Arrive at Zurich Airport and take a short, scenic 15-20 minute train ride into the city to Hauptbahnhof; drop bags at your hotel (consider family-friendly options near Old Town like Hotel Adler or the 25hours Hotel Zürich West) and stretch your legs with a gentle walk around Bahnhofstrasse to admire Christmas windows and quiet holiday streets. Keep the morning relaxed — pick up a warm takeaway hot chocolate and pastries from Confiserie Sprüngli on Paradeplatz and let the kids recover from travel with a slow, stroller-friendly stroll along the Limmat river.
After a lazy lunch at a cosy, child-welcoming café (try Café Schober/Salon Schober in the Old Town for a festive setting), explore the nearby Lindenhof hill for panoramic views and a little history lesson about Roman Zurich while the children run around the small park. If shops are open and energy allows, pop into the Schweizer Spielmuseum (Swiss Toy Museum) or the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop for whimsical decorations and toys — both offer a gentle, festive atmosphere perfect for easing into the holiday.
Return to your hotel to freshen up, then head out for an easy, family-friendly Christmas dinner — many hotels offer special holiday meals (call ahead to reserve) or choose a welcoming restaurant like Zeughauskeller for Swiss comfort food in a historic setting. Finish the evening with a peaceful lakeside stroll along Lake Zurich or a short tram ride to Bellevue to watch the lights reflected on the water, then retire early so everyone is rested for the next day's Zurich explorations.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or pop into Confiserie Sprüngli on Paradeplatz for hot chocolate and Luxemburgerli macarons, then head to the nearby Zurich Zoo or the spacious Platzspitz park for a relaxed, kid-friendly morning where little ones can run and spot birds along the Limmat. If the family prefers a quieter start, stroll up to Lindenhof again to watch the city wake up and play at the small playground while parents enjoy views over the Old Town — it keeps the gentle pace from yesterday and builds energy for the day ahead.
For the afternoon, take a tram to Bellevue and walk the scenic lake promenade toward Bürkliplatz, stopping for photos by the fountain and ice-skating at the temporary winter rinks if open; continue to the vibrant Schiffbau quarter or the leafy Chinese Garden for a short cultural pause. Cap the outing with a visit to the Swiss Toy Museum (Schweizer Spielzeugmuseum) in the Old Town or the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop to delight the children with historic toys and festive decorations before a warm snack at a nearby café.
Return to the hotel to freshen up, then dine at a family-friendly restaurant such as The Artisan (for relaxed international fare) or Zeughauskeller for classic Swiss dishes in a lively setting that kids often enjoy; be sure to reserve as post-Christmas crowds can be moderate. Finish the evening with a gentle lakeside walk to Bellevue or a short tram ride to Niederdorf to see the Old Town twinkling — a calm, festive close that smoothly transitions you toward tomorrow’s train trip to Lucerne.
Board a morning intercity train from Zurich HB to Lucerne (about 40-50 minutes) — choose a window seat so the kids can watch the snowy countryside and small villages roll by; arrive and drop bags at your hotel near the station or Old Town (family-friendly options include the Hotel des Balances or Ameron Hotel Flora). Stretch your legs with a gentle walk through Lucerne’s picturesque Altstadt, pausing at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) to admire the painted panels and take family photos with the river Reuss as a backdrop.
After a warming lunch at a riverside café such as Wirtshaus Taube or Pfistern, explore the cobbled lanes of the Old Town — visit the Museggmauer (Musegg Wall) for short tower climbs and panoramic views that thrill kids, and pop into the Swiss Museum of Transport if the group craves a hands-on, family-friendly indoor option. Don’t miss a quick stop at the Lion Monument and nearby Glacier Garden for a mix of history and quirky geological exhibits that keep little ones engaged while parents enjoy the story-rich sites.
