This Christmas in Switzerland felt truly special for many reasons. I was home again, surrounded by my family and the familiar winter atmosphere I grew up with, but this year had an extra layer of meaning. It was my Chinese girlfriend’s first time in Europe, and also her very first Christmas in Switzerland. Seeing everything through her eyes made the holiday season feel new again, almost like experiencing it for the first time myself.
From the cozy traditions I know so well to the modern celebrations that fill Swiss towns during December, we shared moments that became unforgettable memories. She tasted Swiss holiday foods for the first time, saw snow-covered streets that looked like scenes from a postcard, and discovered how different Christmas feels in Europe compared to Asia. Watching her react to the little things I always took for granted made the whole season warmer and more meaningful.
It was a holiday filled with family, culture, and small magical moments that brought us even closer. Here is a glimpse into our Christmas adventure in Switzerland and the experiences that made it one we will always remember.
Day 1: A Swiss Christmas Tree from the Forest makes Christmas in Switzerland perfect
The first day of our Christmas in Switzerland adventure began with a tradition that feels deeply rooted in my childhood. We headed straight into the forest to pick out our Christmas tree. And yes, it was completely legal, since many Swiss regions allow families to cut a designated tree during the holiday season. Walking into the quiet forest felt like entering a winter storybook. The air was crisp, the ground covered with soft leaves and patches of frost, and the tall trees created a natural cathedral of calm.
For my girlfriend, this was something entirely new. She had never picked a Christmas tree directly from the forest before, and watching her look around with curiosity and excitement made the moment even more special. She touched the branches, examined the needles, and kept saying how peaceful and beautiful the forest felt. It was one of those simple experiences that become unforgettable because of the person you share it with.
Finding the right tree was a small adventure on its own. We walked through the woods comparing shapes and sizes until we finally agreed on the perfect one. Cutting it down together felt symbolic, like creating our first shared Christmas memory in Switzerland. Carrying the fresh tree back out of the forest, surrounded by silence and the smell of pine, set the tone for the entire holiday. It was the perfect beginning to her first European Christmas and a moment I will always treasure.
The Fondue Surprise (A very special meal during Christmas in Switzerland and other cold days)
Later that evening, we introduced her to Swiss fondue. I was genuinely surprised that she liked it. We dipped pieces of bread into rich, melted cheese from a local shop, and it was clear she enjoyed the warmth and flavor. It was a completely new culinary experience for her, which made it even more fun to share.
Since I live in Japan, I sometimes miss Switzerland, so I cook Swiss dishes for her at home. We often make raclette together, and recently I even prepared Einback, a Swiss take on French toast. Sharing these meals has become a small way to bring a bit of Switzerland into our everyday life.
Swiss Cats: Love Them or Face Them
Switzerland is a country that absolutely adores cats, and they seem to be everywhere! My girlfriend, however, was a little apprehensive around cats, especially after her experience at the Halloween Cat Festival (as I mentioned in my previous blog). But there was no escaping it—she had to feed our cat, Caramel. Caramel is a cat with a personality, and she reminds me of Crookshanks from Harry Potter—only cuter and, dare I say, a bit like Garfield. My girlfriend was nervous at first, but by the end of her stay, she warmed up to her and even enjoyed Caramel’s company (not really).
Day 2: The “Abschaumig” Christmas Party
The second day was equally filled with joy and new experiences. My brother and cousin organized an “Abschaumig” Christmas celebration in Zurich, which included an art course where we had to draw our partners. I’m not great at art, but it was a fun experience nonetheless. We laughed, shared stories, and created some truly hilarious artwork. See my artist skill by yourself:
Here you can book this amazing Art Expirience:
In the evening, we dined at Restaurant Linde in Zurich. The staff was young and lively, and the atmosphere was both fancy and welcoming. We had Cordon Bleu for our main course, and for the first time, my girlfriend tried French-style tartare as a starter. She was hesitant at first, but ended up enjoying it!
Snowy Christmas in Solothurn
The next day, we woke up to a beautiful white Christmas in Switzerland —something that rarely happens in my hometown of Solothurn (it only snows on Christmas about three to five times in my lifetime). My girlfriend was absolutely thrilled, and we took advantage of the snow by heading to Restaurant Sternen in Solothurn, where we enjoyed the famous “pizza” (which is more like a cake), and it was incredibly affordable.
