Over the last year and a half I have taken part in several artists markets in Zermatt. These have been opposite Migros, at Turbina, in the Forest Fun Park and at Zermatt Kitchen.

My very first market - The Lebensraum Christmas Market

The very first market I ever had a stand at, was the Lebensraum Zermatt Christmas Market in December 2024.

The morning started out rather hectically, as snow was forecast. There was a mad dash to borrow some gazebos from Tasch, as many of the stallholders and artists (like me) had products that couldn’t get wet. Unfortunately, after all that, it was simply too windy to put the gazebos up and it was looking like we’d have to cancel the event. After a few alternative space ideas were thrown around, we were able to get permission to use a covered outdoor area nearby, and we were able to go ahead!

There was a lovely selection of various local artists and artisans with their handmade products and produce. Some kids also decorated cakes and cookies and their mums sold mulled wine. It had a great atmosphere.

Despite the day not going to plan, the covered area actually made it a little warmer than it would have been otherwise, and it was so lovely to meet so many customers in person and talk about my illustrations.

My stand at the Lebensraum Christmas Market in Zermatt, December 2024.

My most successful market

In September 2025, another market was organised in the outdoor seating area between Migros and the ice rink. This was a two day event and was on all day, rather than just the evening.

I think this one was my most successful market, not because it was two days (I’ve counted the first day as my most successful, and the second day as actually my third best as another market took the second spot!), but because people came to browse on their lunch breaks and after work, not just when they’d come into town to nip to the supermarket.

A group of us had previously held a small market twice at Zermatt Kitchen, but these were during the day in the winter, and most people were on the mountain so they weren’t very successful. During the day, on lovely warm late summer days was perfect.

And selling a few originals was definitely the highlight!

Me and my stand at the Zermatt market in September 2025.

Alpine Tones Illustration stand at one of the Zermatt Kitchen Markets last winter.

The market that surprised me the most

In March this year, a combination flea market and artist market was held at Turbina. It’s off the beaten (icy!) track, at one end of town, so I’ll be honest, I was a little surprised that this was as successful for me as it was! I think the flea market combo was a real pull for locals and I sold lots of low priced items like the holographic Matterhorn stickers, A5 prints and scrunchies. This was also one of my favourite markets because it was the only one I’ve done indoors!!

The Matterhorn Galaxy Holographic Stickers - my bestseller at the Turbina Artist & Flea Market

Alpine Tones Illustration at the Turbina Artist & Flea Market in March 2026.

What I love about markets

The best bit about in person markets is getting to meet customers in person. Even if you stop by and don’t buy anything, I love to chat about watercolour and how I make my patterns and products. It’s especially lovely when returning customers bring their friends along to see and even purchase!

New handmade clay earrings first available at the Forest Fun Park Market in Zermatt, October 2025.

My advice for those new to selling at markets

The best advice I received before my first outdoor market was to stand on something so your feet don’t get as cold. Brilliant! Thank you Judith! I have a silver backed camping pad that folds up easily that I now take to every outdoor market, no matter the weather forecast. It really makes a difference when you’re standing still for so long.

Bring snacks. Unless you want to spend all your earnings on food from other stands or the café next door, bring snacks. Make sure they’re bite sized - Don’t bring a massive juicy sandwich that you’ll either drip all over your work or end up with sticky fingers, or a potential customer will spring up out of nowhere when you’ve got your mouth full of bread.

If it’s cold, a hot flask of tea. Although at last year’s Christmas market I poured out a paper cup of tea, then ended up leaving it whilst talking to and serving people, and within an hour it had frozen solid!!

Make friends with the stall holders next to you. You’ll have a much nicer day if you can have a lovely chat when there’s a lull in visitors. Plus they’ll be invaluable in keeping an eye on things when you need to nip to the toilet!

And lastly, bring something to do! Speaking of lulls in the crowd, bring some materials to do some live painting, or whatever your craft or specialty is. It’ll keep you entertained and may even entice new visitors over to watch!

Live painting at the September Market in Zermatt, 2025.

What I hope for future markets in Zermatt

Switzerland celebrates its birthday on 1st August, and last year in Zermatt we had a two day street festival. Plans are underway to have a stand there this year.

I really hope that the September market takes place again this year (2026). It was so good to have it during the day.

In the mean time, I usually bring along a small selection of items to my watercolour workshops.

I am also writing my wholesale catalogue and am planning to have my painting, prints and products stocked in various shops in Zermatt and around Switzerland.

If you’re a Swiss shopowner and you’d like to stock my work, please drop me an email at victoria@alpinetonesillustration, I would love to hear from you.

Zermatt Artist Markets