Montreux Christmas Market 2025: My Solo Female Travel Review
If you’re dreaming about visiting Switzerland’s famous Montreux Christmas Market in 2025, but wondering what it’s really like to explore the market as a solo female traveller, you’re not alone!
Before I visited Montreux Noel solo a few years ago, I had these questions running through my mind…
- Will I feel comfortable and safe exploring the market alone?
- Is there enough to do at Montreux Noel on my own?
- Is it actually worth the hype?!
So, when I visited Montreux Christmas Market solo, I took notes on ALL the things I wish I knew before I visited!
Things like how easy it is to get around, what the atmosphere feels like when you’re out exploring alone, whether Montreux is safe at night, and those little moments that make this European Christmas Market so worth its hype!
This blog post is where I want to share all of that with you – with simple planning info like dates, opening times and where to stay, plus my honest experience of what it’s really like as a solo female traveller in Montreux!
So let’s take a look at Montreux Noel, from the gorgeous lakeside setting and that famous Flying Santa, to what to buy and the practical details you need to know to make your solo trip to Montreux Christmas Market stress-free and unforgettable!
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Is Montreux Christmas Market Worth Visiting Solo?
In my opinion, 100% yes!
Montreux is one of those rare Christmas markets in Europe where everything felt calm, safe, and so easily walkable from the get-go.
It’s set along the picturesque lakeside promenade, and I found that even when it reached peak busyness, it never felt claustrophobic or overwhelming as a solo female traveller.
Plus, you get the magical twinkly lights reflecting off Lake Geneva as the day fades into night, making Montreux the most beautiful Christmas Market in Europe I have ever visited!
As a solo female traveller, the atmosphere is perfect at Montreux Noel, with a relaxed feel, easy navigation, insanely scenic views, and (in my experience) stall-holders that aren’t pushy and are just happy to let you browse.
You also can’t miss the TikTok-famous Flying Santa, soaring above your head against the backdrop of snowy mountains, the shimmering lake, and the fading evening light!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you can, visit Montreux Christmas Market during daylight hours AND at night. During the day, it is quieter, and so easier to take photos and get your bearings. Then at night, the lights flicker and glow, and the atmosphere is just so magical!
Montreux Christmas Market Location
The Montreux Christmas Market takes place right on the lakeside promenade, in the heart of central Montreux, Switzerland.
I was so worried about logistics before arriving (Montreux was actually my first ever solo trip!), but here you can literally step off the train, follow the lights, and you’re there in under five minutes.
Zero stress!
Plus, being this central also makes it super easy to mix time at Montreux Noel with other amazing things to do in Montreux in December, like a stroll along the water to Château de Chillon!
Montreux Christmas Market Dates 2025
The Montreux Christmas Market runs from late November through to just before Christmas.
This year, the dates for Montreux Noel are between 20th November 2025 and 24th December 2025.
That gives you plenty of time and flexibility to fit this beautiful market into your winter itinerary!
Montreux Christmas Market Opening Times 2025
The Montreux Christmas Market opening times run from late morning into the evening, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, and limited hours on December 23rd and 24th.
For 2025, the confirmed Montreux Noel timings are:
Monday: 11am – 8pm for stalls & 11am – 10pm for restaurants
Tuesday: 11am – 8pm for stalls & 11am – 10pm for restaurants
Wednesday: 11am – 9pm for stalls & 11am – 11pm for restaurants
Thursday: 11am – 9pm for stalls & 11am – 11pm for restaurants
Friday: 11am – 10pm for stalls & 11am – 11pm for restaurants
Saturday: 10am – 10pm for stalls & 10am – 11pm for restaurants
Sunday: 10am – 8pm for stalls & 10am – 10pm for restaurants
December 23rd: 10am – 8pm for stalls & 11am – 10pm for restaurants
December 24th: 10am – 5pm for stalls & 11am – 5pm for restaurants
When is the Best Time to Visit Montreux Christmas Market?
The best time to visit Montreux Christmas Market really depends on how you feel about crowds.
When I visited Montreux Christmas Market, I chose a Saturday in late November, and it was definitely busy but tolerable (even as someone with social anxiety), given it was still early in the season.
As a general rule, weekends (especially Fridays and Saturdays in December) will see the Montreux Christmas Market at its busiest, with lively stalls, more queues, and a more vibrant atmosphere.
