Welcome to the winter wonderland of Zermatt, Switzerland, where Christmas is a magical experience like no other. Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a charming ski resort town filled with picturesque wooden chalets and breathtaking mountain views.
The village is a popular destination for mountaineers and skiers, but during the festive season, it transforms into a winter paradise with twinkling lights, festive markets, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Zermatt is the perfect destination for a memorable Christmas vacation.
Zermatt a Picture Perfect Christmas Village
Zermatt’s car-free village policy preserves the authenticity of this charming Swiss town. The absence of cars makes it an incredibly safe environment for pedestrians. You can stroll through the streets freely, without worrying about traffic. The policy also means less noise pollution and cleaner air, allowing visitors to enjoy the open and airy village instead of crowded parking lots.
The village is lined with cozy chalets featuring rustic roofs and wooden facades, oozing with a unique charm and character. Even if you don’t stay in one of these cozy accommodations, it’s worth exploring the winding alleys. You’ll discover narrow passageways filled with Christmas scents of mulled wine and other treats, as well as small stores selling handicraft souvenirs and traditional Swiss delicacies.
The locals take pride in decorating their picturesque houses with lights and Christmas ornaments, transforming the village into a fairytale wonderland. There are also several charming churches and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks, creating the perfect backdrop for a holiday vacation.
While Zermatt is beautiful all year round, Christmas is when the village truly shines. The chalets are draped in twinkling lights, illuminating the valley as darkness falls. The powdery snow covering the village creates a winter wonderland, with every fir tree resembling a Christmas tree, complete with branches heavy with snow.
Guaranteed White Christmas in Zermatt
Zermatt is the perfect destination for a white Christmas, with guaranteed snowfall every year. The winter season begins in December, with sub-zero temperatures ranging from -3 to -12 degrees Celsius. This month also sees an average of 12 days of snowfall, which ensures fresh snow for visitors to frolic in.
Apart from skiing and winter sports, guests can enjoy the serene and magical atmosphere of the snow-covered village center. Even Christmas grumps will be charmed by the silence created by the snow.
As the highest ski resort in Europe, Zermatt offers a range of winter sports activities. Guests can ski both in Switzerland and across the border into Italy, with the highest lift being the Klein Matterhorn, which reaches 3,883 m and takes visitors to the 21 km of the Theodul Glacier. Curling is also popular during the winter season.
Things to Do in Zermatt for Christmas
Don’t ski? No problem! Zermatt offers plenty of winter activities for all visitors during the Christmas season. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow-covered streets, visit the ice skating rink, or go snowshoeing in the surrounding mountains.
For a more relaxed option, enjoy a warm drink and soak up the festive atmosphere while admiring the picturesque scenery. Zermatt is the perfect destination for a magical winter getaway, whether you ski or not.
Enjoy the Ski Slopes
Hit the slopes this Christmas in Zermatt’s three mountain areas: Sunnegga, Gornergrat, and Schwarzsee-Klein Matterhorn.
Sunnegga is perfect for families and offers stunning up-close views of the Matterhorn. Schwarzsee-Klein is the highest ski area with pristine snow year-round and is home to Europe’s longest ski run at Matterhorn Paradise ski resort.
With its variety of ski slopes, Zermatt is the ideal destination for skiers of all levels to enjoy a winter wonderland.
Explore the Peaks around Zermatt
Klein Matterhorn / Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The trip to Klein Matterhorn is an adventure. A cable car goes up the mountain in stages, with incredible 360-degree views of the Matterhorn, other mountains, and Zermatt.
At the top, you’ll find Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,883 meters where you will enjoy the amazing views from the viewing platform.
You can see 38 peaks over 4,000 meters high, which is very impressive. The thin air at this altitude makes it a memorable experience for visitors to Zermatt.
Gornergrat
The Gornergrat is a must-see for non-skiers. You can reach the summit by the Gornergrat rack railway, the highest open-air railway in Europe. It has wonderful views as it goes up the mountain. It takes about 35 minutes to reach the Gornergrat viewing platform, 3100 meters above sea level.
