When you plan your vacation to Switzerland for the festive season, you get exclusive access to an array of Christmas markets and merry celebrations. Millions of people come each year during the Christmas holidays to see the country’s magical winter landscapes. Whatever your travel style—solo, with family or in a big group—you can rest assured that the country offers wintertime festivities and activities for everyone.
Finding the Perfect Winter Retreat
Switzerland offers a variety of lodging options that are perfect for holiday vacations. Chalets with picturesque mountain vistas, cozy fireplaces and rustic charm provide the classic alpine experience in the middle of snowy landscapes.
Luxurious hotels in Zurich and Geneva furnish guests with sumptuous rooms, fine cuisine and spa services. Boutique guesthouses throughout some of the smaller villages beckon visitors to embrace the local culture and customs.
Skiing Snowy Slopes
Skiers and snowboarders will love Switzerland’s world-class destinations like Zermatt, which has the Matterhorn and miles of groomed slopes. The Swiss Alps become a dazzling white landscape during the winter, creating a spectacular and stunning backdrop for various winter sports.
Guests in Zermatt can enjoy state-of-the-art lift systems, first-rate ski schools and a lively après-ski environment. Verbier, thanks to its difficult slopes, high-end lodgings and exciting nightlife, is another popular location for winter sports fans who prefer a mix of adventure and luxury.
Festive Shopping at Christmas Markets
Historic plazas in Zurich and Basel come alive with throngs of vendors selling everything from seasonal delicacies to festive decor. Lakeside markets in communities like Lucerne and Montreux feature traditional wooden kiosks and handcrafted items while glittering lights reflect off the water. These markets also provide a chance to experience Swiss Christmas customs up close and personal, like gingerbread decorating, candle making and enjoying mulled wine (glühwein).
Delicious Treats
Many of Switzerland’s local bakeries, Christmas markets and traditional Swiss eateries serve an assortment of holiday dishes and cuisine. “Mailänderli,” a buttery biscuit sprinkled with lemon zest and often molded into festive shapes, is one such treat. Many tourists indulge their taste buds with “Basler Läckerli,” a basle-style spiced honey and almond cookie, or “Bündner Nusstorte,” a delicious Graubünden-style nut-filled pastry.
Magical Sleigh Rides
Sleigh rides in Switzerland are the epitome of a winter holiday due to the country’s breathtaking surroundings. You can load the whole family into a sleigh or go sledding by yourself. Just like skiing, sledding has its own unique culture and spirit. It’s a family-fun activity that’s perfect for those of all ages. Zermatt is one of the country’s best locations for sleigh rides thanks to its exquisite views of the iconic Matterhorn Peak. Another excellent location is Engadin Valley, which boasts panoramic scenes of several traditional Swiss villages.
Stay Warm in Mother Nature’s Hot Springs
Planning a visit to a hot spring during your winter vacation is a wonderful way to stay warm while calming the mind and body. The thermal baths at Leukerbad in the Valais Alps provide a one-of-a-kind chance to unwind in mineral-rich waters while gazing at majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance. Tamina Therme, located in the charming community of Bad Ragaz, is another hot spot that’s well-known for its therapeutic thermal waters. Bogn Engiadina Scuol in the Engadin Valley provides an exclusive blend of contemporary spa amenities and classic Roman-Irish baths.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Walks
Christmas Eve candlelight walks are a long-standing tradition in the country. Vacationers can experience a mystical ambiance as they stroll ancient streets decked with festive decorations and sparkling lights in Zurich and Basel. The candlelit walkways weave through cobblestone streets and snow-covered vistas in tiny mountain communities. Each year, communities all across the world gather for these walks, which symbolize the joy and togetherness of the holiday season.
Ice Skating on Frozen Lakes
A lot of people agree that skating on a frozen lake versus an artificial rink makes the experience more enjoyable. A few of the top locations for skating on frozen lakes include Lake Sils close to St. Moritz, Lake Oeschinen in the Bernese Oberland and Lake St. Moritz in the Engadin Valley. With their perfect frozen surfaces and stunning Alpine scenery, these water bodies provide the ultimate ice skating experience.
Unforgettable Train Rides
One of the best things to do when vacationing in Switzerland during the holidays is to go on a scenic train ride. You’ll have plenty of photo-worthy scenery to capture, including snow-covered mountains and frozen waterfalls. The Glacier Express train ride is an eight-hour journey that takes you over 291 bridges as you meander through mountains and valleys. If you go on the Bernina Express, you’ll enjoy beautiful vistas of glaciers as you pass over 196 bridges.
Are You Ready to Book a Winter Vacation?
Now that you know all that Switzerland has to offer during the winter, are you ready to book your next vacation? From skiing mountain slopes to walking candlelit streets and much more, the country is sure to delight travelers of all ages.
