Surprising Christmas
Join us on a delightful journey through Christmas in Switzerland. And discover how differently the festive season is celebrated around the world. Sometimes charming, sometimes funny, and sometimes wonderfully bizarre.
Here’s how differently the world celebrates Christmas
Pretty soon, balconies, Christmas markets, and living rooms across the country will be sparkling with lights. Christmas is on its way. Yet anyone who thinks that the festivities are the same everywhere you go has underestimated the world’s imagination. In Norway, for example, it is customary for people to hide all their brooms and mops on Christmas eve. Why? So that spirits and witches can’t find a way to zoom around on Christmas day!
And things can be even stranger: In Iceland, Jólakötturinn – the Christmas cat – is said to roam the streets. He supposedly devours anyone who doesn’t dress in new clothes on Christmas eve. This makes clothes popular Christmas presents in Iceland. A charming but harmless tradition in the USA, on the other hand, involves hiding a pickle – usually made of glass or plastic – on the Christmas tree. Whoever finds it first gets an extra present.
In Spain, things are even more exciting: On December 22 each year, when children sing the winning numbers of the Christmas lottery, half the country holds its breath. In 2025, 2.7 billion euros in prize money will be up for grabs – no wonder the Spanish call their lottery "El Gordo", or "the fat one". The Catalans also have a unique tradition: Alongside the traditional nativity decorations, a character called "Caganer" sits under the Christmas tree, quite unashamedly relieving himself. He is supposed to bring good luck and ensure a bountiful harvest. Who could possibly object to that?
The most beautiful and unconventional Christmas markets
Not all Christmas markets are the same. And although they’re usually located in the heart of an old town, the festivities can be found elsewhere too. In the municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul in the Netherlands, for example, the Christmas market takes place deep inside a grotto. And on Lake Millstatt in Austria, visitors gather to enjoy mulled wine, tasty treats and twinkling lights on a floating platform.
Further proof that an old town isn’t a must for feeling the buzz of Christmas is proven by the Christmas market in the heart of Zurich’s main railway station. And just a stone’s throw away, the courtyard of the Swiss National Museum transforms into a sparkling Christmas wonderland, the ILLUMINARIUM. A regular feature is the spectacular light shows, which thrill younger and older visitors alike several times an evening. A particularly dazzling offer: American Express Cardholders enjoy a 20% discount on the first 1,000 tickets to the ILLUMINARIUM light show. The impressive doors of the ILLUMINARIUM will remain open until December 30, 2025.
Switzerland Tourism has put together a selection of the 17 most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland for you. And for those who want to immerse themselves even deeper in twinkling lights, Christmas music and sweet-smelling aromas, the Christmas Market Tracker has another 150 enticing tips to kick off the Christmas market season. At this point, all that’s left to say is: lights on and hearts open!
A relaxing retreat over the Christmas holidays
Those who prefer to enjoy a more secluded festive season will find a stylish retreat at the Seehotel Kastanienbaum, which is situated right on Lake Lucerne. The cozy wooden chalets and fire bowls are ready, inviting guests to enjoy a charming and stylish fondue experience until the end of January. American Express Cardholders can enjoy an even more indulgent stay: They benefit from a 10% discount on overnight stays and 10% off the "Fondue magic" package.
In your abode, festive cheer can be created when subtle twinkling lights and exquisite fragrances fill the room. L’Art de Vivre, the Home collection from longstanding Parisian perfumery GUERLAIN, elegantly brings the art of perfume into your home, and features top-quality scented candles and diffusers. Discover Guerlain's current top offer exclusively with a 20% discount on luxury fragrances as well as skincare and makeup products.*
For many gourmands, salmon is as much a part of Christmas as the sparkling lights on the tree, whether enjoyed in an intimate tête-à-tête or in the lively company of the family. Yet that certainly doesn’t mean any salmon. BALIK salmon is known worldwide as a synonym for the highest culinary excellence, which makes it perfect for the culinary highlight of the year. Incidentally: BALIK salmon and the other delicacies from the BALIK online shop also make excellent Christmas gifts.
*L'Art de Vivre is excluded from this promotion.