26 Christmas Events to Attend in 26 Cantons
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. To honor Christmas in Switzerland, we have curated a special selection of merriment – one per canton – so that no matter where you live, that special celebratory feeling is never far from home.
AARGAU
Whip Cracking (Chlauschlöpfe) – tradition says that the noise from the cracking whips wakes up Saint Nicolas and lures him to town
- Various villages/towns throughout the Lenzburg region
- 11 – 15.12.2019
Appenzell Ausserhoden
Christmas Exhibition in Schwänberg’s Old Town Hall – the work of 15 artisans are on display in this special Christmas exhibition that includes local music and food
- Alte Rathaus, Schwänberg, AR
- 11 – 01.12.2019
Appenzell Innerhoden
Eating Chlausezüüg – a six-sided pyramid of baked goods decorated with sugary images called Devisli, the Chlausezüüg is a specialty that is available during the advent season at places such as Drechslerei Keller
- Drechslerei Keller and other locales in Appenzell Innerhoden
- Advent Season
Basel-Land
Nünichlingler – at 21:00 on 24. December, young men wearing dark clothes and cardboard tubes on their heads, march for 45 minutes through the town of Ziefen with large bells ringing from their necks
- Ziefen, BL
- 12.2019
Basel-Stadt
The Johann Wanner Christmas House – exquisite Christmas baubles, glass jewelry and straw jewelry for all your Christmas decorating needs
- Old Town, Basel-Stadt
- Mondays – Saturdays in store; Everyday online
Bern / Berne
Weihnachtsweg Heiligenschwendi - a 45-minute walk that displays the Christmas story through life-sized, handcrafted figurines at 6 different stations. Stop by station 6 on Sunday evenings for music, pastries and biscuits
- Schwendi, BE
- 12.2019 – 06.01.2020
Fribourg / Freiburg
Christmas Concert – taking place in the heart of Fribourg on the last Sunday before Christmas, this concert features Soprano Sophie Karthäuser, Mezzo Marie-Claude Chappuis and the Ensemble Claudiana
- Maigrauge Church, Fribourg
- 12.2019 at 15:00
Genève
Pictures with Père Noël – get a free with picture Santa Claus and one of his reindeer in the backdrop of a beautiful snowy setting
- 1st floor at the Centre Commercial de La Praille in Geneva
- 13, 16, 20, 23 of December, 2019
GLARUS
Advent Reading – speaking in dialect, Beatrice Künzli recites short stories about Christmas to children aged two and up
- Glarner Christmas Market
- 12.2019, 13:00 – 17:00
Graubünden / Grischun / Grigioni
Christmas Train Trip – enjoy a 3-course meal on the special Christmas train that takes you on a round-trip journey through the Rhine Gorge
- Chur, GR
- 12 and 13.12.2019, both at 17:56
Jura
Christmas Ensemble – during the first weekend of December, different musical groups perform, including a yodeler’s club and a jazz ensemble. On Saturday afternoon, food will be served by the firefighters
- Imier, JU
- 12 – 07.12.2019
Luzern
Chlausjager Vitznau – this parade with lanterns, music and Santa starts with free coffee at the parkhouse next to the Rigibahn and ends with dancing until 1:00 in the morning when a shuttle bus is available to take you back home in the directions of Weggis and Greppen
- Vitnau, LU
- 12.2019 at 18:00
Neuchâtel
Les Artisinales de Noël – taking place under a large heated tent, this festival includes events tailor-made for children including storytellers, makeup artists, flautists, and of course, Santa Claus
- Place du Port, Neuchâtel
- 12 – 15.12.2019
Nidwalden
Beggrieder Samichlais – a big day that combines all the major Christmastime festivities into one, including a Christmas market, children’s stories, a parade and visit by Santa Claus
- Beckenried, NW
- 12.2019
Obwalden
Baking Christmas Cookies – at Brunnihütte, people of all ages can join the staff to bake delicious Christmas cookies
- Engelberg, OW
- 12.2019
St. Gallen
Sternsingen Rapperswil – a long train travels from the old town to the castle and is filled with singers, angels, shepherds, wise men, live animals, and the Holy Family who all perform in front of the crowds
- Rapperswil, SG
- 12.2019, 18:00
Schaffhausen
Schaffhauser Winter Magic – the ice hockey team EHC Schaffhausen, yodelers, singers, candle-making, after-ski partying and more bring the magic to this event
- Old Town, Schaffhausen
- 11 – 31.12.19
Schwyz
Christmas Raclette in Hölloch Cave – touring and eating in the candlelit Hölloch Cave
- At the end of the village of Muotathal, SZ
- 11, 07.12, 14.12.2019. Other dates possible for reservations of 10+ or 14+
19. Solothurn
Shooting Stars Culture Advent Calendar – comedy, magic, storytelling, and cinema are some of the many ways to celebrate the advent calendar
- Olten, SO
- -23.12.2019
Ticino
Path of Nativity – follow the red arrows throughout the village of Moghegno to see the 30 handcrafted nativity scenes
- Moghegno, TI
- 12-19 – 06.01.20
Thurgau
Josef, Josef! – hear funny and thoughtful musings from Joseph of Nazareth while participating in a walking tour
- Tourism Office at Frauenfeld Train Station
- 3, 6, 11, 14, 16, 18, and 23 of December 2019
Uri
Andermatt Christmas Market – this one-day market includes a gospel choir and ice skating
- Andermatt, UR
- 11.2019
Vaud
Kid’s Factory – free creative workshops are offered to get into the holiday spirit. Make greeting cards on 04.12.19 and make Christmas garland on 18.12.19
- Centre Manor Chavannes in Chavannes-de-Bogis, VD
- 4 and 18 of December 2019, 13:00 -17:00
Valais / Wallis
Christmas Carols – as night falls, join others to sing traditional Christmas songs together
- Place du Square at Nendaz Train Station
- 12.19, 17:30
Zug
Lichterweg Baar – from dusk until 23:00, a 1,5km path is lit with approximately 1500 LED lamps. Certain evenings have special events, including the first night when sausages are grilled and Christmas stories are told
- Baar, Zug
- 11.19 – 05.01.20
Zürich
Advent Bus – ride a decorated vintage bus while listening to people read Christmas stories and play live music
- Old Town, Winterthur, ZH
- Wednesdays and Saturdays 04.12 – 21.12.19. 16:00 – 19:00