Whereas weekdays and dates earlier in the season are much calmer, with more time to browse stalls, take photos without loads of strangers in your shots, fewer queues, and more space to enjoy the market at your own pace!
Katie’s Top Tip: In terms of timing during the day, blue hour (just after sunset) is perfect! The lake turns a magical inky blue/black, the sun sets over the mountains, and the stalls glow with twinkly lights. It’s Christmas magic dialled up to the max!
How to get to Montreux, Switzerland
The Swiss town of Montreux sits right on the main train line along Lake Geneva, which means you can fly into Geneva Airport and be browsing the charming stalls in around 1 hour by train!
Just hop on one of the regular direct trains from the airport (or Geneva Central in the city centre) and sit on the right to enjoy the spectacular lakeside views the whole way!
The train I took was the IR90 from Geneva Airport, direction Brig, which took around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
If you’re coming by train from elsewhere in Switzerland, Lausanne is just 20 minutes away direct, and Bern takes 1.5-2 hours via Lausanne or Palezieux.
Zurich takes longer but is still doable in 2 hours and 45 minutes, via Lausanne.
I wouldn’t recommend driving unless you really want to, as parking in Montreux is very limited and tricky to find during the Christmas Market season.
Plus, the market and main things to do in Montreux are so central that, once you arrive, everywhere you need to get to is just a short, scenic and safe walk away!
Katie’s Top Tip: Download the SBB Mobile app (for Switzerland’s trains) before your trip. It shows you exact platforms, delays in real time and alerts for connections to make travel to Montreux stress-free!
Where to Stay in Montreux for the Christmas Market
As a solo female traveller, I would say that the closer your accommodation is to the lakeside promenade, the better.
I don’t know about you, but I wanted to be able to step outside and instantly be in the heart of Montreux Noel, especially when I was walking back after dark.
I personally stayed at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, which is an absolute dream during the festive season!
The whole hotel is decorated beautifully, with a cosy festive atmosphere, plus there is a delicious breakfast included, the rooms are super comfortable, and I even had a small balcony overlooking Lake Geneva!
The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is the perfect base for Montreux Noel if you want gorgeous lake views, the ultimate comfy room, and a very short, well-lit walk back after the market finishes!
Katie’s Top Tip: Anywhere between Montreux station and the waterfront is perfect, as this area is well-lit, safe and very walkable! Just be sure to book as early as possible, as the best lakeside rooms sell out fast, especially on weekends. I would 100% recommend the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, where I stayed during my solo trip to the Montreux Christmas Market.
The Montreux Christmas Market Flying Santa
One of the most unique parts of the Montreux Christmas Market is the famous Flying Santa!
No, I’m not lying…
Santa literally soars above the market stalls and Lake Geneva in his reindeer-pulled sleigh, playing a ukulele for the crowds below!
But yep, I get it. This is one of those things that definitely sounds gimmicky, or childish, or even a bit tacky. Right?
Well, that’s what I thought until I was actually standing there, but I was very wrong!
Under the fading sky, with the snow-covered mountains and Lake Geneva behind him, this truly feels like the most magical and Christmassy thing ever!
The Montreux Flying Santa show happens 4 times a day on weekends and 3 times on weekdays.
The official Montreux Flying Santa timings for 2025 are:
- Monday to Friday: 5pm, 6pm, 7pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm
- 24th December: 4pm, 5pm
And where can you see Montreux’s Flying Santa?
Well, because it’s up in the sky, you can watch from most spots along the promenade, but the closer you are to the main Market Square, the clearer your view will be.
Katie’s Top Tip: Arrive a few minutes early and grab a spot by the water near the main Market Square!
What to Eat at Montreux Christmas Market
One of my favourite parts of any European Christmas market is the food, and Montreux Christmas Market was no different!
Let me tell you, Switzerland knows how to do comfort food in winter!
Here are some of the foodie highlights to look out for:
- Raclette Cheese scraped over fresh bread or potatoes
- Cheesy rösti
- Crispy churros
- Fondue
- Swiss sausages
- Steaming mugs of mulled wine (vin chaud)
I personally went for the delicious Swiss sausages and chips from a tiny stall located right near the market square. It was so good!
And if you’re looking for sweet treats, you have to grab some Swiss Chocolate!
The charming stalls offer everything from rich and steaming hot chocolate to beautifully boxed artisan chocolates (this makes an amazing gift!)
