7 Nights / 8 Days
Let’s face it. Switzerland was simply meant to be a holiday season destination.
You see, plenty of places can turn into a winter wonderland once a year. Switzerland, meanwhile, carries that appeal throughout it. So, just imagine what happens when it turns it up for the holidays!
The lights go on. The snow-capped Alps set a scene that puts the North Pole to shame. That delicious fondue becomes even warmer than you’ve imagined. And just when you think its magical cities couldn’t get any more enchanting, festive markets spring up throughout them and put a frosty cherry on top of everything; maybe even a chocolate-covered one.
And that is what Switzerland by Travelive’s newest holiday season journey is about to do.
- 3 Nights in Zurich
- 2 Nights in Lucerne
- 2 Nights in Lake Geneva
Best time to visit: Late November to December 23
Day 1 | A Swiss Welcome in Zurich
Let the holiday cheer begin in Zurich, where twinkling lights and festive markets spring up like cuckoo-clockwork in a city that seamlessly brings Switzerland’s traditions into the 21st century. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and watch this global financial center give in to its Swiss roots a little more than usual as it embraces the magic of the season, enough to make even the busiest bankers pause to admire the twinkling lights.
Day 2 | Zurich in Holiday Lights
Today, Zurich turns sightseeing into a festive affair. Set out on a personalized walking experience that lets you explore the city at your own pace, from Bahnhofstrasse and its dazzling lights to the Grossmünster, St. Peter’s Church, and the historic Lindenhof. Wander beyond the famous landmarks to discover tucked-away alleys, charming squares, and local gems, before following the festive glow toward Zurich’s seasonal markets. With a guide tailoring the experience to your interests, you’ll see both the city’s storied past and its modern-day sparkle.
- Christkindlimarkt — Step inside Zurich’s main railway station to discover one of Europe’s largest indoor holiday markets, complete with its famous Swarovski-adorned tree.
- Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz — Wander through this atmospheric seasonal village beside the Opera House, where wooden chalets, festive treats, and handcrafted gifts await.
- Bahnhofstrasse Lights — Admire Zurich’s iconic shopping street as it glows with its spectacular seasonal illuminations.
- Münsterhof Market — Browse the charming stalls beneath the towers of the Fraumünster in one of the Old Town’s most picturesque squares.
- Old Town (Dörfli) Market — Explore the winding streets of Zurich’s Old Town as they fill with festive stalls and seasonal cheer.
- Culinary Delights — Sample Swiss essentials like raclette and cheese fondue, alongside Tirggel (traditional honey biscuits), Flachkuchen (Swiss-style flatbread), and Chnöpfli, Switzerland’s comforting take on gnocchi.
Day 3 | A Little Basel with Your Holiday Magic
Medieval charm, Gothic spires, colorful facades, and cozy historical alleyways? Certainly seems like the perfect place to set up a holiday market and spend a day embracing the festive spirit. Meet your local guide in Basel for a personalized walking tour through its Old Town, passing the Basel Minster, the vibrant Town Hall, and the historic Spalentor. Admire the playful Tinguely Fountain before venturing into the quieter St. Alban district for riverside views and a more tranquil side of the city, all while hearing captivating stories about the city that could rival A Christmas Carol.
- Barfüsserplatz — Explore the market’s wooden chalets, browsing seasonal gifts and crafts while warming up beneath the glow of the mulled wine pyramid (yes, you read that correctly).
- Münsterplatz — Soak up one of Basel’s most picturesque seasonal settings in front of the Basel Minster, where artisan stalls, a magnificent decorated tree, and a whimsical children’s forest add a touch of extra magic.
- Culinary delights — Sample Basel specialties including traditional Basler Läckerli (spiced biscuits), raclette, Chäsbängel (cheese-filled rolls), fondue, flame-grilled salmon, and Glühwein (mulled wine) served at the festive pyramid.
Day 4 | Discovering an Alpine Wonderland in Lucerne
If you weren’t sure that Switzerland’s cities were designed with the holiday season in mind, Lucerne would be living proof. Leave Zurich behind and travel by private transfer or train to this picture-perfect lakeside city, set against a backdrop of Alpine bliss.
