December is when the Christmas ambience really kicks it up a notch here in Switzerland and we are talking about different Christmas markets, stunning decor and loads of mulled wine.
To make it easier for you not to miss any cool event around the country, I gathered for you a list here as usual. I hope you’ll like it!
As always, feel free to let me know if there is an event I failed to mention, I do 99% of the “research” myself so it can very well be that I will miss one here and there and will be more than happy if you contribute from your knowledge:)
1st of December
Christmas Markets: Many Christmas markets are taking place from November throughout December and you can find them in this list. Some of my favorites are the Christmas markets in Zurich, Basel and Montreux.
Brugg: Lichterweg (Path of Lights) till December 22nd (Fridays to Sundays), a lantern-lit trail through the forest with scenic views and a cozy atmosphere.
3rd of December
Bulle: The Bulle Christmas Market, December 3rd to 7th, with over 100 chalets on Grand-rue offering local crafts, Christmas products and food.
Stein am Rhein: Märlistadt -Fairytale City is taking place from December 3rd to January 4th, with festive decorations, a fairytale performance, concerts, exhibitions and a medieval market.
Solothurn: The “Chlausemäret” (St. Nicholas Market) transforms the baroque Old Town into a magical Christmas market featuring over 70 stalls.
Arosa: The Arosa Humor festival, December 3rd to 14th, a comedy and cabaret festival featuring well-known Swiss and international artists performing in a circus tent at the Tschuggenhütte.
4th of December
Bremgarten: Known as the “Christchindlimärt,” this is one of Switzerland’s largest markets (320+ stalls) set in the medieval Old Town, featuring white carriage rides, a petting zoo and the “Christchind” figure. Dates: December 4th–7th.
Rapperswil-Jona: Christkindlimärt on the lake promenade and in the old town, with over 200 stalls offering gifts, crafts, and festive food.
Biel: Christmas Market in the city center, with around 80 exhibitors offering handmade products, festive food, and a cozy atmosphere.
Aarau: The “Chlausauszug”, a festive procession for families with lanterns, Santa Claus (Samichlaus) and his helpers through the medieval alleys.
5th of December
Küssnacht: One of the highlights this month is the Küssnacht Klausjagen. The huge procession featuring magical Iffele, standing over 200 to 2.5 meters tall, and accompanied by Santa Claus, torchbearers, and hauntingly beautiful music, drawing up to 30,000 spectators each year.
Stans: The big Santa Claus parade takes place in Stans every year on December 5th. Carried through the village of Stans on December 5th every year, accompanied by Schmutzlis and torch bearers and many trychlers. The parade starts at 19:40.
Rapperswil: The “Etzelchlaus” procession is a cherished tradition where the Samichlaus (St. Nicholas) arrives from the Etzel forest to the main square to greet families. (Procession starts 17:30 at Hauptplatz).
Thun: The Honky Tonk Festival in Thun is A Pub Festival in Thun with different pubs each host a concert from live bands.
Gruyères: The Christmas fairytale settles in Gruyères with 40 little chalets of artisanal goods and delicious foods. When: 5.-8.12
Fribourg: The Saint-Nicholas Celebration featuring a traditional parade, market, and speech from Saint-Nicholas at the Cathedral. Dates: December 5th-7th.
Thun: Christmas Market, December 5th to 23rd, from Waisenhausplatz to Mühleplatz, with market stalls, curling, a visit from Santa and other festive activities like candles making.
Willisau: A romantic Christmas market in Willisau with decorated market stalls, the scent of marroni, mulled wine and spices as well as musical entertainment. When: 5.-7.12.
Andermatt: The Verve Festival. a high-energy techno event set in the heart of the Alps, featuring over 30 DJs performing across three stages surrounded by snowy mountain peaks. Dates: December 5th–6th.
Flims: A two-day festival premiering 13 films across two themed evenings: “ROCK & DIRT” (summer sports) and “SNOW” (winter sports), featuring guest athletes, jury awards and an afterparty. Dates: December 5th–6th.
6th of December
Geneva: The Marmite Race in Geneva- a non-competitive funny race, where having fun in moving is the most important. Therefore, there are no rankings or rewards but you should put on your best costume! Departing from: Rue de la Croix-Rouge, arrive: Parc des Bastions.
Bad Ragaz: Samichlaus Procession on December 6th, featuring the bishop, 40 Santa Clauses, and Schmutzli parading through the village.
Avenches: Saint-Nicolas Procession, starting at Collège Sous-Ville at 6:30 PM and ending at the Catholic Church.
Weggis: The Chlausjagen is a deeply atmospheric procession featuring magnificent “Iffelen” (illuminated art headdresses), whip-crackers and heavy bells accompanying Santa Claus along the lakeside. Practical Info: Date: December 6th, Route: Riva/Boat Station to Dorfplatz.
Klosters: Sächsi Schällätä, December 6th, a village festival celebrating the start of winter with a bonfire, a visit from Santa, and a children’s program.
Saint-Ursanne: Christmas Market in the historic center, December 6th and 7th, with over 100 artisans, festive food and drinks, a carousel, and a lively atmosphere.
Schwägalp: Santa Claus Visit on December 6th, meet Santa and Schmutzli with their donkeys from 14:00-16:00.
7th of December
Zurich: A somewhat unusual – but all the more popular – tradition is the Samichlaus swim. Hardened swimmers in Santa Claus costumes plunge into the Limmat every year in December.
Zug: Zuger Märlisunntig (Fairytale Sunday), December 7th, transforming the old town into a fairytale world with storytelling, music, a market, and activities for all ages.
