A Magical 7-Day Christmas Vacation in Switzerland
An Enchanting Christmas Vacation
CHRISTMAS GETAWAYEUROPE
Julie Cruz
11/22/20243 min read


Switzerland transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas, with its snow-capped mountains, twinkling lights, and festive markets. Here’s a 7-day itinerary to experience the best of Swiss Christmas magic, covering Zurich, Lucerne, and Montreux.
Day 1: Arrival in Zurich
Morning:
Check-in: Baur au Lac, a luxurious hotel with stunning views of Lake Zurich.
Coffee Stop: Café Schober, a charming spot known for its hot chocolate and pastries.
Afternoon:
Explore: Stroll through the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Cultural Activity: Visit the Swiss National Museum to learn about Swiss history and traditions.
Evening:
Christmas Market: Wander through the Zurich Christmas Market at Sechseläutenplatz, the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe.
Dinner: Kronenhalle, a historic restaurant offering Swiss cuisine in an art-filled setting.


Day 2: Zurich
Morning:
Church Visit: Grossmünster, an iconic twin-towered church with stunning views from the top.
Afternoon:
Cultural Activity: Take a boat tour on Lake Zurich for picturesque winter views.
Lunch: Zeughauskeller, a traditional Swiss restaurant in a former armory.
Evening:
Christmas Market: Visit the Wienachtsdorf Christmas Market at Bellevue Square, known for its cozy atmosphere and unique gifts.
Dinner: Haus Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.


Day 3: Train to Lucerne
Morning:
Train Travel: Take a scenic train ride to Lucerne, enjoying the winter landscapes.
Afternoon:
Check-in: Hotel des Balances, a boutique hotel with a prime location by the Reuss River.
Coffee Stop: Café de Ville, perfect for a warm drink and people-watching.
Evening:
Christmas Market: Explore the Lucerne Christmas Market at Franziskanerplatz, known for its festive stalls and local crafts.
Dinner: Wirtshaus Galliker, a family-run restaurant serving traditional Swiss dishes.


Day 4: Lucerne
Morning:
Church Visit: Hofkirche, a beautiful Renaissance church with impressive architecture.
Afternoon:
Cultural Activity: Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport, an interactive museum perfect for all ages.
Lunch: Restaurant Stern, offering Swiss cuisine with a modern twist.
Evening:
Christmas Market: Enjoy the Christmas market at the Vögeligärtli, a smaller but charming market with a cozy atmosphere.
Dinner: Old Swiss House, known for its classic Swiss dishes and historic ambiance.


Day 5: Train to Montreux
Morning:
Train Travel: Board the GoldenPass Line to Montreux, a scenic route through the Swiss Alps.
Afternoon:
Check-in: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, a luxurious hotel with stunning views of Lake Geneva.
Coffee Stop: Zurcher, a quaint café with delicious pastries.
Evening:
Christmas Market: Visit the Montreux Noël, one of Switzerland’s most famous Christmas markets, set along the lakeside.
Dinner: Le Pont de Brent, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite cuisine.


Day 6: Montreux
Morning:
Church Visit: St. Vincent Church, a beautiful Gothic church with panoramic views of the lake.
Afternoon:
Cultural Activity: Take a trip to Château de Chillon, a medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Lunch: Restaurant du Pont, offering traditional Swiss dishes with a view.
Evening:
Christmas Market: Continue exploring Montreux Noël, enjoying the festive lights and live performances.
Dinner: Montreux Jazz Café, blending great food with a musical heritage.


Day 7: Return to Zurich
Morning:
Train Travel: Return to Zurich via a scenic train ride.
Afternoon:
Last-minute Shopping: Spend your final hours exploring Zurich’s Christmas markets and shops for souvenirs.
Lunch: Confiserie Sprüngli, famous for its Luxemburgerli macarons and other sweet treats.
Evening:
Farewell Dinner: Dine at Restaurant Lindenhofkeller, known for its fine Swiss cuisine and cozy atmosphere.


This 7-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of festive markets, cultural activities, and scenic train journeys, ensuring a magical Christmas experience in Switzerland. Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate in Zurich, exploring medieval castles in Montreux, or enjoying the festive lights in Lucerne, Switzerland promises an unforgettable holiday season.