November is a beautiful month here in Switzerland. I know that many people struggles finding things to do in this particular month but im here to tell you that there are plenty of fun events and activities. Let’s dive right into it- shall we?
P.S. If you have any additional suggestions feel free to either drop them in the comments or send it to me and I’d love to add it to the list!
Your list with fun events this month:
1st of November
Bern: The Bundesplatz invites you to a light spectacle that lasts around half an hour and is shown several times a day. Entry is free. When: till the 25th of November.
Basel: The Basler Autumn Fair is an old tradition happening every year for centuries. Which makes it THE place to be if you are a food lover as there are many food stands to explore. Plus, a good amount of fun thrills. The event will take place till the 14th of November
Zug: The Zug Fair is the largest autumn fair in Central Switzerland and offers many exciting special shows, an entertaining program and delicious foods. The fair takes place till the 5th of November.
Basel: The wine and fine food festival takes place till the 05.11. Offering a variety of around 2,500 wines from various countries around the world.
2nd of November
Baden: Winter magic in Baden. Baden WunderDorf is a cozy Christmas and food market, The entrance is of course free and you can enjoy the Christmas spirit and decorations. Along with plenty of food stands and delicious steaming mulled wine. The market will be open from 02.11 to the 23.11.
Zurich: Expovina wine ships. The floating wine paradise on the Lake Zurich fleet at Bürkliplatz is a perfect event for wine lovers. Taking place from the 02.11-16.11.
Schaffhausen: The court at the Neuwiesen shopping center next to the main train station is transformed into a glittering winter magic. Where you can enjoy Raclette, sweet crepes, hot dogs, soup, almonds and more! When: 02.11-31.11.
Illnau: A traditional Turnip Parade, mainly for kids and families. The parade will start at 18:15 at the Yellow Schoolhouse / FUNKY or on Gstückstrasse. You will also find some snacks like sausages and soups.
Murten / Morat: Murten on Ice– The beautiful old town of Murten invites you to enjoy ice skating between the 02.11-11.02.
3rd of November
Rolle: Salon suisse des vigneronnes- A wine event. The Château (the castle) will host wine lovers and winemakers from the region. When: 03.11-04.11.
Chur: The Calanda Oktoberfest takes place on November 3rd & 4th in the Chur town hall.
4th of November
Rapperswil SG: This might not come as a surprise but I’m a huge cheese fan. And undoubtedly, a Cheese Festival is perfect experience for cheese lovers out there. Offering Plenty of different cheeses from the region and food stands directly on the shore of the beautiful lake.
Sarnen: A traditional cheese festival in Sarnen. Where you can see a parade at 10.30 a.m. and donkey riding.
Lugano: Autumn Flavors- Guided tours to discover the most hidden corners and enjoy a small tasting experience of local products. When: every Saturday this November. The tour is FREE.
Dübendorf: A small family pumpkins and turnip parade.
5th of November
La Chaux-de-Fonds: Swiss Watchmaking Fair. This day, which is organized by the International Watchmaking Museum of La Chaux-de-Fonds, pays tribute to some of Switzerland’s proudest achievements, especially in this region: watches and clocks.
Zurich: Biography – World-class gymnastics Swiss Cup Zurich: An attractive mix of world-class gymnastics, show and entertainment
Nyon: The day of the Art- Throughout the day, artists’ studios, art galleries and museums open their doors to the public. The event is FREE of charge.
8th of November
Montreux: The Montreux Comedy Festival attracts the best French and international comedians to the shores of Lake Geneva. When: 08.11-18.11.
9th of November
Zurich: The amazing Illuminarium opens its doors to the inner courtyard of the National Museum and invites you to enjoy Christmas treats, fondue and cocktails in outdoor and indoor bars. When: 09.11-30.12.
Mendrisio: The Italian speaking canton is inviting you to celebrate the wine and the harvest with different food stalls.
10th of November
Vully: The Vully Blues Festival will take place in Praz on November 10th and 11th, 2023. Where you can visit 6 wine cellars and a boat to discover different artists in different atmospheres.
11th of November
Richterswil: Drop everything, cause this event is THE thing. A Turnip Lantern Parade with around 30 tons of turnips that transform into artistically carved lanterns, which are presented during a spectacular procession through the village. It’s huge, it’s stunning and it’s not to be missed!! Feel free to check the reel I made about it last year.
Biel / Bienne: A delicious Truffle market in Biel.
Sursee: Gansabhaut in Sursee- A very traditional Festival in Sursee including music, wine and a goose.. Admittedly, the goose part is a tad creepy as there are guys with golden must trying to slotter his neck with a sword. But, it’s a part of an old tradition and the goose is dead way before the event starts. Not for faint hearted.. like at all.
Bulle: Museum’s Night- 10 museums in La Gruyère and Glâne welcome you for an unforgettable experience during the Museum’s Night.
