Festive Family Trips: The Five Best Swiss Cities for Christmas

December is the perfect time of the year for family days out, especially for children. From Christmas markets to skating rinks and dazzling light displays, there are so many things to discover during the festive season! But which cities in Switzerland are the best for a family adventure? It’s time to find out!

We've analysed 20 Swiss cities based on several festive criteria, including the number of Christmas events and markets, the chances of snow in December, and the number of social media posts about ‘Advent’, ‘Christmas’, and more. So, read on to discover the most festive cities in Switzerland to visit with your family, here.

Zurich comes in top place, with a huge 41 Christmas events and 16 markets just waiting to be discovered! Head to the main railway station, which is home to one of Europe’s largest indoor Christmas markets, with numerous stalls and a huge, festively decorated Christmas tree.

The city is bathed in lights, with the 'Lucy' lights on Bahnhofstrasse the most magical; and the Illuminarium at the National Museum another must-see, featuring light shows, art installations and workshops for children.  And in Zurich's Märlitram, little ones can listen to stories told by Christmas angels -- a special experience for families.

If you want to experience a lot with your family, head to Geneva! This is where you'll find the most Christmas events -- we counted 44! Although there are fewer Christmas markets than in Zurich, the Noël au Quai on the Quai du Mont-Blanc is a must-visit. The Christmas market offers a stunning view of Lake Geneva and numerous stalls with regional specialities and artisanal gifts. Children have their own dedicated area for crafting and playing. In the Quartier des Bains, you can admire a light installation, and the Jardin Anglais invites you with its ice rink. No wonder Geneva is mentioned in over 53,000 social media posts as a Christmas destination -- more than any other Swiss city.

In the charming old town, the Winterthur Christmas Market awaits you, known for its cosy atmosphere. The children's carousel, lovingly decorated each year, is a special highlight for the little ones. There's also a Christmas puppet theatre and storytelling sessions. The old town is festively lit and gives Winterthur a fairy-tale character. You might even be lucky enough to see the city covered in snow: in December, Winterthur averages eight snow days.

Bern captivates during the Christmas season with its charming mix of traditional festivities and modern diversity. Besides classic Christmas markets - particularly atmospheric is the Christmas market on Cathedral Square - numerous winter pop- up bars in the old town invite you for a hot punch in the evening. By the way: Bern's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a unique backdrop for walking. Additionally, over 30 Christmas events ensure that you and your family won't get bored. A highlight is the Children's Christmas Village on the Kleine Schanze, where children can craft, bake, and listen to fairy tales. The zoo also offers special holiday activities like crafting, face painting, and much more.

Lucerne delights families during the Christmas season with its special atmosphere, nestled between lake and mountains. The Lucerne Christmas Market on Franziskanerplatz offers a wonderful selection of regional products and seasonal delicacies. Particularly exciting for children is the Wiehnachtsmärt at Rudolf's Christmas near Inseli Park, where there's an elf workshop and live animals to admire. The illuminated Chapel Bridge and the lights along the lakeside promenade invite you to stroll. Another popular destination for families is the ice rink near Inseli.

Of course, there are many other beautiful places in Switzerland worth visiting during Advent. Montreux and Lugano, for example, offer their own special charm. Montreux, with its 26,000 inhabitants, is a smaller city, but its Marché de Noël ranks among Switzerland's most beautiful Christmas markets, attracting around 420,000 visitors annually! The stalls line up directly along Lake Geneva against an impressive Alpine backdrop. For children, there's even the opportunity to visit Santa Claus on the nearby Rochers-de-Naye.

In Lugano, on the other hand, an interesting blend of Mediterranean flair and winter Christmas magic awaits you. The Christmas market, with its palm trees, twinkling lights, and Italian specialties, gives the city its own unique, warm atmosphere that families particularly appreciate.

Festive lighting immediately puts us in the Christmas mood. And you'll find plenty of it in Switzerland! There are several impressive light festivals that attract visitors from across the country.

Besides the famous Zurich Illuminarium, there's the free Rendez-vous Bundesplatz in Bern, which projects spectacular light images onto the Federal Palace facade. Since free events are particularly good for the family budget, you should also check out the Baden Christmas Lights Festival.

The Magic Forest in Lenzerheide offers a special experience where light installations and nature form a fascinating combination. Geneva impresses with two major light events: Eonarium Enlightenment is visible until January 26 for CHF 17, while the Geneva Lux Festival is free and takes place in January. Also opening in January are the Lilu Light Festival in Lucerne and the Murten Light Festival. This way, you and your family can continue to enjoy impressive light art even after Christmas.

So, now you know all the best cities in a Switzerland to visit with your family over Christmas, it’s time to get booking your next trip! And if you want to document your trip away, or even just need some gifting inspiration – then why not take a look at our personalised photo, wall calender or photo Advent calendar perfect for gifting to loved ones?