Is there anything better than snow, fondue, evening markets and magical mountains to celebrate the festive season? This December, the region of Vaud has a host of activities set to make any visitor beam with cheer as they visit illuminated towns, join heart-warming traditions, and visit Santa in his very own home.
Here are some of the many memorable events happening during the festive season in the region of Vaud.
- Christmas Markets with fondue and mulled wine
Nothing says Christmas in Vaud like festive markets, filled with the smell of bubbling fondue cheese, cinnamon-infused mulled wine and endless laughter. Montreux will celebrate Christmas with one of the country’s largest markets for the whole of December. Over 170 chalets on the lakeside will sell typical dishes and specialty gifts, as children can take a ride on the MOB trains up to Rochers-de-Naye to meet Father Christmas at his home.
From now to December 31, Bô Noël Lausanne takes over the city with a children’s village of Christmas activities such as storytelling in yurt and pony ride. Festival goers can enjoy aperitif or fondue on-the-go in a horse-drawn carriage, as they discover the city. Yverdon-les-Bains will also be aglitter with its annual Christmas market taking over Pestalozzi Square. On from now till Christmas Eve, stalls offer handcrafted items and tasty regional delights to enjoy around the illuminated Christmas tree.
For more information on the Christmas Markets, visit: www.myvaud.ch/en/Z14420/winter-celebrations
- Sleep in a pop-up hotel room
A stone’s throw away from Lausanne Christmas market is Bô Noël’s Duplex Room, a pop-up hotel room where guests can sleep in the heart of the extraordinary garden of the Lausanne Historical Museum. A night’s stay in this dreamy, one-of-a kind room, includes two fondue vouchers to enjoy the cheesy delight at either at the Igloo du Terroir Vaudois Place du Château or Belvédère du Mondial de Fondue. It also includes mulled wine for two at Bô Noël Lausanne and complimentary croissants and café in the morning.
For more information,visit: bo-noel.ch/points-interet/duplex-room/
- Get on board for an 8-course degustation
Celebrate 2022 in style aboard the Swiss Classic Train with an 8-course festive degustation menu including a glass of champagne at midnight. Featuring a terrine of foie gras with figs, succulent veal with vegetables and creamy mash potato, Swiss cheese and a variety of desserts, the evening promises a memorable menu. Departing Vallorbe or Lausanne, guests will journey through the Swiss mountains, first along the Lac Leman towards Valais, then through Lötschberg massif before looping back.
For more information, visit: trainvapeur.ch/train/train-du-nouvel-an/
- New Year’s Eve party for the family
Ring in the New Year as a family at Yverdon-les-Bains with entertainment for little and big kids alike. The party kicks off at 7pm with karaoke and live musique, before a sumptuous buffet is unveiled, filled with local specialties, desserts and dishes hot and cold. The package includes access to Kindercity for kids, guaranteeing an evening of fun where parents can let their hair down.
For more information, visit: explorit.ch/events/new-year-party-2023-fr/
- Dance your heart out at Bô Noël’s Silent Disco
Grab a set of headphones and dance into 2023 with a giant Silent Party at Bô Noël Lausanne.Over 10 DJs will take to the stage to keep the beats rolling and your heart racing well after the clock strikes 12. If you feel like giving your party feet a break in between sets, jump on the ferris wheel for breathtaking views of the city.
For more information, visit: www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/en/event/bo-new-years-eve/
- Cruise into 2023 on the Lac Leman
Sail into 2023 aboard a CGN ship with an unforgettable evening of champagne, delicious food and live music. Departing Lausanne-Ouchy at 8pm, guests will ring in the New Year cruising the Lac Leman, overlooking lit up towns nestled along its banks.
For more information, visit: www.myvaud.ch/en/P7814/new-year-s-eve-cruise