Katie’s Top Tip: Because the stalls are so close to the water, you’ll get dreamy views with every snack stop! And that’s also a big reason why eating solo here feels completely normal and casual. (So if eating solo normally stresses you out, don’t worry! Everyone is too busy enjoying their own food to notice you!)
What to Buy at Montreux Christmas Market
Shopping solo is one of my favourite pastimes at any time of year, as you get to browse exactly what you like at your own pace, but at Montreux Christmas Market, the shopping experience is even more magical!
When it comes to what to buy at Montreux Christmas Market, the heart and soul of the market is focused on handmade, artisan and local goods.
You’ll find everything here from traditional woodcraft and artisan candles to cute, cuddly toys and beautiful Christmas decorations.
I personally bought a hand-painted bauble and a beautiful handmade mug and bowl set!
There are also amazing stalls selling edible souvenirs (which make for the perfect gifts!) from locally made Swiss chocolate to spices, teas, honey and preserves.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you see something you love, buy it then and there. Stalls rotate stock or even sell out fast at peak times, or you just might not remember exactly where you saw that perfect ornament after an hour of browsing (ask me how I learned this the hard way!!! 😩)
Best Things to Do at the Montreux Christmas Market
One of the reasons I loved the Montreux Christmas Market so much is because it’s not just about eating and shopping. There are so many other fun and festive things to do, even as an adult solo traveller!
My absolute favourite experience? Riding the Ferris Wheel at sunset!
Watching the sky turn golden over Lake Geneva while the fairy lights switched on below my feet is a true core memory from my trip. It’s such a gorgeous way to see the market from above, take stunning photos, and watch as the sky transforms from golden to inky black!
But of course, browsing the artisan stalls is a highlight in itself. So take your time to wander where your curiosity takes you (and always, always say yes to taste testers when offered at food stalls!)
Plus, don’t forget Montreux’s Flying Santa, which is for sure the most iconic moment at the Christmas market in Montreux! Santa literally flies over the lakeside in his sleigh (yep, really!)
And one little bonus activity that made me unexpectedly emotional? The Wish Tree, where you write a message or wish, tie it to the branches, and become part of a collection of hopes from people all around the world!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re riding the Ferris Wheel, try to time your ride for just before sunset. It’s pure magic!
Best Things to Do in Montreux in December
Even if you’re visiting mainly for the Montreux Christmas Market (because same!) December in Montreux has so much more going on that you shouldn’t skip!
Plus, everything is so easily walkable along the stunning lakeside promenade, with spectacular mountain scenery that makes even a simple walk an attraction in its own right.
One of the highlights is taking the cogwheel train from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye.
In winter, it transforms into the home of Santa Claus, where you can meet Santa if you wish, or just admire one of the most stunning views in Switzerland, high above Lake Geneva!
If you want something a little more relaxed and cosy (or if the weather is not on your side), Montreux also has some great cafes, which are perfect for a slow solo travel morning!
I loved the cosy and welcoming Tea Room de la Baye, in the heart of the old town.
And of course, no trip to Montreux is complete without visiting the incredible Château de Chillon!
After an easy stroll along the beautiful waterfront promenade, you will arrive at this iconic medieval castle sitting right on the edge of Lake Geneva. It’s a 35-minute walk along the waterfront (or a quick bus ride), and seeing it surrounded by mountains is honestly unreal!
Katie’s Top Tip: Even in winter, don’t forget to look out for Montreux’s famous floral displays, botanical sculptures and gardens along the banks of Lake Geneva. You’ll still find splashes of colour and amazing natural sculptures to admire!
Is Montreux Christmas Market Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Yes, from my personal experience, Montreux Christmas Market is the safest-feeling Christmas Market I’ve ever visited solo!
The promenade is very well-lit, the location is super central and pedestrianised, and there are always people around (including security personnel for extra reassurance).
And one of the biggest safety advantages at the Montreux Christmas Market is the compact layout.
The market stretches along the main lakeside promenade, meaning that once you arrive, almost everything you’ll want (from stalls and food to beautiful viewpoints and accommodation) is in clear sight.
Even when I was walking back alone after the market (in the dark at around 10pm), to my room at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, I felt very safe and comfortable.
But of course, solo travel safety habits still apply here, especially when crowds gather for shows or darkness falls:
- Keep your bags zipped and in front of you at all times
- Stay alert to your surroundings in crowds
- Don’t flash any valuables or cash
- Never leave your drink unattended
- Trust your gut instincts like always.