10th of December
Geneva: The CHI Geneva is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events. Dates: December 10th-14th.
12th of December
Geneva: The Fête de l’Escalade in Geneva. The craziest traditional event in Geneva is back from the 12.12-14.12! Unquestionably, this is THE time to visit Geneva. What to expect: Amazing parades, demonstrations, music, cannon fire, loads of chocolate(from the traditional chocolate pot that you see in the picture), vegetable soup, and mulled wine.
Stein am Rhein: Medieval Market at the Monastery of St. Georgen, December 12th to 14th, featuring artisans, historical demonstrations, and medieval food and gifts.
Lenzerheide: The Magic Forest (“Zauberwald”) transforms the snowy Squirrel Forest into a multisensory wonderland featuring curated light art installations, a rustic market village, and live concerts on a forest stage. Dates: December 12th–30th.
Murten: A Christmas magic in the medieval town of Murten with more than 90 stalls offer visitors specialties, tastings and Christmas gifts. Dates: 12-14.12.
13th of December
Lausanne: Christmas Run in Lausanne- This funny and festive running event features categories for all ages and fitness levels. In addition to musical entertainment will keep you in the Christmas spirit.
Flumserberg: Night Ski Touring Race, December 13th, with a mass start in Tannenheim and a challenging course to the Prodkamm.
Schaffhausen: Christmas Market on December 13th and 14th, with a festive atmosphere, unique ambience and beautiful Christmas lights in the old town.
Bern: Ice Skating Rink on Bundesplatz, December 13th to February 14th, offering a festive atmosphere, skating with a view of the Parliament building, and a rink-side restaurant.
Huttwil: The Agricultural Lighting Tour (Landwirtschaftliche Lichterfahrt) creates a unique visual spectacle with a parade of over 30 large tractors and agricultural machines decked out in thousands of fairy lights, led by traditional “Trychler” bell-ringers. Practical Info: Saturday, December 13th, 2025 (Festivities start 17:00, Parade starts 19:30; the route ends at Brunnenplatz for food, music, and a closer look at the vehicles).
La Chaux-de-Fonds: Christmas Corrida- A Christmas run, December 13th, a festive running event with various race categories, entertainment, and a Santa Claus race.
14th of December
Zurich: Zurich New Year’s Eve Run, December 14th, a festive running event with various categories for all ages and a lively atmosphere in the city center.
Solothurn: The “Wiehnachtsreis” transforms the Old Town into Bethlehem, featuring a live reenactment of the nativity story with amateur actors and real animals, including camels and sheep.
17th of December
Solothurn: Soledurner Wiehnachtsmäret – Solothurn Christmas Market. On the Aare Promenade, featuring handcrafted goods, festive food and drinks, and a charming atmosphere. Dates: December 17th-19th.
18th of December
Payerne: The Payerne Christmas market takes place from the 18th to the 21st December.
19th of December
Frauenfeld: Christmas Market in the city center and suburbs, December 19th to 20th, with 160 stalls, a camel caravan, live music, and a festive atmosphere.
20th of December
Geneva: Coupe de Noël- A festive swimming race on the lake. The traditional race remains the 100m, along the Jardin Anglais.
21st of December
Rapperswil: On Saturday, the traditional caroling will take place in Rapperswil. The Christmas caroling will take place under the castle steps on the main square. In addition, there will be a procession of carol singers through the alleys of the old town.
Ascona: The Corsa da Natal (Christmas Race), a fun run for all ages through the festively decorated streets of Ascona.
24th of December
Crans-Montana: Set off from Ycoor, take part in an enchanting Christmas parade that will take you to the Charmettes Plaza, and be transported by the magic of the talented artists leading the procession.
25th of December
Meiringen: Trychel Week in Meiringen. At the end of each year Meiringen celebrates an ancient custom: Trychel Week and the Ubersitz. During these days the villagers use masks, bells and giant Trycheln cow-bells to cast out haunting spirits.
Veysonnaz: Santa’s torch descend in Veysonnaz. Merry Christmas everyone! How about a torchlight descent down the Mayen run with the Swiss Ski School and Father Xmas? Meet at the end of the day at the top station of the gondola lifts. Additionally, a torchlight parade, mulled wine and Christmas tea are on the plan.
Kandersteg: On Christmas and New Year’s Day, the furry creatures parade called Pelzmartiga through the village from midday until late in the evening.
27th of December
Blatten: Witches Christmas in Blatten. As some of you may know, this area is known for its history with witches! The perfect atmosphere for some invited to the torchlight walk, the witches’ dance around the fire and the roasting of fine sausages and marshmallows.
30th of December
Ilanz: Schnapsmarkt – Schnapps Market on December 27th. The last market of the year, featuring Jägertee, punch, and Café Schnaps, along with a chance to connect with friends and family.
31st of December
Herisau: Appenzell celebrate the new year twice. Once according to the Gregorian calendar, on 31 December, and then according to the Julian calendar on 13 January. On December 31stand January 13th , the Silvesterchläuse mummers roam the streets! Undoubtedly a tradition that you shouldn’t miss!
Samnaun: New Year’s Eve Sledding Party, December 31st, with a torchlit walk to a forest hut, mulled wine, fireworks, and a sled ride back down.
Zurich: New Year’s Eve magic in Zurich. Every year, more than 150,000 visitors from Switzerland and abroad attend the big New Year’s Eve party at Zurich’s lake basin and marvel at the illuminated sky on New Year’s Eve.
More about New Year’s Eve will follow up in a separate post & feel free to let me know if you know of fun events and fireworks in your area!
