Any other you can think of?
When it comes to it! Which one would you recommend? Criteria: nice, local craft, artisan, great food around, best mulled wine/hot chocolate, not overwhelmingly overcrowded.
Montreux has the biggest choice, but better avoid a Sunday afternoon when it’s at his crowdiest!
Vevey Xmas market is tiny, like the one you get in Lausanne. Nice to get some mulled wine when you pass through it, but not worth a train trip. But last year mulled wine and amaretto shot was to die for though...
I thought Vevey market would be taking over the whole market square. i.e that big car park by the lake. Are you saying it is a lot smaller?
Well, considering they’re starting the preparation for the Fete des Vignerons, I’m not sure it will this year? And even if it takes the whole market place, it’s still less than half the size of the Montreux one.
The market has been moved to La Tour du Peilz for the next year already.
St Martin on 13th Nov will be last event in the square.
Work has already begun for Fete des Vignerons by the lake
Big mess in Vevey until September 2019....avoid or use public transport
Perhaps not quite on the same scale, but you might consider coming a bit further round to Monthey. We came across the market last year when we were there to sign some house purchase papers so didn't really spend a lot of time at it, but it's surprisingly extensive. The street layout, with several pavement bars and restaurants, works well for markets all year round and give a much more cosy feel than some others I've been to.
http://www.montheytourisme.ch/N7459/marche-de-noel.html
https://www.facebook.com/marchenoelmonthey/
If anyone's coming we might arrange a mini-EF meetup.
Totally agree with Ace- those huge Christmas markets like Montreux and Vevey give me the woolies - too many people pushing and shoving, silly prices., etc.
Smaller local ones are so much nicer, with local artisans.
I love the Montreux market and even when it's super crowded, I've never seen people 'pushing and shoving'. It always quite civilized.
However, Monthey is a lovely little town. There a a few quite nice bars and restaurants there as well. It's not one of the prettiest. But it's nice that there are a lot of people around.
The weekly market has moved to La Tour-de-Peilz but the Christmas Market will still be held in Vevey along the Quais. They were constructing some of the buildings for "Les Quais de Noël - Vevey" when I went for a walk there this morning.
Montruex is the best xmas market I have been too. I really like it there. Its very very nice.
You have the traditional market on the lake side, the medieval market in the castle, then a train ride up to Rocher de Naye and you have Santas grotto and his helpers, half way down the kids animal area.
Its a huge event, very well done, Santa wizzing over the lake has been a nice addition.
I havent been to Vevey market, but I am fairly sure you cant compare. Now that said, you asked for not too busy...Its xmas markets, they will be packed! At least the montreux one will be
Insider tip, the duck and fois gras, with the special wine as you entered the covered market area in Montruex is worth queuing for.
Certainly Xmas market is along the quai's but try parking in Vevey, Place du Marche will be shut very soon......
Why don't you go to both? The Geneva exit visa is usually for multiple exits.
I went to Montreux a few years ago and didn't find it overcrowded. It is a bit different to the German style markets across most of Switzerland