But overall, if you’re looking for a dreamy and safe location for a first solo Europe Christmas market trip, Montreux would be my top pick!
Katie’s Top Tip: Stay near the waterfront. That way, your accommodation will always be just a few minutes away, without needing to rely on public transport or walking back along dimly lit backstreets late into the evening.
My Honest Review of Montreux Christmas Market
I’ve gotta be honest, I wasn’t sure if Montreux Christmas Market would live up to the pretty Pinterest photos or TikTok hype. Plus, as it was my first ever solo trip, I was terrified!
But once I saw the promenade lined with quaint stalls, the majestic mountains reflected in the lake, and the fairy lights twinkling above my head, I instantly got the hype!
It’s festive, but in a way that feels magical and authentic, without feeling chaotic or overly commercial (at least when I visited in late November).
As a solo female traveller, my best part was how relaxed and normal it felt to browse, eat, shop, ride the Ferris Wheel and enjoy the Flying Santa show alone.
Because everyone is spread out along the lakeside rather than standing around in just one overcrowded square, I never felt boxed in, claustrophobic, stared at or judged in any way just for being by myself.
(And trust me, as a socially anxious solo traveller, that kind of ease at a Christmas Market is so rare!)
So, is Montreux Christmas Market worth visiting?
In my experience, I would say 100% yes, especially if you’re a solo female traveller dreaming of a Christmassy getaway that’s scenic, magical and safe – rather than overwhelming and chaotic!
The only real downside to consider is that it gets busy around show times and on weekends (but then again, show me a Christmas Market that isn’t busy!!)
Plus, Switzerland is always pricey, especially around festive events.
But for a solo Christmas trip that feels peaceful and magical, I would definitely recommend Montreux Christmas Market to every solo female traveller!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been dreaming about a European Christmas market trip but are feeling nervous about doing it solo, Montreux in Switzerland is genuinely the best you could choose!
The lakeside location is both easy to navigate and insanely beautiful, the atmosphere is welcoming rather than overwhelming, and everything you need, from food to shopping, is right in the heart of it all!
So whether you’re visiting Montreux Christmas Market for the local crafts, the delicious food, the famous Flying Santa, or those insanely spectacular lake and mountain views, I hope you have an amazing trip that is both magical and stress-free!
And, in my experience, beautiful Montreux delivers exactly that!
Montreux, Switzerland’s Christmas Market FAQs
Is Montreux Christmas Market free?
Yes! Entry to the Montreux Christmas Market is completely free, which is amazing because you can explore at your own pace, enjoy the magical atmosphere, and spend your money on food, drinks and shopping wherever you choose!
The Ferris Wheel and some special attractions (like visiting Santa’s Village at Rochers-de-Naye) have separate costs, but the market itself is totally free to explore!
What is the Montreux Christmas Market known for?
The Christmas market in Montreux is famous for its beautiful lakeside location with mountain views, its local artisan stalls, and the unique Flying Santa show!
The beautiful waterfront promenade is lined with fairy-lit chalets, which gives the whole market a cosy, welcoming vibe. Plus, the focus on Swiss-made crafts and foods makes every purchase feel special!
Is the Montreux Christmas Market good for solo female travellers?
Yes! Montreux is a safe, friendly and walkable place, and the market is centrally located right along the busy, well-lit promenade by the lake.
There’s a relaxed atmosphere here, and eating or browsing alone feels very normal. (Everyone is too busy sipping vin chaud or watching Santa fly to notice what anyone else is doing!!)
How do you see the Montreux Flying Santa?
The Montreux Flying Santa happens above the lakeside promenade – just look up!
Shows run multiple times a day (with more shows on weekends), and the best place to watch is by the water, near the main market square.
How long do you need at Montreux Christmas Market?
I found that around 2–3 hours is enough time to browse the stalls, grab something delicious to eat, ride the Ferris wheel, and watch the Flying Santa show.
Personally, I visited the market twice (in the early afternoon and in the evening), as the atmosphere is totally different at both times of day.
And as the best of the Montreux Christmas Market stretches on into the evening, I would always recommend you stay overnight.
If you want to explore more things to do in Montreux, like Chillon Castle, taking the cogwheel train up to Rochers-de-Naye, or walking along the lakeside, plan to spend a full day or two here.
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