offer an enchanting glimpse into Swiss holiday traditions. These markets began as small community events and have grown significantly over the years, each season building on local artisanship, festive foods, and unique cultural events. Today, Lausanne’s Christmas markets draw both locals and tourists alike, featuring a delightful mix of traditional Swiss crafts, gourmet food and drinks, and live entertainment.

Unlike some of the larger Christmas markets in Europe, Lausanne’s markets offer a more relaxed and intimate feel, spread across several scenic locations throughout the city. This setup allows visitors to experience a variety of holiday themes and offerings while exploring Lausanne’s beautifully decorated streets and landmarks.

The Most Famous Christmas Markets in Lausanne

Lausanne boasts several festive markets, each with its own charm and attractions. Here are some of the top markets you won’t want to miss:

1. Place Saint-François Christmas Market
2. Pépinet Square (Marché de Pépinet)
3. Children’s Village at Place de l’Europe

Christmas Markets in the Lausanne city center

The Lausanne Christmas Market is easy to explore because everything is close together. There are several markets located around the city, and they are all within walking distance.

When and where will it all take place?

You can enjoy the market whether you have children with you or not. You can find a range of items, from designer goods to local food products. Here is a quick overview of the different Lausanne Christmas Markets and venues you can visit during Bô Noël.

Place Saint-François Covered Christmas Market

Located in the heart of Lausanne, the Place Saint-François Christmas Market is one of the city’s most popular and central markets, featuring a festive setup surrounded by historic buildings and twinkling holiday lights.

Shopping Highlights: Known for its artisanal goods, this market features Swiss-made items such as hand-carved wooden toys, locally sourced honey, and unique leather goods. It’s an excellent spot to find unique, locally crafted gifts.

Atmosphere: Known for its picturesque charm, the market is set against the backdrop of the historic Saint-François Church, with stalls lining the square and holiday lights illuminating the surroundings.

Activities: Visitors can browse stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments to local Swiss chocolate. This market is perfect for a relaxed stroll while enjoying some of Switzerland’s finest holiday treats, including raclette cheese melts and mulled wine.

Pépinet Square (Marché de Pépinet) Christmas Market

For those seeking a smaller, more intimate market, Pépinet Square offers a cozy, laid-back experience in a charming corner of Lausanne.

Shopping Highlights: This market focuses on sustainable, locally produced goods, from organic cosmetics to eco-friendly gifts. It’s the perfect stop if you’re looking for ethical and eco-conscious holiday purchases.

Atmosphere: Located in a quaint square, this market features a handful of stalls, offering a curated selection of handcrafted items and holiday treats. The setting is ideal for those wanting a quieter experience away from the larger crowds.

Activities: Pépinet Square is great for sampling local treats like gingerbread cookies and roasted chestnuts. You’ll also find live performances, including holiday choirs and small music ensembles.

The Children’s Village Christmas Market

For families with young children, the Children’s Village at Place de l’Europe is a must-visit. This dedicated space offers a wide range of activities specifically designed for kids, making it one of the most family-friendly spots in Lausanne during the holiday season.

• Atmosphere: A vibrant and colorful setup makes this market truly magical for children, with holiday decorations, life-size characters, and interactive activities.
• Activities: Kids can enjoy storytelling sessions, puppet shows, and a miniature train ride through the holiday village. Parents will also find plenty of seating areas, making it easy to relax while the kids enjoy.
• Shopping Highlights: The Children’s Village focuses on small toys, books, and kid-friendly holiday treats like chocolate-covered marshmallows and gingerbread.

The following video will give you a closer look at the atmosphere of the Lausanne Christmas market.

BO NOEL: Lausanne Christmas Market (4k Video)

Other Activities at the Lausanne Christmas Market

Beyond the festive shopping and seasonal treats, Lausanne’s Christmas markets offer a range of activities to make your holiday visit truly memorable.

Terrace of Bel Air

One of the enjoyable activities at the Lausanne Christmas Market is visiting the Terrace of Bel Air. Built in 1932 by Alphonse Laverrière, the Bel-Air Tower was based on the American model (with a metal framework covered in stone). Standing at a height of 180 feet, this was one of Switzerland’s first “skyscrapers.”

The Flon Skating Rink

Another must-see in Lausanne during the Christmas season is the Flon District, which transforms in winter with impressive light installations and a free skating rink!

Lausanne Festival of Lights

While it may not be a Christmas market, the Festival of Lights, known in French as Lausanne Lumières, is a must-see. From November to December, the city is beautifully illuminated with contemporary art installations created by 15 talented artists. These artworks are not only visually stunning but also thought-provoking and impactful. Be sure to take the time to appreciate these displays as you explore the markets, as they are one of the highlights of the Christmas season in the city.

Interesting places in Lausanne

Lausanne is Switzerland’s fourth-largest city after Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. It is strategically located overlooking Lake Geneva and the most beautiful peaks of the Swiss Alps. The town is surrounded by hills and terraced vineyards.

This remarkable place was chosen by Pierre de Coubertin in 1915 as the seat of the International Olympic Committee. Since then, his fate has been inextricably linked to sports.

Old town

The medieval heart of Lausanne, known as la Cité, was built around the castle and the magnificent Gothic cathedral, one of the most important in Switzerland, built between 1170 and 1240. The tower, reached by 153 steps, offers a magnificent view of the city and the lake.

Not far from the cathedral is Château Saint-Maire, originally a bishop’s castle from the 14th century. Only the residential prismatic tower has survived to this day.

Olympic Museum

The Olympic Museum on the shores of Lake Geneva, which Coubertin wanted, resembles a Greek temple in its appearance. The Olympic flame has been burning here since the ceremonial opening of the museum on June 23, 1993.

Inside there are exhibition spaces where visitors can admire the many objects associated with the Olympic Games, including torches, medals, documents and clothing that tell the stories of the great champions. It is surrounded by a vast park with trees, flowers and various sports-themed sculptures.

Aquatis

Aquatis, the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe, is a highly popular attraction. Opened in 2018, it aims to highlight the significance of water within the ecosystem. The aquarium and vivarium house over 10,000 fish and reptiles, organized within a two-story structure that showcases the flora and fauna from five continents.

Conclusion

Lausanne’s Christmas markets offer a delightful mix of tradition and holiday spirit, surrounded by the beautiful Lake Geneva and Swiss Alps.

Each market, from Pépinet Square to the Children’s Village, has something special, making Lausanne a great destination for all ages.

If you want to avoid large holiday crowds and enjoy a genuine Christmas experience, Lausanne is the place to be. You can shop for unique gifts, enjoy Swiss treats, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Don’t forget to pack warm clothes and bring your holiday spirit to experience the magic of Lausanne this season!