How to Find the Locations from the “Last Christmas” Music Video in Switzerland, and How Much a Fan Tour Costs

From ‘lost keys’ to George Michael’s suite—a guide to filming locations in the Alps

Did you know that the world’s most popular Christmas song was originally dedicated to Easter? I didn’t. In fact, I’ll be honest: when I first fell in love with this hit, I didn’t even know it was sung by George Michael. For me, it was simply the magic of the winter forest and the cozy video, which I saw much later.

Since then, my ideal Christmas has been a trip to Saas-Fee, Switzerland, in the footsteps of that very same Wham! video. Today, I invite you to stroll through the locations where the legend was made in 1984: from the funicular to that very chalet to which the film crew didn’t have the keys.

I love everything about that video: from the ‘80s-style bouffants to the enormous snowflakes. The beautiful wooden chalet (back then, it was dark brown, almost black), the enormous snowdrifts, the funicular, a group of young and playful people, Christmas pudding, and an incredibly beautiful brooch.

Screenshot from Wham!’s “Last Christmas” music video

Sure, the song is about a broken heart, but it’s a Christmas song, and the music hints at that, too. Although the song was originally called “Last Easter,” the label insisted on changing the theme to Christmas. And frankly, I can’t imagine it being Easter-themed at all.

Filming a music video in Switzerland

The video wasn’t shot in England, but in the Swiss Alps, in the town of Saas-Fee, Switzerland. This town was chosen because of the fluffy snowfall there. The area is also interesting because the surrounding mountains are over 4,000 meters high.

Originally, filming was supposed to take place in another location — the Swiss canton of Bern. But alas, there wasn’t much snow there, and the music video needed plenty of fluffy snow to create the right Christmas atmosphere.

Filming began just before the holiday, on November 30, 1984. The video features several key locations:

Felskinnbahn Cable Car. Screenshot from Wham!’s “Last Christmas” music video

Felskinnbahn Cable Car: A Scene That Almost Never Happened

A group of friends drives up to the Felskinnbahn cable car. Although this isn’t necessary to reach the chalet in the video, the scene is so beautiful that it has become iconic.

Felskinnbahn Cable Car. Screenshot from Wham!WALK

Felskinnbahn Cable Car. Screenshot from Wham!’s “Last Christmas” music video

Chalet Schliechte: Why Weren’t They Never Filmed Inside?

The main chalet, Chalet Schliechte (in the Wildi district), is where the main action takes place. Legend has it that the film crew couldn’t get inside because the owner didn’t have the keys. So, they only filmed exterior scenes near it, where the kids were playing with snowballs, jumping over a fence, and chasing each other.

Chalet Schliechte. Screenshot from Wham!’s “Last Christmas” music video

 
Interestingly, Saas-Fee banned George Michael’s limousine from accessing the chalet because the city has been car-free since 1951. 

The only way to get there in a regular car was to drive to the large parking lot at the entrance to the city, and then only on foot or by special transport. These rules applied to everyone, including superstars.

Chalet Schliechte. Screenshot by travelswissgirl

The room where the celebration took place was filmed in another location — the Steinmatt Cultural and Play Center. According to the plot, the room was supposed to have a fireplace. And that’s exactly where it was found. Although it only appears there for a few seconds in the video, this part of the clip was filmed not in the chalet, but in this very room in Steinmatt.

Chalet Walliserhof

George Michael stayed at Chalet Walliserhof during filming, now called the 5-star Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa. George Michael’s rented room on the top floor of the chalet is now called the George Michael Suite.

Chalet Walliserhof. Screenshot from myswitzerland.com

The view from this chalet is simply magical: many beautiful chalets and enormous mountains that make everything seem microscopic.

Screenshot from Glamour

A Tour for Fans

For those who still love this song, even though it’s 41 years old (just imagine), you can take a tour. It runs from December 23rd to 30th every year in Saas-Fee. It lasts about 2 hours and costs 5 Swiss francs. This tour shows all the locations from the video.

To truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere, you can dress up in ’80s style. The photos will turn out amazing. 

“Last Christmas” is more than a song. It’s a time capsule preserving a perfect, almost fairytale-like Christmas. Even after all these years, Saas-Fee remains a pilgrimage destination for those seeking that same fluffy snow and the atmosphere of genuine friendship from ‘84.

For me, Christmas isn’t just about beautiful places, but also about those special things that create a festive atmosphere and warm us in the winter. I love surrounding myself with objects that have a story or simply bring joy. If you, too, appreciate cozy details and are looking for something warm for yourself or as a gift, take a look here — you might just find that precious little thing you’ve been missing. Or just pop in for something useful. 🦝

Which version of “Last Christmas” is your favorite — the original or the covers? Would you dress up in an '80s style for a photo shoot in this very place? Let us know in the comments!

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