Events

What’s on for families

Family events in Zurich and across Switzerland, checked against the organizer’s own information before they go up. Filter by date, area, and age to find what works for your family.

Area

Age

Ice skating

Until 7 Mar

Mon–Sat 09:00–22:30; Sun 09:00–17:45 (whole rink closed Wed 17:30–19:00)

Dolder ice rink

Zürich

·

Zurich city

One of Europe’s largest open-air ice rinks, above the city on the Adlisberg, open daily through early March.

Outdoor

Adults CHF 8, youths 16–19 CHF 6, kids 6–15 CHF 4; family ticket CHF 50 incl. skate rental

Ages 3–6, 7+
Ice skating

Until 7 Mar

Mon 09:00–16:00; Tue 09:00–18:00; Wed 09:00–22:00; Thu 09:00–19:15; Fri 09:00–17:30; Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 10:00–19:00

Heuried ice rink

Zürich

·

Zurich city

City-run outdoor ice rink in Wiedikon, between the main station and the Uetliberg, open through early March.

Outdoor

Adults CHF 8, youths 16–19 CHF 6, kids 6–15 CHF 4

Ages 3–6, 7+
Ice skating

Until 7 Mar

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 09:00–16:00; Wed 09:00–16:45; Sat 12:00–19:00; Sun 10:00–18:00

Oerlikon ice rink

Zürich

·

Zurich city

City-run outdoor ice rink in Oerlikon, open through early March, with the Stadiönli restaurant next door.

Outdoor

Adults CHF 8, youths 16–19 CHF 6, kids 6–15 CHF 4

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Until 8 Nov

Daily; varies by fairground

Basler Herbstmesse — Autumn Funfair

Basel

·

Basel

One of Switzerland’s largest funfairs, spread across several Basel squares.

Free

Free entry; rides extra

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Until 10 Nov

11:00–20:00

Petersplatz Hääfelimäärt — crafts market

Basel

·

Basel

The quieter market side of Basel’s autumn fair, with handmade goods on Petersplatz.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Until 23 Dec

Tue–Wed 16:00–22:00; Thu–Fri 16:00–24:00; Sat 12:00–24:00; Sun 12:00–22:00; closed Mon

Badener WunderDorf

Baden

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Baden’s Advent winter village, with food and a festive atmosphere in the city center.

Free

Free entry

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Family outings

Until 7 Nov

Daily

Chocolatissimo — Neuchâtel

Neuchâtel

·

Romandie

A free chocolate celebration at Neuchâtel’s Hôtel de Ville.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Ice skating

Until 7 Mar

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00–22:00; Tue, Thu 9:00–22:00; Sun 10:00–19:00; Dec 24, 25, 26, and 31 10:00–17:00

Ice skating season at Kunsteisbahn Margarethen

Basel

·

Basel

Basel’s city-run outdoor ice rink in Margarethenpark, open daily through the winter with skate rental on site.

Outdoor

Adults CHF 8, kids 6–16 CHF 3, skate rental CHF 5

Ages 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Until 27 Dec

Tue 10:00–20:00; Wed–Sun 10:00–17:00; Mon closed

Naturmuseum Winterthur and Kerala children’s museum — weekend option

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

A hands-on children’s museum inside Naturmuseum Winterthur, with a giant badger den, stories, and animal masks.

Adults CHF 5, reduced CHF 3, kids under 16 free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Until 27 Dec

Daily 10:00–17:00

Technorama Winterthur — weekend option

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

Switzerland’s science center, packed with hands-on experiments.

Adults CHF 34, kids 6–15 CHF 21, under 6 free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Lights

Until 30 Nov

One new window daily; individual unveiling times vary

Bern November Windows

Bern

·

Bern

A free November walk around Bern discovering 30 decorated windows, one revealed each day.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Until 27 Dec

Sun 11:00–12:00 and 13:00–14:00

Family tour at the Roman House

Augst

·

Basel

A family tour of the reconstructed Roman House at Augusta Raurica.

CHF 16 / CHF 8, incl. museum admission

Ages 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Until 13 Dec

Sun 14:00–15:00

Family tour of the Red lacquer exhibition — Museum Rietberg

Zürich

·

Zurich city

An hour-long family tour of Museum Rietberg’s show of red Chinese lacquer masterpieces.

Indoor

CHF 20 / 15 / 10

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Until 15 Nov

Sun Nov 1 and 8 at 13:30 and 16:00; Sun Nov 15 at 10:30 and 13:30

Frau Holle — Tössemer Märli

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

Winterthur’s long-running Tössemer Märli stages Frau Holle as a Swiss German dialect fairy-tale play.

Ticketed; prices on Eventfrog

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

Until 14 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Bern Bethlehem

Bern

·

Bern

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 14 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Bern Steigerhubel

Bern

·

Bern

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 09:00–11:30

MiniMove Binningen-Bottmingen

Binningen

·

Basel

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Bläsi

Basel

·

Basel

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Buhnrain

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 09:00–12:00

MiniMove Chêne-Bourg

Chêne-Bourg

·

Romandie

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 09:00–11:30

MiniMove Fribourg Jura

Fribourg

·

Romandie

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 09:00–11:30

MiniMove Fribourg Schönberg

Fribourg

·

Romandie

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Herzogenmühle

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Kappeli

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Kern

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Kügeliloo

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 28 Mar

Selected Sundays, 09:00–11:30

MiniMove Lausanne

Lausanne

·

Romandie

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 16 May

Selected Sundays, 09:00–11:30

MiniMove Plan-les-Ouates

Plan-les-Ouates

·

Romandie

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 09:30–12:00

MiniMove Rheinfelden

Rheinfelden

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Schlieren

Schlieren

·

Canton Zurich

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 14 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Sihlfeld

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 14 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Sihlweid

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Thierstein

Basel

·

Basel

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 14 Mar

Selected Sundays, 09:30–12:00

MiniMove Villars-sur-Glâne

Villars-sur-Glâne

·

Romandie

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Volta

Basel

·

Basel

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 09:30–12:00

MiniMove Wettingen

Wettingen

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Until 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 09:00–11:30

MiniMove Yverdon-les-Bains

Yverdon-les-Bains

·

Romandie

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Theater & stories

Until 29 Nov

Sun 15:00 (Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29); 45–60 minutes

Munterbunt — Theater for Toddlers

Bern

·

Bern

Language-free, hands-on theater for toddlers aged one to three, with a familiar adult.

CHF 19 for one adult and one child

Ages 0–2
Theater & stories

Until 27 Dec

Sun 11:00–14:30 (drop-in)

Roman games for kids and adults

Augst

·

Basel

Try Roman-era games together at Augusta Raurica.

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Until 13 Dec

Nov 1 at 15:00; Sat Nov 21, 28, Dec 5, 12 at 17:00; Sun Nov 22, 29, Dec 6, 13 at 11:00 and 15:00

The Jungle Book — family musical Winterthur

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

A big Swiss German Jungle Book musical with around 200 young dancers, staged by Kindertanztheater Claudia Corti.

