Bern Christmas Market 2026
19 November – 27 December 2026 · 4 markets · Free entry
In 2026 Bern has four Christmas markets in the city centre, all at most 15 minutes' walk from the station. The Sternenmarkt on the Kleine Schanze next to the Federal Palace starts things off on 19 November, open until 27 December, Mon–Sat 11:00–22:00, Sun 11:00–20:00. The Christmas market on Waisenhausplatz runs from 27 November to 24 December, and the craft market in front of the Minster from 28 November to 24 December. On five Advent days the craftspeople's market with around 100 stalls on the Münsterplattform is added.
At a glance
- Dates
- 19 Nov – 27 Dec
- Markets
- Weihnachtsmarkt Waisenhausplatz, Berner Münster Weihnachtsmarkt, Berner Sternenmarkt, Berner Handwerkermärit
- Entry
- free
What to expect
Dates and opening hours 2026
Weihnachtsmarkt Waisenhausplatz
Waisenhausplatz · over 50 wooden huts and stalls
More than 50 wooden huts and stalls, enclosed by a fence of fir branches, with Christmas items, gifts and everyday goods. From the first floor of the market tavern you look onto Bern's bear tree. The market has been held for more than 20 years.
Opening hours
2025 hours – the 2026 opening hours have not been published yet · Times from 2025; the 2026 times have not yet been published · 24 December: 10:00–17:00 (2025) · Market tavern Mon–Sat until 22:00, Sun until 20:00 · Followed by the year-end market (Altjahresmarkt) on 28–31 December 2026 and the New Year market (Neujahresmarkt) on 4–9 January 2027
Berner Münster Weihnachtsmarkt
Münsterplatz in front of Bern Minster
In front of the Minster, craftspeople sell one-off pieces from their own workshops, and in six «Mix-Hüsli» young craftspeople change every week. The culture tavern «Dreierlei» serves fondue, stews and mulled wine. According to the organiser, the market has existed for almost 40 years.
Opening hours
24 Dec 2026: 10:00–16:00 · Market culture tavern «Dreierlei» daily 10:00–22:00
Source: Berner Münster Weihnachtsmarkt, checked on 20 October 2026
Berner Sternenmarkt
Kleine Schanze / Europapromenade next to the Federal Palace · around 80 wooden huts
Around 80 wooden huts with delicacies, hot drinks and design, and the exhibitors change every week. There is also the Gstaad fondue chalet with 200 seats and a heated lounge, food trucks and a children's village with a carousel, with a view over the Marzili.
Opening hours
Opening Thu 19 November at 16:00 · 24 December: until 16:00 · closed 25 December · Gstaad fondue chalet Mon–Sat until 24:00, Sun until 22:00 · card payment only, no cash
Berner Handwerkermärit
Münsterplattform by Bern Minster · around 100 stalls
Around 100 stalls under the chestnut trees of the Münsterplattform, where craftspeople sell one-off pieces they have made themselves. Otherwise the market is held once a month, in Advent on five days, right next to the Minster Christmas market.
Opening hours
Only on five days: Sun 29 Nov, Sat 5, Sun 6, Sat 19 and Sun 20 Dec 2026
Good to know
Cards only at the Sternenmarkt
Only cashless payment is accepted at the Sternenmarkt. On 24 December it closes at 16:00, and on 25 December it stays closed.
Craftspeople's market on five days only
On the Münsterplattform on 29 November and on 5, 6, 19 and 20 December; Saturdays 09:00–17:00, Sundays 10:00–17:00.
Open later on Fridays at the Minster
The Minster Christmas market is open until 18:30 Mon–Thu, until 20:00 on Friday and 10:00–16:00 on 24 December.
After Christmas
The Sternenmarkt stays until 27 December, and on Waisenhausplatz the year-end market (Altjahresmarkt, 28–31 December) and the New Year market (Neujahresmarkt, 4–9 January) follow.
How to get there
- About 5 minutes' walk from Bern station.
- 10–15 minutes on foot from Bern station; by tram or bus to «Zytglogge», then through the Münstergasse to Münsterplatz.
- About 5 minutes' walk from Bern station, right next to the Federal Palace; no parking on site.
- By tram or bus to «Zytglogge», then through the Münstergasse; about 15 minutes on foot from Bern station.
Questions and answers
When is the Bern Christmas market 2026?
Is there an entry fee for the Bern Christmas market?
How do I get to the Bern Christmas market?
Which Bern Christmas market has crafts?
What is there for children in Bern?
More Christmas markets nearby
More Christmas markets in the canton of Bern
10 more markets from the event calendars of municipalities, tourist offices and organisers, as of 18 October 2026