Christmas in Zermatt: How to Plan The Perfect Trip
Planning a Zermatt Christmas this year? You’re in luck!
Christmas time in Zermatt is magical. There’s no other way about it. It’s like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie with snow-capped mountains, picturesque villages and snowy trees blowing in the wind.
Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Zermatt, is a delightful mountain village nestled in the Swiss Alps, promising an unforgettable holiday for all visitors.
In Zermatt, the options for festive activities are endless. From watching the world go by with a steaming mug of Gluhwein to skiing the slopes alongside the famous Matterhorn. It’ll be a trip to never forget!
Christmas in Zermatt is straight out of a snow globe.
Whether you’re planning your trip with your family, a couple, or a group of friends, Zermatt has everything you need to spend an unforgettable Christmas. Here is how to plan the perfect Zermatt Christmas trip!
Zermatt Village
Zermatt is most well-known as a mountaineering village and ski resort.
Zermatt Village is a picturesque mountain retreat that captivates visitors with its timeless charm. Surrounded by majestic snow-covered peaks, including the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt offers a breathtaking alpine setting.
The non-adventure sports folks will likely come to Zermatt to marvel at the beauty that is the Matterhorn, easily the most iconic mountain peak in the world. (You might recognise it from the mountain on the side of a Toblerone bar!)
The village is full of bars, restaurants and shops selling the most delightful (albeit slightly expensive) Christmas decorations.
If you’re in town for Christmas dinner, Zermatt has plenty of restaurants that serve up traditional Swiss cuisine with a festive twist. Many of the restaurants offer the classic cheese fondue using special seasonal ingredients plus, local dishes like raclette, polenta, and rösti.
How to get to Zermatt
Zermatt is located in the southwestern canton of Valais. The nearest airports to Zermatt are Sion, Geneva, Zurich and Milan. The closest major airport is in Geneva, about 3 hours away. From Geneva or any town in Switzerland, you have 2 options to get to Zermatt.
Driving to Zermatt
If you’re driving to Zermatt head to the nearby town of Täsch, the nearest village to Zermatt where parking is available (about 5km away from Zermatt) then take a train or taxi the rest of the way.
Once you arrive in Täsch, head to Parking Bahnhof Täsch for the cheapest parking in Täsch. Here, you’ll pay 16 CHF per day for parking.
From the parking lot, walk to the Täsch Station, and take the train one stop to arrive in Zermatt.
Travelling to Zermatt by Train
If you are heading to Zermatt without a car, you’ll be glad to know it is very much accessible by public transportation. Depending on where your starting point is, it may just take several connections and a day spent on the train.
If you are starting in Geneva, it takes around 3.5 hours to reach Zermatt, with one transfer to Visp. This is the route that we took and we can assure you, the views throughout it are magical.
Reaching Zermatt in December is an experience all in itself. Be sure to get a window seat if you can!
Travelling to Zermatt by Bus
If you’re travelling to Zermatt from anywhere else in Switzerland or within Europe, then you can also take the bus to Zermatt. However, keep in mind that there are no roads leading into Zermatt.
Zermatt is a car-free city, which makes private or public transportation a little more difficult. You can get a bus from the nearby town of Täsch then hop on a train the rest of the way.
Swiss Half Fare Card
If you plan to travel in Switzerland primarily by train and visit more than one place, then you should look into the Swiss Half Fare Card. It costs $134, but with it, you’ll get all train tickets at a 50% reduction for a full month.
Once you realise quite how expensive Swiss train rides are, you’ll see why this quickly pays for itself and saves you a ton of money.
What to wear in Zermatt
Zermatt is a mountain town and Zermatt at Christmas is the peak snow season so bear in mind that it will be very cold! Think -10 degrees.
Layered clothing is essential for keeping warm. Opt for pieces that are lightweight and breathable. Then pair these with a warm jumper and waterproof jacket.
A pair of snow boots with insulation is an added benefit for walking around town, especially if you plan to go up the mountain slopes! We didn’t wear snow boots and were fine but, some areas were icey and our feet got a tad cold at times.
FAQs
Does Zermatt have a Christmas market?
No, Zermatt does not have a Christmas market. The smaller villages that are dotted about Switzerland unfortunately don’t. Although Zermatt gets a ton of visitors, the actual population is still that of a village, therefore there is no Christmas market.
Is Zermatt good at Christmas?
YES!! Zermatt is literally like stepping into a winter wonderland making Zermatt the perfect spot to spend Christmas in. There are also a ton of Christmas activities and tours to book if you are travelling with kids around Christmas time.
Is there snow in Zermatt during Christmas?
Due to the higher elevation and weather in Zermatt, you are pretty much guaranteed to have snow covering the town on Christmas Day. It’s not guaranteed that it will snow on the Christmas tree but, you’ll certainly be surrounded by it.
Is Zermatt worth visiting?
In a word, yes! Zermatt is an incredible little town. We loved it. It’s like stepping into a beautiful white snow globe.
Are things open in Zermatt on Christmas Day?
Yes, Zermatt is a ski resort therefore, it is open 365 days a year; Zermatt, the town, is always open. Certain restaurants may be closed on Christmas day, or have special hours, but overall things will be operating as usual. Check ahead of time and we recommend if you’re looking to eat out on Christmas in Zermatt then be sure to book a table.
