Each December, St.Gallen hosts one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Switzerland since 15 years. The St.Gallen Christmas market is worth visiting! At Day-time it’s nice, but the market completely transform itself at night! There’s something magical about the lights! A beautifully decorated street of over 50 stalls in St.Gallen during December. And be sure not to miss the «Christkindli» market at the weekend with over 120 stalls! 10 days before Christmas the Gallusplatz is is filled with Christmas trees! And not enough: 616 stars light the streets in magical light.
When is the Christmas market?
Officially, the St.Gallen Christmas market for 2022 will start on November 24th and end on December 24th. Put it on your calendar. The St.Gallen Christmas market starts on Monday trough Friday from 9am to 5pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the Christmas market is open from 11am to 6pm.
With a few stalls, you’ll find enough to keep you occupied for a whole afternoon or more if you’re looking for gifts. Compared to elsewhere in Switzerland, I found that the St.Gallen Christmas market had some of the best selection of unique Christmas gifts and goods for those looking for last-minute surprises for loved ones.
Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
Glühwein and Beer are the most popular drinks at the St.Gallen christmas market. Brigitte Maier hands cups with Glühwein over the counter. Since 2006, she and her husband have been leading the «Maiersäss» at the «Vadiandenkmal». The «Chlausbeizli» in the «Neugasse» has been there every year since over 14 years. There, you get the «Glühwein» in four different flavours: pure, with amaretto (Nussknacker), with maraschino (Lady’s Dream) or with a surprise.
Take out cash before you go! Unfortunately, most of the stalls do not accept cards in any form! If you need to warm up, you can stopp for a coffee or tea at the Blumenmarkt ↗.
Fondue, Raclette
There are some good places to try out Fondue or Raclette. For example the Fondue Beizli ↗ on the Brühlgasse 26.
«Christkindli» market
The «Christkindli» market is on 26.11 and 3.12.2022, from 9am-5pm at the Gallusplatz with over 40 stalls! This market is fantastic and sooooo inspiring.
The «Christkind» is a sprite-like child, usually depicted with blond hair and angelic wings. Children never see the «Christkind» in person, and parents tell them that «Christkind» will not come and bring presents if they are curious and try to spot it. The family enters the living room, where the Christmas tree has been put up, for the opening of presents, when the parents say that they think that the «Christkind» who has brought the presents has now left again. The departure is announced by the ringing of a small bell, which the parents pretend to have heard or which is secretly done by one of the adults in the family.
Candle making
26.11.–21.12.2022 – Make your own candle by dipping a wick into tubs of hot, molten wax in a pavilion on Kornhausplatz. All you need is a bit of patience, as the wax needs to cool before you dip it again. Good to slow down for a while in the frantic pre-Christmas period and good for kids. You pay according to the weight of the candle when it’s finished and the proceeds go to charity. More Information ↗
But for now I wish you a dreamful Advendszeit, a wonderful Christmastime and a generally happy, healthy and successful new year!
