Switzerland’s winter calendar runs from late November through March and covers everything from Christmas markets in medieval town squares to horse racing on a frozen lake. Planning a winter trip to Switzerland means choosing between dozens of overlapping events across different regions, often in the same week. This guide brings together every winter event we cover, organised by category, so you can build an itinerary instead of researching each one separately.
Christmas Markets and Festive Season
Switzerland’s Christmas markets run from late November to just before the holiday, with each town offering a distinct character rather than a single national format.
Christmas markets in Switzerland is the starting point for planning, covering the major markets in the main cities and how they differ from each other. Winter festivals in Switzerland widens the lens to non-Christmas seasonal events running in the same window.
For specific destinations, Montreux Noël 2024 covers one of the most visited Christmas markets in the country, set on the Lake Geneva waterfront. Swiss winter villages transfer looks at the smaller alpine village markets that draw a different, quieter crowd than the city events.
New Year’s Eve in Zurich covers the city’s main celebration for anyone spending the turn of the year in Switzerland’s largest city.
Winter Sporting Events
St. Moritz alone hosts three major winter sporting events on the frozen Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding Engadine valley, each with a distinct character.
White Turf St. Moritz 2024 covers the horse racing held directly on the frozen lake surface, one of the more unusual sporting events anywhere in Europe. St. Moritz Polo World Cup 2024 covers the polo tournament played under the same conditions a few weeks later. Engadine Snow Marathon 2024 covers the cross-country ski race through the valley, drawing competitive and recreational skiers from across Europe.
Further west, the Lauberhorn ski races transfer guide covers the Wengen World Cup downhill, widely considered the most demanding race on the alpine skiing calendar and one of the most attended winter sport weekends in Switzerland.
Art on Ice Zurich 2024 is a different kind of winter sport event entirely, combining figure skating with live music performance in an arena setting, and is one of the better options for visitors who want a winter event without spending the day outdoors.
Active Winter Travel: Hiking, Snowshoeing, and Wellness
Not every winter trip to Switzerland needs to centre on skiing. Winter hiking in Switzerland and snowshoeing Switzerlandboth cover lower-impact ways to experience the alpine winter landscape, suited to visitors who want to be outdoors without the cost or commitment of a ski package.
For a slower-paced trip focused on recovery rather than activity, Swiss winter spa retreat covers the country’s thermal spa destinations and is worth reading for anyone planning a wellness-led winter itinerary instead of a sport-led one.
Planning Your Transfer for Winter Events
Winter travel in Switzerland comes with its own logistics, particularly around early starts, late finishes, and weather. How to travel in comfort during Zurich’s winter season covers what changes about ground transport planning once conditions turn cold and roads require winter driving experience.
If your trip involves an early flight after a late event, our early morning flight: the best ways to get to Zurich Airport on time guide is directly relevant, particularly after a late night at White Turf, the Lauberhorn, or a New Year’s Eve celebration in Zurich.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Swiss Christmas markets open in 2026?
Most major Swiss Christmas markets open in late November and run through 23 or 24 December, with specific dates varying by city. See our Christmas markets in Switzerland guide for city-specific dates.
Which Swiss winter sporting event is the most popular?
The Lauberhorn downhill in Wengen and White Turf in St. Moritz are generally the two most attended winter sporting events in Switzerland, both drawing international visitors well beyond the core skiing or racing audience.
Do I need a private transfer for winter events in Switzerland?
For events in resort towns without direct international airport connections, such as St. Moritz, Wengen, and the smaller alpine villages, a private transfer from Zurich Airport is generally more reliable than public transport, particularly for early arrivals, late departures, or travel with winter sport equipment.
Book your transfer to any winter event in this guide at expresstransfer.ch/book, call or WhatsApp +41 76 218 98 64, available 24 hours a day. Your fare is confirmed before you travel and your driver tracks your flight from departure.