CHF 25, 42, or 48 depending on seat category

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

4 Nov – 15 Nov

Sat 15:00; Sun 11:00 and 15:00

Basel Marionetten Theater: A Young Ghost Once Lived in a Castle in Scotland

Basel

·

Basel

A Swiss German marionette show about a young ghost in a Scottish castle, for ages five and up.

Adults CHF 25; children CHF 15; discounts possible

Ages 5+
Play & movement

4 Nov – 11 Dec

15:00: Wed Nov 4 Hardau and Schwamendingen; Wed Nov 11 Sihlcity and Unterstrass; Wed Nov 18 Schütze and Leimbach; Wed Nov 25 Riesbach; Wed Dec 2 Unterstrass; Fri Dec 11 Aussersihl

Bücherkiste picture-book afternoons — PBZ libraries

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Wednesday-afternoon picture-book sessions for kids from age 4, including Christmas stories in December.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 3–6
Museums & discovery

4 Nov – 11 Nov

Wed Nov 4, Sat Nov 7, Wed Nov 11; sessions at 14:00 and 15:00 (about 45 min)

Geschichtenfenster picture-book stories — Swiss National Museum

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Kids sit on cushions for an interactive picture-book story, then hunt for matching objects in the museum.

Indoor

Ages 3–6
Family outings

Wed 4 Nov

14:00-16:00

Kids’ city tour: Thuner Geschichtenkorb

Thun

·

Bern

A public walking tour of Thun’s old town for kids, built around city stories and a surprise encounter.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Thu 5 Nov – Sun 8 Nov

Circus Knie in Thun

Thun

·

Bern

Switzerland’s national circus stops in Thun on its 2026 tour.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

5 Nov – 11 Dec

Mostly 10:00–10:30 starts; e.g. Thu Nov 5 Unterstrass, Sat Nov 7 Schütze, Thu Nov 19 Altstadt 10:15, Sat Nov 21 Affoltern 10:30, Sat Nov 28 Aussersihl 10:15, Wed Dec 9 Hardau and Riesbach

Geschichtenzeit story time for toddlers — PBZ libraries

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Short first stories for two- and three-year-olds, told and acted out together at PBZ neighborhood libraries.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
5 Nov – 30 Dec

From 17:00 in November; from 16:45 Mon–Sat in December; Sundays from 15:00; closed Dec 24–25

Illuminarium

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Ticketed light and projection shows plus a free food courtyard at the Landesmuseum, right beside Zürich HB.

Courtyard free; light shows ticketed

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Thu 5 Nov

Thu 18:30–19:30

Räbeliechtli parade Hottingen

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A small Räbeliechtli parade with music in Hottingen, starting in Artergut Park.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Thu 5 Nov

Thu: meet 17:50, start 18:00, ends about 19:00

Räbeliechtli parade Unterstrass — GZ Buchegg

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A neighborhood Räbeliechtli parade through Unterstrass with a youth drum band and warm tea at the end.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Ice skating

6 Nov – 21 Feb

Rink Mon–Fri 9:00–21:45; Sat 8:15–21:45; Sun 9:00–18:00

Herti’s Magic Zug ice rink

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

An outdoor ice rink with a fondue chalet on the Arenaplatz in Zug’s Herti district, open daily through February.

Outdoor

Ages 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Fri 6 Nov

Fri 15:00–16:00 turnip carving or lantern making; 17:00–19:00 lantern celebration and procession

Lantern parade and children’s crafts

St. Gallen

·

Eastern Switzerland

Turnip carving, lantern making, and a lantern procession with the Reformed Church in St. Gallen.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

6 Nov – 15 Nov

Fri 11:00–24:00; Sat 10:00–24:00; Sun Nov 8 10:00–22:00; Mon–Thu 11:00–22:00; Sun Nov 15 10:00–18:00

Les Automnales — Geneva family fair

Geneva

·

Romandie

Geneva’s big indoor fair at Palexpo, with a baby gym, rides, shadow theater, and chicks hatching.

Adults CHF 5–15; children under 14 free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Fri 6 Nov

18:30–20:00

Räbeliechtli parade — Gais

Gais

·

Eastern Switzerland

A community Räbeliechtli lantern procession in Gais, starting and finishing at Gaiserau 48.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Fri 6 Nov

Fri 18:30–21:00

Räbeliechtli parade Grünau

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Grünau’s Räbeliechtli parade along the Limmat, with school classes singing around the fire bowl at the end.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Fri 6 Nov

Räbeliechtli parade Hittnau

Hittnau

·

Canton Zurich

Hittnau’s Räbeliechtli procession, with kids carrying carved turnip lanterns through the village.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Fri 6 Nov

Fri: big route meets 18:15, leaves 18:30; small route meets 18:30, leaves 18:40

Räbeliechtli parade Oerlikon

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Oerlikon’s Räbeliechtli parade, with a big route from MFO Park and a small one from Schulhaus Baumacker.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Fri 6 Nov

Räbeliechtli parade Schwerzenbach

Schwerzenbach

·

Canton Zurich

Schwerzenbach’s Räbeliechtli procession, with kids carrying carved turnip lanterns through the village.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Fri 6 Nov

Fri from 18:00

Räbeliechtli procession — Aesch ZH

Aesch

·

Canton Zurich

Aesch ZH’s village Räbeliechtli procession, with kids carrying glowing turnip lanterns through the streets.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Fri 6 Nov

Fri 15:30–18:00

Räben carving at Bullingertreff

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Free turnip-lantern carving in Kreis 4, the afternoon before the neighborhood Räbeliechtli procession.

Free

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Fri 6 Nov

Fri: Räben carving 14:30–17:00; fire from 17:45; parade 18:00–20:00

Räbenfest and parade — GZ Schindlergut

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Carve your Räbe in the afternoon, then join the lantern parade from the fire at GZ Schindlergut.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lights

6 Nov – 31 Jan

Candle dipping Sat 12:00–20:15, Sun 10:00–18:15

Winterzauber Uetliberg

Uetliberg

·

Zurich city

A winter pop-up on Uetliberg with light trails, a torchlit forest path, curling, and weekend candle dipping.

Candle dipping CHF 5.50 per 100 g

Ages 3–6, 7+
Ice skating

7 Nov – 27 Jan

Sat–Sun 10:00–20:30

Ägeri on Ice — weekend skating

Unterägeri

·

Central Switzerland

A covered seasonal ice rink in Unterägeri with skating, curling-style games, and ice minigolf.

Outdoor

Kids under 5 free, kids 5+ CHF 5; skate rental CHF 5

Ages 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

7 Nov – 21 Nov

Sat–Sun 13:00–18:00; Mon–Fri 14:00–18:00; Wed also 18:00–20:00. Story tent (Märlizelt) Wed, Sat, Sun 14:00–17:00

Candle dipping and story tent Uster

Uster

·

Canton Zurich

Two weeks of candle dipping at Uster’s Reformed Church, plus a story tent and crafts on Wednesdays and weekends.

Free entry; colored wax CHF 5.20 and beeswax CHF 6 per 100 g

Ages 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Sat 7 Nov

Sat 16:30–18:00

Chicken exhibition opening — Naturmuseum Winterthur

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

Free opening of the Naturmuseum’s new chicken exhibition, with talks, a curator-led tour, and an apéro.

