Basel

Fireworks and free mulled wine on the banks of the Rhine

At half-past midnight on 1 January, impressive fireworks will light up the River Rhine and all the bells in the city will ring. Plus, event organizers will be giving out free mulled wine on the banks of the Rhine at the middle bridge in Klein Basel (Café Spitz) and at the Johanniter bridge (Cargo Bar) between 23:00 and 1:00!

Find more information on Basel Tourism's website.

Mr Pickwick Pub Basel

Located in Basel's bustling Steinenvorstadt area, this much loved pub offers a great selection of beers on tap, great pub food, live sports and a British way of life. It's a great way to ring in 2020.

Find more information on Mr Pickwick's website.

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois gala dinner

This unique ballroom provides the historical setting for an exquisite New Year's Eve gala dinner with athmosperic live music. Your night will include a champagne aperitif, six-course menu, soft drinks, wine accompaniment and coffee, entertainment, and admission to the New Year's Eve party in the bar.

Price from: CHF 420.- 
Find more information on Les Trois Rois website.

Find more inspirational experiences and tips at MySwitzerland.com/expats! You can also send an email to expats@switzerland.com or call 0800 100 200.

Bern

Hotel Kursaal: Various dinner/casino/buffet/party and breakfast combinations

Located close to the city centre, Kursaal is always a good bet when it comes to culinary excellence and top-class entertainment. Featuring multiple restaurants, bars and a casino, a memorable evening of festive leisure and pleasure is assured.

Price: Varies
For more information visit the Kursaal's website.

New Years on the Gurten

Ring in 2020 with either a delicious 7-course meal, a tasty buffet, the most beautiful view in the city or while eating an outdoor Fondue. There's a kid's disco party and a legendary NYE party for adults included when you have eaten at one of the restaurants. And then the highlight: The restaurant's special location on Gurten Hill high above Bern guarantees fantastic views of fireworks across the city.

Find more information on the Gurten website.

Geneva

Grand Hotel Kempinski gala dinner

Celebrate the New Year in style. Indulge with a gastronomic buffet at the ultimate spot on the lake to watch the midnight fireworks. You will also enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival and access to the Java Club.

Price: CHF 375.-
For more information visit the Kempinski's website.

Grand Hotel Kempinski New Year's brunch

Lausanne

Burning of the Cathedral

Every 31 December since 1904, the people of Lausanne have gathered on the Esplanade de la Cathédrale to enjoy the cathedral illuminations in a festive atmosphere with champagne and mulled wine. Enjoy fireworks that make it look like they're really burning down the cathedral!!!

For more information visit Lausanne Tourism's website.

Lausanne Festival of Lights

The Christmas lights in Lausanne are an event in their own right and this year the Lausanne Festival of Light (Festival Lausanne Lumières) takes place between 21 November and 31 December. This edition features artworks by artists from Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands who work with light, bringing it to life by means of projections and sculptures or simply as a staged production.
The projects are installed in bustling places in the city centre, including Place de la Gare, Place de l'Europe and Rue Saint-François, giving visitors the opportunity to discover an eclectic programme of art as they move through the city.

Price: Free
For more information visit the Festival Lausanne Lumières website

Zurich

New Year's Magic with fireworks display

The highlight of Zurich's New Year festivities is the New Year's Eve party by Lake Zurich. Nearly 100,000 visitors flock to the lake basin each year to marvel at the spectacular fireworks. Food and drink stands, bars and live music create the perfect festive ambiance.

For more information visit Zurich Tourism's website

Photo: © swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger

Baur au Lac 

Join this legendary New Year's Party that includes a five-course gala menu, international guests, countdown and amazing view of the fireworks. Plus, there is a hangover breakfast the next morning.

Price: CHF 520.- per person, not included accompanied wines.
Dress code: Festive
For more information visit Baur au Lac's website. 

Uto Kulm, New Year's Eve at the top of Zurich

This is a special gala dinner with a great view of the fireworks. Uto Kulm is a restaurant on a hill overlooking Lake Zurich, so it's one of the best places to watch the official fireworks show and see all the smaller fireworks going off across the city.

Price: varies
For more information visit Uto Kulm's website

Zug

Parkhotel: Exquisite dinner with cool live music

Let 2019 fade away while dancing all night and start into a promising 2020 with live music.

Price: varies.
Find more information in this leaflet published on the Parkhotel website.

New Year's Eve magic at Hafenrestaurant

Finish the year at full throttle! A gorgeously decorated restaurant right at the lakeside, exciting culinary creations and a full wine cellar will guide you into 2020. Seats limited!

Book on the Hafenrestaurant website.