Christmas market by the Federal Palace
Berner Sternenmarkt
Right next to the Bundeshaus, on the Europapromenade by the Kleine Schanze park, the Berner Sternenmarkt sets up about 80 wooden huts around a decorated Christmas tree. The exhibitors change every week, so there's something new to find each time you come back, from gifts and design to winter treats and hot drinks, with food trucks alongside.
The centrepiece is the Gstaader Fondue-Chalet, with 200 seats for cheese specialities and a heated lounge, open until midnight from Monday to Saturday. Families head to the Kinder-Chalet for the carousel and children's entertainment. On 5 and 12 December, an open piano and sing-along evenings bring the market together.
The market was started by restaurateur Tom Weingart and star chef Markus Arnold, and food and drink come in reusable cups.
Good to know: payment is cashless only (card and TWINT). The market closes at 16:00 on 24 December and stays shut on Christmas Day. Getting there: walk from Bern station in a few minutes, or take the tram or bus. Leave the car at home: there is no parking on Taubenstrasse or Rainmattstrasse, and SBB RailAway offers discounted travel combined with a raclette deal.
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