UAE: Jingle Bells all around the Swiss Christmas Market

By Maisoon Mubarak, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi: A replica of a Swiss Alpine village boasting 40 wooden decorated chalets was brought to life Wednesday to mark the eleventh edition of the Swiss Christmas Market at the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi.

Organised by the Swiss Business Council in Abu Dhabi, the free-of-entry event runs until December 12, (Saturday) for residents who are yearning for a slice of home garnished with a Christmas vibe.

A wide-ranging array of Christmas essentials went on display for visitors to buy from ahead of the official celebrations on December 25.

Souvenirs, gift boxes, cutlery, handmade accessories, candles, flowers, soaps, photographs, frames and gingerbread man, among others, are all available at the market for purchase.

Gingerbread man enthusiasts can make their way to More Café’s chalet to satisfy their craving buds. Prices range from Dh9 to Dh250 for larger gift boxes.

‘Palm Lights’, another chalet, offers passersby a range of chemical-free, handmade candles. Their prices are as low as Dh20 and can go up to Dh180, depending on the size of each candle.

For visitors who aim to settle for gifts that celebrate the UAE’s splendour and also capture the essence of this holiday, they can pay a visit to the ‘Fluke Imagery’ chalet, which offers Ashwood frames and boxes sheltered with pictures of some of the country’s iconic landmarks. Prices range between Dh170 to Dh250.

Meanwhile, handmade Kenyan ‘Kikoy Towels’, which are usually wrapped around Kenyan men’s or women’s bodies and tied at their waist or below their armpits, are a central attraction at the ‘M & M’ stand. Other handmade accessories are also available at the chalet, which featured additional exquisite items; prices range between Dh10 to Dh350.

The Special Care Centre in Abu Dhabi was also one of the event’s participants. Paintings drawn by children with special needs from the Centre were hung on a wall for purchase and the money later goes to a donation box.

Visitors were also treated to free chocolate goodies from the Lindt stand, another mainstay of the market.

Speaking to Gulf News on the sidelines of the launch, Jean-Marc Suter, president of the Swiss Business Council, said: “This event has been a success story. We only started with 15 or 20 chalets and now we have 40, so it has been growing. It is all about bringing a Swiss flavour to the UAE.”

“This is for all the community, of all ages and nationalities, to indulge in Swiss delicacies,” he added.

Original Appenzeller Streichmusik Alder, a famous Swiss folklore band, along with local school choirs, performed songs on stage, stirring a sense of festivity among the crowd.

Another musical band dressed in a Santa Claus costumes performed ‘Jingle Bells’ as they toured the market with huge crowds singing along and clapping to the beat.

Guests can visit the ‘wall of Christmas wishes’ to express their celebratory wishes and greetings through their own writings.

They can also take a stroll down by the beach and unwind with their loved ones. Gulf News spoke to several of them, many of whom were from different countries and said that the event sparked a ‘wintry’ Christmas vibe.

The market was also held under the patronage of the Embassy of Switzerland, in association with Nestlé.

Market’s details:

What: Swiss Christmas Market

Where: Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

When: Until December 12, Saturday

Entry: Free of charge