Switzerland between Christmas and New year

[JellyBellies]

Hello. We have scheduled a last minute trip to Zurich. We arrive there on Dec 25th and leave on the 29th.

The group consists of 4 adults and 3 DC age 10, 8 and 6.

None of us have been there before. Interested in seeing some great scenery, seeing some beautiful places, maybe even trying some skiing?

Thing is I don't know what will be open on those days and where would be the best place to base ourselves please? And where would you suggest we visit based on the time we have?

Any recommendations, ideas gratefully received. Thanks!

Bump

Another hopeful bump!

If you've not skied before I would suggest that it's a bit of a tricky one to squeeze into a midweek trip. You'll need all the right outer and under clothes clothes even for a bit of a go which would take up considerable space in the hand luggage! You'd need to get to a resort, find parking, sort boots, skis, helmets, passes and lessons and in Switzerland you wouldn't get far with a budget of £100/day/person - short term kit and passes are relatively more expensive than weekly deals. That wouldn't cover food on the mountain either. I'd stay in Zurich and enjoy the city and plan a separate ski trip at another time.

Thanks @Monkey500, I suspected that might be the case. Anything else we can try to give the kids a taste of snow?

I have read that Lucerne would be good place to stay at that time. What do you think?

Sorry I have no personal experience of that area, all I have to offer is that the country is bloody expensive and in the main quite beautiful.

I love Switzerland but no experience of Zurich in winter. A little jealous though.

We've also just booked. Tbh 25th is usually quiet and probably 26th too, few shops open except in resorts or train stations. Lucerne is pretty, Engelberg is a good local ski resort (40 min on train) with plenty of non ski activities or you could go up the Rigi or Pilatus mountains which are very close to Lucerne with cog railways/cable cars and walk/sled. Weather could be cold, foggy and damp, with short days, so be prepared.

Thank you @LIZS! That's really helpful. Will research the places you have mentioned.

Trains are brilliant and Lucerne is only 45 minutes away .

Pilates is definitely worth a trip - the cable car ride is something all ages should find fun

Sorry, autocorrect strikes again. Pilatus not Pilates!