Einsiedeln Abbey is a beautiful Benedictine Catholic monastery founded in 934 in the village of Einsiedeln. For a few days in early December, they host a nice Christmas market in front of the monastery and along the streets of the old town.

Dates: 29 Nov to 8 Dec 2024 • see program

Although you’ll see some of the same vendors as other markets, they have lots of local food and handmade crafts you won't see elsewhere.

On our last visit, here are a few things we enjoyed there:

• Raclette Gummel - small potato bites with melted raclette and spices, yummy!

• Eierlikor at the Wolke 7 stand - similar to egg nog

• Grittibänz shaped Berliner donuts, freshly fried

• Kaiserschmarren - an Austrian pancake but always a welcome treat in Switzerland

• heisse Öpfelküechli - deep fried apple rings, a common treats at markets

• Fondue (from local dairy) in a baguette

• UR-ROSOLI Kafi-Läbchueche - Spiced coffee with cherry schnapps (local producer)

I’d recommend timing your visit with one of the musical concerts, which really add to the experience. We visited when they had a children's parade with lanterns, which was adorable. The daily program is listed on their website. They also have storytelling time for children and a candle dipping booth.

Other activities in the area

If you go during the day, you can visit the Diorama Bethleham, the "largest nativity scene in the world" with over 470 nativity figures. And perhaps the Lebkuchen museum, dedicated to this gingerbread-like treat everyone eats at Christmas time around here.

If you are coming with kids, you can also sled at the big hill behind the Kloster. It's a popular spot with families, with a simple "sled down, walk up" hill with varying heights. During the day, there is a kiosk selling sausages there.