Soon it will be Christmas Day!
St. Gallen, known as the “Sternenstadt” or City of Stars, transforms into one of Switzerland’s most vibrant festive destinations during Christmas.
According to Bodensee Tourismus, roughly 600 to 700 iconic star-shaped lights called “Allerstern” (translates to “St. Gallen Star”) hang overhead across the historic Old Town and the UNESCO World Heritage Abbey District. Each glowing star features 14 rays, which symbolically represent the 14 districts of the city coming together. Instead of just staying lit the whole time, they are programmed to light up in a sequence.
How to spend the perfect festive weekend at St. Gallen during Christmas?
If you are thinking of spending Christmas in Europe next month, there is no better place than St. Gallen, in northeastern Switzerland. It lies south of Lake Constance (Bodensee) and near the borders of Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein.
Recognized as the capital of the Canton of St. Gallen, the city sits in a valley between Lake Constance and the Appenzell Alps. It is home to the historic Abbey District of St. Gallen, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
What to look for at St. Gallen during Christmas time?
The Christmas season in St. Gallen starts on November 26 and runs through December 24. When you visit St. Gallen during the festive weekend, don’t forget to see the “City of Stars” illumination. Around 700 glowing overhead stars (known as Allerstern) light up the old historic town.
Another fascinating feature that draws tourists every Christmas is the UNESCO backdrop that stretches across the Bohl and Market Square. A giant Christmas tree stands in the monastery square during the Advent and Christmas season, adorned with 18,000 lights. It also features seasonal choir performances and concerts.
According to the official website of Sternenstadt St. Gallen, the Christmas market stands and food stalls will be open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the market is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy meals and Glühwein (Mulled Wine) stands, available Monday to Friday (except Thursday) from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The St. Gallen Christmas market includes two dozen wooden houses and chalets. During the festive season, you can grab a bite of the famous St. Gallen bratwurst, biberli gingerbread, raclette, schüblig sausages and Swiss chocolates.
Festive weekend itinerary
To reach St. Gallen for its Christmas market, fly into the nearest major international airport (Zürich Airport (ZRH)) or a regional airport on Friday evening, then continue by train or bus. Check into a hotel in or near the center. Take a stroll through the starlit lanes, and visit Gallusplatz market for your first Glühwein and Bratwurst. Take pictures of the illuminated Abbey District and Christmas tree.
On Saturday, explore the UNESCO Abbey District, then visit the Baroque Cathedral and the spectacular Abbey Library, with its Rococo hall and medieval manuscripts. Hop to a local eatery for traditional food, then wander the old town’s streets in the afternoon and shop for crafts and specialties. In the evening, catch any seasonal events.
On Sunday morning, explore more of the Abbey District, then visit Constance/Rorschach in the afternoon for lakeside views. In the evening, visit the market to buy souvenirs, local Swiss specialties and handmade holiday items. Food and local delicacies include Biberli (spiced gingerbread pastry filled with sweet almond paste or marzipan), white sausage (grilled hot at the market stalls), raclette and fondue (melted cheese scraped over hot potatoes with pickles and pearl onions), sweets and baked goods.
