February in Switzerland is a fantastic month and not just because of the amazing “Fasnacht” celebrations (though those are definitely a highlight!). This month offers a unique blend of winter activitiesand exciting festivals throughout the country!
Think snowy landscapes perfect for skiing and snowboarding, cozy towns with charming markets and a calendar full of events. SO in this blog post, I’ll be your guide to the best events and experiences this month has to offer. So grab a cup of hot chocolate, get cozy, and let’s dive into the fun!
Your list with fun events around the country:
1st of February
Château-d’Oex: The International hot air balloon festival in Château-d’Oex. More than 70 balloons from many different countries will benefit from the special microclimate and climb into the sky. When: from January 25th to February 2nd.
Thun: The Thuner Fasnacht, a carnival celebration attracting 30,000 visitors to Thun’s city center! Dates: 30.01-02.02. With Guggenmusik concerts, a children’s parade and the grand finale parade on Sunday at 13:45.
Veysonnaz: The FIS Ski Cross World Cup featuring thrilling races, a party atmosphere, and entertainment for all ages. Dates: 30.01-02.02.
Lyss: The Lyss Carnival, “Mir fiire,” will take place from 31.01-02.02. Saturday boasts a grand children’s parade at 14:00, a kids’ carnival with costume prizes, street festivities, and a masquerade ball. The big parade takes place on Sunday at 14:30.
Scuol: The Hom Strom – an old custom where schoolchildren build and burn a straw man, with a procession and fire show in Gurlaina. The program can be found here.
Vrin: Fasnacht in Vrin featuring a children’s costume parade and mask competition in the afternoon, followed by a Guggenmusik parade and masked ball in the evening.
Yverdon-les-Bains: The Nova Jazz Festival, showcasing contemporary jazz artists from Switzerland and beyond! Dates: January 30th to February 2nd.
Schilthorn: The Downdays Snowpark Tour with a freeski and snowboard session for all levels with a focus on fun and community.
Les Diablerets: Cross-country ski races for adults and children with individual races on Saturday.
2nd of January
St. Moritz: The White Turf, a unique horse racing event held on a frozen lake! Taking place over 3 Sundays in February (2nd, 9th, and 16th). Expect exciting races, gourmet food, and live music. Ticket prices vary.
Grindelwald: The Winter Games Bussalp on February 2nd, with a fun park, sledding races, and a Velogemel World Championship.
Gastlosen: Trophée des Gastlosen, a ski mountaineering race for amateurs and professionals around the Gastlosen mountain range.
6th of February
Zurich: Art on Ice, where world-class figure skating meets live music performances! Shows are scheduled for February 6-9 in Zurich.
Geneva: The Antigel Festival, takes place from 06.02-02.03 at various venues across Geneva. The program features a diverse range of music, performing arts, and special “Made in Antigel” events. Ticket prices vary by event.
Lugano Region: There are several carnivals in the region which you can find in the link.
8th of February
Lenk: The International Dog Sled Race in Lenk! This annual race takes place on February 8th-9th. You can enjoy watching the races, browsing the vendor stalls in the “Dörfli” (village) at the finish area, and enjoying food and drinks. Admission is CHF 5 for adults, and free for children.
Mendrisiotto region: Since this region has many small carnivals, if you are in the area you can check this list.
Sattel: Stuckli Balloon Fiesta- every winter, the colorful hot air balloon launch amidst the snowy landscape is a winter experience of a special kind.
Grindelwald: The Swiss Ski-Orienteering Championships, where competitors race on skis with map and compass. This event takes place February 8th-9th in Grindelwald.
Lausanne: Prix de Lausanne, a prestigious international dance competition for young dancers ages 15-18, held at the Théâtre de Beaulieu in Lausanne.
9th of February
Scuol: The Passlung cross-country ski race through the stunning scenery of the Engadin valley.
12th of February
Ticino: Carnival Nebiopoli in Ticino. The beautiful Italian canton- Ticino is inviting you to kickstart the year with a carnival in Chiasso. The event will take place From 12.02.2025 to 16.02.2025 and the town will turn into the Free Republic of Nebiopoli.
11th of February
Lenzerheide: The BMW IBU World Championships Biathlon, a major winter sporting event! From February 11th-23rd, 2025, this event features 12 biathlon competitions over 9 days. The first medals will be awarded in the mixed relay on February 12th. Tickets are available for individual days, full championships, or weekly passes.
14th of February
Sainte-Croix: A carnival that attracts thousands of visitors from the town and the entire region of Verdun-les-Bains. The festivities include a giant meal for 1,000 people on Friday night. The procession will take place on Sunday at14:30. Dates: 14.02-16.02.
Biasca: The carnival schedule includes a rooster crowing at 5:00 a.m. The children’s parade on Thursday at 14:00 and the big parade on Saturday at 14:00. Dates: 14.02-18.02.
15th of February
Estavayer-le-Lac: A unique carnival tradition at the “Burning of the Perch” in Estavayer-le-Lac! Taking place from February 21st-23rd. The perch, a symbolic fish, is hung a few days before the festivities and burned at the end of the carnival. Expect parades, Guggenmusik, and a lively atmosphere.
