Home Base

It would partly depend on my flight options.
I would certainly include Lucerne in that trip--I bet it is wonderful as Christmas time approaches. I think Bern at that time of year would be great too.

Thank you! I think we will fly into Geneva and then spend 2 nights in Montreaux. But we are open to other options. My gut reaction was Bern as a home base, but not sure if Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen would be better. I wanted to see Matterhorn, but it seems to be a bit to far out of the way.

You could technically go to Zermatt from Montreux, just depends on your tolerance for long day trips--some recommend it, others don't. I'm more of a move-bases versus long day trips person. But you should keep reading and make a list of places you want to see first, then settle on the best base. You can visit Bern from Lucerne and other places as well.
Are you looking to have two or three bases in total? I assume you'll need to be near an airport last. Lucerne is convenient for flying out of Zurich as long as your flight is not early.

Zermatt is super easy to get to from Montreux. The scenery from the train is fabulous. So, I consider that part of the adventure and not wasted time traveling 2.5 hour each way. If you can increase your time in Montreux, you’ll have better odds for having at least one good weather day for Zermatt.

I would not want to have Bern as a base. I’m in the minority, but I was disappointed in Bern.

I have my trip reports posted from my recent trips to Switzerland. Just click on my name. I was not there in the winter though, so not sure if they’ll be too much help.

Thank you Carrie! I thought Bern seemed logical, but questioned it when there aren’t a lot of reviews of having Bern as a base so your input is a good confirmation. I look forward to checking out your posts!

Bern is a nice enough city, but it's not in the mountains! Mountains is what you go to Switzerland to see. Interlaken is at the foot of the mountains, but it's not in the mountains. It's a good logistics base for sports, but not in itself scenic. Lauterbrunnen is IN the mountains, and yes makes much more sense. Lots to see and do in the Valley there, and it will save time to access the best sights.

The other good alternative for a base is Luzern. But that's a whole different story.

Thank you for the suggestions! Our reasoning for going in December is for the Christmas markets. Well, and all the other fun things Switzerland has to offer, but the Christmas market in Montreux is what is attracting us!

We will certainly do a day trip in Bern. What do you suggest as a must see?

Most folks fly in and out of Zurich, as the Swiss train system is so incredible. We did Xmas markets in 2019, and found the Swiss markets very nice, but not as elaborate as the German or French markets in Strasbourg/ Colmar, which are incredible. If you stayed in Basel, you are an hour plus from Strasbourg, and I consider this a not-to-be missed market. I've never seen any reviews of the Montreaux markets,so can't comment on that. The Bern markets are very nice, especially the market two blocks from the train station,( as you exit the main entrance, just walk straight.)
Zurich has the largest European indoor market, located in the main train station. We had our first smell of gluhwein there, the delicious warm Xmas market wine, which varies from region.
Altho the markets are much smaller, we did go to picturesque Lucerne, then took the boat to the cogwheel train up to Mt Rigi, and had the most beautiful fresh powdery snow summit experience.
Since the Swiss markets are smaller, check the dates they are open. Some open later (Lucerne) or are only open on weekends. The Bern and Basel markets are open daily.
Really hope you can get to Strasbourg/ Colmar markets, as the elaborate decorations took my breath away.
Safe travels!
Have a wonderful trip- the markets are magical.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/christmas-markets-switzerland-france-germany-2019

Fyi-
perhaps my Trip Report will have some helpful info.