What’s more typical than the Markets as Christmas approaches? The little wooden houses with pretty items that you would like to buy them all, the scent of mulled wine, cinnamon hovering in the air mixed with fried pancakes, roasted chestnuts, panettone, pandoro and all those goodies that are mainly eaten at this time and are all concentrated in the markets. Plus lights, decorations, Christmas music and that bitter cold that tickles you as you warm up with hot chocolate in your hands.
Every town has its own markets and features, some have attractions like a Ferris wheel made of lights or Santa’s house with a sleigh and post office. Of course, in all of them there are little houses with little presents, cute little objects, decorations, handicrafts and various delicacies. Apart from Italy, the tradition of markets is also well established beyond the Alps, and what if you could take a ride to see them? As of today you can with the Green Train of the Alps that offers to discover the most beautiful ones in a truly incredible and impressive route.
How the Green Train of the Alps works
The little train is a scenic link between Domodossola (Italy) and Bern (Switzerland) operated by BLS. It is famous because it crosses the Alps on a historic route with spectacular scenery, small villages, hamlets, valleys, mountains and lakes. It also makes it possible to see many of the most beautiful markets thanks to specific routes provided, including those in Bern among the most popular in Europe.
The train departs every two hours from Domodossola to Bern via Brienz, Ausserberg, Kandersteg, Spiez, and Thun in a 2.20-hour journey. The ticket price is indicative from 30€ to 65€ depending on the offer per adult for second class. Prices and tickets can be found on the BLS website. Also in the Alpine train section of the website we link you will find all the info for the train, destinations, tickets, and everything you need to better organize your ride.
Beyond Bern
Once you arrive in Bern if you decide to stay around a few more days you can discover other markets in Switzerland for a little extra magic:
- Huttwill, opens 11/26 through 11/30, a nationally known event but not only that attracts thousands of visitors each year. This five-day event, framed by an idyllic landscape, will again this year offer numerous attractions and a unique atmosphere. From Bern there is an undirected train and you have to change at Langenthal; it takes an hour and a quarter.
- Then there is Brienz on November 29-30. This market offers a magical atmosphere on the lakefront and in the historic part of town. Lots of products to browse through, handmade and culinary specialties. From Bern, the connection is direct. A short hour and a half and you’re there
- Biel, a festive atmosphere from Dec. 4 to 24. The Biel Christmas Market is the largest in the region ( Canton Bern) and attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year. In the atmospheric illuminated old town, visitors can discover about 80 small houses decorated with Christmas themes, offering mainly handicrafts. Direct connection from Bern that takes you here in half an hour.
- Equally magical is Olten: from November 29 to December 21, 2025, the town center is transformed under Christmas lights into a picturesque Advent village, combining a Christmas market and the magic of Advent. Direct train from Bern – 20/25 minutes travel time.
- Avenches: another magical destination is this destination, which from December 1-21, 2025 with its festive atmosphere, twinkling lights and enchanting selection of regional delicacies and handicrafts is preparing to welcome its visitors. From Bern it is about a half-hour train ride. Quick and easy.
- Neuchâtel, capital of Canton Neuchâtel, in a picturesque lakeside location. Two enchanting Christmas markets await you. From Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, 2025, Place du Coq-d’Inde in the old town is transformed into a festive gathering place for young and old alike. In addition, another Christmas market on the picturesque shores of Lake Neuchâtel invites Christmas shopping from December 5 to 23, 2025. Direct trains depart from Bern every half hour.
- Santa Maria Maggiore, here we are in Italy’s Vigezzo Valley bordering Canton Ticino. Its markets are well worth a visit. There are more than 200 exhibitors arranged in quaint chalets that warm up the streets and small squares of the historic village.
- Willisau here is in the Canton of Lucerne and is held Dec. 5-7. Festively decorated stalls lure visitors with the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, spices and candles. Enjoy festive music in several squares, the Reformed Church or St. Peter and Paul Parish Church.
Info about the markets here.
Not just Switzerland
There are other beautiful markets to learn about in Europe:
- Krakow, Poland
- Bolzano, Italy
- Montreux, Switzerland
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Manchester, England
- Antwerp, Belgium
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Cologne, Germany
- Helsinki, Finland
- Brussels, Belgium
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Frankfurt, Germany
- Trento, Italy
- Vienna, Austria
- Budapest, Hungary
- Gdansk, Poland
- Colmar, France
- Zagreb, Croatia
- Dresden, Germany
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Strasbourg, France
- Basel, Switzerland
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Salzburg, Austria
- Sibiu, Romania
- Oslo, Norway
- Berlin, Germany
Of course, Italy also has a rich tradition of markets. In South Tyrol between Trento and Bolzano there are markets worthy of a visit.