Christmas in Switzerland

This historic hotel offers a relaxing stay in the heart of the Old Town and is renowned for its excellent cuisine. Lucerne itself has a wonderful Christmas atmosphere. There's shopping at the Christmas markets (until 23 December) with handcrafted gifts and plenty of mulled wine and traditional snacks. You can also enjoy ice skating beside the lake carols are held on the last Sunday before Christmas. It is a joy to stroll through the historic streets of Lucerne while they are lit up with atmospheric Christmas lights. 

The Interlaken is the town's oldest hotel, dating from the 14th century. It offers a cosy winter retreat in a central location in Interlaken and is renowned for its excellent dining - perfect for a Christmas stay. During your stay you may wish to take advantage of the Ice Magic complex (from 19 December): a lively place in Interlaken with skating, curling, festive lights and music and the Swiss Chalet and Winter Lounge for food and drinks. Interlaken is also well placed for visiting the ski villages in the mountains as well as the famous Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe.

A stay at the 4 star superior Hotel Eden is a most comfortable experience and a wonderful spot in which to spend a relaxing Christmas. The wellness facilities are excellent, with sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzis, indoor pool, salt-water bath and a gym. Enjoy the afternoon cake buffet, the library lounge and the carefully prepared evening meals in the elegant restaurant. Tear yourself away from the hotel to have a look around Spiez, explore Lake Thun on a cruise or head up into the Jungfrau mountains to to find snowy landscapes galore. 

The resort of Locarno is always a delight thanks to stunning Lake Maggiore. In winter you'll find the Piazza Grande transformed into the atmospheric 'Locarno on Ice' with skating, live music and plenty of chalet bars. The very comfortable four star superior Hotel Belvedere is a wonderful place in which to stay over Christmas: a welcoming hotel with excellent cuisine, a cosy log fire and amazing views. There is a range of great leisure facilities at the hotel, so that you may relax in style during your Locarno holiday.

Appenzell comes with our personal recommendation. This delightful little town simply oozes charm and festive tradition and you are sure to receive a warm welcome at the historic Hotel Säntis. The dining here is amongst the best in town, with the restaurant recognised by the Gault & Millau dining guide. By day, you can relax and soak up the Christmas atmosphere in the town or if you wish to explore, there are some glorious Swiss landscapes a short train ride away. The hiking trails are prepared for winter walks and you will be treated to fabulous scenery.