At a glance
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When? The four weekends before Christmas: 27 to 29 November, 4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 20 December 2026. Friday 2 pm to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.
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Price? Entry to the market is free.
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What to expect? Around forty chalets along the Rue du Bourg, in the setting of the medieval town. The market is held along the Rue du Bourg, below the castle, which is a separate visit. Allow about an hour for the market, half a day with a meal, the castle or one of the activities.
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Paying: there is no cash machine (ATM) in the medieval town. Withdraw cash before you come, or pay by card.
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Getting here: parking spaces are scarce at weekends. The train is the easiest option.
How to get to Gruyères
Good to know: on a December weekend, finding a parking space in Gruyères takes patience. The train spares you the wait and drops you at the foot of the medieval town.
By train (recommended)
From Lausanne or Geneva: to Palézieux, then a direct train to Gruyères, twice an hour.
From Fribourg, Bern or Zurich: to Bulle, then a regional train to Gruyères.
From Montreux or Valais: via Montbovon, then a train to Gruyères. The journey alone is worth it.
From the station to the medieval town. The station is at the bottom of the hill, opposite La Maison du Gruyère.
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On foot: 900 m and a 15-minute climb, with about 50 m of ascent.
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By bus: line 260, two departures an hour, 2 minutes to the Gruyères, ville stop, at the entrance to the market.
By car
The car parks are in two areas.
At the top, by the entrance to the medieval town. Three car parks, a 5-minute walk from the market. At weekends, they fill up quickly. On arrival, follow the signs: our staff will direct you to free spaces.
At the bottom, near the station. The car park at La Maison du Gruyère, with an overflow area that we open when the weather allows. From there, walk up to the medieval town in 15 minutes or take the bus. Why not visit La Maison du Gruyère when you arrive?
All car parks are paid. Parking meters accept cards, Twint (the Swiss mobile payment app), cash and payment by app.
On very busy days, we open additional car parks in Epagny or Enney, with a shuttle to the medieval town. This service only runs when needed: our staff will direct you there if required.
By coach
Six coach spaces are available at car park P1, without reservation, for CHF 10.– paid at the parking meter. If they are taken, drop your passengers off at the Gruyères, ville bus stop, at the entrance to the market. Our staff will then show the driver where to park.
By motorbike or bicycle
Motorbikes park free of charge at the far end of P1. For bicycles, there is a bike rack in front of the entrance to the medieval town. Remember to bring a lock.
When to come and how long to stay
For a quiet stroll
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Friday, all afternoon.
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Saturday and Sunday morning, from opening at 10 am.
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Friday and Saturday evening, after 6 pm.
On Saturday and Sunday between 12 noon and 5.30 pm, the street is very busy, especially in fine weather.
For the lights
Night falls around 5 pm. This is when the medieval town lights up, and when the market is at its most atmospheric.
How long to stay
The market takes about an hour to explore. For half a day, add a meal in the medieval town, a visit to the castle or the family treasure hunt.
What if it rains or snows?
We open in all weathers, and under snow the medieval town is at its most beautiful. If the weather becomes dangerous, we close as a precaution and announce it here and on La Gruyère Tourisme's Instagram account.
The streets are cobbled and steep. We clear the main paths, but they can remain slippery in winter: wear shoes with a good grip. The market is outdoors, and the restaurants in the medieval town are there to warm you up.
To check the weather before you set off: Gruyères webcam
How to pay on site
There is no cash machine (ATM) in the medieval town. Withdraw cash before you come, for example in Bulle.
Most chalets accept cards and cash, and many also accept Twint. Each stallholder displays the payment methods they accept.
Coming with euros? They are often accepted, but at an unfavourable rate: ask before paying. You can exchange money at the Gruyères post office, during its opening hours. If you pay by card, always choose to pay in Swiss francs: your bank will convert at a better rate.
Where to eat and take a break
Along the chalets, you will find snacks and something to warm you up: regional specialities, Christmas treats, hot drinks. See the 2026 stallholders
The restaurants in the medieval town generally serve all day. At weekend mealtimes, booking is advisable. Restaurants in Gruyères
An allergy or a special diet? Ask directly at the chalet or restaurant.
For a break, several spots are ideal: the Place du Pilori, in front of the tourist office, or, when cleared of snow, the ramparts and the Clos-au-Cerf park.
Toilets, luggage, help: where to go
Toilets
Public toilets, free and open day and night:
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Ruelle des Chevaliers 1a, on the way from the car parks. Wheelchair accessible, with baby changing facilities.
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Rue du Bourg 33, in the heart of the market. Access via one step.
Tourist office
We welcome you at Rue du Bourg 1, at the entrance to the market, every day from 10.30 am to 12 noon and from 1 pm to 4.30 pm. For any questions about Gruyères and the region.
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Luggage. Leave it with us free of charge during opening hours. If you have several bags, let us know before your visit.
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First aid. A first-aid post and a defibrillator are available at Rue du Bourg 1, throughout the market's opening hours.
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Lost something? Ask at the tourist office, or check easyfind.ch.
After 4.30 pm, the tourist office closes, but our team remains in the street until the market closes.
Accessibility
Reduced mobility
The medieval town is accessible, but getting around takes some effort: cobblestones, slopes, a few steps.
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Three reserved parking spaces are located at P1, just before the entrance to the medieval town.
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The toilets at Ruelle des Chevaliers 1a are wheelchair accessible.
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A wheelchair can be borrowed from the tourist office, subject to availability.
For access to restaurants and museums, check with each venue, or ask us.
Pushchairs
Pushchairs can go everywhere, but you will feel the cobbles and the climb. A pushchair with large wheels, or a baby carrier, will make your visit more comfortable. Baby changing facilities are available at the Ruelle des Chevaliers 1a toilets.
If you prefer to avoid crowds
Come on Friday, at weekends from 10 am, or in the evening after 6 pm: the street is quieter, and the chalets just as brightly lit. For a moment of calm, the ramparts and the Clos-au-Cerf park are away from the bustle, when cleared of snow.
With your four-legged friend
Your dog is welcome in the street and on terraces. For its comfort, avoid weekend afternoons, when the crowds are at their densest.
Where to stay, what to see
Staying in Gruyères and the region
For a night in the medieval town, or on a Friday or Saturday, book early: rooms go quickly in December. All accommodation in the region
After 20 December
The market ends on 20 December: the chalets and entertainment leave the street. The medieval town stays lit up into January, and the castle, the museums and La Maison du Gruyère remain open, according to their winter opening hours.
What to see during your visit
In the medieval town
In the region
Any questions?
Write to us or call us, we will be happy to help.
Gruyères Tourist Office