Montreux Joins Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, Bern, St. Gallen, Interlaken and Zermatt as Top Christmas and New Year Travel Destinations in Switzerland: With Exciting Fireworks Shows, Live Events, and Exclusive Hotel Deals: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 6, 2025

Switzerland is renowned for its enchanting winter landscapes, and during the Christmas and New Year season, the country’s charm truly comes alive. This year, Montreux joins iconic Swiss cities such as Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, Bern, St. Gallen, Interlaken, and Zermatt in offering an unforgettable holiday experience. From breathtaking fireworks shows to festive live events, these destinations are brimming with winter magic. Visitors can also indulge in exclusive hotel deals, making it the perfect time to experience Switzerland’s holiday spirit. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these top destinations and how they celebrate the most wonderful time of the year

Montreux

Why Montreux shines

• Main Attraction & Viewing Spots: The famous Montreux — a magical Christmas market along the shores of Lake Geneva — brings crafts, festive lights, mulled wine and romantic lakeside promenades. A stroll by the water under sparkling lights with snow‑topped Alps in view offers a truly fairytale‑like winter experience.
• Nearby Airport: The nearest major airport is Geneva Airport (GVA). From there, you can take a train or car to Montreux.
• Stay / Hotels: Montreux offers lakeside hotels and cosy chalets — many close to the lakefront and promenades. Staying near the water means easy access to the market and evening strolls by the lake.

Montreux’s lakeside charm and the famous Montreux Noël market make it the ultimate spot for festive magic. Surrounded by snow-capped Alps and the serene lake, it’s perfect for romantic winter escapes.

Zurich

Why Zurich stands out

• Main Attractions & Viewing Spots: The iconic Christkindlimarkt Zürich Hauptbahnhof — inside the central railway station. The city fills with seasonal spirit via multiple markets, winter décor and urban winter charm.
• Nearby Airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the main gateway. with frequent rail connections to other Swiss destinations.
• Stay / Hotels: Zurich offers a wide range — from luxury hotels to cosy boutique stays — many within easy walking distance of markets, old‑town streets, and railway hubs.

Zurich combines a major city vibe with festive spirit — its Christmas markets, lights, and old-town charm make it a top choice for those who want vibrant holiday experiences.

Basel

• Main Attraction & Viewing Spots: The festive charm of Basel Christmas Market — one of the oldest and most atmospheric in Switzerland — fills the Old Town with wooden huts selling crafts, festive goodies and local treats. The narrow, historic lanes dusted with snow create an almost story‑book winter ambiance.
• Nearby Airport: The region is served by EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH). From there, you can reach Basel‑SBB railway station via a short bus or shuttle.
• Stay / Hotels: A mix of historic inns in Old Town and modern hotels gives travellers flexibility — stay in the heart of the market zone or just outside for convenience.

Basel’s historic Old Town is the perfect backdrop for its Christmas market, offering an atmospheric, festive experience. It’s ideal for travellers who enjoy a blend of culture, history, and Christmas cheer.

Lucerne

• Main Attraction & Viewing Spots: Historic wooden bridges — especially the iconic Chapel Bridge — medieval lanes and a beautiful lakeside framed by snow‑clad mountains make Lucerne look like a postcard come alive in winter. A Christmas market near the historic centre adds festive warmth. Ice‑rinks by the lake and evening strolls under lights add to the charm.
• Nearby Airport: Travelers typically fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH). From there, the scenic train ride to Lucerne takes about an hour — combining convenience with gorgeous landscapes.
• Stay / Hotels: Options include lakeside hotels, charming boutique stays in the old town, or traditional lodging — a great match whether you want comfort, history or a base for explorations.

Lucerne’s medieval charm, stunning lakeside setting, and alpine views make it a perfect Christmas destination. Its cozy atmosphere and ice-skating by the lake provide a winter wonderland experience.