Return to the lakeside promenade for a calm sunset stroll along Lake Lucerne, perhaps taking a short, festive boat cruise if schedules permit, which is a lovely way to see the lights and snowy peaks from the water. Finish with a cozy, child-friendly dinner at Restaurant Stern or Hotel des Balances’ family menu, then head back to your hotel for an early night — the slower evening lets everyone rest up for tomorrow’s alpine excursion to Pilatus or Rigi.
Choose Pilatus for a dramatic start: take the short walk from your Lucerne hotel to the boat pier for the morning paddle-steamer to Alpnachstad, then ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (or the panoramic gondola from Kriens) up to Pilatus Kulm — kids will love the views, the alpine air, and spotting snow-dusted peaks while you pause for hot chocolate at the mountain restaurant. If you pick Rigi, catch an early train or car to Vitznau and ascend by the historic cogwheel railway to Rigi Kulm for gentler slopes, sweeping views over Lake Lucerne and easy, family-friendly trails perfect for toddlers to explore and make their first snowmen.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring short, well-marked paths (Pilatus’ summit loop or Rigi’s family trails) with opportunities for light snow play, sledging on designated areas, and panoramic photos — both summits have playground-style areas and cafes where you can warm up. For a hands-on option, return partway down and stop at Rigi Kaltbad’s mineral baths (if open) or Pilatus’ Dragon Ride viewpoints; otherwise descend to Lucerne in late afternoon so children can unwind on the scenic return boat or train and enjoy another view of the lights on the lake.
Back in Lucerne, reward everyone with a cozy dinner near the Old Town at Hotel des Balances or Wirtshaus Taube, where hearty Swiss fare and warm ambience soothe chilly adventurers. Finish the day with a calm lakeside stroll or a brief visit to the Kapellbrücke to see the bridge lit at night — a peaceful, storybook end that sets up the next day’s onward travel to Interlaken.
Check out from Lucerne after breakfast and take the scenic intercity rail route (around 2 hours) to Interlaken Ost — reserve window seats so the kids can watch snowy valleys, frozen lakes and charming villages roll by. On arrival, drop bags at your family-friendly hotel (consider Hotel Interlaken or the Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage) and stretch your legs with a gentle riverside walk along the Aare toward Höheweg, pausing for hot chocolate at a café like Hirschen or Café de Paris while the children take in views of the Jungfrau massif.
Spend the afternoon exploring Interlaken’s lakeside trio: hop on a short boat ride on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz for panoramic winter scenery and village views (the Thun route is especially scenic and family-friendly), or stroll the Höhematte park where kids can play and you can pop into local toy shops and chocolatiers on Höheweg. If energy allows, take the funicular up to Harder Kulm (weather permitting) for sweeping views over both lakes — the Panorama Restaurant makes a warm spot for a snack while little ones marvel at the postcard vistas.
Return to town for a relaxed family dinner at a welcoming restaurant such as Restaurant Taverne or the family-oriented Restaurant Spycher, where Swiss comfort dishes and children’s options help everyone refuel. After dinner, enjoy a calm post-meal stroll along the illuminated promenade and stop for an early hot chocolate or a festive pastry before heading back to the hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s Jungfrau-region snow day.
Board an early train from Interlaken Ost toward Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, then continue up to Kleine Scheidegg by the Wengernalp Railway — choose Grindelwald First for sledging and the Cliff Walk or Kleine Scheidegg for unbeatable views of the Eiger north face; kids will love watching the dramatic mountain scenery from the carriage and spotting alpine cottages dusted in snow. Arrive with layered clothing, rent sledges at First or join a supervised snow-play area near Kleine Scheidegg, and stop for warming drinks (hot chocolate) at a mountain hut like Bergrestaurant First or Restaurant Kleine Scheidegg.
