Ah, Switzerland. A country that feels like a winter dream for half the year, and longer in glacial regions! If the festive season is your favourite time in the calendar, then spending Christmas in the Swiss Alps is essential at least once in your life. Although fair warning, once definitely won’t be enough. There are too many things to do on a ski holiday in Switzerland to fit into one or two weeks, especially over Christmas.
Once you’ve met Santa, explored the mountain, drunk copious amounts of Glühwein, and successfully worn out the little ones, you’ll also need a Christmas ski chalet to call home. So, follow on with our blog looking at the best festive activities and events in the Swiss Alps, and see if we’ve tempted you enough to start the hunt for that dream mountain rental…
Christmas Markets
Across Europe, Christmas markets are the most quintessential image of the festive season. And Switzerland at Christmastime is certainly abuzz with them! Often paired with a warming firepit to gather round with a cup of vin chaud, the stands of Switzerland’s Christmas markets are iconic. Locals sell their wares, from tourist ornaments to decadent jewellery, hard-carved woodwork to sweet treats; everyone will find a gem to suit. If you happen to be passing through, or staying in a ski resort close by, Geneva Christmas market is arguably one of the best in Switzerland. Pictured above, its lake-side location is adorned with twinkling makers stalls, creating the perfect setting for tasting culinary gems, finding unique gifts and watching festive parades fill the streets.
Heading into the mountains, smaller-scale but equally charming markets await. An added bonus is that many Swiss ski resorts are car-free, such as Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland! One of the best ski resorts to visit at Christmas, Gstaad has plenty of room for people to mill about untethered to walkways. In the way, Zermatt ski resort also benefits during market season for making the eco-friendly tourism move to be pedestrian-only. While Zermatt doesn’t have traditional, annual Christmas markets, the main street serves as a year-round version, decked out at Christmas.
Of course, half of the appeal is the atmosphere created by these markets. The stands that line the streets are reminiscent of the ski towns of old, the traditional mountain farming community origins. But in modern times, twinkling lights adorn the buildings in place of candles, and taking a photo to frame the memory takes just a moment of your phone’s time. Capture the smiles of loved ones celebrating the season on your family ski holiday in Switzerland.
Wine and Dine
Some of the best places to visit in Switzerland at Christmas are the restaurants and bars. Trying the local cuisine is a highlight of many luxury ski holidays in Switzerland, especially at Christmas. After all, it’s a celebratory time of year; what’s a celebration without a toast over a sensational feast? From the many hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants that the Swiss Alps offer, to locals’ favourite restaurants in Verbier and beyond, there’s something for every palate. You can also enjoy gourmet dinners from a private chef in a more intimate setting when you opt for luxury catered chalets.
Switzerland doesn’t limit itself to classic sit-down dinners. The Carlton Hotel, one of the top winter rentals in St Moritz, offers a gondola fondue experience. As seen in the photo above, you and your nearest and dearest can sit in a cosy, heated gondola, embracing the rich goodness of a cheesy lunch paired with excellent local wines. In Gstaad, you can opt for a “fondue backpack” to take up the mountain. Pick a scenic spot and unpack for an unforgettable meal in a breathtaking location. Best of all, you can return to one of our Gstaad chalets to warm up after.
In Verbier, festive wining and dining is a highlight of any Christmas ski holiday. Enjoy lively après-ski at Le Rouge, or settle in for an elegant evening at Chalet d’Adrien, where Swiss refinery is epitomised. Local wines and seasonal ingredients make every meal feel like a celebration. Meanwhile, in Zermatt, the culinary scene is equally impressive. There are many acclaimed restaurants in Zermatt serving traditional dishes like rösti, älplermagronen, alongside Italian-influenced cuisine due to its proximity to Breuil-Cervinia. After a day on the slopes, surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and candlelit tables, what more could you ask for?
Meet Santa
At Christmas in the Swiss Alps, you’re bound to encounter a certain jolly fellow on the piste once or twice. But maybe watching Saint Nick on the slopes from afar isn’t enough for hopeful little ones with wish list requests. Luckily, there will be plenty of opportunities for a close encounter when you’ve finished sampling some of the best skiing in Switzerland at Christmas.
Around December 6th, Santa usually opens up his grotto to visitors in ski resorts in Switzerland. This is the date of “Santa Night”, aka Samichlaus Abend, the signifier of the Christmas season beginning. On this day, children in Switzerland recieve an array of small gifts, snacks and similar items to kick off festivities. Also joining Santa is his hooded helper, Schmutzli. Don’t let his menacing appearance fool you; he’s harmless! And the bells and music are sure to scare away any mischievous Christmas spirits.
