The clocks have changed. The days are growing shorter. The sun seems as far away as the best friend you haven’t seen since primary school. You feel like you’re in a boxing match against the cold wind that is constantly pounding you.
Welcome to Winter
For many people, winter means doom and gloom. But there are several unique things to do in Switzerland that will make winter your favourite time of year.
Switzerland is the land of chocolate, so you can easily take full advantage of all the deliciousness that will feed your stomachs and your souls.
1.The Funky Chocolate Club  in Interlaken offers daily chocolate making workshops where you get to eat as much chocolate as you like. Yes, yes, you read that correctly… as much as you like. So, try not to eat too much before you get there!
2. Have a steaming cup of thick, rich and dark hot chocolate in places such as Felix Café or Café Schober in Zurich. This is not the typical sachet of powder that you have to pour into a glass of lukewarm milk by yourself. No, the hot chocolate at establishments such as these are homemade and almost like a tiny meal onto themselves!
3. Acrobats, dancers, musicians, oh my! The circus has become a traditional way to celebrate
Christmas for many families in Switzerland. Both the Cirque de Noel in Geneva and Circus Conelli in Zurich have shows nearly every evening, including special dinner nights and celebrations for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Prepare to be amazed…
Ticino Treats
It is generally understood that the Italian-speaking region of Ticino tends to be at least a free degrees warmer than the rest of the country. Take a day or two to visit the beautiful canton, and whilst there, enjoy the following food-centric events.
4. The 5th Gastronomic Review of Pumpkins proves that pumpkin season is still in full effect. Enjoy a taste sensation from dishes chefs created from 45 different types of pumpkins. 45!! Can you believe it? We didn’t know there were so many pumpkin varieties either!
5. It’s also the season of game meats. So if you want to try something beyond the typical cordon bleu, check out the Goat Meat Gastronomic Festival. If your child makes a funny face at you at the idea of eating goat, just make sure chicken nuggets or pasta arrabiata is also on menu!
Beyond Netflix Love the whole experience of actually sitting in the cinema to watch a film? Perhaps while enjoying some popcorn or ice cream. You’re in luck because Switzerland serves as host to two different film festivals this month.
6. Before feasting on pumpkins and goats, be sure to stop in Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino, to attend the 32ndCastellinaria Festival del Cinema Giovane. The festival, a member of the European Children’s Film Association, highlights films that deal with topics relevant to young people.
7. Choose among over 200 short films to watch at the 23rd Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur. Included are shorts especially for kids ages 6 and above and youth programs for ages 12 to 16.