--- title: "Switzerland in December 2026: Markets, Weather, Ski Openings" description: "Switzerland in December 2026: Christmas market dates by city, the Escalade and Klausjagen, ski-season openings, the Glacier Express return and weather." url: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-december" image: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124F3B9N53H766NQ8CA8.CKdyiBRL_Z2rL3GD.jpg" --- 1. [Home](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/) 2. [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) 3. Switzerland in December: Christmas Markets, Escalade and First Snow [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) # Switzerland in December: Christmas Markets, Escalade and First Snow Switzerland in December 2026: Christmas market dates by city, the Escalade and Klausjagen, ski-season openings, the Glacier Express return and weather. By [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien), Global Manager · Published on October 22, 2026 · 5 min read ![Bern, Belgium, Alsace & Switzerland by Train in 10 Days: Brussels to Zermatt](/_astro/01M5J4124F3B9N53H766NQ8CA8.CKdyiBRL_1rN5OK.webp) [Jan](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-january)[Feb](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-february)[Mar](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-march)[Apr](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-april)[May](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-may)[Jun](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-june)[Jul](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-july)[Aug](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-august)[Sep](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-september)[Oct](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-october)[Nov](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-november)[Dec](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-december) December is Advent in Switzerland: Christmas markets in every old town until December 23 or 24, lantern processions and village customs, and on December 5, 2026, the return of the Glacier Express for the winter. The ski season opens across the Alps during the first three weeks, and the month ends with the busiest, most expensive fortnight of the winter. Two Decembers, really: a calm, good-value one until about December 20, and a festive peak from Christmas to New Year. For how December compares with the rest of the year, see our [best time to visit Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/best-time-to-visit-switzerland). Below are the 2026 dates that matter. ## Advent in Swiss cities: market dates for 2026 | City | Market | Dates | | --- | --- | --- | | Zurich | Polarzauber in the main station hall, Münsterhof | November 19 to December 24 | | Zurich | Niederdorf, Werdmühleplatz (Singing Christmas Tree), Bellevue | November 19 to December 23 | | Geneva | Noël au Quai, Quai du Mont-Blanc | November 19 to December 24 | | Montreux | Montreux Noël on the lakeside quays | November 20 to December 24 | | Bern | Sternenmarkt, Kleine Schanze | November 19 to December 27 | | Bern | Waisenhausplatz / Münsterplatz | November 27 / 28 to December 24 | | St. Gallen | Sternenstadt | November 26 to December 24 | | Basel | Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz | November 26 to December 23 | | Basel | Basler Wienachtsdorf, Theaterplatz | November 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027 | | Einsiedeln | Christmas market by the abbey | November 27 to December 6 | | Lucerne | Advent opening and ice rink on Europaplatz | from November 21; ice rink until January 1 | Lucerne's market on the Franziskanerplatz had not published its 2026 dates when we checked (it ran from December 4 to 21 in 2025), so confirm it before booking. Our guide to [Swiss Christmas markets](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/swiss-christmas-markets) compares the atmosphere of each, and which to combine by train. Opening hours vary by market, but most stay open into the evening, and all are calmest on weekday afternoons. Mulled wine comes in a souvenir mug with a deposit, which you can keep or return. ## Lanterns, whips and a chocolate cauldron: December customs - **Klausjagen, Küssnacht am Rigi:** on the evening of St. Nicholas, or the Friday before when December 5 falls on a weekend, hundreds of men parade with huge illuminated paper mitres called Iffelen, cowbells, horns and cracking whips. By that rule, the 2026 parade falls on Friday, December 4, with the main procession at 8:15 p.m.; confirm on the organizers' site. - **Fête de l'Escalade, Geneva, December 11 to 13, 2026:** Geneva celebrates its defeat of a surprise attack by the Duke of Savoy's troops in 1602. The lantern parade is on Saturday, December 12, at 7:45 p.m., and the large historical procession in costume leaves the Parc des Bastions on Sunday, December 13, at 