Free (adults free from 16:00; kids under 16 always free)

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

7 Nov – 6 Feb

Nov 7, 8, 14, 21 at 15:00; Nov 22 at 11:00; Nov 28 at 14:00 and 16:15; Nov 29 at 11:00 and 14:00; Dec 2 at 15:00; Dec 5 at 14:00 and 16:15; Dec 6 at 14:00; Dec 9 at 15:00; Dec 12 at 14:00 and 16:15; Dec 13 at 11:00 and 14:00; Dec 16 at 15:00; Dec 19 at 14:00 and 16:15; Dec 20 at 14:00; Dec 27 at 14:00 and 16:15; Dec 28 at 15:00; more dates in January and early February

Das Dschungelbuch — Fauteuil-Märchenbühne

Basel

·

Basel

Basel’s Fauteuil-Märchenbühne does The Jungle Book this season, in Swiss German dialect with songs, for kids from 4.

Indoor

Kids CHF 20/25/30 by seat category; adults CHF 10 more

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sat 7 Nov – Sun 8 Nov

Sat and Sun 14:30

Der kleine Angsthase — St. Gallen puppet theater

St. Gallen

·

Eastern Switzerland

A gentle 45-minute puppet show about a timid hare at FigurenTheater St.Gallen, for ages four and up.

CHF 16; KulturLegi CHF 10

Ages 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Sat 7 Nov – Sun 8 Nov

Workshop times vary

En famille aux musées — Riviera museum weekend

Vevey / Montreux

·

Romandie

Family workshops in weaving, printmaking, cyanotype, and more at eleven museums on the Vaud Riviera.

CHF 10 per workshop per family (up to 5 people)

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

Sat 7 Nov

Sat 08:30–11:00

Father-and-child breakfast Wetzikon — November

Wetzikon

·

Canton Zurich

A Saturday breakfast for fathers and preschool kids in Wetzikon, with play indoors and in the garden afterward.

CHF 7 per father plus CHF 1 per child

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Theater & stories

Sat 7 Nov – Sun 8 Nov

Sat 16:00; Sun 11:00

Guet Nacht, Chuchi! — Vorstadttheater

Basel

·

Basel

A contemporary children’s theater show at Vorstadttheater Basel for ages three and up.

Adults CHF 28, kids CHF 10, accompanying adult CHF 18

Ages 3–6
Markets & fairs

Sat 7 Nov

Instants Famille & Ateliers — Lausanne

Lausanne

·

Romandie

A family day in Lausanne with workshops, demonstrations, and activities run by local associations, professionals, and makers.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

7 Nov – 5 Dec

Sat from 09:30

Parent-child open studio at Malhaus

Biel/Bienne

·

Bern

A monthly open painting studio in Biel’s old town where kids and a parent make art together.

Indoor

CHF 10 per family (CHF 5 with KulturLegi)

Ages 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Sat 7 Nov

09:30–10:30 or 10:45–11:45

Poils et mamelles — Mammal family workshop

Fribourg

·

Romandie

A free one-hour mammal workshop for parents and kids at Fribourg’s Natural History Museum.

Free

Free; registration by phone required

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Sat 7 Nov

18:00–22:00

Räbeliechtli parade Friesenberg

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Neighborhood Räbeliechtli processions that meet at Friesenbergplatz for music, food, and drinks.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Sat 7 Nov

Sat: meet 17:45, leaves 18:00, ends about 19:00

Räbeliechtli parade Leimbach

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A Leimbach lantern parade from the library along the Maneggpromenade to the GZ, with a snack for every child.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Sat 7 Nov

Sat 18:00–about 19:45

Räbeliechtli parades Affoltern

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Two Räbeliechtli routes through Zurich-Affoltern, with free punch and Weggen afterward.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Sat 7 Nov

Carving Sat 13:30–16:30; procession meets Bullingerhof 17:00, starts 17:30, ends about 19:00

Räben carving and Räbeliechtli parade, Kreis 4

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Free turnip carving followed by a Räbeliechtli procession through Kreis 4 with a Guggenmusik band.

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

7 Nov – 16 Dec

Sat Nov 7 10:30 Unterstrass; Wed Nov 11 10:00 Sihlcity; Thu Nov 19 10:00 Höngg and Schwamendingen; Fri Nov 20 10:00 Witikon; Fri Nov 27 10:00 Leimbach; Sat Nov 28 10:30 Affoltern; Thu Dec 10 10:00 Oerlikon; Wed Dec 16 10:00 Schütze

Ryte, ryte Rössli baby rhyme time — PBZ libraries

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Knee-bouncing rhymes, verses, and finger games for babies and their grown-ups at neighborhood PBZ libraries.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2
Museums & discovery

Sat 7 Nov – Sun 8 Nov

Wed, Sat, Sun 13:30–17:00

Teddy craft workshop — Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel

Basel

·

Basel

A Teddy-themed craft workshop at Basel’s Spielzeug Welten Museum, alongside its Teddy exhibition.

Adults CHF 7 (reduced CHF 5); kids up to 16 free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

7 Nov – 20 Dec

Sat 12:00–20:00; Sun 10:00–18:00

Uetliberg Christmas Market — weekends

Stallikon / Zürich Uetliberg

·

Canton Zurich

A small handmade-crafts Christmas market on top of the Uetliberg, part of Uto Kulm’s Winterzauber.

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Music

8 Nov – 26 Dec

Sun Nov 8 and Sat Dec 26, 11:15 (children meet 11:00 in the vestibule)

Children’s Matinee at the Tonhalle

Zürich

·

Zurich city

While parents attend a chamber music matinee, kids explore chamber music in their own playful session.

Indoor

Free for children of concertgoers; adults need a concert ticket

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

8 Nov – 6 Dec

Sundays 10:15–11:30

Creaviva Family Morning

Bern

·

Bern

A Sunday family art workshop and interactive exhibition visit at the Zentrum Paul Klee, for ages four and up.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

Sun 8 Nov

09:00–11:00; 11:30–13:30; extra 15:00–17:00

Family Day at Turnzentrum Aargau — November 8

Lenzburg

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Family gym sessions in Lenzburg, with an extra afternoon slot on this date.

1 adult + 1 child CHF 25; 1 adult + 2 kids CHF 35; 2 adults + 1 child CHF 40; 2 adults + 2 kids CHF 45; extra child CHF 8

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Sun 8 Nov

10:00–19:00

Free skating day at Dolder, Heuried, and Oerlikon

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Skating and skate rental are free at Zurich’s three big outdoor rinks for one Sunday in November.

Free Outdoor

Free, including skate rental

Ages 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Sun 8 Nov

Sun 11:00–12:00

Globi in the museum — Swiss National Museum

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A family tour following Globi’s adventure with a mysterious sword through the National Museum’s collection.

Indoor

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

8 Nov – 6 Dec

Sundays 10:00–12:00

I Like to Move It — Emmen open gym

Emmen

·

Central Switzerland

A free drop-in open gym in Emmen for kids aged three to eight and their adults.

Free

Free; voluntary collection

Ages 3–6, 7+
Music

Sun 8 Nov

Sun 11:00 (50–65 min)

Los Dos for families — Zürich

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A free Sunday-morning family blues concert by Los Dos at Moods in Zürich-West.

