Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating the kickstart of the new year and if you’re looking for fun things to do in January in Switzerland- you came to the right place.
So, grab hot cocoa and let’s get into the events you should know about this month:
1st of January
New Year’s Eve: I created a dedicated post about it here – Enjoy!
Pigs race in Klosters: Yep, that’s right. Pigs race. Because Switzerland is always full of hilarious events. I haven’t seen it yet myself but it’s high on my bucket list as the event certainly seem like a must.
Büren: Carnival in Büren an der Aare. One of Switzerland’s first carnivals of the year is happening close to Biel from the 01.01-02.01. The carnival will start at 05:00 a.m. on the first of January with a gun shot and a parade. But don’t worry if you’re not the earliest of birds. Afterwards you will find celebrations and music around town and another parade at 14:30. However the 2nd of January is usually mainly dedicated for the kids.
Kandersteg: Pelzmartiga -A traditional event in Kandersteg with the Pezlm-like creatures mingle with the winter guests and frighten passers-by with the rattling of chains and stroking. Takes place from December 25th till January 1st.
3rd of January
Ascona: Raclette on the Piazza featuring a long tavolata, music, a wine bar, and a culinary market on Piazza G. Motta.
11th of January
Bern: New Year’s Run & Walk.
13th of January
Appenzell: The incredible old Appenzeller tradition of the Silvesterchläuse is wondering around the magical canton. This is one of the most beautiful traditions here in Switzerland and highly recommended.
14th of January
Schaffhausen: Schaffhausen Film Festival at the Kammgarn cultural center, January 14th – 18th, featuring a diverse film program for all ages.
15th of January
Lucerne: The LILU light festival will take place from the 15.01-25.01 in various locations around town. Great opportunity to explore Lucerne in the evening. Don’t miss it!
Zermatt: Horu Trophy, January 15th to 18th, a traditional curling tournament with a long history and international participants.
16tth of January
Belalp: The Witches in Belalp- The craziest descend in Switzerland will happen in Belalp with witches skiing and partying around from the 16.01-17.01. Belalp is known for its long witches traditions and this one is no exception, so bring your longest witch hat and paint your face green to join the party on skis!
Fribourg: Sledge run in the old town in Fribourg. Over a weekend the steep street of the “samaritaine” will be covered with snow from the Düdingen ice rink. The slope starts at the rue de la Samaritaine and ends at Place du Petit-St-Jean from 16-18.01.
17th of January
Sattel: A race of horn sledge drivers with nostalgic winter vibes winter starting at 12:30.
Arosa: Arosa Gay Ski Week, January 17th to 24th, one of Europe’s largest gay and lesbian ski weeks with skiing, parties, and entertainment.
18th of January
Kandersteg: The Belle Epoque week in Kandersteg. During the last week of January, The Belle Epoque comes back to life to a nostalgic winter between the 18.01-25.01.
19th of January
Grindelwald: The World Snow Festival is a celebration of icy art, with international artists around the world creating figures and sculptures from 3m high blocks of snow. The festival will take place on 19th – 24th of January.
21st of January
Solothurn: The Solothurn Film Festival has presented a selection of Swiss films in the last week of January. The event is the driving force behind Swiss film culture and a meeting place between the audience and filmmakers. When: 21.01-28.01.
Murten: Murten Light Festival If you want to see the medieval town illuminated by light projections, this is your last chance for the season. It’s walkable, atmospheric, and very visual.
24th of January
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 24th to February 1st.
Murten: The Light Festival, the Old Town of Murten is going to turn into a lighting show of superlatives. The artistic productions on buildings, in the streets and on the towers of the town will immerse the visitors into a mysterious and magic world. When: 24.01-01.02.
28th of January
Ticino: Nebiopoli Carnival. The canton of Ticino starts the season early. The town becomes the “Free Republic of Nebiopoli,” mixing Italian style with Swiss tradition. It is a good option if you want to start the party early and like a Mediterranean atmosphere. If you prefer the strict organization of German-Swiss carnivals, this one might feel a bit chaotic for you. Dates: January 28th to February 1st.
29th of January
Thun: The Thun Fasnacht carnival attracts around 30,000 enthusiastic visitors to Thun city center. Here you will find wild costumes, parades and lots of music.
Yverdon-les-Bains: Nova Jazz Festival, January 29th to February 1st, featuring contemporary Swiss and international jazz concerts at various venues.
30th of January
Lyss: The Lyss Carnival. Known as “Mir fiire,” this includes a children’s parade and street festivities. It’s a smaller, community-focused carnival that is solid for families. Dates: January 30th to February 1st.
