Christmas in Switzerland, Everything You Could Hope for and More!
If you are looking to experience the quintessential white Christmas, complete with Christmas lights, carolers, Christmas markets, hot seasonal drinks, and of course snow with incredible scenery, it doesn’t get more festive and quintessential than Christmas in Switzerland. The Swiss have been celebrating Christmas for centuries, and are steeped in Christmas traditions. There is always something for everyone in the whole family to enjoy! We’ll share some of the best places to spend Christmas in Switzerland.
Christmas in the Famous Swiss Alps
The Alps are a fantastic back drop for a snowy white Christmas, especially for you ski bunnies out there. There are a number of Swiss alpine resorts to choose from that are pretty much a sure win, due to their elevation. These resorts include Zermatt, Davos/Klosters, and St. Moritz which have great skiing, as well as activities the whole family can enjoy, such as horse-drawn sleighs ride and many resorts have Christmas markets for gifts and souvenirs. Zermatt, of course, has one of the most famous Christmas markets Switzerland, and there is also the beautiful St. Peter’s Church where some 800 attendees join for their annual Christmas service. Gstaad, is specially know for a personal visit from Santa Claus, where he walks the streets, greeting children as he makes his way from the oldest hotel in town, to the church. Grindelwald is a great little Christmas village where you can do fun things like snow-shoeing, and sledging.
Christmas in the cities
Resort towns and skiing isn’t for everybody. But don’t worry, major cities offer wonderful Christmas markets and other things that will make for a memorable Christmas. Cities like Basel, Zurich, Geneva, Bern, and Lucerne have some of the best Christmas markets Europe has to offer, and will give you a good dose of the local Christmas spirit. Residents gather to buy their freshly cut Christmas tree, or get together with family or friends to enjoy a cup of mulled wine, some tasty grilled sausages, and other seasonal goodies.
Basel’s Christmas market
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1130"] Source: Basel.com[/caption] The largest Christmas market in Switzerland is in Basel, in the center of the city’s Old Town, and features over 180 wooden huts selling gifts, souvenirs and savory treats. Be sure to check out Johann Wanner’s famous Christmas tree, present each year and beautifully decorated. You can even buy Wanner ornaments nearby at the Johann Wanner Christmas House.
Zurich’s Christmas market
[caption id="attachment_1827" align="aligncenter" width="895"] Source: Zurich.com[/caption] In Zurich, there is also an amazing Christmas tree well worth taking the time to see at the Zurich Christmas market, held at the train station. Each year they have a 50 ft. tree that’s decorated with 7,000 sparkling Swarovski crystals. Not to be missed! [caption id="attachment_1811" align="aligncenter" width="1378"] Source: DiscoverOutloud.com[/caption]
Christmas in the villages of Switzerland
Though the Alps, and the cities of Switzerland all offer wonderful and memorable Christmas experiences, for the most quintessential Christmas experience you must stay in one of the villages. The village architecture, snow covered rooftops, and Christmas lights make for a cheerful backdrop to celebrate village festivities with the local. You are sure to have an experience that will warm your heart and fill you with the Christmas spirit. Related: Thinking of obtaining an outdoor nativity scene to share with your loved ones and neighbors? An outdoor nativity scene inspirits everyone by sharing the real significance of Christmas and also develops excellent memories for years to come. MyNativity has meticulously designed our silhouette nativity scene and also additional characters from the greatest quality, marine grade, PVC material. Our nativities are lightweight, yet made to stand up to rain, sleet, snow, and will last for years ahead. Available in 4 sizes, (Life Size, Large, Medium, and also Small,) visit our nativity store to view the various sizes to find which is ideal for you.
If you are looking to experience the quintessential white Christmas, complete with Christmas lights, carolers, Christmas markets, hot seasonal drinks, and of course snow with incredible scenery, it doesn’t get more festive and quintessential than Christmas in Switzerland. The Swiss have been celebrating Christmas for centuries, and are steeped in Christmas traditions. There is always something for everyone in the whole family to enjoy! We’ll share some of the best places to spend Christmas in Switzerland.
The Alps are a fantastic back drop for a snowy white Christmas, especially for you ski bunnies out there. There are a number of Swiss alpine resorts to choose from that are pretty much a sure win, due to their elevation. These resorts include Zermatt, Davos/Klosters, and St. Moritz which have great skiing, as well as activities the whole family can enjoy, such as horse-drawn sleighs ride and many resorts have Christmas markets for gifts and souvenirs. Zermatt, of course, has one of the most famous Christmas markets Switzerland, and there is also the beautiful St. Peter’s Church where some 800 attendees join for their annual Christmas service. Gstaad, is specially know for a personal visit from Santa Claus, where he walks the streets, greeting children as he makes his way from the oldest hotel in town, to the church. Grindelwald is a great little Christmas village where you can do fun things like snow-shoeing, and sledging.
Source: Basel.com[/caption] The largest Christmas market in Switzerland is in Basel, in the center of the city’s Old Town, and features over 180 wooden huts selling gifts, souvenirs and savory treats. Be sure to check out Johann Wanner’s famous Christmas tree, present each year and beautifully decorated. You can even buy Wanner ornaments nearby at the Johann Wanner Christmas House.
Source: Zurich.com[/caption] In Zurich, there is also an amazing Christmas tree well worth taking the time to see at the Zurich Christmas market, held at the train station. Each year they have a 50 ft. tree that’s decorated with 7,000 sparkling Swarovski crystals. Not to be missed! [caption id="attachment_1811" align="aligncenter" width="1378"]
Source: DiscoverOutloud.com[/caption]