After a leisurely mountainside lunch, take gentle family-friendly walks — the easy First Flyer/First to Bachalpsee routes (weather permitting) or the short, panoramic trails around Kleine Scheidegg offer safe, scenic snow play and photo moments without long hikes; alternatively descend to Grindelwald village for the Glacier Gorge (Gletscherschlucht) boardwalk if open, a dramatic but accessible gorge walk that fascinates children. If energy allows, ride the cable car back toward Grindelwald Grund and try the local toboggan runs or the indoor play options at the village’s family activity centres before returning to Interlaken by late afternoon.
Back in Interlaken, warm up with a relaxed dinner at a family-friendly spot such as Restaurant Taverne or Hirschen, sharing fondue or rösti to celebrate the alpine day, and let the kids pick a Swiss pastry for dessert from a local konditorei. Finish the evening with a calm stroll along Höheweg to admire the lights and mountains on the skyline, then return to your hotel for an early night so everyone is rested for the final travel day to Zurich tomorrow.
Check out after breakfast and take the comfortable intercity train from Interlaken Ost back to Zurich HB (about 2-2.5 hours), enjoying a final window-seat run through snowy valleys; drop luggage at a hotel near the station or use Zurich HB left-luggage to travel light. Spend a relaxed morning strolling Bahnhofstrasse and the Old Town for any last-minute gifts — pop into Confiserie Sprüngli for Luxemburgerli and boxed chocolates and swing by Käthe Wohlfahrt or the charming boutiques in Niederdorf for souvenirs the kids can pick.
After a leisurely lunch at a child-friendly spot like Zeughauskeller or Restaurant Hiltl, take a gentle walk along the lake promenade to Bürkliplatz and Bellevue for one last lakeside view and a final photo with the Alps in the distance; if time allows, visit the Swiss National Museum near the station for a quick, family-friendly glimpse into Swiss history. Collect your bags from the hotel or station, confirm your airport transfer or SBB timetable, and head to Zurich Airport with at least 90-120 minutes for international flights — the direct train from Zurich HB to the airport is frequent and convenient.
If your flight departs late, enjoy a calm pre-flight dinner at one of the airport’s family-friendly restaurants (try Restaurantart Port or the Paul bakery outlets) or have a final Swiss meal near the station before departure; allow time for a relaxed security check while keeping snacks and a small activity kit handy for the children. Conclude the trip with cheerful reflections on the week’s highlights — snowy mountain memories, Lucerne’s bridges and Interlaken lakes — and a smooth transfer through Zurich Airport for your flight back to London.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Zurich Airport → Zurich HB (train) | CHF 6.80-9.90 per adult one-way (SBB supersaver fares may be lower); children under 6 free, children 6-15 half or regional rules |
| Confiserie Sprüngli (Paradeplatz) - hot chocolate & pastries | CHF 8-18 per person |
| Bahnhofstrasse / Limmat riverside walk | Free |
| Hotel luggage drop / check-in (day use if early) | Free to CHF 30 if early-check or bag-hold fee (many hotels include luggage hold) |
| Café Schober (Salon Schober) - lunch/snack | CHF 15-35 per person |
| Lindenhof hill / playground | Free |
| Swiss Toy Museum (Schweizer Spielzeugmuseum) | CHF 10-16 adult; children often free or reduced (check on-site) |
| Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop | Free entry; shopping varies (CHF 10-100+ depending on purchases) |
| Zeughauskeller (Christmas dinner) or hotel Christmas meal | CHF 20-50 per adult for main courses; hotel set menus/Christmas dinners CHF 40-120 per person |
| Lake Zurich lakeside stroll / Bellevue tram ride | Tram fare CHF 2.80-4.40 single (short trip) or covered by Zurich Card/day pass; stroll Free |