5 p.m., ending at the Cour Saint-Pierre at about 8:30 p.m. Every pastry shop sells chocolate cauldrons, the marmites, filled with marzipan vegetables, which families smash together. The running race, the Course de l'Escalade, is usually held on a weekend in early December; check the 2026 date. - **Spengler Cup, Davos, December 26 to 31, 2026:** the world's oldest international ice hockey club tournament, a Christmas week tradition. - **Silvesterchlausen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, December 31:** costumed Chläuse with heavy bells go from farm to farm yodeling, and again on January 13. It is a village custom, so we confirm the program locally. - **New Year's Eve in Zurich:** fireworks over the lake basin shortly after midnight, with festival areas around Bürkliplatz. Christmas Day and December 26 are public holidays in most cantons; markets and most shops close, but trains and mountain railways run. ## Ski season and the Glacier Express return The Glacier Express restarts with its winter timetable on December 5, 2026, and from December 12 to January 3 an extra pair of trains runs for the holidays. Our [Glacier Express guide](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/glacier-express-guide) explains the classes and seat sides. The Swiss rail timetable changes on December 13, 2026, so we check every connection against the new one. Ski openings for the 2026/27 season: Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, Mürren-Schilthorn and Corvatsch from November 21; Zermatt and St. Moritz Corviglia from November 28; Grindelwald-Männlichen from December 12; Grindelwald-First and Diavolezza from December 19, the day the Muottas Muragl funicular also restarts. The Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg railway reopens on December 5 and the Männlichen lifts on December 12, after their autumn revision. On Pilatus, the gondola and the Dragon Ride run again from November 28, while the cogwheel railway is closed for the winter. ## Shortest days of the year: December weather 1991-2020 averages calculated from MeteoSwiss station data: | Place | Average high | Average low | December sunshine | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Zurich | 39°F (4°C) | 31°F (-1°C) | 47 hours | | Lucerne | 40°F (5°C) | 31°F (-1°C) | 39 hours | | Interlaken | 39°F (4°C) | 29°F (-2°C) | 56 hours | | Zermatt | 35°F (1°C) | 21°F (-6°C) | 84 hours | | Sils, Engadine | 32°F (0°C) | 15°F (-9°C) | about 102 hours (Samedan) | | Lugano | 46°F (8°C) | 36°F (2°C) | 108 hours | | Geneva | 42°F (6°C) | 32°F (0°C) | 49 hours | | Jungfraujoch weather station | 16°F (-9°C) | 6°F (-15°C) | 103 hours | December is the darkest month in the northern cities: Lucerne averages under 40 hours of sunshine, and on December 21 the sun rises in Zurich at 8:10 a.m. and sets at 4:37 p.m. That is why the markets matter so much here; the old towns glow from mid-afternoon. Snow in the lowland cities is possible but not dependable, so for a white Christmas we look above about 4,000 feet, to Grindelwald, Wengen, Zermatt or the Engadine. ## Two Decembers: before and after the 20th From early December to about December 20, mountain resorts are open but quiet, and hotel rates sit well below the festive peak, which makes it one of our favorite windows for a winter trip with markets and snow. From Christmas to New Year, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Grindelwald and Wengen are at their busiest and most expensive of the year, and many hotels require a minimum stay of several nights. We book Christmas and New Year in the Alps by early summer. ## Packing for markets after dark and ski mornings - Insulated boots with grip and thick socks; you will stand on cold cobblestones for hours. - Gloves thin enough to hold a mug, a warm hat and a scarf. - Thermal layers you can remove in heated trains, shops and restaurants. - Sunglasses and sunscreen for the mountains. For travelers using a wheelchair, Montreux Noël on the flat lakeside quays and Geneva's Noël au Quai are easier than the steep, cobbled old-town markets of Bern or Lucerne's old town. ## December trips we build **Christmas markets by train.** Basel, Zurich, Lucerne and Montreux in a week, by train between markets, with a Rigi or Jungfraujoch day for snow. Browse our [Christmas market trips](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/trips/christmas-markets) for routes. **Christmas in the Alps.** The Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt in the quiet weeks before the 20th, then Christmas in a mountain village: our [Legendary Swiss Trains](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) adapted for winter. **Alsace, Lyon and the Alps.