Free; reserve a ticket in advance

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

8 Nov – 20 Dec

Sun 11:00–12:30 and 13:00–14:30

Make Roman ointments and tooth powder

Augst

·

Basel

Make Roman-style ointments and tooth powder in a hands-on workshop at Augusta Raurica.

CHF 16 or CHF 8 reduced, including museum admission

Ages 7+
Play & movement

8 Nov – 11 Apr

Selected Sundays, 09:00–11:30

MiniMove Allschwil

Allschwil

·

Basel

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

8 Nov – 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 09:00–12:00

MiniMove Genève

Genève

·

Romandie

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

8 Nov – 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Olten

Olten

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

8 Nov – 4 Apr

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove Rotkreuz

Rotkreuz

·

Central Switzerland

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

8 Nov – 21 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00

MiniMove St. Gallen

St. Gallen

·

Eastern Switzerland

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Sun 8 Nov

Räbeliechtli procession Rüti

Rüti

·

Canton Zurich

A local Räbeliechtli lantern procession in Rüti, where kids carry carved turnip lanterns through the village after dark.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Music

Sun 8 Nov

Sun, two shows: early show doors 12:30; afternoon show 16:00–about 17:50 (doors 15:30)

Schwiizergoofe live — Zürich

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Swiss German kids’ band Schwiizergoofe play two family shows at the Volkshaus Zürich.

CHF 35–38; kids under 3 free without a ticket

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

8 Nov – 22 Nov

Sun 10:30–12:00

Sunday studio for kids — Kunsthaus Zürich

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Kids look at artworks and then paint and make their own pieces in the studio while parents visit the museum.

Indoor

CHF 15

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

11 Nov – 9 Dec

Wed Nov 11, 18, Dec 2, 9: course 1 14:00–15:30 (full), course 2 16:00–17:30

Christmas crafts course for kids — GZ Bachwiesen

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A four-afternoon Christmas crafts course for kids at GZ Bachwiesen.

Indoor

CHF 60 for four afternoons

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Wed 11 Nov

14:00–15:30

Fairy tales and animal crafts at Tierpark Dählhölzli

Bern

·

Bern

A fairy tale and a craft session at Bern’s Dählhölzli zoo for kids aged 4 to 6 with a grown-up.

CHF 45 for one child and one adult, incl. materials; CHF 20 per extra child

Ages 3–6
Samichlaus

11 Nov – 22 Nov

Wed Nov 11 and Sun Nov 22, 13:30–18:30

Samichlaus Bus — Aathal

Aathal

·

Canton Zurich

A bus ride and forest walk to meet Samichlaus, with a snack, a small gift, and a lantern walk back.

CHF 37 per child, CHF 51 per adult, all inclusive

Ages 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

12 Nov – 26 Nov

Tue, Fri 15:30–19:00 (Nov 13: 15:30–19:00); Wed 14:00–19:00; Thu 15:30–19:00 (Nov 12: 14:00–19:00); Sat–Sun 14:00–18:00; creative evenings Fri Nov 20 and Thu Nov 26, 18:00–21:00; closed Mondays

Candle dipping Urdorf

Urdorf

·

Canton Zurich

The Familienverein Urdorf’s candle dipping in the Bahnhofstrasse school hall, recommended from kindergarten age.

Indoor

Paid by weight (cash or TWINT)

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Thu 12 Nov – Sun 15 Nov

Circus Knie in Aarau

Aarau

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Switzerland’s national circus brings its 2026 tour show to Aarau.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Thu 12 Nov

Thu 14:00–16:00

Flour and fairy tales — GZ Schindlergut

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A baking-and-stories afternoon for kids from four, with an adult, at GZ Schindlergut.

Indoor

CHF 3 for materials

Ages 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Thu 12 Nov

17:45

Räbeliechtli parade Fehraltorf

Fehraltorf

·

Canton Zurich

Fehraltorf’s annual Räbeliechtli procession, with kids carrying carved turnip lanterns through the village.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 13 Nov – Sun 15 Nov

Advent and Christmas market at Wyher Castle

Ettiswil

·

Central Switzerland

More than 80 makers fill a moated castle near Willisau, with free fairy tales for kids and a Sunday Samichlaus visit.

Adults CHF 5 (three-day pass), kids up to 15 free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

14 Nov – 2 Dec

Tue, Thu, Fri 16:00–19:00; Wed 14:00–18:00 (Kidsday); Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00; long night Sat Nov 21 18:00–22:00

Candle dipping Kloten

Kloten

·

Canton Zurich

Kloten’s community candle dipping, with paraffin and beeswax, a Wednesday Kidsday, and a late-night session.

Indoor

Paraffin CHF 3.50/100 g, beeswax CHF 5.10/100 g, min. CHF 3 per candle

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

14 Nov – 12 Dec

Sat 10:00–11:00 and 11:00–12:00

Creative Bookworm Club at Zug Library

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

English-language storytelling followed by arts and crafts for kids aged 3 to 6 at Zug’s library.

English-friendly Free Indoor

Free

Ages 3–6
Theater & stories

14 Nov – 20 Dec

Nov 14 14:00; Nov 15,22,29, Dec 5,19,20 at 11:00 and 14:00; Nov 28 at 11:00 and 14:00

Pica & Poco — Family Theater

Bern

·

Bern

A 45-minute playful theater show in Bern for kids aged three and up.

Kids up to 14 CHF 15, adults CHF 25

Ages 3–6, 7+
Sat 14 Nov

Sat from 15:00; lantern procession about 18:00–19:00

Räbechilbi Richterswil — turnip-lantern festival

Richterswil

·

Canton Zurich

A huge turnip-lantern procession through Richterswil, with more than 45 candlelit displays, market stalls, and brass bands.

Children under 16 free; ages 16+ CHF 10 festival badge (CHF 15 souvenir plaque)

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lanterns & Räbeliechtli

Sat 14 Nov

Sat 18:00–21:00

Räbeliechtli star march Wetzikon

Wetzikon

·

Canton Zurich

Wetzikon’s evening turnip-lantern star march, ending at Schulhaus Guldisloo with a lantern-wagon award.

Check organizer

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 14 Nov

13:30–18:30

Samichlaus Bus — Schwerzenbach

Schwerzenbach

·

Canton Zurich

A Samichlaus afternoon from Schwerzenbach station, with a bus ride, forest walk, snack, and lantern-lit walk back.

Kids from age 2 CHF 37, adults CHF 51; all included

Ages 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

14 Nov – 21 Dec

10:00-21:00

Zürcher Kerzenziehen — candle dipping on Hechtplatz

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Hand-dipped beeswax candle making on Hechtplatz in Zurich’s old town.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Sun 15 Nov

11:00–15:00

Animal-shaped candle making

Aarau

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Kids pour their own animal-shaped candles at Naturama Aargau, then explore the museum’s animal exhibits while the wax sets.

CHF 5

Ages 5+
Theater & stories

15 Nov – 30 Dec

Showtimes vary by date: 11:00, 13:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:00, or 15:30

Die Zauberorgel — Zürcher Märchenbühne

Zürich

·

Zurich city

This year’s Zürcher Märchenbühne fairy tale follows a tinker and his daughter carrying a magic organ to heal a sick king.

