Switzerland at Christmas and in winter 2026-2027: what to do, dates and safety

The essentials

The Swiss winter has two parts: until Christmas Eve it is all about the Christmas markets, and from January to March, the snow. The Basel market opens from 26 November to 23 December 2026 and the Montreux market, on the shore of Lake Geneva, from 20 November to 24 December. Then come the snow dates: the Lauberhorn races in Wengen, from 15 to 17 January 2027; the horse races on the frozen lake of St. Moritz, on Sundays 7, 14 and 21 February; and the Basel carnival, which begins on Monday 15 February.

In December, the temperature in Zurich ranges from an average low of -1.7 °C to an average high of 2.9 °C, with about 10 days of precipitation and 73 mm in total; in January, from -2.8 °C to 2.0 °C, about 11 days and 67 mm; in February, from -1.9 °C to 4.2 °C and about 10 days. These are the 1961-1990 averages of the Swiss weather service, published by the World Meteorological Organization. It is considerably colder in the mountains: take warm layers and shoes that grip on ice.

Getting there and what you need to enter

• Switzerland applies the Schengen rules: Spain says that its citizens and those of other European Union countries only need a valid identity card or passport for stays of up to 90 days. Germany asks you to always carry a valid passport or identity card, for children too.
• British passport: the United Kingdom says it must have been issued less than ten years ago and expire at least three months after the day you leave the Schengen area. No visa, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Registration at the border: the United Kingdom warns that the European Union's new Entry/Exit System is now in use in the Schengen area: on your first entry your fingerprints and a photo may be taken, and you should allow for a longer wait.
• At border control: the United Kingdom adds that you may be asked for proof of accommodation and that you have enough money, around 100 Swiss francs a day.

Getting around

• Train, bus and mountain railways: Germany describes the Swiss transport network as excellent and dense, with trains, buses, trams and mountain railways that generally reach even remote areas.
• Motorway vignette: it is compulsory for driving on the motorways, as a sticker or in electronic format. Spain says each year's vignette is valid until 31 January of the following year; the United Kingdom warns of a large fine if you do not have one.
• Driving in snow: the United Kingdom asks you to equip your car with winter tyres and snow chains. Germany specifies that winter tyres are not compulsory, but that obstructing traffic with unsuitable tyres is fined and that an accident on summer tyres can make you partly liable.
• Lights and alcohol: Germany points out that you must drive with your lights on in the daytime too and that the alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille.

What to see and do

Tour the Christmas markets of Basel and Montreux

The Basel Christmas market opens from 26 November to 23 December 2026 on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, in the old town, according to the canton of Basel-Stadt. Montreux Noël, on the Lake Geneva promenade, runs from 20 November to 24 December 2026, according to its organisers.

Ski, but check the avalanche bulletin first

Skiing is the mountain plan of the winter. Spain points out that there is a seasonal risk of avalanches in the high mountains and refers to the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), which publishes the avalanche bulletin.

Watch the Lauberhorn races in Wengen

The International Lauberhorn Races, held since 1930, take place from 15 to 17 January 2027 in Wengen, in the Bernese Oberland: the super-G on Friday 15, the downhill on Saturday 16 and the slalom on Sunday 17, according to the organisers.

Go to the races on the frozen lake of St. Moritz

White Turf has brought horse races to the frozen lake of St. Moritz since 1907. In 2027 the race days are Sundays 7, 14 and 21 February, according to the organisers.

Start the Basel carnival

The Basel carnival begins on Monday 15 February 2027, according to the Fasnachts-Comité, which organises it. It lasts three days and fills the old town: book accommodation well in advance.

The dates of the winter

Dates published by each organiser.

Shopping

You pay in Swiss francs. Spain says you can change euros into francs not only at banks and ATMs but also at the offices of Swiss Federal Railways in the main stations and at airports, including at weekends and on public holidays.

Safety

What governments say

Checked on 14 November 2026.

• The United States asks travellers to "exercise normal precaution" in Switzerland (level 1 of 4) and considers it a generally safe destination. It warns that the mountains can be dangerous because of avalanches, landslides and sudden weather changes.
• The United Kingdom does not advise against travel to Switzerland. It says that serious crime is low, that petty theft has increased in the larger cities and that attacks cannot be ruled out.
• Spain says there are no specific restrictions on travel to Switzerland and that safety is similar to that of neighbouring countries. It notes that the Swiss authorities rate the terrorist threat as high and that there are occasional demonstrations in Zurich, Geneva and Bern, which it advises avoiding.
• Germany has no travel warning for Switzerland. It says that crime is low and warns of pickpocketing and bag-snatching in busy places, at stations and on public transport.

Documents and theft

• Report it to the police and keep the receipt: your consulate and your insurer will ask for it.
• Lost or stolen passport: your consulate can issue an emergency travel document so that you can return home. See which one helps you, according to your passport, in the Switzerland safety guide.
• Copies: Germany recommends keeping copies or photos of your documents, which make it easier to get a replacement.

Health and emergencies

• Phone numbers: 112 for any emergency; police, 117; fire service, 118; ambulance and mountain rescue, 144; Rega rescue helicopter, 1414. These are the numbers published by Spain.
• European Health Insurance Card: Spain says it is valid in Switzerland for medically necessary care and warns that part of the cost may not be reimbursed. The United Kingdom asks British travellers for their GHIC or EHIC health card.
• Insurance for the snow: the United Kingdom points out that the card is not a substitute for travel insurance and asks that it cover mountain rescue and helicopter costs.
• Altitude: the United Kingdom warns of altitude sickness in ski and mountain areas.

Staying connected

• Switzerland is outside the European Union's regulated roaming: some operators include it in their plans and others charge for data separately. Check the price with your operator before you leave.
• A data eSIM for Switzerland connects you when you arrive and you keep your usual number: see plans for Switzerland.

Travellers’ questions about Switzerland at Christmas

Is it safe to travel to Switzerland right now?

None of the four governments advises against travel to Switzerland and the United States keeps it at level 1 of 4. The warnings are about pickpockets in the cities, that attacks cannot be ruled out and about avalanches and weather changes in the mountains.

What is the weather like in Zurich in December and January?

Cold: between an average low of -1.7 °C and an average high of 2.9 °C in December, and between -2.8 °C and 2.0 °C in January, with about 10 or 11 days of precipitation a month (Swiss weather service, 1961-1990 averages).

Can I enter Switzerland with an identity card?

Spanish citizens and other European Union citizens can, for stays of up to 90 days, according to Spain. British citizens need a passport.

Until when are the Christmas markets of Basel and Montreux open?

The Basel market, until 23 December 2026; Montreux Noël, until 24 December 2026.

Do you need the vignette to drive in Switzerland?

Yes, to drive on the motorways. You buy it as a sticker or in electronic format and, according to Spain, each year's vignette is valid until 31 January of the following year.

What is the emergency number in Switzerland?

112. Spain also publishes 117 for the police, 118 for the fire service, 144 for ambulance and mountain rescue and 1414 for the Rega rescue helicopter.

Does European roaming work in Switzerland?

It depends on your operator. Switzerland is outside the European Union’s regulated roaming area: some operators include it and others charge for data separately, so check before you leave.

Where next

• Internet in Switzerland: connected where EU roaming ends (2026)
• Safety in Switzerland: what governments say today
• eSIM for Switzerland: prices and networks