The platform's editors have prepared a range of useful resources for all tastes from many regions of Switzerland.
During the winter holidays with children and friends, we suggest discovering many exciting things in modern science and art centers, which offer special programs that will open up new horizons for children and adults. Dress comfortably and warmly because you can enjoy lively ice skating and sledding, catch snowflakes, and spread joy to your loved ones everywhere. Feel the magic of winter surrounded by Christmas lights and the warm hospitality of Switzerland, immerse yourself in this attractive atmosphere, discover local treasures, and enjoy the winter season.
Where to find the holiday mood?
You can find the nearest holiday or event in your canton by following this link or visiting friends in another canton.
The Christmas markets in small towns are no less attractive than the well-known locations in Zurich, Bern, Montreux, or Lausanne. Take advantage of the crazy atmosphere of hospitality in small towns, where everything is nearby and incredibly peaceful and safe.
And you can choose the most atmospheric Christmas market on the sbb.ch resource.
Take advantage of the ice skating rinks in the centers of big cities or cantonal capitals, which sometimes offer free admission and almost always serve warm, aromatic drinks.
A unique atmosphere awaits you on the large ice rink before the Swiss Parliament in Bern.
Also, Bern's tourist website has plenty of proposals for exciting tours, friendly parties, and ideas for spending time on various budgets.
Switzerland's most interesting holiday offers
For bright impressions, a real Santa is flying over Lake Geneva in a sleigh, carousel rides, and sweet nuts; head to the famous summer capital of jazz and music, Montreux, until December 23rd. And a half-hour walk along the picturesque Lake Geneva at any time of the year will take you to one of the most beautiful and romantic castles in Europe – Château de Chillon.
You can ride the longest sled run, even at night with a lantern, on the slopes of Col de la Croix.
To experience the atmosphere of a cozy alpine village surrounded by fluffy snow, you can start from December 16th in Andermatt.
In the Valais mountains, in the very embrace of the Bernese Alps, there is the ski and thermal resort Leukerbad. Right after skiing, you can immerse yourself in warm and beneficial thermal baths with a natural temperature of +51°C. The next day, you can take a ski lift to Lake Gemmi and watch the largest alpine eagles spread their wings. Tourists from all over Switzerland and Europe come here to see this incredible beauty of nature and relax.
During the holidays, when the Christmas markets in the squares have already done their job, entertainment should take on an educational character. For example, the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne opens a special pavilion for the whole family. We are confident that everyone will find it interesting there!
Incredible modern science museums in Switzerland also welcome children with their exhibitions and pavilions during the holidays. Visit Technorama Winterthur and the Umwelt arena.
In the heart of Switzerland lies the picturesque canton of Fribourg, famous worldwide for its castle and Gruyères cheese, both worthy of a separate visit. However, right now, we recommend the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. You can climb 365 steps to the top of the 74-meter tower and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Old Town of Fribourg and winter landscapes reminiscent of Bruegel's paintings. Harmony will resonate in your heart. Feel it during the winter holidays, and keep it all year long.
Also, discover the wonderful stained glass windows created by the Polish artist Józef Mehoffer and the organs of Alois Müzer.
Pony rides, stories, and fairy tales in a yurt and children's decorative workshops await you on the Esplanade near the Cathedral of Lausanne. From here, two horse-drawn carriages start their journey to take you on a tour of Lausanne for fondue or an aperitif.
Light the fire within yourself and be inspired by the art of light mastered by Swiss artists. By the way, in the previous material on the platform, you can read an interview with one of the most influential light artists, Gerry Hofstetter.
And on New Year's Eve, December 31st, in Lausanne, an actual "ignition" will take place! Since 1904, every year at midnight on December 31st, the "Friends of the City of Lausanne" association lights up the lights of the Lausanne Cathedral. On this occasion, the residents of Lausanne gather on Cathedral Square in a festive atmosphere with champagne, mulled wine, tea, and apple juice.
During the festive winter days from January 11th to 16th, the city of Lucerne will amaze and fill you with the beauty of darkness and light, narrating extraordinary stories through the language of light art. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the streets of the enchanting lakeside city in the evening and witness the light spectacle "Eternity" in the Jesuit Church.
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine our planet, Earth, lost in the vastness of the Universe. We are just specks in this infinite darkness. But it is precisely in every smallness that there is a chance to discover something grandiose.
