Let me share my thoughts on the fairytale Christmas experience I had in Switzerland after visiting three of its unique cities – Lucerne, Zurich, and Basel – over the past few years, along with what I loved about each of these Swiss Christmas market destinations.

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Where to enjoy Christmas in Switzerland

How cold is Switzerland at Christmas?

Switzerland in December can be quite cold, with temperatures varying depending on the region and elevation. In major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern, daytime temperatures typically range from 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F), while nighttime temperatures often drop to between -2°C and 2°C (28°F to 36°F). In the Swiss Alps, it’s colder – resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz see daytime highs around -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F), with nighttime lows often falling to -10°C or even lower (14°F and below). Snowfall is common in the Swiss Alps, making them a popular destination for a true winter-wonderland escape.

From my personal experience visiting Swiss Christmas markets in December, I can say it definitely felt cold – at least for me – though the weather was mostly foggy, with daytime temperatures usually ranging between 0°C and 8°C (32°F to 46°F). As you can see in the photo, the fountain in Lucerne actually froze over, so nighttime temperatures clearly dropped below freezing. That said, I wasn’t lucky enough to see a snowfall during any of my visits. While the atmosphere was festive and chilly, and there were some traces of snow here and there, I didn’t quite get that classic snow-covered “winter wonderland” scene.

White Christmas in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of my all-time favorite travel destinations in Europe – right up there with Greece, Spain, and Iceland. I was so impressed during my first visit to Lucerne that I’ve been eager to return ever since, especially to check a few more places off my travel bucket list: the Glacier Express, Zermatt, and the Château de Chillon.

During my European Christmas trips, I’ve visited Zurich, Lucerne, Basel, and Geneva. While Geneva was my least favorite in terms of Christmas markets, ironically, it was the one where I was lucky enough to experience the most snow and the closest thing to a white Christmas.

Below, you’ll find a map of some of the most popular places to experience Christmas in Switzerland, including Lugano and Montreux – two magical spots that are still on my Swiss travel bucket list.

Is it snow in Switzerland in December?

It does snow in December in the Swiss Alps; however, when it comes to Swiss cities, a white Christmas isn’t guaranteed. I’ve visited Switzerland in December three times, and while the Christmas markets were wonderful and the weather was certainly chilly, it almost never snowed enough to create that true winter wonderland feel. As I mentioned earlier, the only time I experienced real white Christmas vibes was in Geneva – though ironically, it was still my least favorite city in terms of Christmas markets.

Is Switzerland worth visiting in December?

I have enjoyed visiting Switzerland in December; it is a great country where everyone looks well-off, and all the local delicacies like fondue, Christmas cookies, chestnuts, and Glühwein taste amazing in the chilly weather. While the Swiss cities are known for their Christmas markets, although snow is not guaranteed.

Nevertheless, Swiss Christmas markets are truly beautiful and resemble many of the German Christmas markets. In my opinion, the country is definitely one of the best places to visit in Europe in December in search of the Christmas spirit.

Which city in Switzerland is best to visit in December?

I’d say Lucerne and Basel are my current favorites. Basel has great Christmas markets and is perfectly located for combining a visit with nearby markets in Colmar and the Alsace region. Lucerne, on the other hand, is one of the most picturesque destinations in Switzerland – set on a crystal-clear lake, surrounded by mountains, and home to graceful swans, it’s absolutely beautiful in December.

Zurich is a great option for those interested in a mix of Christmas markets and sightseeing. Personally, I found Lucerne to be perfect for my taste, but some might find it a bit quiet or limited if staying for more than a few days.

Geneva also has a lovely lakeside setting, and I was lucky enough to experience snowfall there. However, I personally preferred the charm and architecture of the German-influenced cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Basel over the more French-speaking character and atmosphere of Geneva.

Fairytale Christmas in Switzerland: My Top Experiences

1. Christmas markets in Lucerne

Christmas in Lucerne truly felt like stepping into a storybook. The city is famous for its stunning lake, dotted with swans, and its mountain landscapes, with snow-capped peaks forming the perfect backdrop. Lucerne is a beautiful place to visit year-round, but for me, it was the ideal spot to start enjoying the holiday season. You can see more in my Lucerne post.

The Christmas markets in Lucerne were cozy and serene. While there were enough visitors to create a festive atmosphere, the city was never overcrowded. The decorations were magical, offering a more tranquil holiday experience, at least in early December when I visited. For those who enjoy the bustling, high-energy vibe of a big city during Christmas, Lucerne might still be a good fit as it gets closer to Christmas Day.