Kandersteg: The Kandersteg International Dog Sled Race! With festive atmosphere, food stalls and opportunities to meet the mushers and their dogs.
Lausanne: Japan Impact, a vibrant festival held in Lausanne from February 15th-17th.. With anime, video games, cosplay, martial arts, traditional ceremonies, concerts, and more. Ticket prices vary.
Bruson: The Bruson Freeride Week, featuring exciting competitions and showcasing freeride passion! Dates: February 15th to 24th.
16th of February
Davos: A traditional cross-country ski race through the scenic Sertig Valley! This fun race takes place on February 16tt. Starting in Davos Platz and covering 14km of classic-style skiing.
Zernez: Enjoy a fun-filled day of cross-country skiing for the whole family at the Zernezer Volkslanglauf. This popular race is part of the Raiffeisen Nordic Cup. Choose from various distances (1.5km to 15km) based on age category. Entry fees vary from CHF 10 to CHF 20.
18th of February
Roveredo: The Carnevale Lingera, one of the most significant carnivals in Italian-speaking Switzerland. A vibrant celebration with music, performances, parades. Dates: 18.02-23.02.
20th of February
Ticino: King Resiga and Queen Reseghina cordially is a carnival with a costume parade in Pianezzo from 20-22.02.
Nyon: The Hivernales Festival, a music festival with a cozy atmosphere and diverse lineup! Taking place from February 20th-23rd in Nyon. With a variety of musical genres and discover new artists in venues throughout the city.
21st of February
Estavayer-le-Lac: Carnival with Guggenmusik in a lovely weekend featuring confetti battles, mask competitions, and processions, transforming the medieval city into a vibrant festival hub from 21-23.02.
St. Moritz: The I.C.E. St. Moritz, a unique showcase of classic cars on a frozen lake! This exclusive event takes place February 21st and 22nd on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. It features a display of rare and elegant classic cars in a stunning winter setting.
Solothurn: The Solothurner Latin Festival, a vibrant celebration of salsa and Latin rhythms! Enjoy workshops with national and international instructors, followed by parties and shows in the evening.
22nd of February
Ebenalp: The Iglu Festival Ebenalp, where you can build and sleep in your own igloo! Dates: February 22nd-23rd. Learn how to build an igloo and spend the night under the stars in a snowy landscape. The cost is CHF 250 for adults and CHF 200 for children/youth (includes cable car, meals, and instruction).
Château-d’Œx: A unique culinary adventure with the Rallye du Goût, a snowshoe hike with delicious local tastings! This nighttime event takes place on February 22nd in Château-d’Œx. Departures are between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM from the Landi hall. The snowshoe hike includes stops to taste regional products like cheese, meats, and wines. Online booking is required.
Saas Valley: The Saas Valley Carnivals, featuring Guggenmusik, parades and unique local traditions! Dates: from February 22nd to March 3rd.
Bivio Ski Resort: A unique sled race down a winding 2.3km track! This exciting event takes place on February 22nd. Race with a “Pistenbock” sled (included in the entry fee) and choose from categories for adults, children/youth, or duos. Registration costs CHF 20 and is open until 11:30 am on race day.
Braunwald: The Waterslide Contest, where skiers and snowboarders attempt to skim across a pool of water! Aunique event in front of the Fuchsgadä Après-Ski Bar in Braunwald. Categories include skiing, snowboarding, and “fun”. An after-party with a DJ follows the contest.
Willisau: The International Narrentreffen, a traditional carnival celebration! Expect a weekend filled with colorful costumes, lively Guggenmusik, parades, and a unique blend of Southern German and Lucerne carnival traditions.
Crans-Montana: The world’s best skiers compete in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup! Athletes will race in Downhill and Super-G events on the challenging La Nationale piste.
Maloja: The Maloja-Zernez cross-country race, a 56km endurance event.
23rd of February
Leuk: The Leuker Fasnacht- A carnival with a procession and lively atmosphere. This carnival takes place on February 23rd with processions in both Susten at 13:30 and Leuk-Stadt at 16:00.
Payerne: The Tour de Payerne, a unique 10km race through the charming town.
26th of February
Olten: Olten’s carnival takes place from February 26th to March 4th. With a variety of events, including parades on Sunday at 14;00, Guggenmusik performances and masked balls.
Wil: One of Switzerland’s oldest carnival traditions from February 26th to March 2nd. With events like the children’s masked ball, court jester’s ball, monster Guggenmusik concert and the grand parade on Sunday.
Glis: The Chessletta carnival tradition. The procession starts at Restaurant Gliserallee and proceeds to the Glis village square featuring Guggenmusik.
Saas-Fee: The Children’s Carnival Party takes place on February 26th from 16:00 in the village square of Saas-Fee. Enjoy face painting and dancing with Snowli, the popular Swiss mascot.
Evolène: Experience the unique and traditional Carnaval d’Evolène, where the “Peluches” rule the village! The “Peluches” come out at 18:30 to Col de Torrent (Villaz).
27th of February
Lucerne: The Luzern’s Fasnacht is one of the most important Fasnacht events in Switzerland! The crazy Fasnachtsumzug parade takes place on Schmutziger Donnerstag 27.02 (Dirty Thursday) at 14:00. The second parade takes place on Monday 03.03 at 14:00.
