Are you attending?
Event Details
Welcome to the Winterthur Christmas Market 2026 in Winterthur
For the 29th time, the Winterthur Christmas Market takes place from 26 November to 23 December 2026 in the heart of the car-free Old Town on Neumarkt. The historic house façades and festively decorated wooden chalets make it one of the most atmospheric Christkind markets in Switzerland. Open daily from 11:00, it invites visitors with more than 70 stalls, the magical Märliwald and a varied family programme.
Highlights & Attractions at Winterthur Christmas Market in Winterthur
- Historic Neumarkt in the car-free Old Town with atmospheric house façades and festively illuminated wooden chalets
- More than 70 stalls offering handicrafts, Christmas decorations, candles, textiles, regional specialities and gift ideas
- The magical Märliwald with animated fairy-tale scenes – free admission for young and old
- Daily changing supporting programme: face painting, storytellers, gingerbread decorating and musical performances
- Popular mulled-wine hut and culinary offerings ranging from classic Christmas treats to regional specialities
- Free Santa Claus parade and Päcklihuus gift-wrapping service
- Family-friendly atmosphere with free admission and the entire market powered by renewable energy
Find Accommodation in Winterthur
Compare the best hotel prices for this event and secure your accommodation in time.
Free cancellation on most hotels
Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The Winterthur Christmas Market is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 20:00, Friday and Saturday until 20:30 and Sunday until 19:00. On the final day (23 December) the market closes at 19:00. Food and drink outlets stay open longer. The supporting programme changes daily and includes face painting, storytellers, gingerbread decorating and live music. The Märliwald is the main attraction for children and remains free of charge throughout the entire period.
Christchindlimärt in the Town Hall Passage
Alongside the main market, the small and refined Christchindlimärt takes place in the historic town-hall passage in early December (expected 2–5 December 2026). Hobby artists and craftspeople from Winterthur and the surrounding area present exclusively handmade products: ceramics, jewellery, textiles, stationery, glass, wood, felt, home accessories and miniature nativity scenes. The market has a boutique character and invites visitors to stroll through the Old Town in a festive atmosphere. Admission is free.
Tickets & Admission for Winterthur Christmas Market Winterthur
Admission to the Winterthur Christmas Market on Neumarkt and the Christchindlimärt in the town-hall passage is free of charge. Costs only arise for food, drinks and optional activities. Mulled wine and culinary specialities typically cost in the lower to mid single-digit euro range (converted from CHF). Official information and current details are available at weihnachtinwinterthur.ch.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Winterthur
- Arrival by train to Winterthur station is ideal; Neumarkt is only a few minutes’ walk away in the car-free Old Town. Bus connections and nearby multi-storey car parks are available.
- Dress warmly and weatherproof – Swiss winter evenings can be cold and damp. Sturdy shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
- Book accommodation in the Old Town or near the station early, as the Advent season in Winterthur is very popular.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the illuminated Old Town and an evening stop at the Märliwald for the best light atmosphere.
- Arrive early on weekends and during the Santa Claus parade to avoid crowds and enjoy the best atmosphere.
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
