November is one of those month that people either love or hate. I have many say that there is nothing you can do this month so I am here to tell you that there are a BUNCH of things you can do and in this list you can get a comprehensive look on all the events this month. Enjoy!
(Also, if you’re an event organizer or know of an event that should have made it to the list, feel free to let me know!)
1st 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 31.10-2.11 but the main events including the procession is on November 1st. 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 12th though!
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 30.10-13.11.
Basel: The Basler Autumn Fair is an old tradition happening every year for centuries. Which makes it THE fair to visit 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 from October 25th to November 9th.
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. Dates: October 29st- December 21st.
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: 18.10-22.11.
Basel: The wine and fine food festival takes place from October 25th till the 02.11. Offering a variety of around 2,500 wines from various countries around the world.
Bulle: The Salon des Goûts et Terroirs – a celebration of local Swiss food and drinks with over 250 vendors and tons of deliciousness to discover. Dates: October 29th – November 2nd.
Lugano: The International Puppets Festival in Lugano. Featuring captivating performances by marionettes and other puppetry artists from around the world. From October 18th to November 9th with acrobatics and fairytales for audiences of all ages.
Basel: The Baloise Session- an intimate indoor music festival reminiscent of legendary New York jazz clubs. Dates: 17.10-6.11.
Neuchâtel: The Chocolatissimo event is a week-long celebration of chocolate artistry, where local artisan chocolatiers present their skills and creations, along with various activities like children’s workshops.
2nd 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.
Geneva: The Balexert 20km de Genève- a scenic race through Geneva and the beautiful countryside, finishing with stunning views of Lake Geneva.
La Neuveville: A family-friendly “Witch Festival” celebrating Halloween with traditional stories and legends in the medieval old town on the shores of Lake Biel.
3rd of November
Bruson: The Raclette du Valais AOP cheese market. You can meet the farmers who make the delicious cheese. You can grab a bite, chat with the cheesemakers, and maybe even take home a wheel (or half!). It’s free to enter, but bring cash to buy cheese!
4th of November
Winterthur: The International Short Film Festival Winterthur- running from November 4th to 9th.
5th of November
Aarau: The traditional Carrot Market in Aarau’s old town on the first Wednesday of November! This vibrant event transforms the city into Switzerland’s carrot capital for a day, with nearly 140 vendors showcasing their wares and a lively atmosphere celebrating this unique autumnal tradition.
6th 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: 6.11-30.12.
Zurich: Winter Magic 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. Dates: November 6th- January 31st.
7th of November
Murten / Morat: Murten on Ice– The beautiful old town of Murten invites you to enjoy ice skating between the 7.11-16.02.
Rolle: Salon suisse des vigneronnes- A wine event. The Château (the castle) will host wine lovers and winemakers from the region. When: November 7th-8th.
Vully: The Vully Blues Festival will take place in Praz on November 7th -8th. Where you can visit 6 wine cellars and a boat to discover different artists in different atmospheres.
Porrentruy: The Feast of St. Martin in Porrentruy with local restaurants offering traditional Saint Martin’s Day menus. Featuring regional specialties and flavors of the season.
Mendrisio: The Italian speaking canton is inviting you to celebrate the wine and the harvest with different food stalls. Dates: November 7th-11th.
8th 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.
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.
Lucerne: The Blues Festival where world-class blues musicians take over various venues across the city, offering a diverse range of blues styles. Dates: November 8th-16th.
Bulle: Museum’s Night- 10 museums in La Gruyère and Glâne welcome you for an unforgettable experience during the Museum’s Night.
Sarnen: A traditional cheese festival in Sarnen. Where you can see a parade at 10.30 a.m. and there is also donkey riding.
11th of November
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.
Nyon: The day of the Art- Throughout the day, artists’ studios, art galleries and museums open their doors to the public.
12th of November
Lucerne: The “Ice Magic” an ice rink on Europaplatz with stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy free ice skating, live music, cozy chalet vibes, and festive treats in this winter wonderland setting. Dates: 12.11-4.01.
Lausanne: The Montreux Comedy Festival from November 12th-22th. This renowned French-speaking comedy event features a week of performances by top comedians and rising stars.
13th of November
Bern: The World Cheese Awards, turning Bern into the “Capital of Cheese” with international competition and celebration. The event runs from November 13 to 15, at the BERNEXPO site, featuring approximately 5,000 cheeses, a Swiss Fine Food Market, live cheese-making and family activities.
Geneva: Arvinis- the Swiss wine fair. Celebrating the art of wine at Automnales from November 13th to 16th.
Champéry: The Champéry Film Festival from November 13th-15th, showcasing captivating mountain and adventure films from around the world, alongside engaging conferences, exhibitions, and DJ sets.
Moghegno: Witness the culmination of the chestnut drying process at the traditional unloading of the “grà” (chestnut drying hut) in Moghegno, taking place between late October and mid-November. Experience the fascinating techniques used to extract and clean the dried chestnuts, and enjoy educational activities, music, and the unique flavors of this centuries-old tradition.
14th of November
Mount Pilatus: The HIGHEST Christmas Market in Europe can be found on the incredible mountain Pilatus. From the 14th to the 16th of November, at 2132 meters you will be able to enjoy a cute little Christmas market and amazing view.