| Zurich Zoo | CHF 26-28 adult; children reduced; family tickets available |
| Platzspitz park | Free |
| Bellevue → Bürkliplatz lake promenade | Free |
| Seasonal ice-skating rink | CHF 5-15 rink entry + CHF 6-12 skate rental per person |
| Tram/bus rides in Zurich (daily use) | CHF 2.80-4.40 single; day pass CHF 11-18 depending on zones; Zurich Card offers travel + discounts |
| Train Zurich HB → Lucerne (InterCity / SBB) | CHF 15-30 per adult one-way (supersaver fares lower; children reduced/free with Swiss Family Card) |
| Hotel des Balances / Ameron Hotel Flora - check-in | Hotel nightly rates: CHF 160-350 for family or double rooms (season variability); extra child/rollaway fees may apply |
| Lucerne Altstadt & Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) | Free |
| Museggmauer (Musegg Wall) - tower climbs | Free to CHF 5-8 per tower (some towers closed seasonally) |
| Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus) | CHF 32-35 adult; children reduced/free; family tickets available |
| Lion Monument & Glacier Garden | Lion Monument Free; Glacier Garden CHF 7-12 adult |
| Lake Lucerne promenade / short boat cruise (seasonal) | CHF 10-45 per person depending on route and season (reduced for children) |
| Restaurant Stern / Hotel des Balances dinner | CHF 25-55 per adult |
| Boat Lucerne → Alpnachstad (for Pilatus) or gondola from Kriens | Boat CHF 10-30 per person one-way (seasonal); Kriens gondola CHF 20-35 return per adult |
| Pilatus cogwheel railway (Alpnachstad → Pilatus Kulm) | CHF 72-90 return adult (combined transport options, seasonal; Swiss Travel Pass may cover parts or give discounts); children reduced |
| Pilatus panoramic gondola (Kriens) / Dragon Ride viewpoints | CHF 35-60 adult depending on route; children reduced |
| Rigi cogwheel railway (Vitznau → Rigi Kulm) and Rigi Kaltbad mineral baths (optional) | Rigi return CHF 30-60 adult depending on route; Kaltbad baths CHF 20-40 adult (entry varies) |
| Summit cafes / mountain restaurants (Pilatus/Rigi) - hot chocolate & snacks | CHF 6-15 per drink/snack |
| Train Lucerne → Interlaken Ost (scenic intercity) | CHF 25-55 per adult one-way (supersaver fares possible); children reduced |
| Hotel Interlaken / Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage - check-in | Hotel nightly rates: CHF 140-320 for family/double rooms (season variable) |
| Riverside walk Aare / Höhematte park / Hot chocolate at local café | Free for walk; hot chocolate CHF 5-12 |
| Short boat cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz | CHF 20-50 per person depending on route; children reduced |
| Funicular Harder Kulm | CHF 15-38 return adult (seasonal); family tickets may be available |
| Restaurant Taverne / Restaurant Spycher dinner | CHF 20-45 per adult |
| Interlaken → Grindelwald / Lauterbrunnen → Kleine Scheidegg (Jungfrau region trains/cable) | CHF 30-70 adult return depending on destination (Grindelwald First, Kleine Scheidegg; Jungfraujoch is significantly more) |
| Grindelwald First activities (sledging rentals, First Flyer seasonal) | Sledge rental CHF 10-25; First Flyer/activities higher (CHF 20-50) depending on activity |
| Kleine Scheidegg - mountain huts / snow play | Hot chocolate CHF 5-10; sledging rental if available CHF 10-25 |
| Glacier Gorge (Gletscherschlucht) near Grindelwald | CHF 5-15 per person (seasonal opening) |
| Local toboggan runs / village activity centres | CHF 10-30 per person for rental or run access |
| Interlaken Ost → Zurich HB (train return) | CHF 30-60 per adult (supersaver fares possible) |
| Swiss National Museum (Zurich) | CHF 10-15 adult; children reduced/free |
| Zurich HB left-luggage | CHF 5-12 per bag depending on size and duration |
| Train Zurich HB → Zurich Airport | CHF 6.80-9.90 per adult one-way |
| Airport restaurants & pre-flight snacks | CHF 10-30 per person |
| Estimated Total (per person) | CHF 2,200-5,800 (approximate total for 2 adults + 1-2 small children for 7 days) |