1995
First Edition
The very first edition of Montreux’s Christmas market stretched over 80 chalets on the Grand-Rue from December 15 to 24, 1995, attracting 100,000 visitors in 10 days.
Our History
Four visionary business owners
In 1995, Monique Berney, Pascal Bettex, Norbert Müller, and Yves Cornaro, four visionary business owners from Montreux, launched the Christmas market to boost the town during the off-season. Their goal: to transform Montreux into a festive winter destination. For the first ten years, they worked as volunteers, laying the foundation for an event that now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Montreux Noël is now recognized as one of the most iconic Christmas markets in Europe.
Key Years
1998
Inauguration of the Woodcutters’ Hut
Woodcutters from the Montreux area joined the adventure. The iconic log cabin built with local wood became the market’s center of gravity.
2004
From Christmas Market to “Montreux Noël”
A year of significant changes, including the creation of Santa Claus’s effigy, the inauguration of Santa’s House at Rochers-de-Naye and the extension of the event to Chillon Castle with its medieval market. The Christmas market turned professional and officially became «Montreux Noël».
From 2005
A Month-Long Event
Montreux Noël now lasts one month, from late November to late December, with some 400,000 visitors discovering 120 chalets.
In 2006, the event even expanded upwards to Caux with the creation of the first Elf Village.
2010
Flying Santa
A flagship attraction appeared, or rather took off, for the first time at the market : the Flying Santa. A notable innovation, he gradually became one of Montreux Noël’s emblems.
From 2012
Environmental Commitment
With, among other things, 400,000 reusable cups in circulation, Montreux Noël implemented a series of actions to reduce the event’s footprint, earning the «Swisstainable» label.
2014
Montreux Noël Celebrates 20 Years
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, a grand Christmas parade was organized on the Grand-Rue of Montreux.
2018
Extension to 2m2c
A year after relocating all 160 chalets to Montreux’s quays, the market extended to the 2m2c building with the creation of a luminous «tunnel» and the Gourmet Space.
2021
Light on Ice
The Montreux Convention Center is transformed into a giant ice rink with 1000m2 of icy surface, a trail through an enchanted forest and an Ice Bar.
2022
Art Exhibition
Presentation of 20 monumental statues of Philippe Geluck’s Le Chat, enriching the cultural dimension of the market.
2024
Creation of Riviera Noël
Montreux Noël and the Vevey Christmas Village united to create Riviera Noël, with an entirely reimagined experience for continuous enchantment between Villeneuve and Vevey.
2025
Montreux, a UNESCO Creative City : Music at the Heart of the Celebration
Montreux is now a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the music category. For Montreux Noël, this recognition transforms the event: music becomes a central pillar of the experience.
Guest Countries
Celebrating cultural diversity
Since 2007, Montreux Noël has celebrated cultural diversity by honoring guest countries, each bringing its own traditions, gastronomy, and handicraft know-how. This initiative allows visitors to experience other cultures and customs, all united by the celebration and festivities surrounding christmas.
Finland – 2007
Starting with Finland, Montreux Noël aimed to highlight authentic traditions and nordic culinary specialties for a true scandinavian winter experience.
Canada – 2009
A wave of good cheer accompanied canada’s arrival, with its typical winter traditions celebrating conviviality and nature.
Russia – 2010, 2011 & 2019 With its rich folklore and sumptuous decorations, russia’s presence offered the opportunity to discover an authentic and centuries-old cultural heritage.
Switzerland – 2012 et 2020
For its 18th edition, the king of christmas markets invited the land of queens as a guest of honor, with the val d’hérens and its authentic traditions to celebrate swissness.
Four horizons – 2014
A special edition marked by the extraordinary diversity brought by the four guest countries: france, germany, hungary, and japan.
Hungary – 2015
Hungary came to montreux with its colorful costumes, folk dances, and savory and sweet culinary specialties.
Italy – 2016
With passion and good humor, italy came to montreux with its gastronomy, crafts, and living traditions.
Portugal – 2017
With portugal, traditional music, crafts, and a wave of cultural warmth swept over montreux, adding a mediterranean touch.
Bosnia and herzegovina – 2018
With its vibrant culture and musical traditions, bosnia and herzegovina brought montreux to life with a balkan touch.
Souvenir Mugs
Since its very first edition in 1995, Montreux Noël has created a souvenir mug with a new color or design each year. This mug has become a coveted collector’s item for many devoted fans of the event. It’s a wonderful way to relive 30 years of memories and enjoyable moments with family or friends.
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| 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 |
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| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 |
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| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
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| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
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| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
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| 2025 | 2026 |