Einsiedeln: Schmutziger Donnerstag in Einsiedeln takes place on February 27th. With a Seniorenumzug at 9:15 AM, a Children’s Parade at 14:00 and in the evening the Beizenfasnacht starting at 20:00. The Sühudiumzug will take place on Monday (03.03) at 09:00 and with the big parade at 14:00.
Bellinzona: The Bellinzona carnival known as Rabadan is a prominent event in Ticino for over 150 years! When for 6 days and nights From 27.02-04.03 the kingdom of King Rabadan comes to life. The festival features parades, Guggenmusik concerts, rope pulling tournaments, and the distribution of risotto and luganighe (pork sausages) throughout the old town. Parades on Saturday at 14:00, and the big one on Sunday at 13:30.
Blatten: Experience the scary “Tschäggättu-Loif” procession, starting around 20:00 in Blatten and continuing to Ferden, as part of the vibrant carnival tradition.
Brunnen: The grand Brunner Fasnacht with a parade through the villageon Thursday at 14:00. The parade is a highlight of the festivities, including a morning wake-up call, Bartli Mass in the village chapel and finishing with a concluding torchlight procession and the burning of the Harligingg.
St. Gallen: St. Gallen Fasnacht offers lively events, including Guggenmusik concerts in the city center and a parade on Sunday (02.02) at 14:00. Dates: 27.02-02.03.
Appenzell: The carnival in Appenzell with the traditional “Ommetrommere” and “Botzerössli” wooden horse figures on Landsgemeindeplatz. The parades times and dates will be updated soon.
Broc: The Carnival in Broc offers Guggen music, fancy outfits, and the spirit of Carnival in this vibrant event in the canton of Fribourg. The big parade takes place on Sunday at 14:40. When in the area I recommend combining it with a visit to the chocolate factory Maison Cailler.
Allschwil: invites you to the ancient pagan tradition of “Fasnachtsfüür” ignites the Fasnacht season in Allschwil on “Schmutzige Donnschtig”. Allschwil’s Fasnacht, one of the larger and well-known traditions in the Basel region, features the ceremonial lighting of “Fasnachtsfüür” on Läubern (Winzerweg). Following Guggenmusik performances, refreshments and a stroll into the village.
Zug: The Zug Fasnacht features several events with the main Fasnachtsumzug im Herti on March 1st, at 14:00, with additional parades in Steinhausen on February 28th, Baar on March 2nd, and a children’s parade in Baar on March 3rd.
Sion: The Carnival of Sion is one of the largest annual events in the city. When: 27.02-04.03.
Baden: The Badener Fasnacht creates a lively street carnival atmosphere in Baden’s city center. Starting on February 27th till March 4th with the parade taking place on Saturday March 2nd at 14:00.
Stans: The Stanser Fasnacht, an energetic celebration starting with the traditional Urknall (5:30 AM) and the Frohsinn Stans procession at on the Dorfplatz. Later, at 2:15 PM, join the lively Stans parade, followed by the vibrant Dorffasnacht.
Hochdorf: The Schmotzige Donnstig in Hochdorf commence at 4:30 AM with coffee/bar service on Brauiplatz, followed by the official opening of the Hofderer Fasnacht at 5:00 AM. The day includes various activities including the kids parade at 14:00.
Saint-Maurice: A carnival in Saint-Maurice with a big procession on March 2nd at 14:30. Dates: 27.02- 04.03.
Murten: The Carnival Murten is a traditional carnival celebration featuring parades, Guggenmusik performances and a lively atmosphere in the town of Murten. The big parade will take place on Sunday March 2nd at 15:00.
Siebnen: The Siebnen Fasnacht takes place from 27.02-03.03 with a variety of events, including parades, Guggenmusik performances and more.
Solothurn: The Solothurner Fasnacht, a carnival celebration which takes place from February 27th to March 4th. With parades, Guggenmusik and other festivities throughout the city. The main parade is on Sunday at 14:30.
28th of February
Fribourg: Carnaval des Bolzes– between 28.02-04.03. The night procession on Saturday starts at 20:30 and the big procession is on Sunday at 14:30. The big procession has an entrance fee of cost 10.- CHF for adult mainly for the organization, Kids under 16 years old pay 5.- CHF and under 5 years old it’s free.
Chur: The Chur’s Fasnacht features noisy vibrant disguises, and a lively atmosphere. Stands as an insider’s gem and draws tens of thousands annually. Featuring the Saturday parade at 14:00, Sunday’s children’s parade and Monday’s Schnitzelbank evening. Dates: 28.02-05.03.
Romont: Carnival – The crazy people are going all out! On the program: The Grand procession on Saturday at 14:30 and children’s parade right before at 14:00. Dates: 28.02-01.03.
Ramsen: A carnival in Ramsen will take place between 28.02-02.03.
Grächen: The Carnival in Grächen on February 28th, features a parade with six Guggenmusik bands.
Basel: The world-renowned Béjart Ballet Lausanne in a captivating performance at the Musical Theater Basel.
