A fairy-tale winter
You're allowed to dream in the snowy canton of Vaud!
Welcome to the magic of winter
The trees have left their leaves on the ground and the first snowflakes have appeared. The days are getting shorter, the temperatures colder. Winter is at your door – and, with it, countless possibilities to warm your heart… and to turn the stars back on! This is the time when a fairy-tale atmosphere with nostalgia, excitement and cordiality gets hold of the Vaudois cities and resorts. They have donned their sparkling lights and are playing host to the Christmas markets, inviting you along to the party. And there's plenty of entertainment! Perspire in your Santa coat in the streets of Lausanne during the Christmas Run. Be amazed by the beauty of the Lausanne Festival of Lights and dance to the rhythm of your own music at the Silent Party on December 31.
Glittering Christmas shopping
Lovely scents of gingerbread and cinnamon tea mixes with those of warm chestnuts, glowing garlands that are reminiscent of childhood, treasures made by local artisans, and culinary specialties made with Swiss cheese: This is what the Vaudois Christmas markets have in store for you, among other Advent delights. In Montreux Noel, at Bô Noël of Lausanne, in Yverdon-les-Bains, at the Château of Morges and everywhere else in the canton, these markets are the ideal opportunity to discover the charm of our towns and villages while strolling through the lively shopping streets that are decorated with a thousand and one twinkling lights.
When the magic continues all winter
In the canton of Vaud, the magic does not end on the first of January. It extends throughout the season, offering an idyllic setting for the practice of multiple winter activities. In the Vaudois Alps, sled dogs take you on a journey out of time across vast snow-covered landscapes. You’ll almost believe yourself to be at the North Pole! Throughout the canton, practicing ice skating is top of the bill – whether it's on one of the numerous outdoor ice rinks or on the frozen lakes of Vallée de Joux. Looking for something out of the ordinary? The offer is vast: night sledding at Les Diablerets, after having enjoyed a scrumptious cheese fondue, or snowshoeing above Lake Geneva with a view of the sunset. A dream come true!
Eyes that sparkle with joy
Attend the take-off of a multitude of hot-air balloons, admire their elegance as they rise into a clear blue sky with a picture postcard setting as a backdrop. There are events such as the International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex, which will remain unforgettable for young and old spectators. But perhaps you’d like to experience a balloon flight yourself? If you’d like to feel like a child again, the Snow Village in Leysin and the treasure hunt of Sainte-Croix and the Vallée de Joux are made for you. The first one mentioned offers yurts and igloos to welcome you for a meal or drink, in a Scandinavian atmosphere with a hint of the North Pole. The second one, in Sainte-Croix, offers a fun educational course that will guide you straight to… a delicious chocolate fondue to enjoy with your family! Yum!
