Celebrate Christmas in Zermatt: A Festive Alpine Experience
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, when many people take time out to celebrate, spend time with family and friends and have fun. Wherever you choose to spend Christmas, you’ll no doubt have a wonderful time. But, there’s one place where Christmas is even more magical - Zermatt.
With all the beauty of a traditional Swiss village with the addition of world-class skiing, incredible dining and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a Zermatt Christmas offers everything you need for an unforgettable festive season.
Why choose Zermatt at Christmas?
Throughout the year, Zermatt has plenty of charm, including a beautiful spring and gorgeous summer. But during the winter, the town transforms, and a visit here is like stepping right into the pages of a winter fairytale. There are postcard-worthy views at almost every turn, not just from the town itself, but the incredible mountainous landscapes, meaning you can have an unforgettable Christmas.
The centre of Zermatt is car-free, so provides a cosy, quiet and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can stroll freely. It makes it not only the ideal place to visit to enjoy winter sports, but the perfect family vacation destination, which is exactly what you need around Christmas time.
Festive things to see and do in Zermatt
One of the biggest reasons to come to the area during the winter period are the Zermatt Christmas celebrations. You’ll get to see just how special it is beneath a blanket of snow and decorated with countless twinkling lights. It really is like a Christmas movie that’s come to life. But on top of that, there are plenty of festive things to see and do in the area too. Here are just some of our favourites:
- Bahnhofstrasse is the main street that connects the church and station, and thanks to the lights, during the festive season it looks exactly like a Christmas market. Many of the retailers along the street also offer plenty of Christmas gifts and decorations. There isn't a Zermatt Christmas market, but Bahnofstrasse is certainly the next best thing.
- Every year, usually in late November, there’s a ceremony to celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree, which features carolling, music, food and drink and a visit from Santa himself.
- Mass at St Peter’s Church hosts events and services throughout the festive period, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day mass.
- Enjoy a husky-led sleigh ride across the incredible mountains, which is an experience even Santa himself would love.
- From November, Zermatt is home to an outdoor ice rink and is great whether you’re a skating pro or you like to hold onto the sides.
- Zermatt hosts regular carolling, music and orchestra events throughout the Christmas season, which are usually free to attend.
Winter activities to enjoy in Zermatt
Whether you enjoy the Zermatt Christmas celebrations or visit at any time during the winter, there are loads of activities to enjoy that make it a world-class experience and one you’ll never forget.
Of course, one of the biggest draws to Zermatt, which attracts visitors from all over the world, are the 360km of pistes that provide both new and experienced skiers with almost endless opportunities. Zermatt is home to Europe’s highest ski area at almost 4,000 metres. This also means Zermatt has year-round snow, and is one of a very few European ski resorts that are open all year.
This also makes Zermatt perfect for hiking and snowshoeing. You can immerse yourself in adventure and take a trip to see the legendary Matterhorn, which you can view from multiple spots in the region.
If you’re in the mood for thrills, you might want to take a helicopter flight over the mountains, glide through the sky with a paragliding experience or zip through a toboggan course. Or for something a little less exhilarating but still just as exciting, you can enjoy a spot of curling.
Tasty Christmas treats you’ll find around Zermatt
The perfect Zermatt Christmas trip isn't complete without treating your tastebuds to something delicious. Switzerland is famous for its hearty savoury dishes and delectable sweet treats. And at Christmas, the locals pull out all the stops to keep everyone warm, happy and full. Here are just some of the Christmas treats you can try while you’re here in picturesque Zermatt.
- Swiss gingerbread (lebkuchen): A soft, spiced gingerbread decorated with sweet icing, honey and nuts. It’s a staple in almost every bakery in the area.
- Swiss hot chocolate: The Swiss are famous for their chocolates, but during the winter there’s nothing better than a rich, velvety hot chocolate that will warm you up from the inside out.
- Mulled wine: A Christmas favourite, mulled wine is a comforting winter warmer, offered by stalls and cafes throughout the season.
- Raclette: This dish that consists of melted cheese, pickles, onions and potatoes is served year-round, but is a real crowd pleaser during Christmas.
- Roasted chestnuts: Sweet, nutty and toasty, roasted chestnuts are the quintessential Christmas treat, offered by vendors and stalls during the holidays.
- Swiss Christmas cookies: With flavours of almonds, vanilla and cinnamon, Swiss Christmas cookies and rich, buttery and delicious.
- Biberli: Biberli is a spiced gingerbread treat filled with a sweet almond paste shaped into a festive design.
Make Zermatt your very own winter wonderland
There’s so much to see, do and explore in and around Zermatt, not just during the festive season, but throughout the year. But it’s during the festive season when Zermatt becomes a truly magical place to be and is the perfect place to spend the winter.
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