Zermatt: Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening- A World Cup race with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn throughout the course – or as our Italian neighbors call it “Gran Becca”.
14th of November
Vevey: Saint Martin Festival in Vevey is a Traditional event dating back to the middle ages! Here you will find lots of food, Torchlight Procession, music entertainment and a nice local market! The event takes place from the 13-14.11 but the main events including the procession is on the 14th. If you’re into seeing grilled meat or a family that lives by you can come the day before to see the turnip lantern parade (but it’s pretty small). Don’t miss the procession on the 14th though!
15th of November
Geneva: Automnales Beer Festival- The best of the Swiss and international craft scene. a new event dedicated to all beer lovers and connoisseurs of craft beverages, will be held at Les Automnales from 15 to 19 November 2023. Set up by the organizers of the Geneva Beer Festival, it will bring together dozens of Swiss and foreign craft beers.
16th of November
Geneva: A Christmas market in Geneva- Noël au Quai, the most majestic Christmas market in Geneva is located in the stunning Quai du Mont-Blanc by the lake shores. Here you will find plenty of food and gifts stands and even a fondue chalet! When: 16.11-24.12.
Payerne: St Martin’s Fair- Located in the heart of the city of Payerne with more than 150 stands offering delicious foods and local products.
17th of November
Mount Pilatus: The HIGHEST Christmas Market in Europe can be found on the incredible mountain Pilatus. From the 17th to the 19th of November– at 2132 meters you will be able to enjoy the magic between 40 tiny festive stands and wonderful views to the lake and the alps!
Aarau: The Christmas market of Aarau is back from the 17th of November till the 23rd of December.
Verbier: Polaris Festival- A true platform for the expression of contemporary music.
18th of November
Einsiedeln: A culinary festival in the abbey courtyard of Einsiedeln Monastery. Where you can try specialties from the region around the monastery village for you.
Murten / Morat: The Truffle Market will be back on the weekend of 18th and the 19th November.
21st of November
Lausanne: The Christmas market- Bô Noël Lausanne is back! From November 21st to December 31st with a festive atmosphere, delicious holiday yums and wines from the region.
22nd of November
Baden: The traditional “Liechterwecke” will take place on Schlossbergplatz. Where kids wake up the Baden Christmas lights. There will be a delicious Spanishbrödli, a puff pastry, from the Baden bakeries for all the children and glühwein for the grown-ups.
23rd of November
Montreux: Montreux Christmas Market- Without a doubt, The famous Christmas Market in Montreux is one of the most beautiful ones in Switzerland and some would say in Europe. With magical stands along the lake and an incredible Santa Claus Sleigh flying through the sky!! You can also enjoy the Christmas spirit at the enchanting castle of Chillon or visit Santa’s little house at the mountain Rochers de Naye. When: 23.11-24.12.
Basel: The Christmas Market in Basel on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered one of the most beautiful and largest in Switzerland.
Winterthur: A Christmas market in Winterthur- with over 70 cozy stalls and culinary dishes from all over the world. When: 23.11-23.12.
24th of November
Zurich: The Stadelhofen train station is a festive pop-up restaurant and bar for an inspiring stopover. With an 8.5 meter high Christmas pyramid towers over the station forecourt like a lighthouse. When: 24.11-23.12.
Chur: A Christmas Market in Chur- Mulled wine, roasted nuts and delicious food stands along with other gifts stands and art.
Zurich: The biggest and most exclusive festival for Whisky and Celtic Music in Zurich. When: 24-25.11.
Luthern: Christmas Market in Luthern– This one is a pretty small one, It takes place from the 24.11 to the 26.11 and the only reason It made it to the list is that it has a small parade of Santa Claus and the Bell ringers.
25th of November
Vevey:The Christmas village invites you to a cozy ambiance of cute chalets and wooden fire. Vevey is also an excellent place for a day trip as it’s located on the shore of Lake Geneva. You can combine some sightseeing and visit Nestlé Museum and Chaplin’s World. When: 25.11-31.12.
Zurich: Christmas Market on the Uetliberg in Zurich- Have you been already on Zurich’ home mountain? If not, and to be honest even if you did- this is the ultimate winter magic with holiday spirit, Snow, delicious food and fondue
27th of November
Bern: The Zibelemärit is a traditional folk festival with music delicious food and entertainments. Making it one of Bern’s highlights!
29th of November
Sarnen: A Christmas market with around 150 stalls in the charming village, offering a wide range of food and drinks.
30th of November
St. Gallen: A Christmas market in St. Gallen- The city of stars. When: 30.11-24.12.
Baden: The Swiss Whisky Festival– The oldest whiskey fair in Switzerland.
So I hope you will have an amazing month full of adventures, fun events and delicious activities!! As usual I’d be super happy to hear your feedbacks and feel free to add some additional events that you think should have made it to the list.
