How to celebrate New Year in Switzerland: From Zurich to the Alps

Switzerland is a country with picturesque and beautiful winter landscapes and a very rich culture. There is a huge range of festive events, resorts and activities to make your winter holidays unforgettable. Whether you prefer a relaxing holiday or a more active holiday, there is something to suit you. Let's find out the best ways to spend the holidays and get as much experience as possible.

7 best ways to celebrate New Year in Switzerland

1. Celebrate in Zurich

The city of Zurich offers a wide range of festive events every year for tourists and locals alike. You can watch spectacular fireworks displays on Lake Zurich, attend gala dinners at the Dolder Grand and party in the city's many clubs. For those who prefer to rent an Airbnb in Zurich and stay at home, you can order a cooked dinner, such as a cooked turkey from the Park Hyatt Hotel or cheese fondue. As you stroll through the festively decorated streets of Zurich, you can enjoy the Christmas fairs, pop into a cosy café and just have a good time. Alternatively, you can spend the night in a more relaxed and homely atmosphere by ordering local specialities from home and enjoying a festive meal.

Here are some of the fairs you can visit:

• Christkindlimarkt in Zurich Central Station, one of the largest indoor Christmas fairs in Europe;
• Wienachtsdorf in the square in front of the Opera House - a cosy fair with many stalls, an ice skating rink and a variety of food;
• Dörfli Christmas Market in the old town (Niederdorf) - Zurich's oldest Christmas market, located in the picturesque streets of the historic part of the city.

2. Winter Adventures in Davos

Davos is known for its lively New Year's Eve celebrations, from skiing to fireworks to themed evenings in luxury hotels. Organised activities and fun games in the hotels add to the festive atmosphere.Davos also offers ice skating, winter walks on snowy trails and the chance to sample traditional Swiss cuisine at festive dinners. In the evening, you can relax in the spas or head to New Year's Eve parties in local bars and clubs, enjoying live music and dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

3. End of Year Cruise on Lake Geneva

A cruise on Lake Geneva is one of the most unique and unusual ways to celebrate the festivities. It has everything you need for a good holiday, namely a festive menu, champagne, good music and a wonderful view of the fireworks. You can also find cosy lounge areas where you can enjoy warming drinks. Some companies organise themed parties for those who like to have a bright and unusual time.

4. Sports and music events in Interlaken

Interlaken hosts many festivals with breathtaking fireworks and live music. You can also enjoy sports such as horse riding, skydiving and paragliding. In addition, Interlaken offers winter hiking along scenic alpine trails or try sledging. In the evening, the city comes alive with many cosy cafes and restaurants serving traditional Swiss cuisine. And for the adrenaline seekers, thrilling hot air balloon rides are available, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks.

5. Shows and festivals in Lucerne

As part of the Lumières Festival, Lucerne organises a series of light and music shows, including New Year's Eve concerts and a cathedral illumination. The city's streets also create a unique atmosphere with colourful illuminations of historic buildings and installations that can be seen at every turn. Lucerne becomes a real light spectacle, where music and light effects merge to create a magical setting to welcome the New Year. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy open-air art and experience festive magic!

6. Traditional and sporting festivals in Engadin and St. Moritz

This region offers a variety of New Year's Eve events, from local culinary experiences to live entertainment, in spectacular alpine surroundings. Let's familiarise ourselves with some of the events, here are their names:

• Snow Polo World Cup in St Moritz;
• Gastronomic Festival in St. Moritz;
• Engadin Ski Marathon;
• New Year's Eve gala dinner at Badrutt's Palace Hotel;
• Silwesterchlausen (traditional New Year's Eve festival).

7. Family and community festivals

Swiss towns and villages always organise social events such as traditional sing-alongs, village square parties and traditional dinners. Such events not only allow you to have a good and cosy time, but also give you the opportunity to get to know the local people and traditions of the area.

In conclusion: How to celebrate New Year's Eve in Switzerland?

The ideas listed above are a small part of what can be offered when it comes to celebrating New Year's Eve. Each option offers a unique experience, combining Switzerland's natural beauty with its rich cultural traditions. Whether it's a glamorous night on the town, a sporting adventure in the mountains or a more traditional and communal celebration, Switzerland has something for everyone.