Indoor

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

15 Nov – 29 Nov

Nov 15, 22 and 29: 09:00–11:00 or 11:30–13:30

Family Day at Turnzentrum Aargau — November 15, 22 and 29

Lenzburg

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Sunday family gym sessions with trampolines and equipment at Lenzburg’s Turnzentrum Aargau.

1 adult + 1 child CHF 25; 1 adult + 2 kids CHF 35; 2 adults + 1 child CHF 40; 2 adults + 2 kids CHF 45; extra child CHF 8

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Sun 15 Nov

14:00–15:30

Family workshop: Travel adventures then and now

Schwyz

·

Central Switzerland

A ninety-minute hands-on museum workshop in Schwyz about travel then and now, for kids five and up.

Adults CHF 13; children under 17 free; reservation required

Ages 3–6, 7+
Ice skating

Sun 15 Nov

Sun 10:00–19:00

Free skating day at Basel’s ice rinks

Basel

·

Basel

A free-entry Sunday at both city ice rinks, with demonstrations and activities from local ice sports clubs.

Free Outdoor

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sun 15 Nov

Sun 14:00–15:00

GUGUS! Acrobatics and dance show at Tanzhaus Zürich

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Two circus artists fly off a teeterboard, dance, and make music in a Dada-inspired show for ages 6 and up. No spoken language.

English-friendly Indoor

CHF 15, 25, or 35 (pay what fits: budget, regular, or solidarity)

Ages 7+
Play & movement

15 Nov – 7 Mar

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:30

MiniMove Bellinzona

Claro (Bellinzona)

·

Ticino

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

15 Nov – 28 Feb

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:30

MiniMove Lugano

Lugano

·

Ticino

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

15 Nov – 25 Apr

Selected Sundays, 14:30–17:00 or 17:30

MiniMove Mendrisio

Mendrisio

·

Ticino

Free Sunday play in a school gym for babies up to kindergartners and their grown-ups. No sign-up.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Music

Sun 15 Nov

11:00–11:50

The Bremen Town Musicians — Family Concert

Aarau

·

Aargau & Solothurn

A 50-minute family concert of The Bremen Town Musicians, with narration and orchestra, in Aarau.

CHF 25 / CHF 5

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

17 Nov – 17 Jan

Mostly 15:00 or 13:30; some 19:00/19:30 and weekday 09:30 shows

A Christmas Carol at Luzerner Theater

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

Luzerner Theater’s colorful, musical stage version of Dickens’ Scrooge story, staged as its big Christmas show for ages 8 and up.

Indoor

CHF 20–65

Ages 7+
Museums & discovery

18 Nov – 15 Dec

Wed and Fri 18:45–19:45 (Dec 15 is a Tue)

Alone in the museum at night — Swiss National Museum

Zürich

·

Zurich city

After closing, with the lights off, families explore the darkened National Museum on an evening tour.

Indoor

CHF 13 / CHF 10

Ages 7+
Markets & fairs

18 Nov – 23 Dec

Mon–Fri 16:00–22:00; Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–20:00

Winterthur Winter Market

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

Winterthur’s big Christmas market on Teuchelweiherplatz, with over 70 stalls, a fondue chalet, and candle dipping.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lights

18 Nov – 6 Dec

Tue–Sat 17:00–22:30; Sundays 17:00–21:30; closed Mondays; kids’ act 18:00–18:45

Zauberpark Flughafen Zürich

Kloten

·

Canton Zurich

Light installations, a kids’ act at 18:00, and evening concerts in the park at The Circle.

Tickets from CHF 10.70

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

19 Nov – 23 Dec

Mon–Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–20:00

Bellevue Noël Christmas market on Sechseläutenplatz

Zürich

·

Zurich city

The new Christmas market on Sechseläutenplatz, with a kids’ house, carousel, teddy workshop, and a walk-on Advent wreath.

Free

Free entry

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

19 Nov – 27 Dec

Nov 19 from 16:00; then Mon–Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–20:00; Dec 24 11:00–16:00; closed Dec 25

Berner Sternenmarkt

Bern

·

Bern

An illuminated Christmas market in a Bern park near the main station, running past Christmas.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

19 Nov – 24 Dec

Mon–Sat 11:00–21:30; Sun 11:00–19:30

Christmas market at Münsterhof

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Design-focused Christmas market on the Münsterhof square, with a culture tent hosting workshops for kids and adults.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

19 Nov – 23 Dec

Mon–Thu 11:00–21:00; Fri–Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–20:00

Christmas market Dörfli in Niederdorf, with free kids’ ice rink at Rosenhof

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Old Town Christmas market winding through the Niederdorf lanes, with a small free ice rink for kids at Rosenhof.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

Thu 19 Nov

Thu 17:00–20:00

Kinderspital clowns at Bellevue Noël

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Clowns from Zurich’s children’s hospital visit the Teddy Atelier on Bellevue Noël’s opening evening.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lights

Thu 19 Nov

Thu 18:00

Lucy Christmas lights switch-on

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse Christmas lights go on for the season, with late shopping in town the same evening.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

19 Nov – 24 Dec

Mon–Wed 12:00–21:00; Thu–Fri 12:00–22:00; Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–21:00; Nov 19 17:00–22:00; Dec 24 12:00–16:00

Noël au Quai Christmas market Geneva

Geneva

·

Romandie

Geneva’s main Christmas market on the lakefront, with a children’s village, old-fashioned carousels, a Ferris wheel, and a new ice rink.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

19 Nov – 24 Dec

Mon–Wed and Sun 11:00–21:00; Thu–Sat 11:00–22:00; Dec 24 11:00–16:00

Polarzauber Christmas market at Zurich HB

Zürich

·

Zurich city

The big indoor Christmas market in the main station hall, with the giant Lindt tree and a miniature winter world.

Indoor

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Music

19 Nov – 23 Dec

Choirs Mon–Thu 17:30, 18:30; Fri also 19:30; Sat–Sun 14:30, 15:30, 17:30, 18:30

The Singing Christmas Tree

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Free choir concerts on a Christmas tree-shaped stage just off Bahnhofstrasse.

Free

Free entry and concerts; children’s carousel CHF 3 per ride

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lights

19 Nov – 23 Dec

Mon–Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–20:00

Walk-on Advent wreath at Bellevue Noël

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A giant walk-on Advent wreath of Swiss wood above the Bellevue Noël market, with free timed tickets.

Free

Free (timed ticket)

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Ice skating

19 Nov – 31 Dec

Daily from 10:00

Winterland Locarno and Ascona

Locarno

·

Ticino

Locarno’s Piazza Grande becomes a winter village with an ice rink, Santa’s House, and a carousel, plus an Ascona ice walk.

