
Travel diary
Published on 02.12.2025
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The snow is here, the cold makes clouds of steam come out of your mouth, the fir trees stand tall and are lit up with decorations everywhere. What does that inspire in you?
Winter isn't just the long-awaited season for skiing and snow sports: the festive season is approaching, now more than ever. In the streets and villages, the lights come on and shine with a warm, soft glow, chasing away the chill of the night.
In the plains and mountains alike, the magic of winter leaves no one indifferent, and traditional Christmas markets spring up throughout the Vaud Alps. Come and discover them: they are waiting for you, for infinitely more beautiful celebrations.

© Matthias Lehmann
Head to Aigle to immerse yourself in the magic of the festive season! Every Friday and Saturday evening in December, from 4pm to 8pm, musical entertainment will add to the friendly and festive atmosphere on the Place du Marché. Enjoy the warm atmosphere with a wood fire, mulled wine, raclette, grilled cervelas sausages and other local delicacies. Add to that quality catering, local produce and wine tastings from the region: an ideal opportunity to get together with family or friends before the end-of-year celebrations. And on Sunday 21 December, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., come and mark the imminent approach of Christmas.
Nestled on a plateau between Mont d'Or and Pic Chaussy, the Espace Nordique des Mosses centre is transforming into a Christmas market to celebrate the start of winter with local artisans and designers. On Saturday 6 December, from 11am to 6pm, and Sunday 7 December, from 10am to 5pm, numerous local artisans will be showcasing their work, offering you an excellent opportunity to stock up on gifts. An enchanting setting, the smell of cinnamon and pine trees, a glass of mulled wine: the perfect recipe for a magical moment.
Local artisans showcase their creations in an incomparable winter setting © Ginier Gretel
On Saturday 13 December, from 10am to 4pm, the Bellerin des 4 Saisons market will take place in Bex for a day under the Christmas stars and celebrating the circular economy. Held in the school playground, this market aims to promote local, regional and seasonal crafts, as well as handmade and homemade products. In addition to the organised activities, games, workshops and entertainment, it is a unique opportunity to bring together villagers, artisans, artists, local companies, associations and traders for a day of sharing and exchange. You may even discover forgotten crafts, for a Christmas day that is both magical and rich in heritage!
Leysin is holding its Christmas market on Saturday 13 December, from 10am to 6.30pm, and on Sunday 14 December, from 10am to 5.30pm. At the sports centre by the ice rink, at the entrance to the village, around fifty passionate artisans will be on hand to inspire you and treat you to something special. With original creations, local products and handmade items, you'll have no shortage of ideas for those last-minute gifts!
There will also be plenty of entertainment throughout the day: the eagerly awaited visit from Father Christmas will delight young and old alike, not to mention the food stalls. And of course, the famous rally competition will be back, much to the delight of participants!

The magic of Christmas, for young and old alike © José Crespo
On the village square, opposite the station, the Villars Christmas Market sets up its chalets to welcome traders and craftspeople from 19 December, and stays open until 4 January 2026! You can enjoy seasonal dishes, taste local produce and discover Alpine crafts, every day from 11.30am to 8pm. Every evening is a real celebration, with entertainment and numerous free concerts on the programme. Father Christmas will even be there on 25 December from 4pm, with lots of surprises in store...

The lights and decorations of the Villars Christmas market illuminate the entire village © jayblatti
The village of Les Diablerets is hosting its traditional Christmas market. On Saturday 20 December, from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 21 December, from 10am to 5pm, come and discover the creations of many artisans, often local, sometimes from further afield. Tasting stands will also allow you to enjoy a moment of sharing with friends or family, and perhaps find your last-minute gifts! Hosted in the Maison des Congrès, the market is easily accessible.
The whole weekend will also be dedicated to music, with the Leysin - Les Ormonts Music School, and gastronomy, with authentic papet vaudois to taste in a typical setting!

In addition to the craft stalls inside, the chalets set up outside blend into the valley's winter scenery © J.Aymon
The Christmas markets are in full swing, and the season is flying by at breakneck speed. On 24 December, for those who can't wait, Father Christmas will be making a well-deserved stop at the Gryon ice rink for a big round of gift-giving. It's an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon full of magic and enchant the little ones with a festive and unforgettable experience. And then, suddenly, it will be Christmas Eve!
No matter where your travels take you through the Alpes Vaudoises, the abundance of our Christmas markets, the diversity of our landscapes and the gentle way of life in our villages invite you to enjoy a truly wonderful festive season.

Happy holidays!

The Christmas spirit embraces Villars