Christmas in Switzerland County/Vevay

It’s beginning to look a lot like…Christmas in Vevay! The telltale signs are here…the garland, the holiday displays in the stores and the lights—the holiday season is upon us!

I believe that if you asked several people about their favorite part of Christmas or their fondest holiday memory, one would get many different responses.

If you asked my youngest stepdaughter, I’m sure it would be about “presents” and the “beauty of the season” found inside the local mall. My mother and mother-in-law, I believe, would emphasize “family and fellowship.” If you asked my husband, it would be some bizarre answer that would include counting the number of days until hunting season resumes and most certainly the sights of the holiday including “camo.”

Some of my favorite holiday memories are of my dad putting Clark Griswold (think National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation) to shame with his elaborate indoor and outdoor Christmas displays that included trains that puffed smoke and engineers that popped out of train stations. While his displays have gotten less and less through the years, it wasn’t but a couple of years ago that I remember receiving a “venting” e-mail from my mother—“he just bought a couple more THOUSAND lights—how many more does he need!?” Perhaps she should have given him a little leeway since even the neighbors were finally “joyful” and enjoyed “peace” once the local electric company equipped him with his own transformer.

Anyway, who can think of anything greater than the sounds of children singing and that of a child’s laughter? What could be more fun than spending quality time with family and friends and sharing a wonderful meal (especially one that I didn’t have to cook—trust me I’m doing my guests a favor here) complete with tantalizing desserts?

If you too, would like to experience the special sights, smells, tastes and sounds of family-friendly activities and events this holiday season, look no further than downtown Vevay.

Make new holiday memories in Vevay during:

–“Tea & Tour” at the Schenck Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Experience elegant holiday decorations in this historic 35-room mansion while enjoying tea and desserts. Every Sunday in Dec. 4-6 pm. Reservations required. 1-877-594-2876. $15 per person.

-Vevay’s Christmas Tree Lighting/First Friday. Late night shopping/dining, youth carolers, artist demonstrations and free carriage rides by Esquire Carriage. Downtown Vevay. Dec. 5. 6-9 pm. FREE

-“Over the River” -“Make It-Take It” craft classes and Pictures with Santa. Both events FREE and held at the Switzerland County Visitors Center located at 128 West Main Street in Downtown, Vevay. Dec. 6-11am-2 pm. FREE.

-“The Nutcracker”- Join us on at the Historic Hoosier Theater in Downtown Vevay for this holiday classic. Dec. 6. 11:00 am. Tickets $5 ea.

-“Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus” Radio Show. Historic Hoosier Theater on Ferry Street in Downtown Vevay. Dec. 12 & 13. 7:00 pm. $8 advance tickets, $10@door, $6 youth.

-“Happy New Year’s”/First Friday. Late night shopping/dining, live entertainment, artist demonstrations and free carriage rides by Esquire Carriage. Downtown Vevay. Jan. 2 at 6-9 pm. FREE

For more information or advance tickets if available, contact the Switzerland County Visitors Center at 1-800-435-5688 or visit www.vevayin.com.

The very best of the season and throughout the New Year to you and yours from Switzerland County Tourism!