Christmas & New Year 2019 in Verbier - What weather to expect & what to do

Be prepared for a white Christmas in Verbier this year. After a very snowy start of the season, there's a very healthy base layer of 60cm in town and well over 2.3m at the top. Last weekend's huge dump, which continues this morning, has only increased those snow depths and brought a nice, fluffy layer of fresh snow on top of the pistes. The forecast is for a wonderfully sunny day on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, followed by some more snow on Friday and then sunshine again next weekend. Temperatures will fluctuate below the 0ºC mark, perhaps reaching -12ºC at altitude on Friday, so remember to pack your thermals!

Prior to his epic round-the-world trip, Father Christmas is stopping off in Verbier on December 24th. This year he’s arriving in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage, and if you want to meet him he’ll be in the main square of Place Centrale from 15:30. If you’ve been nice this year, you could even receive a small present. Fear not parents, there’ll be a nice glass of mulled wine or Christmas tea compliments of the tourist office to keep you warm while you wait.

Taking inspiration from the classic 80s roller disco, on December 26th, you can dance away the night while skating at the Verbier outdoors ice rink. The best part of it is that you’re not even limited to just one type of music. This is a silent ice disco, meaning you wear headphones and can switch between three different DJ channels to suit your preferred music taste. Switch from disco, electro and groove, and then to rock’n’roll and Brazilian dance music. This is a free event and only a deposit of a form of ID is needed to borrow a set of headphones. Ice skate rental is only 5.-CHF from Médran Sport, which makes the whole event great value for money.

The ‘Taille ta Neige’ is an annual event in Verbier, taking place this year on December 28th between 16:30 and 17:30. If you fancy yourself as a hotshot snow sculptor, or just think it would be a nice thing to do with the family, book a snow block at the Verbier tourist office and come down to Place Centrale to take part for free. Every year the finished sculptures are a sight to behold and all participants can be sure of a fun and creative evening.

For a wonderful evening of classical music, the ‘Association of the Friends of the Verbier Festival’ will be presenting a concert in the Eglise de Verbier to celebrate Christmas. Verbier has a rich history of classical concerts, hosting the annual ‘Verbier Festival,’ a month-long music festival showcasing many of the best musicians from around the world. This Christmas classical music concert offers a glimpse into the summer event, this year taking inspiration from Tchaikovsky's festive classic The Nutcracker. It takes place on December 28th and 29th, and costs 60.-CHF for a full-price adult's ticket and 25.-CHF for children under 16 years old.

Verbier’s reputation for throwing a party is legendary. To finish off the festive season with a bang, every year it puts on what is possibly one of the best street parties in Europe. At around 23:30, thousands of people make their way towards Place Centrale, with heavy electronic dance music filling the streets played by a DJ above Farinet Apres. Three years ago, world-famous DJ Martin Garrix played in the New Year and this year will no doubt see another incredible atmosphere, culminating in an epic fireworks display on the stroke of midnight.

Following the street party, those who want to carry on the party can pre-book a ticket to one of the local clubs’ after-parties. Make sure you book early though, as these are almost always sell-out events. Our favourites this year include the exclusive New Year's Eve Spectacular at Le Mouton Noir, which will celebrate the start of 2020 at 2200m with a Bond-themed evening, and the more low-key but no less fun New Year's Eve party at Pub Mont Fort.

For more goings-on in Verbier over the Christmas and New Year period, check out our events calendar here.