Once there, settle in and set out with your local guide through the enchanting Old Town, where colorful frescoed buildings line cobbled streets and the famous Chapel Bridge crosses the Reuss beneath the Water Tower. Continue to the Lion Monument before taking in views across Lake Lucerne, framed by snow-dusted mountains.
- Franziskanerplatz — Stroll through the Old Town among decorated wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts, festive treats, mulled wine, and Swiss delicacies.
- Rudolfs Weihnacht – Inseli Park — Head to the lakeside for a charming seasonal market filled with handmade gifts and festive delicacies, complete with a cozy fondue chalet.
- Advent Opening at Europaplatz — Join Lucerne as it officially welcomes the season with live music, ice-skating performances, a parade of Santa Clauses, the Lucerne Christmas Train, and a wheel of fortune, all culminating in the lighting of the city’s magnificent festive tree.
- Culinary Delights — Delight in Swiss classics including cheese fondue and raclette, alongside roasted almonds and steaming mugs of mulled wine.
Day 5 | A Trip to the Capital of Holiday Cheer
The time has come to pull out the term ‘storybook’, for there is simply no other way to describe Bern. As you shall find out by turning the page in Switzerland’s welcoming capital!
Once there, follow your local guide as you wander through its UNESCO-listed Old Town and past the Zytglogge clock tower, the Bern Minster, and the historic fountains. Then, head to the Rose Garden for sweeping views across the rooftops and the winding Aare River, taking in all of its holiday cheer at once.
- Waisenhausplatz Market — A Bern tradition for more than 20 years, this festive market brings together over 50 wooden chalets selling seasonal foods, handcrafted gifts, and festive souvenirs.
- Bern Minster Market (Münsterplatz) — Held against the magnificent Bern Minster, this long-standing market brings together artisans from Bern and the surrounding region, offering handcrafted ornaments, toys, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
- Berner Sternenmarkt — Witness the historic park transform beneath the glow of the stars, complete with a large fondue chalet, children’s area, and views toward the Swiss Parliament building.
- Culinary delights — Warm up with Swiss favorites including fondue and raclette, alongside Berner Platte, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, bratwurst, and traditional Mailänderli cookies, paired with mugs of Glühwein or hot chocolate.
Day 6 | All Aboard for Alpine Holiday Magic
You may have heard of the Polar Express, but wait until you hop aboard the GoldenPass Line and make your way toward Montreux!
Settle into your seat and watch Switzerland’s scenery unfold beyond the window, from rolling countryside and charming villages to snow-dusted peaks and Alpine landscapes. As the train winds its way toward Lake Geneva, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of Switzerland’s most picturesque rail journeys before arriving in Montreux, where two nights of lakeside holiday magic await.
Day 7 | A Winter’s Tale in Montreux
Of all the places to go caroling in Switzerland, it would probably be Montreux, home to its eponymous Jazz Festival as well as the beloved recording studio of the rock band Queen.
When not crooning the latter’s hits, set out with your local guide to explore this glamorous corner of Lake Geneva, wandering through the charming Old Town and along the flower-lined promenade as the Alps rise beyond the water. Pause to admire Château de Chillon and, of course, the renowned Freddie Mercury statue before diving deeper into the town’s musical legacy and festive traditions.
- Montreux Noël — Follow the lakeside promenade as more than 170 charming chalets transform the waterfront into a festive wonderland, filled with handcrafted treasures, traditional Swiss gifts, seasonal decorations, and local delicacies.
- Flying Santa — Look skyward as Santa takes to the skies (reindeer and all) above Lake Geneva, adding a little extra magic to Montreux’s already spectacular lakeside setting.
- Festive entertainment — Lace up your skates, enjoy live music, or take a spin on the Ferris wheel for a different perspective of the holiday-season festivities.
- Culinary Delights — Indulge in Swiss staples of fondue and raclette, alongside an array of tempting street-food specialties.
Day 8 | Departure
Makes you want to leave home for the holidays, doesn’t it?
Well, after experiencing Switzerland during the festive season, you’re going to be returning with plenty to talk about at New Year’s. For as your private transfer carries you off to Geneva Airport, you won’t just be bidding farewell to twinkling lights, Alpine scenery, and markets full of tasty treats; you’ll be leaving filled with the cheer of having experienced them in none other than Switzerland.