Travel around Interlaken

Well... that's ski season. If you have any interest, its one of the most well-known winter sports resorts in the world. If you don't want to participate in the winter sports... other than perhaps some Christmas markets, there's not a whole lot more to do in the Berner Oberland in winter. I suppose you could ride the Jungfraubahn, but the weather might make this a crap-shoot.

Thanks for the reply. We did think we would spend 2 days trying skiing while we were in Interlaken (my kids haven't tried skiing before). But I was wondering what else people could suggest that especially my teenagers might be interested in. Is there other winter sport we could join in? I will also look into the Jungfraubahn you mention. Is there a chocolate factory somewhere around by chance which we could visit?

A very good chocolate factory tour is at Broc, near Gruyere, several hours away. I don't know if they would be open to the public around the Holiday season.

Assuming you will have winter clothing (you did say you would ski a couple of days) try sledding. We found it to be fun nonskiing activity when we were in Wengen a few years ago, especially for kids who haven't had ski or snowboard lessons. I'm sure the other resorts including Muerren offer it as well, it is very common all over Switzerland. It was a blast! I'll chime in with Chris (he must be in Muerren right now and having a great time) that if by mid December you mean before Christmas holiday, I would think you could find very reasonable lodging in Muerren, and would be a good choice to spend 4 days. The weekend before Christmas, the lodging rates will go from rock bottom to astronomical. Interlaken itself has a lot of big hotels and 500 shops selling Swiss Army Knives. It is really a Summer resort that turns into a bargain Winter resort because of the surplus of rooms. Muerren drips understated class. No cars. Unbelievable scenery all arround. Chris is right.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. We are staying in Interlaken as a relative is letting us use their place to stay (they will be be awy) but we will try some of these other places you suggest.

Well, that's OK then! Consider a multi day Jungfrau region ski pass for everyone. That will include your transportation from Interlaken Ost to the the ski areas of Grindelwald, Wengen and Muerren. Set up some ski lessons for the kids so they get off on the right foot. The ski pass also works as transport pass even if you aren't skiing,(like sledding!). Also, the train to the Jungfraujoch is greatly reduced because your "lift pass" gets you to Kleine Scheidegg, so you only have to pay for a ticket from there. Note discount for 16 to 19 year old and 6 to 15 year old. Here is the website.
http://www.jungfrau.ch/winter/tourismus/reiseinfos/skipass

Thanks for the info on the ski pass. That sounds perfect for what we want.