It’s no surprise that Braden and I love Switzerland. After we visited on our honeymoon in 2016, we’ve been back three times. Switzerland is breathtaking any time of year, but Switzerland during the Christmas season? Pure magic.
The twinkling lights, festive markets, and snow-dusted landscapes create a holiday wonderland straight out of a storybook. With its charming cities, efficient transportation, artisan gifts, and delicious seasonal treats, Switzerland during Christmastime is an experience like no other. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of this magical destination.
CITIES TO VISIT
Zurich
Zurich blends modern sophistication with old-world charm, making it a perfect starting point for your Swiss adventure. Its vibrant Christmas markets, boutique shopping, and cozy cafés offer plenty to explore. Don’t miss a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, especially when it’s illuminated with sparkling holiday lights.
Basel
Known for its art scene and rich history, Basel comes alive during the holidays with some of the country’s most beautiful Christmas markets. The festive atmosphere around Münsterplatz is truly enchanting, and the Rhine River adds a romantic touch to this lively city.
Bern
Switzerland’s capital feels like stepping into a snow globe, especially during the holiday season. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is lined with market stalls and festive decorations, while Bern Sternenmarkt offers unique gifts and delicious seasonal treats.
Interlaken
A gateway to the Swiss Alps, Interlaken is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it’s a great spot for winter activities like skiing or just soaking in the alpine beauty.
Fun fact: we went skydiving over the over the Swiss Alps here on our honeymoon!
Lauterbrunnen
The city you’ve bound to have seen on your Instagram feed. It’s known as the valley of waterfalls and is a dreamy winter escape. Its dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls look even more magical when dusted with snow. The most charming and quaint town!
Grindelwald
A quintessential alpine village, Grindelwald is postcard-perfect during the winter months. It’s a fantastic spot for snow sports or simply enjoying a cozy meal with views of the iconic Eiger mountain.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS TO VISIT
Zurich Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz
Our favorite market of the trip! Located by the opera house, this magical market is brimming with charm, offering handmade gifts and delicious local food. The string lights and Christmas magic was unlike anything we’d ever seen before.
Zurich Hauptbahnhof
One of Europe’s largest indoor Christmas markets, this is a must-see with its iconic Swarovski tree and rows of festive stalls!
Zurich Lindenhof
This market was set in Zurich’s historic district, and had the coziest, traditional vibe, which was perfect for soaking in the holiday spirit.
Zurich Illuminarium
Located next to the Swiss National Museum, this market was extremely memorable because of its magical light show. It’s a visual treat you won’t forget!
Basel Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz
Basel’s Christmas market at the Münsterplatz is especially stunning, surrounded by the historic cathedral and offering unique artisan gifts.
Bern Sternenmarkt
This iconic “star market” is a whimsical mix of twinkling lights, handcrafted goods, and delicious food. While we loved visiting this market, we did note that it was exceptionally crowded.
Bern Münsterplatz
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Bern Minster, this Christmas market felt like stepping into a festive postcard. The twinkling lights, charming wooden stalls, and the scent of mulled wine in the crisp air made it impossible not to feel the holiday spirit.
Bern Waisenhausplatz
This market captured the festive essence of Bern with plenty of stalls to browse for unique finds. This was one of Braden’s favorite markets.
WHERE TO STAY
For this trip, we decided to have two home bases, and it worked out perfectly for exploring the markets we had on our wishlist.
Zurich Central Plaza
In Zurich, we stayed at the Central Plaza Hotel, and its location couldn’t have been better. Right in the heart of the city, it gave us easy access to the Christmas markets, shopping, and the main train station, which was less than a 5-minute walk. The rooms were modern and cozy, and we loved starting each morning with their delicious breakfast before heading out to explore.
Hotel Märthof Basel
In Basel, we stayed at the Hotel Märthof. The boutique-style hotel is nestled in the Old Town, just steps from Basel’s best Christmas markets. Our room had a beautiful blend of comfort and style, and the staff made us feel right at home. Plus, waking up to views of the historic city streets during Christmastime was nothing short of magical.
THINGS TO TRY
One of the best parts of visiting Switzerland during the holidays is indulging in all the amazing food and drinks. Here are a few must-tries from our trip:
Swiss Fondue
I don’t think there’s anything cozier than sitting down to a steaming pot of Swiss fondue on a chilly evening. Dipping crusty bread into that rich, melty cheese was pure heaven—and I may have gone back for “just one more” bite a few too many times.
Mulled Wine (Glühwein)
Every Christmas market had its own take on mulled wine, and I loved sipping it from the adorable market mugs. The warm spices and hint of citrus were perfect for keeping my hands warm and my holiday spirit high.
Hot Chocolate
Swiss hot chocolate is like no other—rich, velvety, and completely decadent. It was the perfect treat to enjoy while wandering through the festive markets or warming up after a day in the snow.
Cheeses
From creamy raclette served fresh off the wheel to nutty Gruyère, I couldn’t get enough of Switzerland’s cheeses. They’re a staple at almost every market stall, and pairing them with fresh bread made for the perfect snack.
Local Holiday-Inspired Treats
Every market had its own unique holiday treats, and I made it a point to try as many as possible. Gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, spiced nuts—you name it, I tried it. Each bite felt like a little taste of Christmas magic.
THINGS TO COLLECT
At each Christmas market, you’ll find charming mugs or glasses that accompany your mulled wine or hot chocolate. These mugs are available for a small deposit, which you can reclaim or keep as a souvenir. Each market has its own unique designs, so we made it a tradition to bring home a mug from every market we visited. Now, every holiday season, we bring out our collection and relive the magic of Switzerland’s Christmas markets.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Switzerland’s train system is legendary—efficient, clean, and incredibly user-friendly. We recommend purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass (Full or Half) to make getting around stress-free. The pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, making it the easiest way to hop between cities and take in the stunning scenery along the way. Plus, many train routes offer panoramic views that feel like a journey through a winter wonderland.
Switzerland during the holidays is truly a special experience. From magical markets and delicious treats to breathtaking alpine scenery, every moment feels like a postcard come to life. Whether it’s your first visit or your fourth, this festive destination has a way of stealing your heart every time!
I promise we’ll be back, Switzerland… ❤️
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