Christmas
Latest news, information and cultural background about Christmas and yuletide traditions.
REVEALED: The roads to avoid in Switzerland over Christmas
Road authorities in Switzerland have warned that the Christmas and New Year period could see heavy traffic on Swiss motorways, but asked drivers to avoid taking diversions on secondary roads.
The Christmas food that brings comfort and joy to the Swiss
Unlike most European countries, Switzerland doesn't really have 'classic' Christmas dishes such as the turkey in the UK or the roasted goose in Germany.
Travel disruptions to expect when flying from Switzerland this holiday season
Travelling between Christmas and New Year’s is hardly a relaxing experience. What should you be prepared for when leaving Switzerland in the next days?
The Christmas movie that became Switzerland's most-watched film ever
From humble beginnings and a small production budget, "Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel" has become the seminal Christmas film across much of Europe - including Switzerland.
What you need to know about Switzerland's best Christmas markets in 2025
You have probably noticed that Christmas (at least the commercial variety) comes earlier and earlier each year. Even so, it is certainly worth visiting Switzerland’s markets, where the festive ambience prevails from November to the end of December — and sometimes even longer.
Where in Switzerland is most likely to get a white Christmas this year?
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas with every Christmas card you write? Depending on where in Switzerland you are, your dream may – or may not – come true.
What are the Swiss deadlines for sending Christmas post this year?
Swiss Post is (mostly) efficient and punctual with mail deliveries, but if you want your letters and packages to get to their destinations for Christmas, don’t procrastinate.
EXPLAINED: The rules around returning Christmas gifts in Switzerland
Whether it’s one tie too many, an ugly vase, a useless gadget, or even a partridge in a pear tree, you might want to bring some of the presents you received back to the store for a refund or exchange. Are such returns allowed in Switzerland?
What's open and closed on Christmas Day in Switzerland?
Can you still hit the shops on Christmas Day in Switzerland? What about transport? Here is everything you need to know.
Is there pressure to drink alcohol at Swiss Christmas office parties?
The Swiss love their cheese and chocolate, but they won’t look at you strangely if you don’t eat either. When it comes to wine-drinking, however, things can be different, especially at Christmas time, explains Helena Bachmann.
The Swiss deadlines you need to know for sending Christmas post
In case you haven’t looked at your calendar lately, Christmas is nearly here (yes, already). If you have any letters or parcels to send out, don’t procrastinate.
11 Christmas gift ideas to stay connected with friends and family back home
The festive season can be difficult for people living abroad far away from their loved ones back home, but we've put together a few gift ideas for staying close to friends and family.
Saint Nicholas: Three Swiss Christmas traditions you should know about
Christmas customs and celebrations in Switzerland might be a bit more subdued and less flashy than in some other countries, but they are rich in traditions.
How to celebrate Christmas like the Swiss
From the giving of presents to the food and drink consumed, every European country has its own customs surrounding Christmas - and Switzerland has some of the best and most unique.
Here's how to celebrate Christmas the Swiss way
From the giving of presents to the food and drink consumed, every European country has its own customs surrounding Christmas - and that is no different for the Swiss.
Bizarre Swiss Christmas traditions: Get drunk on cake, but don’t 'make it vomit'
The Local has been delving into festive traditions in Switzerland. Today we head to the Italian-speaking region of Ticino - where ‘il dolce’ takes centre stage on Christmas Day.
What are the chances Switzerland will have white Christmas this year?
After a heavy snowfall that hit most of Swiss regions earlier in the week, you may be wondering if there will be more of the same for Christmas.
What are the Christmas deadlines in Switzerland for posting letters and parcels?
Switzerland’s postal service has outlined its mailing deadlines for Christmas to help customers get their letters and parcels to friends and loved ones in time for the holidays.
The Swiss Christmas markets opening in November
The leaves haven’t totally fallen off the trees across Switzerland yet, but Christmas markets in some areas are already setting up their stalls. Where can you eat, drink, and be merry in November?
Understanding the different names for Christmas across Switzerland
Switzerland's four national languages means there are four different names for Christmas. We break down why - and how to say Merry Christmas wherever you are in the country.
How to make Swiss Christmas cookies: Cinnamon stars
Nothing says Christmas is finally here in Switzerland better than Swiss festive cookies. Here's a recipe for one of the country's favourite festive treats.
Bizarre Swiss Christmas traditions: Santa’s strange squad
These days, Santa Claus has a relatively ubiquitous appearance all over the world in any place that celebrates Christmas (and a few that don’t).
Will there be a white Christmas in Switzerland this year?
After lots of snow and sub-zero temperatures this December, many people are wondering if Switzerland will see a white Christmas. Here's what to expect.