What’s open and closed in Switzerland on Christmas and New Year’s Day?

As on all Sundays and public holidays in Switzerland, supermarkets and other retailers will close on both days, though shops at airports and major train stations will remain open, as will small convenience stores at petrol stations, like Coop Pronto and Migrolino. 

And you should have no problem finding a place to sip a cuppa because many coffee shops / tea rooms will open their doors as well.

As for restaurants, while some will close, many others will remain open. 

Will public transport operate as normal?

Trains, as well as buses and trams, will run on a Sunday schedule, which you can check on the SBB app, or website.

This means that they will not operate quite as frequently as on workdays, but still regularly.

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What about medical services?

Pharmacies will be closed, but ‘duty’ ones will open, even if on a limited schedule. You can find out which ones are open in your area, and their hours of operation, by calling the general information number, 1811.

As far as health emergencies are concerned, while your doctor’s office will be closed, hospitals and emergency rooms will operate as normal.

If you need urgent medical help call 144.

The same holds true for police and fire services, which can be reached 24/7 on numbers 117 and 118, respectively.

Remember though, that, as on any other day of the year, you should only resort to an ambulance service if your condition really warrants it:

READ ALSO: What’s the best option if you have a health emergency in Switzerland?

For non-emergency (that is, life-threatening situations), call your canton’s medical referral service to find out who the duty physician or dentist is in your area.

This service will also tell you (if you are not sure) whether you should be consulting a ‘regular’ doctor or go straight to the emergency room.

Their numbers vary by cantons; it is 0800 33 66 55 in Zurich, 022 748 49 50 in Geneva, 061 261 15 15 in Basel, and 0848 133 133 in Vaud.