The market, and when it opens
Montreux Noël runs from 20 November to 24 December 2026 along nearly a kilometre of decorated lakeside promenade, with around 150–170 chalets, a Flying Santa over the lake each evening, and Santa's house reached by cogwheel train up to Rochers-de-Naye. Chillon Castle holds its own medieval market on three December weekends. Hours vary by day, so confirm them on the official site (montreuxnoel.com) before you travel.
Getting there — and the comfort case
Montreux is roughly two hours by road from Zurich and its airport, strung along the Lake Geneva shore where December parking near the promenade is tight. Reaching it by train from the German-speaking side means changes with luggage; a private chauffeur turns that into a single door-to-door ride, with stops you choose along the way — a lake viewpoint, lunch, or Chillon Castle.
Why travellers book a private transfer
Swiss Touristy has run private, fixed-price transfers across Switzerland for 25+ years, including the run from Zurich and Zurich Airport to Montreux and the Riviera. You see the full price for your route before you travel — no meter, no surprises. Airport pickups include 60 minutes of free waiting from your effective arrival time and a meet-and-greet at arrivals, and every quote allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup. For families and international visitors arriving with luggage, it is the calm way to reach the lake.