Switzerland sparkles during Christmas.

If you've seen the movie "Christmas Carol," you'll have encountered a typical Swiss winter scene. Somewhere you'll find a charcoal stove next to a house to warm your hands when it gets cold, occasionally a cart selling steaming hot chestnuts, or simply a charming little bakery at a street corner.

1. From the dazzling night markets

My luck was that I arrived in Switzerland on the very day the Christmas markets started operating. The Christmas markets here usually open in the evening. While Zurich kicks off the Christmas season with a light show on November 17th, in Montreux and Lausanne, people decorate and open their night markets on November 21st. Typically, the festive season lasts until the end of December.

In Zurich, they will choose the Swiss National Museum as the venue for the light show. Stories about Christmas Eve and cheerful music will be projected onto the museum's historic exterior walls. For me, the light festival is not only the first glimpse of the approaching Christmas atmosphere but also an indescribable feeling of excitement at the breathtaking scenery unfolding before my eyes.

When the familiar Christmas melody "Jingle bells, jingle bells. Jingle all the way" rings out somewhere, a feeling of peace fills the soul.

Bao Khuyen

In Montreux and Lausanne, the Christmas markets are more elaborately prepared than in Zurich, with charming little wooden houses neatly arranged along a bustling street. While Montreux chooses the shores of Lake Leman as the center of its market, Lausanne selects the grounds surrounding the city cathedral to kick off the festive season.

This market typically has a few dozen small stalls, all with similar designs but decorated according to the owner's aesthetic taste. Nevertheless, these stalls all become vibrant and eye-catching when night falls.

Here, there are stalls that only serve mulled wine – not premium wine, but it's still delicious because it's served hot. This type of wine is usually made from red wine combined with a little cinnamon, sometimes with fruit and herbs. Other stalls might offer jewelry, warm clothing, souvenirs, chocolate, or simply melted cheese – a Swiss specialty.

2. Visit the sun-drenched makeshift markets.

But Switzerland is not just about night markets. If you go out at 9 a.m., you'll come across impromptu markets lining the streets. They're called impromptu markets because they aren't fixed in any particular location; locals bring their produce and food from their homes, set up stalls, and sell them until noon.

Unlike seasonal Christmas markets, this one is open every day. In Zurich, you'll find stalls along the picturesque Limmat River. In Lausanne, you'll see them scattered throughout the small streets, even displayed in front of famous fashion boutiques.

The morning market has a bustling and somewhat hurried atmosphere. Typically, people quickly select the goods they like and return home to prepare for lunch, never taking their time as leisurely as when immersing themselves in the evening market.

At this market, you'll find all sorts of fresh, beautiful vegetables, but during Advent, you'll also see countless lovely flower stalls with Christmas wreaths already prepared by the vendors. Just pick one to hang on your door, and Christmas is here!

Bao Khuyen