We are arriving to the peak of the holiday season here in Switzerland. Most of the Christmas markets are already open and country is decorated magically! So between all the shopping, mulled wine and cinnamon cookies you might want to check on the fun events around, including the many festive Christmas markets.
Meanwhile, let’s dive into this month’s events:
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.
Bern: The Christmas Market on Waisenhausplatz, throughout December, with over 50 stalls offering gifts, festive food, and a cozy atmosphere.
Zermatt: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1st, featuring music, treats, and a visit from Wolli the sheep.
Neuchâtel: Christmas Markets and Festivities throughout the the entire region during Advent, with entertainment, shows, a Ferris wheel, and festive lights.
Chur: The Churer Christkindlimarkt –Chur Christmas Market, throughout the Advent season in Bahnhofstrasse and Poststrasse, with handicrafts, festive products, food, and music.
Bellinzona: Christmas Village in Piazza del Sole, November 29th to January 6th, with live music, food, an ice rink, and festive activities.
Trubschachen: The Kambly Christmas Market at the famous cookies factory! Dates: on the first two weekends of Advent (November 30th-December 1st and December 7th-8th). Featuring regional specialties, a festive atmosphere, and a romantic “Liechtli Trail” with Christmas lanterns.
Brig: Christmas Market on the town square and Sebastiansplatz, with festive stalls, mulled wine, and Christmas treats, open daily from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
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.
Melide: MelideICE at the Lido, November 30th to January 12th, featuring a large natural ice rink with lake views, food and drinks, and a festive atmosphere.
4th of December
Bulle: The Bulle Christmas Market, December 4th to 8th, 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 4th to January 2nd, with festive decorations, a fairytale performance (“King Thrushbeard”), concerts, exhibitions, and a medieval market.
Solothurn: The Chlausemäret (Santa Claus Market), December 4th and 5th, with 70 stalls offering regional products and a visit from Santa Claus.
Appenzell: The “Chlöösler” (Chlausmarkt) on December 4th, a traditional Christmas market with over 30 stalls offering regional handicrafts and goods.
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.
Bremgarten: Christmas Market- with more than 320 stalls, this Christmas market is one of the largest and most attractive in Switzerland, attracting more than 100 000 visitors a year. When: 05.12-08.12.
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.
Saas-Almagell: Husky Trekking Tours along the Vispa, on select dates from December 5th to March 27th, a unique opportunity to explore the snowy landscape with a husky companion.
Arosa: The Arosa Humor festival, December 5th to 15th, a comedy and cabaret festival featuring well-known Swiss and international artists performing in a circus tent at the Tschuggenhütte.
6th of December
Gruyères: The Christmas fairytale settles in Gruyères with 40 little chalets of artisanal goods and delicious foods. When: 06-08.12 and 12-15.12.
Fribourg: The Saint-Nicholas Celebration featuring a traditional parade, market, and speech from Saint-Nicholas at the Cathedral. Dates: December 6th-8th.
Thun: Christmas Market, December 6th to 23rd, from Waisenhausplatz to Mühleplatz, with market stalls, curling, a visit from Santa, and other festive activities.
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: 06-08.12.
Glarus: Christmas Market in Volksgarten, December 6th to 8th, with over 60 vendors, festive food and drinks, gifts, and music.
Andermatt: VERVE Techno Festival attracts numerous festival fans to Andermatt in December. Enjoy a unique atmosphere surrounded by an imposing mountain backdrop in the ski resort of Uri. Dates: 6-7.12.
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.
Courtelary: Santa Claus Visit at the chocolate factory Camille Bloch. When: December 6th, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Saas-Fee: Curling Tournament at the Kalbermatten sports ground, December 6th to 8th, featuring top curling teams, food, and entertainment.
Davos: The Songbird Festival Davos- showcasing established and emerging Swiss singer-songwriters. Dates: December 6th to 21st.
7th 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.
Klosters: Sächsi Schällätä, December 7th, a village festival celebrating the start of winter with a bonfire, a visit from Santa, and a children’s program.
Gruyères: St. Nicholas in Gruyères- This event is mainly for families but since we are talking about Gruyères it’s still beautiful whether you have kids or not. During the day you will have fun activities such as gifts hunting, Bingo for kids and little farm animals. Afterwards, I’d warmly recommend you to enjoy a hot fondue at the Fondue capital.
Appenzell: Christmas Market, December 7th and 8th, featuring handmade products and a variety of vendors in a festive atmosphere.
Herisau: Christchindlimarkt on December 7th and 8th, with mulled wine, festive treats, gifts, and music.
Schaffhausen: Christmas Market on December 7th and 8th, with a festive atmosphere, unique ambience, and beautiful Christmas lights in the old town.
Saint-Ursanne: Christmas Market in the historic center, December 7th and 8th, with over 100 artisans, festive food and drinks, a carousel, and a lively atmosphere.
Weggis: Traditional St. Nicholas Procession, December 5th, featuring bell ringers, Iffelen (lantern carriers), and St. Nicholas.