In resorts like Verbier, 4 Vallées, the first weekend is for celebrating on the slopes with a mass Santa event. Everyone dresses as Saint Nicholas in his iconic red suit to fill the slopes with Christmas cheer before you flood to the après-ski bars. If you’re enjoying a more family-friendly trip, you can return to your luxury chalet in Verbier for an indulgent evening. Enjoy a festive meal cooked by a private chef, while the kids enjoy the playrooms and cinema experiences in the comfort of your chalet. And a chalet with a pool? The icing on the cake of a family trip to Switzerland.
Exploring and Events
Christmas in the Swiss Alps is a festive symphony of glittering snow, twinkling lights, and timeless traditions. Ski resorts in Switzerland come alive with events that encapsulate the elegance of alpine living. From private carol services to atmospheric Christmas markets, every corner is steeped in charm. In Zermatt, attend the soul-stirring English service at St Peter’s Church on Christmas Day before venturing to catch a glimpse of Wolli, the beloved mascot. St Moritz dazzles with its Glatschin Christmas Market, offering not only festive delights but a chance to immerse yourself in the Alpine spirit.
Step away from the slopes and into a world of serene indulgence. Verbier’s Night Snowshoe Walk is an unforgettable experience, both tranquil and exhilarating. And the best follow-up? The rich warmth of raclette around a crackling fire. Gstaad’s innate refinement is emphasised with candlelit concerts and gourmet pop-ups filling the air with olfactory delights. Verbier’s Opening Session adds a playful sparkle to the festive season, while Crans-Montana offers a more intimate experience, with Santa’s Alpine visit delighting families and children.
For those seeking pre-Christmas serenity, the world-class mountain spas provide an indulgent escape. Here, winter wellness treatments cater to every need, offering a luxurious way to unwind before the holiday rush. Each resort offers abundant culture and festivity, making the Christmas season in the Swiss Alps a truly magical experience.
Boutique Christmas Shopping
While this image might look like something dreamt up by AI, we can assure you, the joys of boutique shopping in Swiss ski resorts are very real. From yurt-style pop-ups hosting international brands to local outlets offering hand-crafted leather and fur, the Swiss Alps have it all. As seen in the photo above, Louis Vuitton calls St Moritz its home on occasion. It also has a more permanent store in the area, alongside Gucci, Armani, and a variety of Swiss brands. For those with a taste for extravagant quality, the Swiss Alps are a definite route to that.
One of the best places for shopping in Switzerland is Gstaad. The resort’s main shopping area is served by the illustrious promenade, home to a myriad of designer brands. Ralph Lauren and Moncler are among the big-name fashion brands, as well as the infamous home of luxe bags and couture apparel: Hermès. Purchase the perfect handbag for your nearest and dearest, paired with a high-end watch from the neighbouring jewellery stockists.
And it’s not just Gstaad and St Moritz that can claim to be hubs for designer retail therapy. Boutique Christmas shopping in Verbier and Zermatt also boasts distinctive brands. Plus, they’re packed with exclusive Swiss brands that may persuade you to change your go-to favourites! On top of clothes and accessories, you can also style your home with pristine visual pieces from the opulent interior design and art stores in these Swiss resorts.
Luxury Chalets for Christmas in the Swiss Alps
When it comes to luxury chalets, the Swiss Alps are an exemplary case. Switzerland goes above and beyond in both luxury and hospitality, setting a global standard that few can match. Chalets in Switzerland hold nothing back, offering a range of styles and facilities to suit all tastes, from traditional alpine charm to sleek, modernist design. Find chocolate-box chalets nestled in Davos-Klosters or high-end architectural sanctuaries in Zermatt, with breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn. Each resort exudes prestige, attracting those who seek not just the best skiing in Switzerland at Christmas, but an exclusive alpine lifestyle. It’s hard to find anywhere that achieves this quite as spectacularly as Switzerland.
Looking for the convenience of a ski-in, ski-out rental? You’re in luck; the Swiss Alps are a hub of them. Prefer a little more privacy with a secluded chalet retreat? Discreet, full-service chalets offer exactly that, combining high-end amenities with world-class hospitality for total peace of mind. Gourmet dining, both in the chalets and throughout the resorts, adds yet another layer of indulgence to the experience. Catered chalets in Switzerland are almost impossible to resist. Whether you’re spending Christmas beside a crackling fireplace, relaxing in a private spa, or simply enjoying time with loved ones among pristine alpine beauty, a Swiss chalet is a dream come true!
Ready to experience Christmas in the Swiss Alps? If you’re still unsure about the best place to visit in Switzerland at Christmas, then get in touch. Our team has all the expertise you’ll need to kickstart your holiday plans. Email ask@skiinluxury.com, or give us a call on +44 (0)1202 203650. We’d be delighted to help find the best luxury property for you in Europe or Canada!
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