Outdoor

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Thu 19 Nov – Mon 23 Nov

Daily from 16:00

WOW Museum Xmas Rally

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A Christmas team rally through central Zurich with illusion challenges, starting at the WOW Museum.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

19 Nov – 23 Dec

Mon–Wed 11:30–21:00; Thu–Sat 11:30–22:00; Sun 11:00–20:00; Dec 7 until 22:00; Dec 8 11:00–21:00

Zug Christmas market on Alpenquai

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

Zug’s big lakeside Christmas market, with a kids’ village of mini huts, a carousel, and a Samichlaus visit.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

19 Nov – 23 Dec

Mon–Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–20:00

Zürcher Weihnachtsallee at Europaallee

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Christmas market along Europaallee beside the main station, with a fondue chalet and a heated Glüehstube.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

20 Nov – 29 Nov

Fri 14:00–18:00; Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00

Advent im Kloster Solothurn

Solothurn

·

Aargau & Solothurn

An indoor Advent market with regional crafts and food inside Solothurn’s Capuchin monastery over two November weekends.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov

Fri 14:00–21:00; Sat 10:00–21:00; Sun 10:00–17:00

Adventsmärit Unterseen

Unterseen

·

Bern

An early Advent market in Unterseen’s old town next to Interlaken, with a carousel, petting zoo, and a Samichlaus visit.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

20 Nov – 31 Dec

Daily; Dec 24 12:00–17:00; closed Dec 25

Bô Noël Lausanne

Lausanne

·

Romandie

Lausanne’s citywide Christmas festival, spread over several squares, with a children’s village and an opening parade.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov

Circus Knie in Zug

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

Switzerland’s national circus brings its 2026 tour show to Zug.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

20 Nov – 10 Jan

Cirque Noël de Bâle — Christmas circus

Basel

·

Basel

Basel’s Christmas circus in a heated mirror tent at the Rosentalanlage, with acrobatics and circus acts.

Indoor
Ice skating

20 Nov – 1 Jan

Eiszauber Luzern — weekend skating

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

Free outdoor skating on Lucerne’s Europaplatz, with skate and skating-aid rental on site.

Outdoor

Skating free; skate rental on site

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov

Luthertaler Wiehnachtsmärt

Luthern

·

Central Switzerland

A three-day village Christmas market in the Napf region with handmade gifts, regional food, music, and kids’ activities.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov

Fri 17:00–22:00; Sat 10:00–22:00; Sun 10:00–17:00

Medieval Christmas market at the Rhine Falls

Laufen-Uhwiesen / Neuhausen am Rheinfall

·

Canton Zurich

A medieval Christmas market on both sides of the Rhine Falls, with jugglers, storytellers, fire pits, and a ferry between the two castles.

Free entry; some activities cost extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

20 Nov – 24 Dec

Mon–Wed 11:00–21:00; Thu–Fri 11:00–22:00; Sat 10:00–22:00; Sun 10:00–20:00; Dec 24 11:00–17:00

Montreux Noël Christmas market

Montreux

·

Romandie

Switzerland’s big lakeside Christmas market, with chalets along Lake Geneva, a Ferris wheel, and Santa flying over town.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

20 Nov – 23 Dec

Mon–Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–20:00; opens Fri Nov 20 at 17:00

Rudolfs Christmas market

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

A lakeside Christmas market in Lucerne’s Inseli-Park, with food stalls, a fondue chalet, and a children’s yurt.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Family outings

20 Nov – 24 Dec

Wed–Sun, plus Mon Dec 7 and 21 and Tue Dec 8 and 22; trains roughly hourly from about 10:00 to 18:00

Santa’s House at Rochers-de-Naye

Montreux

·

Romandie

A cogwheel train ride up to 2,042 m to visit Santa in his mountaintop house above Montreux.

Round trip incl. admission: adults CHF 49, kids 6–15 CHF 19, under 6 with seat CHF 10, under 6 without seat free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

20 Nov – 23 Dec

Mon–Fri departures 13:25–18:50; Sat–Sun from 12:10; no service Nov 29 or Dec 13

St. Annahof Märlitram

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A 20-minute tram ride through Zurich with Samichlaus and storytelling angels, for kids aged 4 to 9.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Sat 21 Nov – Sun 22 Nov

Sat 10:00–18:00; Sun 10:00–17:00

Advent bazaar at Rudolf Steiner Schule Kreuzlingen

Kreuzlingen

·

Eastern Switzerland

A hands-on Advent bazaar with candle dipping, gingerbread, felting, and puppet theater, marking its 50th year.

Activity fees vary; puppet theater tickets sold on site

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

21 Nov – 24 Dec

Adventsdörfli Pfäffikon ZH

Pfäffikon ZH

·

Canton Zurich

An Advent village in the center of Pfäffikon ZH that stays open for most of the pre-Christmas season.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 21 Nov

14:00–21:00

Arth Christmas Market

Arth

·

Central Switzerland

A one-day village Christmas market on Arth’s Rathausplatz, with stalls and a supporting program.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

Sat 21 Nov

Sat 12:00–18:00

Candle dipping — GZ Oerlikon

Zürich

·

Zurich city

The Oerlikon candle-dipping workshop opens for families, about CHF 5 for a colored candle.

Indoor

About CHF 5 for one colored candle (about an hour of dipping)

Ages 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

21 Nov – 13 Dec

Wed–Sun; first day Sat Nov 21, 14:00–17:30

Candle dipping — GZ Wollishofen at St. Franziskus

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Dip paraffin or beeswax candles in the big foyer of the St. Franziskus church center in Wollishofen.

Indoor

Depends on the weight and type of wax

Ages 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

21 Nov – 29 Nov

Sat Nov 21 16:00–20:00; Sun Nov 22 12:00–18:00; Mon–Tue 16:00–20:00; Wed 14:00–20:00; Thu–Fri 16:00–20:00; Sat Nov 28 12:00–20:00; Sun Nov 29 12:00–16:00

Candle dipping at Kirchliches Zentrum Glaubten

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A volunteer-run candle dipping week in Zurich-Affoltern that has been going for over 50 years, with a craft corner and café.

Indoor

Colored wax CHF 4 per 100 g, beeswax CHF 5 per 100 g; entry and wicks free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sat 21 Nov

10:00–11:30

Chilemüüs puppet theater Uster

Uster

·

Canton Zurich

A Saturday-morning puppet show with songs, a Bible story, crafts, and a snack for kids in Uster.

Indoor

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 21 Nov

Sat 10:00–16:00

Christmas suitcase market in Frauenfeld

Frauenfeld

·

Eastern Switzerland

Frauenfeld’s Weihnachtskoffermarkt, where sellers set out handmade gifts and Christmas goods from open suitcases.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

21 Nov – 31 Dec

Wed, Fri, Sun 14:00; Thu and Sat 14:00 and 19:30

Circus Conelli

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A Christmas circus with acrobatics, comedy, and live music in a tent on the Bauschänzli.

CHF 43.80–107.20 depending on seat category

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

Sat 21 Nov

Sat 09:30–11:30

Dads-and-kids meetup (VaKi-Treff) Uster — November

Uster

·

Canton Zurich

A free, drop-in Saturday morning play session for fathers and preschool kids at Familienzentrum Uster.

Free

Free; snacks at cost

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Sat 21 Nov

Sat 09:30–11:30

Dads’ meetup (Vätertreff) Winterthur — November

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

A free Saturday morning meetup for dads and kids aged 0 to 6 at Familienzentrum Winterthur.

