Switzerland in December 2026: Weather, Christmas Markets & a 7-Day Itinerary
December is when Switzerland looks most like the postcard: old towns lit with Christmas lights, wooden chalets on the market squares, and snow on the mountain villages. It's also one of the busiest months, so a little planning goes a long way.
What to expect
- Weather: about 30–40°F (−1 to 4°C) in the cities, often grey. In the mountains it's colder but often sunny above the fog.
- Daylight: short. It's dark around 4:30–5 pm, which is perfect timing for the markets.
- Christmas markets: most run from about November 19–26 to December 23–24. All dates and maps.
- Skiing: resorts open through December. Snow is most reliable in high resorts like Zermatt, Saas-Fee and St. Moritz.
- Glacier Express: back from December 5 after its autumn break. Glacier Express guide.
- Prices: reasonable in early December, highest between Christmas and New Year.
A 7-day December itinerary
Days 1–2: Zurich. Land, leave your bags, and walk the Zurich markets from the main station to the lake. Warm up the next morning in the rooftop thermal pool.
Day 3: Lucerne. It's an hour by train. See the old-town market, the Chapel Bridge, and Mount Rigi above the fog. Lucerne at Christmas.
Days 4–5: Zermatt. Take the train to the car-free village under the Matterhorn: Gornergrat railway, a winter walk or a ski day, and a hotel spa in the evening. Zermatt for non-skiers.
Day 6: Glacier Express to St. Moritz. Eight hours through the snowy Alps. Book the seat reservation as soon as your dates are set.
Day 7: St. Moritz, then the train back to Zurich for your flight.
Prefer the French-speaking side? Swap Lucerne for Montreux Noël and Geneva.
Our tips
- Book Christmas week early, especially in Zermatt and St. Moritz.
- Pack for wet cold: waterproof boots, a warm hat and gloves. That beats a heavy ski jacket in the cities.
- Most shops close on December 25–26, and many restaurants too. Plan meals ahead.
- Spa hotels shine in December. After a day in the cold, a pool with a mountain view is what you'll remember.
Mont Cervin Palace
Zermatt · Valais
Grand hotel in the center of car-free Zermatt with a large spa and indoor/outdoor pool.
Check rates & availability →Badrutt's Palace
St. Moritz · Graubünden
St. Moritz's most famous palace hotel, with a spa and lake-view pool.
Check rates & availability →Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
Lucerne · Lucerne
Restored lakefront palace hotel with a spa, walking distance to the old town.
Check rates & availability →B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa
Zurich · Zurich
Hotel inside the old Hürlimann brewery, connected to the thermal baths.
Check rates & availability →FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Switzerland?
Yes. You get Christmas markets, snowy mountain villages, open ski resorts and thermal baths in the snow. Days are short, with dark around 4:30–5 pm, so plan city visits for the evenings.
What is the weather like in Switzerland in December?
Cities are usually 30–40°F (−1 to 4°C), often grey. Mountain resorts are colder but frequently sunny above the fog.
Is there snow in Switzerland in December?
Reliably above about 1,500–2,000 m (5,000–6,500 ft) and on glaciers like Zermatt and Saas-Fee. In cities like Zurich or Geneva, snow is possible but not guaranteed.
Are Swiss Christmas markets open on December 25?
Almost all close on December 23 or 24. A few, like Basel's Wienachtsdorf, stay open into early January.