Tartegnin: The Mondial de Fondue is the World Championship for cheese fondue preparation, offering a fun, family-friendly event with competitions, local food, and musical entertainment. The event runs from November 14-16.
Basel: The “BuchBasel” festival, a 3-day celebration of books featuring premieres, readings, discussions, and workshops.
15th of November
Murten / Morat: The Truffle Market will be back on the weekend of 15th and the 16th November.
Maienfeld: A horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautiful Bündner Herrschaft wine region, complete with a delicious Bad Ragaz cheese fondue and drinks. This romantic outing is perfect for a winter adventure with friends and family. Dates: November 15th- April 12th.
Morgarten: The Morgarten Shoot, one of Switzerland’s largest and most renowned historical shooting events, held annually on November 15th. Witness over 1200 shooters compete in this challenging 300-meter competition, enjoy a traditional “Ordinäri lunch,” and immerse yourself in the rich history and festive atmosphere of this unique event.
19th of November
Winterthur: A Christmas market in Winterthur- with over 70 cozy stalls and culinary dishes from all over the world. When: 19.11-23.12.
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.
Winterthur: The Winti Mäss- Winterthur’s favorite public fair and a pre-Christmas highlight! This popular event attracts shoppers, food lovers, and curious minds from all over the region. Dates: November 19th-23rd.
20th 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: 20.11-24.12.
Zurich: Zurich has an entire magical scene with different Christmas markets, The Singing Tree, The little magical Märlitram for kids, The Lucy lights and more. Most Christmas scenes in Zurich will start on November 20th all the way till December 23rd. You can find all the info about the different events in the linked website.
Bern: The Christmas Market with over 50 stalls offering gifts, festive food, and a cozy atmosphere. Dates: 20.11-28.12.
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: 20.11-24.12.
Lausanne: The Christmas market- Bô Noël Lausanne is back! From November 20th to December 31st with a festive atmosphere, delicious holiday yums and wines from the region.
Locarno: The Winterland, a magical winter experience transforming Locarno from November 20th to January 6th. Enjoy ice skating, concerts, a festive Christmas market, and a dazzling audiovisual show projected onto the Piazza Grande.
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.
21st of November
Sierre: The vibrant Sainte-Catherine festival, featuring a traditional fair and a festive “braderie” market held under a tent at Plaine Bellevue. Enjoy a lively atmosphere, amusement rides, and a variety of attractions from Friday to Monday evening. Dates: 21-24.11.
Zurich: The unerhört! festival, from November 21st- 30th. With contemporary jazz across various venues in Zurich and Winterthur.
Lucerne: Lucerne Festival, showcases contemporary music and highlights the voices of young musicians through innovative concert formats. Dares: 21-13.11.
Verbier: Polaris Festival- A true platform for the expression of contemporary music. Dates: November 21.-23. and 27.-29.
Biel/Bienne: A charming winter wonderland in the heart of Biel/Bienne. From ice skating and Bavarian curling to indulging in a delicious cheese fondue, this festive experience on the esplanade offers something for everyone. Dates: 21.11-1.2.
22nd of November
Zurich: Circus Conelli on the Bauschänzli, November 22nd to December 31st, a traditional Christmas circus featuring acrobatics, comedy, and live music.
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: 22.11-31.12.
Seedorf: The Ürner Alpchäsmärcht (Uri Alpine Cheese Market), on November 22th-23th. Celebrating alpine cheese with tastings, music, and family-friendly activities.
24th of November
Bern: The Zibelemärit is a traditional folk festival with music delicious food and entertainments. Making it one of Bern’s highlights!
27th of November
Basel: The Christmas Market in Basel on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered one of the most beautiful and largest in Switzerland. Dates: November 27th- December 23rd.
St. Gallen: A Christmas market in St. Gallen- The city of stars. When: 27.11-24.12.
Romont: Christmas Market at Maison St-Charles, November 27th -30th, with over 35 artisans, a Saint-Nicolas procession on November 30th, and family-friendly activities.
28th of November
Bern: The Santa run is a fun, non-competitive fun run through the Old Town, where all participants must dress up as Santa Claus.
Chur: A Christmas Market in Chur- Mulled wine, roasted nuts and delicious food stands along with other gifts stands and art. Dates: November 28th- December 23rd.
Zurich: The biggest and most exclusive festival for Whisky and Celtic Music in Zurich. When: 28-29.11.
Gruyères: Christmas market in the medieval town, featuring artisans, live entertainment and family activities. The market runs over the four weekends of Advent, from November 28 to December 21.
Einsiedeln: The Christmas market, set against the backdrop of the Benedictine monastery and stretching along the main street, features charming stalls, festive lights, and charming shops. Dates: 28.11-08.12.
Trubschachen: The Kambly Christmas Market at the famous cookies factory! Dates: November 28th-30th. Featuring regional specialties, a festive atmosphere, and a romantic “Liechtli Trail” with Christmas lanterns.
30th of November
Zurich: The annual Chlauseinzug (Santa Claus procession) takes place on November 30th at 17:00 on the Bahnhofstrasse.