Free

Free; bring food and drinks

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Crafts & workshops

Sat 21 Nov – Sun 22 Nov

Sat 14:00–17:00; Sun 10:00–17:00

Design your own Advent calendar at the Swiss Children’s Museum

Baden

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Kids paint their own Advent calendar, with pictures behind each door, at Baden’s children’s museum.

Indoor

Adults CHF 12, kids CHF 5, plus CHF 5 material per template

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

21 Nov – 13 Dec

Wed 15:00; Sat Nov 21 15:00; Sun 15:00 (Nov 22 and 29 also 11:00)

Dr Zauberer vo Oz — Basler Marionetten Theater

Basel

·

Basel

The Wizard of Oz with tabletop figures and flying monkeys, in Basel German, for ages six and up.

Adults CHF 25; kids CHF 15; Familienpass and KulturLegi accepted

Ages 3–6, 7+
Family outings

21 Nov – 21 Dec

Departures 15:45, 16:45, 17:45, and 18:45

Flying Santa Cruise on Lake Geneva

Montreux

·

Romandie

A children’s show aboard a Belle Époque steamer, complete with a flying Santa, on a short lake cruise from Montreux.

Adults CHF 49, kids 6–15 CHF 29

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 21 Nov

Market 12:00–18:00; festival tent until 22:00

Gfänner Adväntmärt Dübendorf

Dübendorf (Gfenn)

·

Canton Zurich

Around 60 stalls in the old village core of Gfenn near Dübendorf, a week before most Advent markets open.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sat 21 Nov

Sat Nov 21 (public family day)

Kultissimo children’s culture festival

Kriens

·

Central Switzerland

A children’s culture festival in Kriens and Lucerne with workshops, storytelling, music, and theater.

Day pass CHF 10 per person

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 21 Nov

17:00

Lucerne Advent opening and Samichlaus procession

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

Lucerne’s free Advent kickoff, with Samichlaus, a fire show, and the Christmas lights switched on.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

21 Nov – 19 Dec

Wed and Sat 14:00–18:00

Opera House Christmas Crafting at Bellevue Noël

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A Christmas fabric craft session with the Opernhaus Zürich costume team at Bellevue Noël.

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sat 21 Nov

Sat show 15:00; doors and kids’ activities from 12:30

Salto Kaleido family show Kloten

Kloten

·

Canton Zurich

A family day at the Salto winter circus in Kloten, with kids’ crafts and face painting before the afternoon show.

One free child ticket (up to age 12) and popcorn with each full-price adult ticket

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

21 Nov – 28 Feb

Shows 15:00; some 11:00 matinees; premieres 18:00

Schneewittchen — Basler Kindertheater

Basel

·

Basel

Snow White on stage at Basler Kindertheater, for kids aged four and up.

Children 4–16 CHF 21; adults CHF 27; Familienpass CHF 16/22

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 21 Nov – Sun 22 Nov

Sat 11:00–21:00; Sun 11:00–18:00

Winterzauber Seegräben at Juckerhof

Seegräben

·

Canton Zurich

A weekend winter market in Seegräben with a vintage children’s carousel and candle dipping in tipis.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 21 Nov – Sun 22 Nov

12:00–17:00 both days

Zuwebe Christmas market and children’s workshops

Baar (Inwil)

·

Central Switzerland

A Christmas market in Inwil with gingerbread decorating, nature crafts, and stories for kids every 45 minutes.

Free

Free entry; food and purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

Sun 22 Nov – Sat 28 Nov

Sun 14:00–17:00; Mon, Tue, Fri 15:30–18:00; Wed 14:00–17:00; Thu 18:00–20:00; Sat 10:00–15:00

Candle dipping at Viva Kirche Rümlang

Rümlang

·

Canton Zurich

A week of candle dipping at the Viva Kirche in Rümlang, with afternoon and evening slots.

Indoor

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Sun 22 Nov

Children’s exhibition opening: Von anderen Welten

Rapperswil-Jona

·

Eastern Switzerland

A children’s opening for the Kunst(Zeug)Haus exhibition Von anderen Welten (Of Other Worlds) in Rapperswil-Jona.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Family outings

22 Nov – 27 Dec

Daily evening departures between 18:00 and 19:45, in German or English

Christmas Train Luzern

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

An evening train ride through Lucerne’s decorated streets, with music and Christmas stories.

Adults CHF 20, kids CHF 10

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Sun 22 Nov

Sun 14:00–15:30

Family Sunday at Kunsthaus Zug

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

A guided family afternoon at Kunsthaus Zug exploring Kyra Tabea Balderer and Raphael Egil’s work, then making art in the studio.

CHF 15 per family, plus regular adult admission (CHF 15)

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 22 Nov

Sun 12:00–18:00

Neuheim Christmas market

Neuheim

·

Central Switzerland

A village Christmas market in Neuheim with a vintage carousel, gingerbread decorating, and a fairy-tale fairy.

Free

Free entry; rides and purchases may cost extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

22 Nov – 13 Dec

Sun 11:00–12:30 and 13:00–14:30

Roman pottery and clay modeling

Augst

·

Basel

Kids model Roman-style figures and vessels in clay and watch a potter at the wheel at Augusta Raurica.

CHF 16 or CHF 8, incl. museum admission

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 22 Nov

13:30–18:30

Samichlaus Bus — Aathal second date

Aathal

·

Canton Zurich

Samichlaus picks up families at Aathal station for an afternoon at his forest hut, with verses, a Zvieri, and a lantern walk.

Kids CHF 37, adults CHF 51; all included

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sun 22 Nov

11:00

Schlaf gut! — Vorstadttheater

Basel

·

Basel

A Sunday morning children’s theater show at Vorstadttheater Basel for ages three and up.

Adults CHF 28 (CHF 18 accompanying a child); kids CHF 10; Familienpass adults CHF 18

Ages 3–6
Markets & fairs

Mon 23 Nov

Mon 06:00–18:00 (some stalls from 04:00)

Zibelemärit — Bern onion market

Bern

·

Bern

Bern’s best-known market day, when the Old Town fills with onion braids, onion figures, toys, and cheese and onion pie.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Tue 24 Nov

Tue Nov 24 14:00–17:30; adults-only session 19:00–21:30

Advent wreath making at GZ Heuried

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Drop-in Advent wreath binding in the GZ Heuried workshop, one afternoon only, priced by wreath size.

Indoor

Wreath CHF 10–25 by size, straw ring CHF 5, small arrangement CHF 7; candles and decorations priced on site
Crafts & workshops

Wed 25 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Wed Nov 25 14:00–22:00; Thu Nov 26 14:00–18:00; Fri Nov 27 14:00–22:00; Sat Nov 28 13:00–17:00; Sun Nov 29 13:00–17:00

Advent wreath making at GZ Affoltern

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Five days of drop-in Advent wreath binding at GZ Affoltern, for adults and kids together.

Indoor

Contribution based on the materials you use; cash or Twint

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Wed 25 Nov – Sat 28 Nov

Wed Nov 25 and Sat Nov 28, 14:00–17:30

Advent wreath making at GZ Wollishofen

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Two afternoons of drop-in wreath binding at GZ Wollishofen in Neubühl, with a kids’ arrangement for CHF 8.

