Snow on chalet roofs, church bells drifting down the valley, roasted chestnuts on every corner. Christmas in Switzerland feels like a postcard, and Switzerland Christmas 2026 looks set to be a good one. Maybe you want the cosy Christmas markets Switzerland is known for. Maybe you'd rather ring in the New Year in Switzerland beside a frozen lake. Either way, this list of the best things to do in Switzerland at New Year and Christmas will help you plan the trip.
Inside the main station, a giant tree covered in crystals hangs above dozens of stalls. Of all the Christmas markets Switzerland offers, this is the easiest to reach and one of the hardest to forget.
Many locals call it the prettiest in the country. Try a Läckerli gingerbread and sip hot Glühwein under the lights. Among Christmas markets Switzerland has to offer, Basel is the one for people who love old-town charm.
Wooden chalets line the Lake Geneva shore with the Alps behind them. If you love water views, it's one of the Christmas markets Switzerland does best.
Chapel Bridge, the lake and the lit-up facades look lovely after dark. It's one of the nicest things to do in Switzerland at Christmas if you like slow evening walks.
The market is right in front of the famous abbey. It feels more local and less touristy than the big city events, which makes it a quiet favourite among Christmas markets Switzerland travellers rarely hear about.
Switzerland in December was made for melted cheese. Book a table before you land, because the good ones fill up fast.
This museum in Kilchberg, just outside Zurich, has tastings and a huge chocolate fountain. It works well for families on grey days.
Swiss children celebrate Samichlaus (St Nicholas) on 6 December, and many towns hold parades. It's a fun detail of Christmas holidays in Switzerland that most visitors miss.
The Matterhorn view makes every run better, and the village is car-free. It's a classic among Switzerland winter activities.
This slow scenic train between Zermatt and St. Moritz crosses bridges, tunnels and snowy gorges. The panoramic windows are even better in winter, and it's a relaxing way to see the country before New Year in Switzerland festivities begin.
Ride up to the "Top of Europe" for ice palaces and glacier views.
Expect old-town street parties and fireworks over the lake. Many travellers pick Zurich for New Year in Switzerland because it's easy to reach and easy to enjoy.
The Jet d'Eau, big lakeside crowds and fireworks usually mark midnight. It's a strong choice if you're planning Switzerland New Year 2027 around a city break, and one of the liveliest things to do in Switzerland at New Year.
Warm water, cold air and snow falling around you. Leukerbad and Bad Ragaz are popular, and a spa day is a calm way to start New Year in Switzerland.
Rent a sled, ride the long runs, then warm up with hot chocolate. It's cheap, cheerful and a great addition to any list of Switzerland winter activities.
Trains here are excellent, but luggage, airport arrivals and late-night events can get tricky in winter. A private chauffeur transfer from BlackLimo Transfer takes the hassle out of visiting Christmas markets Switzerland is famous for, and it gets you back to your hotel safely after a long night of New Year in Switzerland celebrations. Book early, because Switzerland New Year 2027 will be busy, and Switzerland Christmas 2026 bookings are already filling up.
Most open in late November and run until around 23 or 24 December. A few continue into January. Dates change each year, so check each market's official page.
Yes, especially around the holidays. Book hotels, trains and restaurant tables early to keep costs down. Switzerland in December is popular, so last-minute deals are rare.
Absolutely. Cities offer fireworks and street parties, while mountain resorts offer a calmer, snowy celebration.
Higher resorts like Zermatt are usually reliable. Cities such as Zurich or Basel may not get snow, so pack warm layers either way.
Not really. Public transport is great, but a private transfer is handy for airports, luggage and late nights out for New Year in Switzerland celebrations.
Whether you come for the Christmas markets Switzerland or for New Year in Switzerland with the Alps as a backdrop, this season is hard to beat. Start planning your Christmas holidays in Switzerland now, and let BlackLimo Transfer take care of the journey.