Things to do in Lausanne in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Lausanne. The weather is usually really cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 27—38°F (-3—4°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Lausanne during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a day trip to the nearby Christmas markets in the Canton of Vaud, take a scenic train ride through the snowy Swiss countryside, visit the Musée Olympique and learn about the history of the Winter Olympics, and more!

Lausanne has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Lausanne. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Lausanne in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Lausanne in December

Top experiences in December
Take a day trip to the nearby Christmas markets in the Canton of Vaud
In December, the Canton of Vaud is dotted with charming Christmas markets that offer a delightful array of festive activities, local crafts, and seasonal treats. Take a day trip from Lausanne to explore the Christmas markets in nearby towns and villages, such as Montreux, Vevey, or Nyon. Each market has its own unique character and offerings, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience the holiday traditions of the region and pick up some special souvenirs.
Take a scenic train ride through the snowy Swiss countryside
In December, the Swiss countryside is transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes and picturesque villages. Hop on a scenic train ride from Lausanne to experience the beauty of the Swiss countryside in winter. Whether you choose to travel to a nearby town or simply enjoy the views from the comfort of the train, a scenic train ride is a peaceful and enchanting way to take in the natural beauty of Switzerland in December.
Visit the Musée Olympique and learn about the history of the Winter Olympics
Lausanne is the proud home of the International Olympic Committee and the Musée Olympique, which offers a fascinating look at the history of the Winter Olympics. In December, visitors can explore the museum's interactive exhibits, iconic memorabilia, and inspiring stories of Olympic athletes. It's a unique and educational experience that provides insight into the significance of the Winter Olympics and their impact on the world of sports.
Sample traditional Swiss Christmas treats at a local bakery or café
Switzerland is known for its delicious Christmas treats, and Lausanne is home to many bakeries and cafés that offer a tempting array of festive sweets and pastries. Indulge in traditional Swiss Christmas cookies, gingerbread, and other seasonal delights, accompanied by a steaming cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine. Sampling these delectable treats is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the holiday traditions of Switzerland.
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Attend a traditional Swiss fondue dinner at a local restaurant
December is the perfect time to indulge in a traditional Swiss fondue dinner, and Lausanne is home to many charming restaurants that serve this iconic dish. Gather your friends or family and head to a cozy restaurant to enjoy a steaming pot of melted cheese, accompanied by crusty bread, potatoes, and a glass of local wine. It's a delicious and heartwarming experience that shouldn't be missed during your visit to Lausanne.
Explore the Christmas lights and decorations in the Old Town
The Old Town of Lausanne is a charming and historic district that comes alive with festive lights and decorations in December. Take a leisurely walk through the cobbled streets and alleyways to admire the twinkling lights, beautifully decorated storefronts, and traditional Christmas displays. The Old Town is a magical place to soak up the holiday spirit and capture some stunning photos of the festive scenery.
Go ice skating at the Patinoire de Montchoisi
In December, the Patinoire de Montchoisi opens its doors to ice skaters of all ages. This outdoor ice rink offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains, making it a truly picturesque setting for a day of winter fun. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a complete beginner, the Patinoire de Montchoisi is a must-visit in Lausanne during the winter months.
Visit the Lausanne Christmas Market
The Lausanne Christmas Market is a magical experience in December, with over 60 wooden chalets selling traditional crafts, local delicacies, and festive decorations. The market is located in the heart of the city, on the beautiful Place Saint-François, and is the perfect place to soak up the festive atmosphere and find unique gifts for your loved ones.
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Holidays in Lausanne in December
December
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • St. Stephen's Day (December 26)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Lausanne in December

Temperatures on an average day in Lausanne in December

The average temperature in Lausanne in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 38°F (4°C) to a low of 27°F (-3°C). Some would describe it as really cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Lausanne, August, has days with highs of 73°F (23°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 37°F (3°C) and lows of 24°F (-5°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Lausanne in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
38°F
highs
27°F
lows

General weather summary

Really cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
41%
Chance of rain
0.203 in
Amount
11.2 mph
Wind speed
80%
Humidity
8.7 hrs
Daylight length
8:08 AM
Sunrise
4:47 PM
Sunset
40%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 38°F (4°C) and a low of 27°F (-3°C), it generally feels really cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and remember to bring an umbrella
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Best attractions for Lausanne in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Lausanne has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Lausanne that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Lausanne for December.
The Olympic Museum
1. The Olympic Museum
4.6
(8511)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Permanent exhibition on Olympic athletes, architects & others, plus a park with an athletics track.
Lausanne Cathedral
2. Lausanne Cathedral
4.6
(5754)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Towering 1100s Gothic cathedral, known for its ornate painted portal, belfry & vibrant rose window.
Parking Indigo Lausanne Port d'Ouchy
3. Parking Indigo Lausanne Port d'Ouchy
4.1
(432)
Parking garage
Nature & Parks
Collection de l'Art Brut
4. Collection de l'Art Brut
4.6
(893)
Art museum
Museums
Museum with permanent & temporary exhibits of avant-garde pieces by self-taught, outsider artists.
Sauvabelin Tower
5. Sauvabelin Tower
4.6
(2153)
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
This 35-m. wooden tower offers a 302-step spiral staircase that leads to a viewing platform.
AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium
6. AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium
4.3
(7486)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Striking aquarium featuring the eco-systems of 5 continents, including Komodo dragons & crocodiles.
Rolex Learning Center
7. Rolex Learning Center
4.5
(263)
University library
Sights & Landmarks
Hermitage Foundation
8. Hermitage Foundation
4.6
(1001)
Art museum
Museums
Museum in an elegant 19th-century house & gardens with temporary art exhibitions, plus a restaurant.
Place de la Palud
9. Place de la Palud
4.4
(1834)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Cobbled square known for its 16th-century fountain & statue of justice, plus a monthly craft market.
Musée de l'Elysée
10. Musée de l'Elysée
4.5
(663)
Museum
Book store
National & international photography museum in a historic mansion with a cafe & gift shop.
Esc. du Marché
11. Esc. du Marché
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Lac de Sauvabelin
12. Lac de Sauvabelin
4.6
(112)
Lake
Nature & Parks
This small artificial lake built in 1888 is adjacent to a restaurant & a zoo with domestic animals.
Lausanne Botanical Garden
13. Lausanne Botanical Garden
4.4
(740)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Small, tranquil botanical garden with landscaped paths & elevated areas overlooking the city & lake.
Esplanade de Montbenon
14. Esplanade de Montbenon
4.5
(3678)
City park
Sights & Landmarks
Grassy park with a statue of William Tell & a small fountain, plus views extending to Lake Geneva.
Cantonal museum of fine arts Lausanne
15. Cantonal museum of fine arts Lausanne
4.5
(1402)
Art museum
Museums
Fine arts museum with a collection of 10,000 works, some by major 19th- & 20th-century artists.
Rue de Bourg
16. Rue de Bourg
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas

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