Lausanne Christmas markets

This is the last Bô Noël: after twelve editions, Lausanne's Christmas markets hand over to a new concept from the end of 2027, so this winter is the final chance to see them. Instead of one square, Bô Noël spreads across the city centre in eight markets, each with its own character, from the Grand Marché and a craftsmen's market to a food market, the Terrasse des Amis and the Flon district.

The hub is Place de la Riponne, renamed Place des Lumières for this edition, where a big wheel turns above the chalets. A light trail of eleven stops links the city's squares after dark, and a little Bô Noël train runs between them.

Families have a whole village of their own: an animal farm, pony rides, a treasure hunt, Santa's cabin, and two yurts for workshops and storytelling. Saturdays bring shows, an Advent calendar gives away prizes every day from 1 to 24 December, and on New Year's Eve the season ends with a giant silent disco.

Bô Noël runs until 31 December, longer than most Swiss markets, and is closed only on Christmas Day.