Switzerland is particularly special to visit over the festive season. The country goes beyond light displays to make the season bright with festivities ranging from musicals to markets, fireworks, skiing, and sleigh rides.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) transports thousands of people from around the world to the country.
Dr. André Schulz, the general manager for Lufthansa Group Southern Africa, says, “When travelling to Switzerland, even greenest and greatest Grinch would find it difficult not to participate in the holiday festivities.”
Here are ways to spend a Swiss Christmas:
Singing Christmas tree in Zurich
One must experience a Zurich Christmas. Picture:Zurich Tourism.
Zurich, Switzerland’s capital city kicks off the holiday season with the singing Christmas tree and stellar performances.
Standing in tiers among a giant tree, various choirs entertain onlookers with their rendition of carols.
Rowed up on a vertical podium, the singing tree has already firmly established itself as a favourite among visitors and locals.
Magical White Christmas in St. Gallen
As if the shopping wasn’t enough, visitors can expect overall white Christmas spectacles by visiting St. Gallen, one of the most beautiful Christmas treats of all.
Its old town with 16th and 18th century houses is car-free and the snow-covered streets are filled with a soothing atmosphere during the festive season that captivates both the heart and the soul. The town is transformed into a true white Christmas village.
About 700 stars shine down on the romantic old town, the streets, as homes and mountains are all magically wrapped in snow.
Christmas skiing in Wengen
Visitors can then burn off the festive culinary delights and indulgences with winter sports in the Eiger and Jungfrau mountains, situated in the gorgeous alpine town of Wengen. Visitors will enjoy breath-taking views and winter activities such as ice skating and tobogganing.
Basel Christmas Market
A Basel Christmas. Picture: Supplied.
Visitors describe Christmas in Basel as a cure to jetlag, focusing on the decadent Swiss food and other tempting goodies available at the bustling market.
The Basel Christmas market at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered to be one of the largest in Switzerland, with over 180 wooden huts set up in the heart of the city’s old town.
Traders and artisans offer their goods for sale in small, rustic wooden chalets, handy for shoppers who are still looking for gift ideas.
There is also a wide selection of local culinary delights including waffles, Glühwein, genuine Basel Läckerli (a type of gingerbread), delicious Swiss raclette or the popular grilled sausages.
Montreux Christmas Santa Parade
From the end of November until Christmas Eve, the shores of Lake Geneva are lit up by 150 chalets forming the Montreux Christmas Market, and the nearby Lumberjack Village will host stands showcasing traditions from various countries which are set to mesmerise children and adults alike.
There is usually a Santa Claus parade in Montreux, whilst in the nearby town of Caux, there’s an enchanting Christmas Village where children get to visit Santa’s workshop, Santa’s Post Office, and the popular elves’ village.
Christmas at St. Peter’s
After exploring the towns, visitors could find a spot of peace with the Christmas service at the St. Peter’s Church in Zermatt. The St. Peter’s Church has a significant place in Alpine history and has been known to attract many people to its service.