Is December a Good Time to Visit Switzerland with Kids? Switzerland in December transforms into a winter wonderland, making it a magical destination for families traveling with kids. From snow-capped mountains to festive Christmas markets, there are plenty of family-friendly activities. However, winter travel requires careful planning, especially when traveling with young children. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your trip.
Why Visit Switzerland in December with Kids?
✅ Pros:
- Christmas Magic 🎄 – Beautiful Christmas markets in cities like Zurich, Lucerne & Montreux.
- Winter Sports & Snow Play ❄️ – Enjoy skiing, sledding, and tobogganing at family-friendly resorts.
- Scenic Winter Trains 🚞 – Take the Glacier Express or GoldenPass Line for breathtaking views.
- Fewer Crowds in Some Areas – While tourist spots can be busy, mountain towns are more relaxed.
❌ Cons:
- Cold Weather 🥶 – Temperatures can drop to -10°C or lower, requiring proper winter gear.
- Shorter Daylight Hours 🌅 – The sun sets early (around 4:30 PM), limiting sightseeing time.
- Expensive Accommodation 💰 – December is peak season, so book hotels early to save money.
- Weather-Dependent Activities – Some attractions close due to heavy snowfall.
Best Family-Friendly Activities in December
1. Snow Play & Tobogganing (Best for Kids!) 🛷
Not all kids can ski, but they will love tobogganing!
- Kleine Scheidegg – A great beginner-friendly area.
- Grindelwald First – Offers the longest sled run in the Alps.
- Mt. Titlis & Jungfraujoch – Snow play areas available all year round.
✅ Tip: We recommend visiting the Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch via the Eiger Express from Grindelwald and coming down the mountain via Kleine Scheidegg. We did a pit stop at Kleine Scheidegg, and we enjoyed it more here. It was way less crowded. We don’t ski and were satisfied just renting the toboggan and going up and down many times and admiring the sunset here. We then caught the last train back to Grindelwald.
2. Scenic Winter Train Rides 🚞
- Glacier Express – The world’s slowest scenic train, perfect for enjoying the snowy landscapes.
- GoldenPass Line (Interlaken – Lucerne) – Family-friendly with panoramic views.
- Zurich to Zermatt Train – A scenic journey leading to the famous Matterhorn.
✅ Tip: Kids under 6 travel for free on Swiss public transport when accompanied by a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card holder. Book your pass on Klook here. Enjoy 50% discount on tickets for mountains excurisions like Berner Oberland Pass, Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, Mt. First etc at Klook to enjoy discounts with your card!
✅ Tip: Check out our Guide on the Interlaken – Lucerne Scenic Train Ride which includes tips on which is the best side to sit for the best view! . Check out the guide here.
3. Christmas Markets & Festive Lights 🎄
- Montreux Christmas Market – Santa Claus arrives by flying sleigh!
- Zurich Christmas Market – Features a giant Swarovski crystal tree.
- Lucerne Christmas Market – A charming, family-friendly market.
- Basel Christmas Market – The Basel Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is one of the prettiest in Europe. It has been named “Best Christmas Market 202
4. Indoor Attractions for Cold Days 🏠
- Swiss Transport Museum (Lucerne) – Perfect for kids who love trains, planes & cars.
- Aquatis Aquarium (Lausanne) – Switzerland’s largest freshwater aquarium.
- Chocolate & Cheese Factory Tours – Great indoor family-friendly experiences.
Travel Tips for Visiting Switzerland in December with Kids
1. Pack Smart for the Cold 🧥
Coming from a tropical country where it’s hot year-round, this is our boys’ first winter adventure. We invested quite a bit in purchasing winter wear. Our go-to shops are Decathlon and Uniqlo, which offer a good and affordable range of winter clothing. Here are some tips on layering for cold weather:
Winter in Switzerland can be freezing, so layering is key.
- Base Layer: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Thermal tops and leggings made of merino wool or synthetic materials work well.
- Middle Layer: Add an insulating layer to retain body heat. Fleece jackets or down vests are excellent choices.
- Outer Layer: Finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to protect against the elements. A good quality winter coat or jacket is essential.
- Accessories: Don’t forget gloves, hats, scarves, and warm socks to protect extremities. Layering socks and wearing waterproof boots can also keep your feet warm and dry.
- Adjustable Layers: Choose layers that can be easily added or removed to regulate body temperature as needed.
- Fit and Comfort: Ensure that each layer fits well without being too tight or too loose, allowing for freedom of movement and proper insulation..
🛒 Check out these Amazon travel essentials:
✅ Portable Cooker – Great for heating up baby food or instant meals.
✅ Foldable Food Containers – Store snacks & leftovers on the go.
2. Save Money on Transport 🚆
Swiss public transport is very efficient, and you don’t need to rent a car.
- Swiss Half Fare Card – Best for those staying 5+ days.
- Swiss Travel Pass – Unlimited travel + free entry to over 500 museums. Get yours here.
- Use Luggage Transfer Services – Travel hands-free by sending luggage between hotels.
3. Plan Attractions Based on Weather ☁️
- Check mountain webcams before heading up – no point visiting if there’s a snowstorm.
- Buy tickets on the day for mountains like Jungfraujoch. Official ticket link here.
- Book indoor attractions as backups for bad weather days.
Final Verdict: Is December a Good Time for a Switzerland Family Trip?
✅ Yes, if: You want a magical winter experience with Christmas markets, snow play, and scenic train rides.
❌ No, if: Your kids don’t handle cold weather well or prefer summer activities like hiking.
If you’re ready to plan your family trip to Switzerland in December, don’t forget to check out our Switzerland Travel Itinerary for a detailed day-by-day guide!
- Check mountain webcams before heading up – no point visiting if there’s a snowstorm.
- Buy tickets on the day for mountains like Jungfraujoch. Official ticket link here.
- Book indoor attractions as backups for bad weather days.
Questions and Answers
Is it necessary to rent a car in Switzerland?
No, Switzerland has an efficient public transport system. We relied on public transport and door-to-door luggage transfer services instead of driving.
How does the door-to-door luggage transfer service work in Switzerland?
Unlike Japan, you need to book at least 2 days in advance. We opted for the express service, where luggage was collected in the morning and delivered to our destination hotel at night. Make sure each piece of luggage is under 23kg, as exceeding this limit may lead to refusal of transport.
What is the best way to decide between the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card?
Compare the total cost of individual train tickets with the price of the passes using the SBB app. The Swiss Half Fare Card was more economical for our trip, and we purchased it via Klook.
What are the best scenic train routes in Switzerland?
We took the Interlaken–Luzern Panoramic Train. To save 50%, select the Half Fare option on the official website. For the best lake views, sit on the right-hand side in the direction of travel.
Do children need a ticket for public transport in Switzerland?
Children under 6 travel for free when accompanied by a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card holder. However, panoramic trains require seat reservations, so we paid to ensure our kids could sit with us.
Is luggage storage available at Swiss train stations?
Yes, most train stations offer luggage lockers. We stored our hand carry in Interlaken while waiting for our train to Luzern.
