Switzerland's Festive Christmas Cities: Winter Magic Unveiled for Travelers to Discover Heartwarming Journeys, Funi Fondue Adventures, Historic Railcar Excursions, St. Gallen Tours and More

Swiss cities come alive during the festive season, filled with the inviting warmth of mulled wine, melodious Christmas tunes, sparkling decorations, and rich aromas that herald the joyful lead-up to Christmas through their vibrant Christmas markets.

BadenBaden transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with festive lights. The city hosts not just one, but three Christmas villages, making it a hub of holiday celebrations. The Badener WunderDorf at Theaterplatz offers a charming market and a variety of street food, enveloping visitors in a festive glow as they wander through the bustling city center.

BernBern features multiple Christmas markets, each with its distinct flair: the traditional market at Waisenhausplatz, the artisan market near Bern Minster, and the stylish Star Market at Kleine Schanze. Bern enhances its Advent allure with winter pop-ups, all conveniently walkable and close to the unique shopping opportunities offered by the boutiques and studios under the arcades of its UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Biel / BienneThe festive season in Biel is marked by the charming Christmas market along Nidaugasse, where the air is filled with the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine. A notable attraction is the glassblower in Nidaugasse, captivating visitors with his art.

LuganoLugano, the gem of southern Switzerland, is memorable for its festive lights, elegantly decorated Christmas tree, and market stalls that charm visitors of all ages, enhanced by the sweet scent of cinnamon in the air.

MontreuxThe Montreux Christmas market offers a picturesque setting on the lakeside promenade, where visitors can also meet Father Christmas at Rochers-de-Naye. The festive experience continues at Chillon Castle, beautifully decked out in holiday decor.

As the Advent season rolls in, Swiss cities come alive with breathtaking Christmas lights and captivating light shows, turning each location into a wonderland of winter charm. The glow and allure of these lights amplify the enchanting holiday spirit.

Illuminarium Zurich The National Museum's inner courtyard metamorphoses into a luminous winter fantasy land for several weeks. A captivating light show, lasting nearly 30 minutes, features mystical mythical creatures and mesmerizes attendees of all ages. The venue offers a variety of food and beverages, highlighted by an illuminated bar and diverse food stands.

Zauberwald Lenzerheide The mountainous region of Lenzerheide hosts the Zauberwald festival, an event that blends stunning light displays with cultural experiences. Alongside the enchanting illuminations, visitors can enjoy excellent music and a variety of culinary delights.

Alp Raguta Natural Ice Rink, Feldis Discover the charm of Feldis / Veulden as you glide across the Alp Raguta Natural Ice Rink.

Schwarzsee Ice Rink Experience the pristine beauty of Schwarzsee while ice skating in this scenic locale.

Murten on Ice Enjoy the winter magic on ice in Murten/Morat at the Murten on Ice facility.

Charmey Ice Rink Visit Charmey to skate in the heart of nature at the Patinoire de Charmey.

Perroy Ice Rink Skate in the quaint setting of Perroy at the Patinoire de Perroy.

Quaderwiese Artificial Ice Rink, Chur Skate in the urban heart of Chur at the Quaderwiese Artificial Ice Rink.

Caux Natural Ice Rink, Montreux Lace up your skates and head to Montreux for the natural allure of the Caux Ice Rink.

Patinoire des Paccots, Les Paccots Les Paccots invites you to the Patinoire des Paccots for some unforgettable ice skating.

Les Bastions Ice Rink, Geneva Geneva's Les Bastions Ice Rink is a popular spot for winter enthusiasts.

Christmas Celebrations Across Swiss Cities

Stroll through the cities, bask in the glow of twinkling Christmas lights, immerse yourself in festive tunes, and savor a warm mulled wine. The holiday season transforms Swiss cities into enchanting winter wonderlands.

Zurich at Christmas Zurich comes alive with Christmas markets, Advent concerts, and fairy-tale trams, creating a magical ambiance throughout the city. Illuminated by a soft glow, the air is rich with the scents of cinnamon and mulled wine, while the sound of Christmas carols fills the streets. Shoppers can delight in the quaint boutiques and seasonal markets scattered across the city.

Holiday Season in Bern December in Bern is truly special, featuring a plethora of Christmas markets and pop-up events. These festive gatherings are nestled within the UNESCO-listed Old Town and are easily accessible on foot, while the surrounding villages also offer their own charming Christmas attractions.

Lucerne's Advent Lights During Advent, Lucerne sparkles extensively with lights, offering city tours that showcase its brilliant seasonal decorations, drawing visitors to its radiant winter charm.

Baden's Christmas Spirit In Baden, the city center is aglow with festive lights, and its three Christmas villages create a spellbinding atmosphere throughout the holiday season.

Montreux's Lakeside Christmas Montreux celebrates the season from the banks of Lake Geneva to the alpine surrounds, featuring a myriad of activities that enhance its traditional Christmas market experience.

Exquisite Settings for Afternoon Tea

Hotel Bellevue Palace, Bern The Bellevue Palace is ready to charm you with a tiered stand brimming with petits fours, friandises, and other delightful sweet and savory snacks, all accompanied by fine teas from the Chanoyu tea house. For a splash of luxury, add a glass of prosecco or champagne.

Hotel Victoria Jungfrau, Interlaken At the La Terrasse Brasserie of the Hotel Victoria-Jungfrau, afternoon tea is served with a view of the majestic Jungfrau mountain. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats on a beautiful tiered stand, adding a luxurious dimension to your tea time.

Zurich's Fondue Tram Experience

Immerse yourself in the delectable world of cheese fondue aboard an oldtimer tram as it gracefully winds its way through Zurich. Enjoy dipping into a pot of melted cheese while the city lights pass by, creating a picturesque backdrop.

Elevated Fondue Delights

Cheese Fondue Cruise

Fondue-Iglu at Engstligenalp

Ambiance

Funi Fondue Adventure

Board the funicular at La Coudre base station and ascend to the summit of Chaumont Mountain, standing proud at 1,087 meters. At the top, you're treated to stunning views over Neuchatel, the Three-Lake Region, and the distant Alps.

Tobogganing and Fondue in Engadin

Fondue Excursion Aboard a Historic Railcar

Embark on a unique fondue journey aboard the world's oldest electric cogwheel railcar, dating back to 1911. Ascend by moonlight to 1,800 meters, enjoying the cozy warmth of the heated carriage and a lively fondue party, all under a starlit sky with the valley lights twinkling below. The evening wraps up with a coffee and descent to Arth-Goldau, concluding a truly nostalgic experience.

St. Gallen Christmas Tour

Explore the magical Advent season in St.Gallen, where 700 stars illuminate the romantic Old Town. This Christmas tour takes you through the charming streets and the Abbey District, sharing anecdotes and historical insights about the festive traditions of St.Gallen.

After the tour, warm up with a hot beverage and savor some delicious Christmas cookies, rounding out a perfect holiday outing.

Enchanting Old Town Christmas Tour in Schaffhausen

This festive city tour invites participants to discover the charming old town of Schaffhausen during the holiday season. Journey through the festively lit, and possibly snow-dusted, streets as you uncover the architectural beauty and seasonal wonders of the area.

The tour features the aroma of spices and Christmas biscuits, the gentle glow of candlelight, and the melodic sounds from St. Ann Chapel, creating a thoroughly enchanting holiday experience.