7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern

December in Switzerland means twinkling Christmas markets, swooshing down the ski slopes and melty raclette for dinner. It is a roaring fire in a chalet, a thermal bath in the snow and eating roasted chestnuts and sipping mulled wine as you walk the streets of a quaint downtown. From Appenzell to Zermatt, Switzerland offers alpine charm at its finest.
Appenzell: an enchanting step back in time
Silvesterchlausen is a distinct Appenzell tradition
Traditions run deep in Switzerland, especially in the delightful village of Appenzell. Here, you can explore a Christmas market and listen to carolers sing Advent songs, just like anywhere else in the country. There is also the opportunity to witness Silvesterchlausen, a longstanding, only-in-Appenzell custom. On Dec. 31 and Jan. 13, Silvesterchlausen mummers don elaborate ornamental headgear with bells around their neck and wander from house to house, ringing in the new year by singing and yodeling. In between the Silvesterchlausen festivities, trek to Santis, a massive mountain where on a clear day you can see six different countries from the summit.
Basel: brimming with holiday cheer
Basel is known for its incredible Christmas markets
Basel's Christmas Market is the "biggest and arguably the best around," CNN said, attracting revelers who want to see the roughly 150 "fabulously decorated stalls selling Christmas spices, decorations and candles." This feast for the senses is separated into two sections — one at Barfusserplatz, where the mulled wine is a must, and the other at Munsterplatz, where you can get into the spirit of the season by icing gingerbread. For a dazzling view of the city and holiday lights, head to the Basel Cathedral and climb to the top of St. George's Tower or St. Martin's Tower (each one is 250 steps up).
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Grindelwald: hop into a snow globe
The dramatic Eiger mountain looms above Grindelwald
The name sounds like a "Harry Potter" character, and the scenery is straight out of a fairy tale. Grindelwald is "crazily gorgeous," Lonely Planet said, with awe-inspiring peaks like Jungfrau and Schreckhorn. Those seeking adventure will enjoy skiing down Eiger, snowshoeing under the stars and walking along the First Cliff Walk viewing platform. Those craving a traditional alpine holiday can stroll through the stalls at the Christmas market. Rent a chalet for a cozy stay, and consider taking a quick trip to nearby Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe with incredible views of the mountains that stretch as far as France and the Aletsch Glacier.
Lucerne: a lakeside dream
Lucerne becomes even more picturesque during winter
Come December, Lucerne beckons "winter sports enthusiasts, as well as those who want an extra large helping of alpine charm," Travel and Leisure said. Fill your days with skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, tubing, curling and winter hiking before going to Old Town to see the Christmas market, home of the largest Advent wreath in central Switzerland. If being on the slopes has left you with sore muscles, the nearby Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad can help. The warm, mineral-rich water soothes the body, while the spectacular mountain views soothe the soul.
St. Gallen: a dazzling wonderland
Hundreds of lights guide the way through St. Gallen every December
This city shines brighter in December, when streets and squares are illuminated by 700 brilliant electric stars that sparkle against the night sky. The Christmas market here is more than a place to find handmade gifts, like candles and scarves — choirs, musicians and dancers also perform as part of the festivities. Visit the majestic St. Gallen Cathedral and Abbey Library, then enjoy a hearty meal at Am Gallusplatz. This "culinary landmark" uses local ingredients to cook classic fare like dumplings on cabbage, and its "enormous wine list will complement any meal," Fodor's said.
St. Moritz: glitz and glamour, on and off the slopes
St. Moritz is beloved by jetsetters
The "confluence of winter sports and art" is one of St. Moritz's "most distinctive qualities," said Vogue, along with its "iconic Art Nouveau hotels and traditional fondue spots." This exclusive ski resort draws those "nostalgic for the classic glamour that once defined the golden age of après-ski," plus art afficiandos interested in sights like the domed Segantini Museum with works by the Italian painter Giovanni Segantini. For an unforgettable stay, book a suite at Badrutt's Palace, a "neo-Gothic castle with towering turrets and terraces" that offers more than a dozen food and beverage options and VIP shopping experiences at local luxury boutiques.
Zermatt: a car-free charmer
The Matterhorn brings skiers of all skill levels to Zermatt
Zermatt is a winter playground in the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn. You can ski, snowboard and snowshoe, with more than 200 miles of trails to choose from. The town is "famously car-free," Travel and Leisure said, so it "takes a little more effort to travel there and get around," either by train, electric taxi or horse-drawn carriage. It is worth it when you arrive in Zermatt and check in to the historic Mont Cervin Palace. This "grand hotel" offers "contemporary luxury" with "top-notch" service, the Michelin Guide said, and has a huge perk for guests: access to ski the Matterhorn on Thursday mornings before any one else.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
There is a 'third state' between life and death
Under the radar Cells can develop new abilities after their source organism dies
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Is it worth getting an interest-only mortgage?
The Explainer Your monthly payments may be cheaper but the full mortgage amount will need to be paid back eventually
By Marc Shoffman, The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: March 6, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
5 books to read this March to reset your existence right in time for spring
The Week Recommends Another 'Hunger Games' prequel, a eye opening look at lives of the 'working homeless' and more
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Skip southern Utah for the rugged majesty of Grand Junction, Colorado
The Week Recommends Explore mountains and mesas, without the crowds
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Sleep like you are in a gallery at these art-filled hotels
The Week Recommends Prepare to be inspired
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The best body horror movies of the last half-century
The Week Recommends If 'The Substance' piqued your interest, these other films will likely be your speed
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
6 excellent sleeping bags for campers seeking comfort
The Week Recommends Have sweet dreams in these snug bags
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
6 thought-provoking exhibitions around the US
The Week Recommends Libraries are for more than just checking out books
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Costalegre: a tranquil coastal destination on the Mexican Pacific
The Week Recommends A quieter, less developed take on the luxurious beach life
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
Tasty condiments to spice up your life
The Week Recommends From crispy chilli oil to spaghetti dust, these sauces and seasonings are packed with flavour
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published