Thun: The Honky Tonk Festival in Thun is A Pub Festival in Thun with 16 different pubs each host a concert from 16 different live bands. Undoubtedly, a cool experience! Each concert last 45 min and you will have 15 min to reach from one pub to another. Altogether you will be able to enjoy 4 different concerts.
Lugano: “Christmas is in the Air” – A FREE Guided Tour in December, exploring the city’s festive atmosphere, Christmas market, and hidden corners.
Schwägalp: Santa Claus Visit on December 7th, meet Santa and Schmutzli with their donkeys from 14:00-16:00.
8th 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 8th, transforming the old town into a fairytale world with storytelling, music, a market, and activities for all ages.
Locarno: Christmas Market on the lakeside promenade, with festive lights, handcrafted gifts, and delicious food stalls.
11th of December
Geneva: The CHI Geneva is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events. Every year, Palexpo, the world’s largest indoor arena with its 5,400 m2, welcomes the world’s best riders and drivers.
13th of December
Lenzerheide: Magic Forest- a winter festival with light art installations, live music, a children’s program, and regional delicacies. Dates: December 12th to 30th.
Kreuzlingen: Christmas Market on December 12th to 15th, featuring regional handicrafts, culinary delights, and a festive program.
13th of December
Geneva: The Fête de l’Escalade in Geneva. The craziest traditional event in Geneva is back from the 13.12-15.12! 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.
Murten: A Christmas magic in the medieval town of Murten with more than 90 stalls offer visitors specialties, tastings and Christmas gifts. Dates: 13-15.12.
Stein am Rhein: Medieval Market at the Monastery of St. Georgen, December 13th to 15th, featuring artisans, historical demonstrations, and medieval food and gifts.
Delémont: Christmas Market in the Old Town along Rue du 23-Juin, December 13th to 15th, featuring 58 chalets with gifts, decorations, and local products.
Crans-Montana: Circus and Fire Shows on the Lantern Path, on select evenings throughout the winter season.
Davos: Cross-country Skiing World Cup, December 13th and 15th, featuring the world’s best skiers competing in the Flüela Valley.
14th 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.
Huttwil: Agricultural Tour of Lights, December 14th, featuring a parade of illuminated tractors and agricultural machinery, followed by music and festive food.
Adelboden: Winterylüte with Christmas Market, December 14th, combining the traditional ringing of bells with a festive market.
Estavayer-le-Lac: Christmas Cup, December 14th, a fun run with 24 categories, including a Santa Claus race and a race for people with disabilities.
Bern: Ice Skating Rink on Bundesplatz, December 14th to February 15th, offering a festive atmosphere, skating with a view of the Parliament building, and a rink-side restaurant.
Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds: Christmas Corrida- A Christmas run, December 14th, a festive running event with various race categories, entertainment, and a Santa Claus race.
Stans: Christmas Market on December 14th and 15th, with over 130 stalls, a live nativity scene, and a festive atmosphere.
Flumserberg: Migros Ski Day, December 14th and 15th, a family ski event with a fun race, activities, and a festive village.
Flumserberg: Night Ski Touring Race, December 14th, with a mass start in Tannenheim and a challenging course to the Prodkamm.
Les Diablerets: Christmas Market on December 14th and 15th, featuring local and artisanal products.
15th of December
Zurich: Zurich New Year’s Eve Run, December 15th, a festive running event with various categories for all ages and a lively atmosphere in the city center.
18th 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 18th-22nd.
19th of December
Payerne: The Payerne Christmas market takes place from the 19th to the 22nd December.
20th of December
Frauenfeld: Christmas Market in the city center and suburbs, December 20th to 22nd, with 160 stalls, a camel caravan, live music, and a festive atmosphere.
Engelberg: Engelberg is not only home to the largest ski jumping facility in Switzerland. Engelberg is also the only venue where the world’s best ski jumpers compete in the FIS World Cup.
21st of December
Geneva: Coupe de Noël- A festive swimming race on the lake. The traditional race remains the 100m, along the Jardin Anglais.
Davos: FIS Snowboard WorldCup Davos- parallel slalom with the world’s snowboard elite and a great party with all fans of winter sports.
St. Moritz: Audi FIS Ski World Cup, December 21st, featuring a women’s Super-G race, award ceremony, and live concert by Swiss singer/songwriter Baschi.
22nd of December
Rapperswil: On Saturday, December 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. 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), December 22nd, 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.
26th of December
Bern: Boxing Day at the Kursaal Arena, December 26th, featuring Switzerland’s biggest professional boxing event.
Davos: Spengler Cup, December 26th to 31st, a traditional ice hockey tournament held in Davos’ “ice hockey cathedral”.
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.
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.
28th of December
Crans-Montana: Disco Party on Ice at the Ycoor skating rink, December 28th, with free admission and a festive atmosphere.
30th 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 30th and January 13th , the Silvesterchläuse mummers roam the streets! Undoubtedly a tradition that you shouldn’t miss!
31st of December
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.
New Year’s Eve:
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.
