For parents in Switzerland
What to do, what to know, and what’s coming up
What’s on this weekend, seasonal guides, and the info for parents you don’t want to miss.
Weekend events
What’s on near you
Browse by area or date
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5 Nov – 30 DecFrom 17:00 in November; from 16:45 Mon–Sat in December; Sundays from 15:00; closed Dec 24–25
Illuminarium
Courtyard free; light shows ticketed
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Sun 8 Nov10:00–19:00
Free skating day at Dolder, Heuried, and Oerlikon
Free, including skate rental
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Sat 14 NovSat from 15:00; lantern procession about 18:00–19:00
Räbechilbi Richterswil — turnip-lantern festival
Children under 16 free; ages 16+ CHF 10 festival badge (CHF 15 souvenir plaque)
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Music19 Nov – 23 DecChoirs Mon–Thu 17:30, 18:30; Fri also 19:30; Sat–Sun 14:30, 15:30, 17:30, 18:30
The Singing Christmas Tree
Free entry and concerts; children’s carousel CHF 3 per ride
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Monday Memo ·
Räbeliechtli week: what to bring
Read this week’s memo: Räbeliechtli week: what to bringPlus vaccination week, a cheese recall, Samichlaus deadlines, and burglary season
Seasonal guides
Getting ready for Christmas
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Samichlaus events in Zurich: complete guide 2026
Where kids can meet Samichlaus in Zurich this year, how to book a home visit before the deadlines, and what to prepare.
Mark your calendar
Coming up for families
Bookings and deadlines worth knowing about before they sneak up on you.
22 Nov
Holiday care sign-ups close
City of Zurich Ferienhort for the Christmas holidays
6 Dec
Samichlaus Day
Where to see him with kids
21 Dec
Christmas school holidays start
City of Zurich, until 1 January
17 Jan
Holiday care sign-ups close
City of Zurich Ferienhort for the sports holidays, 15–26 February
Family life in Switzerland, in your inbox
Two short emails a week: the weekend picks on Thursday, and the Monday Memo with the week’s family news and deadlines on Monday.