Merry Swiss-mas!

Clients can step into a real-life winter wonderland on a trip to Switzerland’s Christmas markets. And thanks to efficient public transport links, hopping between its snowdusted cities is quick and easy. From traditional stalls selling warming local cuisine to handmade crafts and entertainment for all ages, every city has its own festivities to discover.

In Bern, clients can explore three markets within the Unesco-listed Old Town. At Waisenhausplatz, the traditional market is adorned with fairy lights and is home to huts serving hearty Swiss delicacies and sweet treats. Near Bern Minster (the cathedral) the handicraft market has the city’s best mulled wine and the perfect souvenirs, while Kleine Schanze’s Star Market is like a Christmas village with lounges, children’s rides and locally designed products.

Geneva’s Noël au Quai market sits in a picturesque lakeside location, where visitors can relax with a hot chocolate and take in views of Lake Geneva. For kids, there’s a carousel and a programme of activities, plus Christmas games in a giant yurt, while adults can indulge in moitié-moitié, a famous Swiss fondue, on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city.

In Switzerland’s southern city of Lugano, dozens of wooden chalets take over the city centre at Christmas. Each one sells handmade gifts, souvenirs and decorations, as well as seasonal food and drinks from the region such as panettone, cinnamon pancakes and glu?hwein. Visitors can also admire the light displays on a walk through Parco Ciani and listen to carol singers and live orchestras in the city centre.

There are multiple Christmas markets in Zu?rich. The city’s main railway station transforms into a market hall with a giant Christmas tree and stalls, while the Wienachtsdorf (Christmas village) offers the chance to find gifts and sample local cuisine at the food court – which visitors can enjoy by warming bonfires dotted around the square.

It might seem strange celebrating Christmas on the Swiss Riviera, but Montreux’s spectacular lakeside market is perfect for families, thanks to Santa Claus, who flies overhead every evening. Little ones can also visit him in his workshop at the top of the Rochers de Naye peak. Aside from Father Christmas, you can enjoy sweeping views from the Ferris wheel, take part in kid-friendly workshops and wander the 170-plus stalls of Montreux’s covered market.

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– Swiss Travel Pass

Switzerland’s cities can be easily explored with the country’s public transport system. The Swiss Travel Pass covers unlimited travel on the train, bus and boat throughout the country; visitors can also purchase a multi-day city pass if they want to explore one destination for longer.

For booking help and information email sales@stc.co.uk or visit switzerlandtravelcentre.com/en.

PICTURES: Zu?rich Tourism/Alex Buschor