St. Gallen Christmas Market 2026: The City of Stars, Map & Hotels
Every December, St. Gallen hangs hundreds of illuminated stars over the lanes of its old town. Locals call it the "Sternenstadt", the city of stars. Under them, a Christmas market winds through the streets around the abbey district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's an hour from Zurich and still little known to international visitors.
Map: St. Gallen's Christmas market and the hotels around it
| Market | 2026 dates | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| St. Gallen Christmas market (old town) | about Nov 26 – Dec 24 (to confirm) | check official site |
Plan your visit
- Dates: the market usually runs from late November to December 24. The 2026 dates weren't confirmed when we last checked, so look at the official St. Gallen tourism site before booking.
- Best time: after dark, when the stars are lit. Start at Marktgasse and drift towards the abbey.
- Getting there: about an hour from Zurich by direct train.
Don't miss
- The Abbey Library (Stiftsbibliothek): one of the most beautiful baroque rooms in the world, with felt slippers handed out at the door to protect the floor. Book a ticket and go in daylight.
- A St. Galler Bratwurst: the city's famous white veal sausage, traditionally eaten with a crusty bread roll and without mustard. Locals are serious about this.
- Appenzeller Biber: a spiced honey cake filled with almond paste, from the next-door Appenzell region. It's the best edible souvenir in eastern Switzerland.
Where to stay
The old town is small: stay within walking distance of the abbey and the market is on your doorstep. The map above shows live prices for your dates.
Warm up
Eastern Switzerland is spa country. Add a night in the green hills of Appenzell, 45 minutes away, or in the thermal town of Bad Ragaz, about an hour away:
Hotel Hof Weissbad
Weissbad · Appenzell Innerrhoden
Renowned wellness hotel at the trailheads of the Alpstein (Seealpsee, Ebenalp).
Check rates & availability →Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Bad Ragaz · St. Gallen
Five-star spa resort fed by the Tamina gorge thermal spring.
Check rates & availability →Tamina Therme
Bad Ragaz · St. Gallen
Public thermal baths with indoor and outdoor pools at 36°C.
FAQ
Does St. Gallen have a Christmas market?
Yes. It's held in the old town around the abbey district, under a canopy of illuminated stars.
When is the St. Gallen Christmas market in 2026?
It's expected from about late November to December 24, 2026, but dates aren't confirmed. Check the official St. Gallen tourism website.
How far is St. Gallen from Zurich?
About an hour by direct train.