The train journey is very scenic, with beautiful views of the Matterhorn and other mountains. At the top, you’ll find:
- An observation platform with views of Matterhorn
- The Bernhard von Aosta chapel
- Some shops
- A restaurant
- The highest hotel in Europe – the Kulmhotel Gornergrat
Hiking or Snowshoeing
Who says you need skis to have fun in Zermatt? There’s plenty of snow to play with, and many ways to enjoy it. You can strap on some hiking boots or snowshoes and explore the trails that range from easy-peasy to hard-core.
You can start from Gornergrat and marvel at the views, or pick any other spot that tickles your fancy.
The best part is, you’ll burn a lot of calories while having a blast. That means you can indulge in the delicious food that Zermatt has to offer, guilt-free. If you’ve never tried snowshoeing before, don’t worry. You can rent the gear and join a tour that will show you the ropes.
Zermatt doesn’t close its hiking trails in winter. You can access about 70 km of them all year round. Just make sure you check the conditions online before you go, because sometimes Mother Nature likes to mess with us.
Dogsledding in a Winter Fairytale
Want to spice up your winter in Zermatt? Try husky-sledding at some of the high-altitude ski resorts. You’ll feel like a snow warrior as you zoom along with your furry friends, admiring the majestic Matterhorn. And don’t forget to cuddle the huskies after the ride. They’re adorable
Eat Raclette, Fondue & Other Swiss Specialties
Zermatt: a paradise for foodies who love comfort food. Cheese, potato, meat, chocolate – you name it, they have it.
Try raclette, a melted cheese dish, at Cheese Factory or Pöstli Stübli. Fondue and spaetzle are also yummy Swiss dishes. Don’t miss the local wine and beer.
Relaxation and Wellness in Zermatt
Zermatt is the ideal place to relax, even if you’re not a skier. After a day of exploring, indulge in some pampering with a spa day. Many accommodations in Zermatt have indoor pools or hot tubs. You can also book an appointment at an external spa.
Zermatt has different spas offering both indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and massage treatments. Some spas are expensive, but many offer discounted prices before noon. Some also allow guests to use their facilities for free after getting a massage.
The Parkhotel Beau Site is one of the best spas in Zermatt, with both indoor and outdoor hot pools providing breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
If your hotel doesn’t have a spa, you can purchase a day pass to enjoy the facilities at a neighboring hotel. Day passes typically range from 50 CHF to 100 CHF.
Celebrate Christmas at the English Church
Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit by visiting the picturesque English Church in Zermatt, also known as St. Peter Church. The church has close ties with British visitors who were among the first tourists to explore the Matterhorn. Built during the “Golden Age” of Alpinism, the church bears witness to the historical events surrounding the first ascent of the Matterhorn.
The church is an essential part of any trip to Zermatt, and attending their Christmas service is a must-do. It can hold up to 800 people, making it a crowded yet intimate space to celebrate the holiday season. The graves of mountain climbers who lost their lives during the first ascent of the Matterhorn can also be found in the churchyard.
With its unique history and charming atmosphere, attending Anglican masses held by English priests at the English Church in Zermatt is a perfect way to spend Christmas. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Planning a Trip to Zermatt at Christmas
Zermatt may not be a budget-friendly destination, especially during the Christmas season when it’s most popular. However, with a bit of planning, you can still have a great time without breaking the bank.
One of the keys to saving money is to book accommodation early. There are hostels available for budget travelers, but they fill up quickly, so make sure to book ahead of time. Additionally, booking your hotel in the autumn or at the end of summer can help you snag a good deal.
While tours, train tickets, and lift tickets can wait, it’s important to secure your accommodation early. During peak season, Zermatt can see up to 35,000 visitors, so plan accordingly.
Most places in Zermatt accept credit cards, but it’s still a good idea to bring cash as some places may only accept it. There are ATMs in town, but if you plan to go up the mountain, bring cash with you. Switzerland does not use the Euro, so make sure to exchange your money for Swiss Francs.
By planning ahead, booking early, and being mindful of expenses, you can still enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Zermatt at Christmas.
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Conclusion for Christmas in Zermatt
Zermatt, with its charming wooden chalets and stunning mountain views, is the perfect destination for a magical Christmas holiday. The festive season begins in early December, with the entire village adorned with twinkling lights and decorations.
Enjoy the Christmas markets, go skiing or skating at one of the two glacier ski resorts, and soak up the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the village.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, the experience of spending Christmas in Zermatt will be unforgettable, and the memories will stay with you for years to come.