Bern

• Main Attraction & Viewing Spots: The historic old town, with its medieval architecture and narrow, winding cobbled streets, feels especially magical under a soft winter snow. During the festive season, Christmas markets pop up at spots like Waisenhausplatz and Münsterplatz, offering crafts, seasonal goodies and a warm Swiss ambience.
• Nearby Airport / Transport: While Bern does not have a major international airport, it’s well connected via rail from Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Basel / Geneva, making it an easy addition to multi‑city itineraries. Switzerland’s efficient rail network simplifies travel across destinations.
• Stay / Hotels: Bern provides a mix of historic inns, central old‑town residences, and modern hotels — ideal for travellers who want cultural depth and proximity to market zones.

Bern’s medieval charm and quieter, more intimate Christmas markets make it a peaceful winter retreat. Its historical atmosphere is perfect for those seeking a calm and traditional holiday experience.

St. Gallen

• Main Attraction & Viewing Spots: A quieter, less‑crowded city with a relaxed charm. Its historic centre and cobbled streets — often overlooked by mainstream tourists — become picturesque under winter snow — ideal for travellers looking to avoid busy market crowds and enjoy a peaceful holiday atmosphere.
• Nearby Airport / Transport: The easiest route is via Zurich Airport (ZRH), followed by a railway connection. Switzerland’s rail system makes the journey efficient.
• Stay / Hotels: Expect modest, comfortable guesthouses and hotels — well‑suited for travellers who prioritise tranquillity, simplicity, and local life over luxury or high‑tourist energy.

St. Gallen offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path Christmas experience. Its relaxed atmosphere and historic charm make it an ideal destination for those who want a quiet, serene holiday away from the crowds.

Interlaken

• Main Attraction & Viewing Spots: Nestled between two alpine lakes and surrounded by majestic peaks, Interlaken offers panoramic mountain views, crisp winter air and a natural alpine holiday atmosphere. For travellers seeking snow, mountains and tranquil beauty over bustling markets, this is a top pick.
• Nearby Airport / Transport: Fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH), then take Switzerland’s efficient rail network to reach Interlaken — a smooth, scenic journey ideal for winter travel.
• Stay / Hotels: Accommodation leans toward mountain lodges, chalets or hotels offering Alpine views — great for travellers who plan skiing, snowshoeing, or simply relaxing amid snow‑clad landscapes.

Interlaken is perfect for winter adventure lovers, nestled in the heart of the Alps. Its natural beauty, surrounded by lakes and snow-covered peaks, provides an unforgettable alpine holiday.

Zermatt

Why Zermatt is a dream

• Main Attraction & Viewing Spots: Tucked beneath the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt delivers breathtaking alpine panoramas. The ride up to Gornergrat via cogwheel railway offers sweeping snow‑covered peaks, glacial vistas and a classic mountain‑village winter wonderland atmosphere.
• Nearby Airport / Transport: Easiest access is via Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Geneva Airport (GVA), then by train — often combined with mountain rail or cogwheel railway to reach the car‑free village of Zermatt.
• Stay / Hotels: Expect alpine lodges, mountain hotels and cozy chalets — many offering views of the Matterhorn. Ideal for couples or travellers seeking romance, serenity and pure alpine escape during Christmas.

Zermatt offers a true winter alpine escape beneath the towering Matterhorn. Ideal for romantic holidays or ski lovers, it’s a destination that combines luxury with alpine beauty.

Summary Table

Conclusion

Switzerland during Christmas is nothing short of magical. Each destination brings its own unique flavor — lakeside sparkle in Montreux, urban festive buzz in Zurich, historic charm in Basel and Bern, medieval‑town romance in Lucerne, peaceful authenticity in St. Gallen, alpine adventure in Interlaken, and the pure alpine fairytale that is Zermatt under the Matterhorn.

Whether you dream of sipping warm mulled wine by lake or river, wandering markets under fairy lights, strolling historic narrow streets dusted with snow, or waking up to majestic mountain peaks — Switzerland offers it all. With well‑connected airports, efficient rail travel, and accommodation options for every style and budget, a Christmas journey across these destinations becomes not just possible — but deeply memorable.