The main Christmas market in Lucerne is held in the historic Old Town and Franziskanerplatz, featuring charming wooden stalls that offer handmade crafts, holiday decorations, and delicious seasonal treats. The market typically opens in late November and continues until Christmas Eve, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit against the backdrop of Lucerne’s picturesque lakeside setting and majestic mountain views.

For more information on current Christmas activities and events, check out the official website. So far, I haven’t come across any popular group Christmas market tours in Lucerne – only this private option.

Hotel Recommendations in Lucerne

Budget-Friendly: Capsule Hotel 
Best Hotel: HERMITAGE Lake Lucerne
Top Apartment Pick: KoBi Apartments Hirschenplatz

2. Christmas markets in Zürich

If you want to combine the Christmas atmosphere with a cool city break and sightseeing – basing your trip in the Swiss city of Zurich will be a smart thing to do. Also, from Zurich you can visit Lucerne on a day trip, as it takes less than an hour by train.

To sum up my impressions of Zurich in December: there were lots of things to do and see, and of course, more people around compared to Lucerne and Basel (still it was far less crowded than Vienna or Prague around the same dates). In one of the local markets we accidentally spotted a local children’s choir singing Christmas songs, which was extremely cute. I guess, I have even shared it on Twitter.

The decorations in the city center were extremely beautiful, even lavish at times, including a huge Swarovski Christmas tree at the Railway Station. By the way, at the market of Zurich Railway station I’ve also had the best Apfelstrudel (or Apple strudel in English) in my entire life. Top 3 Zurich Christmas markets are Zurich Main Station (Hauptbahnhof), Old Town Christmas Market (Dörfli Christmas Market), and Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz (Christmas Village).

To explore more about Zurich’s Christmas offerings this year, visit the Zurich Tourism website. You can also book a Zurich Christmas Market Tour to discover the city’s most festive spots – either as part of a small group with a local guide or on a private tour tailored to your interests.

Hotel Recommendations in Zürich

Budget-Friendly: Hotel Stoller
Best Hotel: Storchen Zürich
Top Apartment Pick: Rose Suite

3. Christmas Markets in Basel

If I’m completely honest, Basel felt less picturesque than the first two Swiss cities mentioned earlier (at least in my opinion). However, don’t let that dampen your wanderlust – Basel is still a fantastic place to experience Christmas in Switzerland. One major advantage Basel has over other cities is its unique location at the borders of Switzerland, France, and Germany. This allows you not only to enjoy the charming Christmas markets in Basel but also to take day trips to the enchanting towns of Colmar or Eguisheim in the French province of Alsace, or visit nearby Christmas markets in Germany, such as Mulhouse, Freiburg im Breisgau, or Gengenbach.

Another thing I appreciated about Basel is that it’s more budget-friendly than Zurich or Lucerne, both for food and accommodation. Basel is also renowned for its vibrant Christmas market, one of the largest in Switzerland. Held in the heart of the city, it features over 180 stalls offering handcrafted gifts, delicious Swiss treats, and mulled wine. The market runs from late November until just before Christmas, making it an ideal spot to soak up the holiday atmosphere. Two top locations you shouldn’t miss for holiday vibes in Basel are Marktplatz and Barfüsserplatz.

For more information on this year’s Christmas events and attractions, be sure to visit the Basel Tourism website. You can also book the popular Basel Christmas Magic Guided Walking Tour, where a local guide will take you to all the festive highlights and trendy spots around the city. If you’re thinking about combining Basel with nearby French towns, the Christmas Markets Across 3 Borders tour is a great option – just keep in mind that it starts in Colmar.

Hotel Recommendations in Basel

Budget-Friendly: Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Best Hotel: Nomad Design & Lifestyle
Top Apartment Pick: Basel Rooftop Loft

Zurich, Lucerne, or Basel?

Visiting Switzerland during Christmas is a truly magical experience. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, festive markets, and delicious comfort food makes it a perfect destination for a holiday getaway. Whether you’re wandering beneath the twinkling lights of Basel, enjoying the elegance of Zurich, or soaking up the picturesque charm of Lucerne, each city offers a unique holiday experience that creates lasting memories.

Personally, my favorite Swiss Christmas market vibe was in Lucerne – especially since I tend to gravitate toward quieter destinations surrounded by natural beauty. That said, both Zurich and Basel had their own unique appeal. Basel, in particular, stood out for its location – it’s a great base for planning Christmas market itineraries across three countries: France, Germany, and Switzerland. Zurich, being one of Switzerland’s main cities, definitely offered more in terms of sightseeing and cultural attractions compared to Lucerne.

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