Christmas and New Year's in Switzerland: Traditions, and How We Celebrate Them at Chalet RoyAlp

In Switzerland, the holiday season isn't limited to December 25. It stretches over several weeks, punctuated by rituals passed down from generation to generation. Here are a few of these traditions, and how we celebrate them in Villars-sur-Ollon.

The Season of Advent

Starting in early December, the villages light up. The Advent windows, decorated one by one by the residents, transform the facades into a giant calendar, while the Christmas markets fill the air with the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread. On December 6, Saint Nicholas comes by to hand out tangerines, hazelnuts, and chocolate to well-behaved children.

Here, the magic begins right in the lobby. Christmas trees, string lights, and raw wood come together in a golden glow, and the fire in the fireplace invites you to take a cozy break. Every day from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Afternoon Tea at BeAr’s Bar extends this moment with its special menu, featuring hot chocolate, seasonal pastries, and comforting treats. For young and old alike, Santa’s mailbox awaits your letters in the lobby. Who knows—maybe a reply is waiting for you in return.

The cookies, the table, and the evening of the 24th

According to Swiss tradition, people spend entire afternoons baking Christmas cookies, the famous Guetzli: Milanese cookies, Basel brown cookies, cinnamon stars, and, of course, bricelets—the pride of the Vaud and Fribourg regions. It’s also on the evening of the 24th that the family gathers for the most eagerly awaited meal—often a Chinese fondue or a nice roast chicken—before opening presents.

At Chalet RoyAlp, December 24 brings all these traditions together. Santa Claus stops by the lobby starting at 5 p.m. for a moment of togetherness for young and old alike. Then, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Christmas buffet at La Rochegrise showcases appetizers and desserts created by Chef Fabien Manzoni and his team, complemented by a selection of à la carte hot dishes. For the kids, the Kids’ Club opens its “Kingdom of the Elves” starting December 23, with a program of workshops, treasure hunts, and snowman-building activities that are sure to make their eyes light up.

New Year's Eve and Good Luck Charms

On December 31, Switzerland rings in the New Year with fondue, fireworks, and small good-luck charms given to loved ones—such as marzipan pigs or sugar chimney sweeps—which are believed to bring good luck for the coming twelve months.

Here, we enjoy the evening at La Rochegrise, starting at 6:30 p.m., with a festive buffet featuring a variety of dishes served right up until the midnight countdown. And for a smooth transition, the Spa by RoyAlp is adorned with nearly a hundred candles starting at 4:30 p.m. on December 24 and 31, creating a magical atmosphere for Candle Night.

And for families

From December 23 to January 10, the Table des Petits Hôtes welcomes children ages 4 and up at 6:30 p.m. at La Rochegrise for a buffet designed just for them, supervised by Hélène, our Kids’ Club fairy, with activities or a movie screening to round out the evening. The only exceptions are December 24 and 31: on those two evenings, children are welcome to sit right next to you, so you can all share in the magic of the holidays together.

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