Urs and Viktor (Story of St. Ursen Cathedral)
The story of Urs and Viktor is a tragic legend from Solothurn. According to the tale, they were part of the Theban Legion and fled from the massacre in Agaunum (today Saint-Maurice) to Solothurn. There, they were captured and sentenced to death by the governor. During their execution, they were beheaded, and their bodies and heads fell into the Aare River.
The story of Urs and Viktor is a tragic legend from Solothurn. According to the tale, they were part of the Theban Legion and fled from the massacre in Agaunum (today Saint-Maurice) to Solothurn. There, they were captured and sentenced to death by the governor. During their execution, they were beheaded, and their bodies and heads fell into the Aare River.
Legend has it that the bodies, carrying their heads under their arms, swam to the shore, where they walked onto land and were buried there. This tale is deeply embedded in the history and culture of Solothurn and is still honored in the city today. The St. Ursen Cathedral in Solothurn is dedicated to Saint Ursus and supposedly houses his relics.
The European Döner Experience
We then went on to try a classic European döner, specifically the German-style döner. Japan has its own version of the döner, but it’s more of a cabbage and meat combo. European döner is loaded with fresh veggies, a better sauce, and a bit more spice, and my girlfriend couldn’t believe the difference!
Building a Snowman
On one of the evenings, we decided to make the most of the snow and built a snowman in our garden. It felt like a scene out of a Christmas movie, and I couldn’t help but think how lucky we were to have snow during the holidays in Switzerland.
Cooking Mapo Tofu and Christmas Preparations
One of the highlights of our stay was when we cooked Mapo Tofu together. My father, in his usual fashion, bought Italian rice to go with the dish, which didn’t quite pair well, but we had a good laugh about it.
We also took the time to prepare the Christmas tree, a moment that was especially meaningful for my girlfriend, as she is Christian. The experience of setting up the tree together felt like a beautiful blend of our cultures and traditions.
Sledging Fun and Solothurn’s Hidden Christmas Tradition
We spent a day in Balmberg sledging—my girlfriend’s first time, and she absolutely loved it. We even took a quick trip to Solothurn, where there’s a secret Christmas tradition. On Christmas Eve, people gather in a valley, lighting candles, creating a spiritual and peaceful atmosphere. While the name of the location is kept secret for tourism reasons, I can assure you it’s an experience worth seeking if you ever find it.
“My treasure? If you want it, I’ll let you have it. I left everything I own in one place. Now you just have to find it. I left the world’s greatest treasure. I left it all in one place. Now you just have to find it. The great Pirate King’s treasure. Go and find it! I dare you to!” – Gol D. Roger
A Visit to Bern and the Einstein Haus
We also visited Bern, where my girlfriend wanted to see the famous Einstein Haus. Unfortunately, it was closed for construction, but we were able to visit the Einstein Closet at ETH, a small but iconic place, especially popular among Chinese tourists on the Red Note app (with the Chinese name noted there).
Interlaken Adventures: A Bit of Trouble with the Car
Our trip to Interlaken took an unexpected turn when our car broke down, preventing us from heading to Mürren. But we didn’t let that stop us! The next day, we went sledging instead. My girlfriend had dreams of seeing the Jungfrau, but the cost of going up was a bit prohibitive (around $400 per person), so we decided it was better to enjoy the stunning view from Mürren, where the perspective of the Jungfrau is just as spectacular without the need to go up. And speaking of Mürren, there’s now the world’s steepest gondola in the area—truly an exciting addition to the region.
Weekend Trip to Budapest
If you want to read about our weekend trip to Budapest, you can read more here.
Did you know that you can visit most countries in Europe with just one visa? The Schengen visa allows travel across 27 European countries with a single visa, making it easier to explore the continent!
Luzern: A Day of Culture and Beauty
We spent a day in Luzern and made time to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Lion Monument, the KKL, and the Kapellbrücke. We also visited the Bourbaki Panorama, a 360 degree mural that depicts the “Kampf von Frankreich.” The scale of the artwork was impressive and the history behind it was even more compelling. It ended up being one of the highlights of our visit and we captured some great moments there.
A Christmas Full of Traditions and New Experiences
This Christmas in Switzerland was filled with joy, surprises, and moments of cultural exchange. From fondue and Christmas trees to snowman building and sledging, we shared countless beautiful memories. Whether it was experiencing Swiss food, traditions, or just enjoying the winter wonderland, it was an unforgettable time. For my girlfriend, it was her first European Christmas, and I’m so glad she had the chance to experience it in Switzerland. If you ever find yourself here during the holidays, be sure to immerse yourself in the traditions and make some magical memories of your own.
Maybe you will enjoy your Christmas in Switzerland soon!
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