** Strasbourg and Colmar markets, Lyon and skiing in Val d'Isère with our [French Christmas](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/the-magic-of-french-christmas) trip, extended to Basel or Geneva for the Escalade weekend. Staying into the new year? [Switzerland in January](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-january) covers the quiet, snowy weeks after the holidays. Tell us which markets or which mountain village you have in mind, and we will plan your December around it: [start planning](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/plan-your-trip). More guides: [Month by month](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/seasons)[Christmas markets](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/christmas) ## Related destinations - [Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/switzerland) ## Contents Written by ### [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) Global Manager · Based in Villefranche-sur-Saône Grew up between the French and Swiss Alps; designs our scenic train and mountain itineraries and has strong opinions about hotels. [More about Valentine](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) ## Trips for this guide - [![Legendary Swiss Trains](/_astro/01M5J4124NCZ8M7GK939T8W5Z8.DuO0OEHt_2ePJvK.webp)**Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days**From €2,199 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) - [![The magic of French Christmas](/_astro/01M5J4124JE1AS6FJX6HMX3VTN.Dyfvhrac_VXXAc.webp)**French Christmas in 7 Days: Alsace Markets, Lyon & Val d'Isère Skiing**From €2,099 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/the-magic-of-french-christmas) - [![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z1oIPLB.webp)**Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express**From €3,499 · 12 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) When you’re ready, we’re ready ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. ## Frequently asked questions ### When do Swiss Christmas markets close? Most close on December 23 or 24, 2026: Polarzauber in Zurich's main station and the Münsterhof market, Geneva's Noël au Quai, Montreux Noël and St. Gallen's Sternenstadt on December 24, Basel's Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz markets and several Zurich markets on December 23. Bern's Sternenmarkt runs until December 27, and the Basler Wienachtsdorf on Theaterplatz until January 3, 2027. ### Is December a good time to visit Switzerland? Yes, for Christmas markets, snow and the winter trains. The first three weeks are calm and good value, with markets open, ski areas opening and the Glacier Express back from December 5, 2026. Christmas to New Year is the most expensive time of the winter in the resorts, and days are short, with about 8.5 hours of daylight. ### Will there be snow in Switzerland in December? In the mountain resorts, very likely; in the cities, not reliably. Zurich, Lucerne and Geneva average highs around 39°F to 42°F, so rain is as likely as snow. For a white Christmas, choose a village above about 4,000 feet, such as Wengen, Mürren, Zermatt or one in the Engadine. ### What is the Fête de l'Escalade? It is Geneva's December festival, commemorating the defeat of a night attack by Savoyard troops in 1602. In 2026, it runs from December 11 to 13, with a lantern parade on Saturday evening and a historical costume procession through the old town on Sunday from 5 p.m. Families smash chocolate cauldrons filled with marzipan vegetables. ## Plan this trip Day by day, with prices. Each one is reshaped around you. [All itineraries](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages) ![Legendary Swiss Trains](/_astro/01M5J4124NCZ8M7GK939T8W5Z8.DuO0OEHt_1szWel.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) Six nights by train from Interlaken to Lucerne, with the GoldenPass, the Gornergrat, the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, in 4-star hotels beside each station. For first-time visitors who want the big views without a car. From **€2,199** per person ![The magic of French Christmas](/_astro/01M5J4124JE1AS6FJX6HMX3VTN.Dyfvhrac_aIbiM.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [French Christmas in 7 Days: Alsace Markets, Lyon & Val d'Isère Skiing](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/the-magic-of-french-christmas) Six nights in December: two in Colmar for the markets and wine villages, one at the Hôtel-Dieu in Lyon with dinner at Paul Bocuse, three in Val d'Isère with two full ski days. First-class train, 4- and 5-star hotels. From **€2,099** per person ![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z2aYD41.webp) 12 days / 11 nights ### [Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) Eleven nights by train from Montreux to Zurich: Lavaux, the Chocolate Train, Jungfraujoch, Zermatt and the Glacier Express to St. Moritz. Well-placed 3-star hotels keep the price down; we upgrade one or two stops on request. From **€3,499** per person ## More to read [All articles](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) ![Lavaux](/_astro/01M5J4124NY4C9KPA7XMMMF47R.B6tA9Lv8_tjsRe.webp) Europe ### [What Happens When You Give Europe the Time It Deserves](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/what-happens-when-you-give-europe-the-time-it-deserves) Two weeks in Europe is a visit. A month is a beginning. The travelers who stay longest are the ones who understand Europe best, and miss it most when they leave. ![Grindelwald (2)](/_astro/01M5J4124RDDPNYFATWFT219X0.oKOOhqlp_1LLnES.webp) Switzerland ### [Interlaken Travel Guide: Jungfrau Region Bases, Excursions and Seasons](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/interlaken-travel-guide) Interlaken and the Jungfrau region the way we plan them: 3 to 4 nights, the right village for your plans, Jungfraujoch on a clear day, and what is open when. ![Lake Orta and Lugano, Italy & Switzerland in 7 Days: Milan, Lake Maggiore, Lugano & Zurich](/_astro/01M5J4124P851R85FVNAJGXK0C.CKbGOWGR_Z1D24RM.webp) Switzerland ### [Switzerland in January: Snow, Ski Races and Quiet Cities](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-january) Switzerland in January: real temperatures by region, which mountain trains run, Lauberhorn and balloon festival dates for 2027, crowds and what to pack. Tailor-made, from France ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. 1. 1Share your dates and wishes 2. 2Get a priced itinerary within 48 hours 3. 3Refine it together, then travel 9 travel designers in Lyon and Nice reply to every request themselves. ★★★★★ > “A wonderful travel partner” Carol W., Seattle, WA · 4.8/5 on 273 reviews - [US+1 607 354 8896](tel:+16073548896) - [Europe+33 4 26 30 36 82](tel:+33426303682) - [contact@mobeeinternational.com](mailto:contact@mobeeinternational.com) Two minutes, three steps. Free and without obligation. ## Contact Plan a tailor-made trip in Europe with Mobee International: https://tally.so/r/nWplRv — e-mail contact@mobeeinternational.com — phone +33 4 26 30 36 82 (Europe) or +1 607 354 8896 (US). ## Données structurées ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "TravelAgency", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization", "name": "Mobee International", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "logo": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/images/brand/mobee-international.png", "description": "Mobee International is a Destination Management Company (DMC) based in France: tailor-made trips and packages in France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Belgium, designed by local travel experts for travelers, travel agencies and tour operators.", "telephone": "+33426303682", "email": "contact@mobeeinternational.com", "areaServed": [ "US", "CA", "FR", "CH", "DE", "IT", "BE" ], "knowsLanguage": "en", "legalName": "MOBEE INTERNATIONAL", "vatID": "FR33824986947", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.kimkim.com/o/mobee-international", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobee-international", "https://www.instagram.com/mobeeinternational/", "https://www.youtube.com/@MobeeInternational", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/mobeeinternational.com" ], "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "206 rue Alexandre Richetta", "postalCode": "69400", "addressLocality": "Villefranche-sur-Saône", "addressCountry": "FR" }, "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer service", "telephone": "+16073548896", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer service", "telephone": "+33426303682", "areaServed": "FR", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "French", "Spanish" ] } ], "parentOrganization": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "MOBEE INTERNATIONAL", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "vatID": "FR33824986947", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "206 rue Alexandre Richetta", "postalCode": "69400", "addressLocality": "Villefranche-sur-Saône", "addressCountry": "FR" } } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#website", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "name": "Mobee International", "inLanguage": "en", "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "Switzerland in December: Christmas Markets, Escalade and First Snow", "description": "Switzerland in December 2026: Christmas market dates by city, the Escalade and Klausjagen, ski-season openings, the Glacier Express return and weather.", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-december", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Valentine Julien", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien#person", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization" }, "datePublished": "2026-10-22T00:00:00.000Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-22T00:00:00.000Z", "image": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124F3B9N53H766NQ8CA8.CKdyiBRL_Z2rL3GD.jpg", "inLanguage": "en" } ] } ```