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Helena Blackburn
Cristytravels
Step into the enchanting world of Zurich, Switzerland, where the vibrant cityscape comes alive with the promise of an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. Switzerland has so much to discover. The city offers enchanting picturesque streets, indulgent Swiss chocolate, and if you happening to be coming for New Years, a breathtaking firework display over Lake Zurich you’ll never forget.
As we planned our visit for New Year’s in winter, we extended our stay in Switzerland to 10 days, seizing the opportunity to include a ski trip to Zermatt. If you’re curious about skiing in the Swiss Alps, explore my dedicated page for information on our Zermatt trip, covering details such as trains, connections, ski passes, and More. A Guide to your Ski trip in Zermatt
We spent a total of 3 days in Zürich, with a day trip to Lucerne, and for us, this was sufficient.
Day 1: Zürich – Sweet Discoveries
Landing in Zurich is very easy and convenient. The public transportation in Switzerland, to no surprise, is second to none. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is connected to an underground train station that can take you almost anywhere you need to go. We stayed at the ibis Styles Zurich City Center , a no frills hotel but had everything we needed. Due to high prices around the New Years holiday and inevitable crowd and traffic jams on New Years eve, we opted to be in the best location. Taking the train directly there with our luggage was super easy, and was a 5-minute walk to the hotel. If you’re planning in advance you should be able to find plenty of options for hotels in the City Centre.
The city of Zurich itself is clean and charming. You can spend a lot of time just walking around the city center, taking in the views of Lake Zurich. Stroll over to Bahnhofstrasse and explore one of the world’s most famous and expensive shopping avenues.
For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to check out the Lindt chocolate museum for a whimsical and immersive chocolate experience. I would advise to purchase tickets in advance, as they sell out daily, especially during the holiday season. You can get your tickets here.
running over Lake Lucerne’s crystal-clear water, I couldn’t resist trying to capture all its charm through the lens of my camera. With its mix of medieval architecture and modern vibes, Lucerne turned out to be a very picturesque stop on our Swiss adventure. While it’s not the liveliest place with tons of things to do, its peaceful atmosphere invites you to soak in the stunning views and enjoy some quiet moments.
As New Year’s Eve neared, anticipation grew, promising an incredible night by Lake Zurich. The firework show takes place near the Quaibrücke Bridge, offering free admission and an array of street vendors selling food, hot glühwien, and other drinks. A live DJ dance party and nearby public restrooms add to the lively atmosphere.
To escape the lakefront crowds, we opted for a tent serving fondue, champagne, and live music. Despite a good firework view, the tent disappointed with stale bread, cheap champagne, and an underwhelming accordion player—more of a tourist trap than a worthwhile experience. If you’re a champion with cold weather, the festivities on the streets would be more exciting. For the sake of being warm, I’m grateful we had it.
As the clock struck midnight, a mesmerizing firework display illuminated Lake Zurich, casting a colorful reflection on the tranquil waters—a truly stunning start to the new year. 
Day 3: Zürich – New Years Bliss
New Year’s Day kicked off with a laid-back lunch at Santa Lucia, a cozy Italian spot right in the heart of Zurich, serving great wine and delicious pasta. Since many businesses are closed on New Year’s Day, we opted to explore Zürich’s FIFA Museum. 
I’m not a fanatical soccer fan, but I have to admit, the museum was really impressive, with interactive exhibits and interesting football history. My husband loved it! Definitely worth a visit, even if you’re not a die-hard sports buff. You can purchase tickets upon arrival or get them in advance here.
As our journey in Zurich came to an end, I reflected on the memorable experiences we had in this enchanting city. From exploring its charming streets steeped in history to savoring Swiss chocolate, Zurich captivated us at every turn. The highlight was undoubtedly celebrating New Year’s Eve by the picturesque Lake Zurich, surrounded by friendly faces and a spectacular fireworks display. Though our adventure continued beyond Zurich, as well boarded our train to head to Zermatt for a Ski filled adventure, the memories of that New Year’s Eve will always stand out. Zurich offered a diverse and unforgettable experience. To read all about Zermatt and find out everything you need to know for an unforgettable Ski trip on the Matterhorn, Glacier Paradise, click on the photo below to check out my guide !
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