Indoor

Wreaths from CHF 15, depending on size and materials; kids’ arrangement CHF 8

Ages 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

Wed 25 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Wed 14:00–19:00; Thu–Fri 16:00–19:00; Sat–Sun 12:00–16:00

Candle dipping at Bäckeranlage

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Drop-in candle dipping in Kreis 4 for kindergartners through sixth graders and adults, priced by weight.

Price depends on candle weight and material; cash only

Ages 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

25 Nov – 9 Dec

Wed, Sat, and Sun 13:30–18:00; Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri 15:00–18:00

Candle dipping at Mesmerhuus Wil

Wil

·

Eastern Switzerland

Drop-in candle dipping at Wil’s Mesmerhuus, run by the Protestant church, for kids aged four and up.

CHF 4 per 100 g of finished candle

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

25 Nov – 20 Dec

Nov 25 and Dec 4 14:00–17:00; other dates 11:00–17:00

Face painting at Bellevue Noël

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Christmas face painting for kids at the Bellevue Noël market on selected Advent days.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Wed 25 Nov

Wed 14:00–16:00

Gingerbread house decorating — GZ Höngg

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Kids decorate their own gingerbread house at the Rütihof location of GZ Höngg.

Indoor

CHF 14 per person, CHF 7 with Kulturlegi

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

25 Nov – 6 Dec

Nov 25, 28, Dec 2, 5 at 14:30; Nov 29, Dec 6 at 11:00

Herisau Puppet Theater — Diebstahl bim Samichlaus

Herisau

·

Eastern Switzerland

A Samichlaus-themed puppet show in Herisau for kids aged four and up.

Kids CHF 10, adults CHF 15

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Wed 25 Nov

Märchenkoffer — fairy-tale storytelling at Kunst(Zeug)Haus

Rapperswil-Jona

·

Eastern Switzerland

Wednesday afternoon fairy-tale storytelling for young kids at the Kunst(Zeug)Haus in Rapperswil-Jona.

Ages 3–6
Samichlaus

Wed 25 Nov

13:30–18:30

Samichlaus Bus — Dürnten third date

Dürnten

·

Canton Zurich

A Samichlaus afternoon from Dürnten, with a bus ride, forest walk, Zvieri, and a Samichlaus-Säckli for each child.

Kids from age 2 CHF 37, adults CHF 51; all included

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

25 Nov – 6 Dec

Nov 25, 28, 29 and Dec 2, 5, 6 at 14:30

Samichlaus gsuecht! — FigurenTheater

St. Gallen

·

Eastern Switzerland

A fifty-minute Samichlaus puppet show for kids four and up at FigurenTheater St.Gallen.

CHF 16; KulturLegi CHF 10

Ages 3–6, 7+
Lights

26 Nov – 3 Jan

Daily 15:00–22:30

Basel Christmas lights and Münsterplatz snow globes

Basel

·

Basel

Basel’s Christmas lighting across the Old Town and Kleinbasel, including the giant snow globes on Münsterplatz.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

26 Nov – 23 Dec

11:00–20:30 daily

Basel Christmas Market

Basel

·

Basel

Basel’s Christmas market on two squares, with the Märchenwald kids’ area on Münsterplatz.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

26 Nov – 3 Jan

Mon–Thu 11:00–22:00; Fri–Sat 11:00–23:00; Sun 11:00–20:00; closed Dec 25

Basler Wienachtsdorf Theaterplatz

Basel

·

Basel

A new Christmas village on Basel’s Theaterplatz with a kids’ area and carousel, open into early January.

Free

Free entry

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

26 Nov – 22 Dec

Mon–Fri 13:30–19:00; Sat–Sun 11:00–19:00

Märchenwald Basel — candle dipping and crafts

Basel

·

Basel

A fairytale forest on Münsterplatz with candle dipping, gingerbread decorating, and a Christmas puppet theater.

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

26 Nov – 31 Dec

Tree lighting Nov 26 with countdown at 18:00; closed Dec 25

Natale in Piazza Lugano

Lugano

·

Ticino

Lugano’s Christmas season, with a tree lighting on Piazza della Riforma and more than 60 market huts through the center.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

26 Nov – 24 Dec

St. Gallen Christmas market

St. Gallen

·

Eastern Switzerland

St. Gallen’s Christmas market on the Gallusplatz, under more than 600 lit stars across the old town.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lights

Thu 26 Nov

18:30–19:30

Sternenstadt St. Gallen lights opening

St. Gallen

·

Eastern Switzerland

St. Gallen’s free public switch-on of its illuminated stars on Marktgasse.

Free

Free public event

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

26 Nov – 31 Dec

Villaggio Family from Dec 23

Talking tree and Villaggio Family in Parco Ciani

Lugano

·

Ticino

A talking tree that tells young kids a Christmas story in Lugano’s lakeside park, plus a family village over the holidays.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Thu 26 Nov

Thu 19:00–21:00

The magic tower: Bernese legends at Thun Castle

Thun

·

Bern

An evening of old Bernese legends told by a storyteller in costume, walking around and up through Thun Castle. For kids from 7.

Indoor

Adults CHF 25, kids from 7 CHF 5, paid on site

Ages 7+
Markets & fairs

Thu 26 Nov – Fri 27 Nov

Thu 10:00–22:00; Fri 10:00–21:00

Uster Märt and Chilbi — market and funfair

Uster

·

Canton Zurich

Uster’s huge two-day November market, with hundreds of stalls, fairground rides, and a farm machinery show.

Free

Free market entry; rides and purchases extra

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

26 Nov – 23 Dec

Tue–Fri 16:00–21:00; Sat 11:00–21:00; Sun 12:00–19:00; closed Mon

Village de Noël Neuchâtel

Neuchâtel

·

Romandie

Wooden chalets on Neuchâtel’s Place du Coq-d’Inde in the old town, open most of Advent.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

26 Nov – 23 Dec

Mon–Thu 11:00–20:00; Fri–Sat 11:00–20:30; Sun 11:00–19:00; Dec 23 until 19:00

Winterthur Christmas market and Märliwald

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

Winterthur’s old-town Christmas market on the Neumarkt, with a Märliwald of animated fairy-tale scenes for kids.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Thu 26 Nov

Zauberhöfe — Christmas courtyards in Basel’s Old Town

Basel

·

Basel

Decorated inner courtyards around Basel’s Old Town during the Basler Weihnacht, with lights, Christmas trees, and fire bowls.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Friday 17:00–21:00; Saturday 11:00–21:00; Sunday 11:00–18:00

Advent Market Bischofszell

Bischofszell

·

Eastern Switzerland

A three-day Advent market in Bischofszell’s compact historic old town.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Fri 27 Nov – Sat 28 Nov

Fri Nov 27 17:00–21:00; Sat Nov 28 10:00–15:00

Advent wreath making at GZ Hottingen

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Advent wreath binding across the whole GZ Hottingen building on Friday evening and Saturday, with inexpensive food.

Indoor

About CHF 20–40 for a 20, 25, or 30 cm wreath with fir and wire; decorations extra
Crafts & workshops

Fri 27 Nov

Fri Nov 27 15:00–20:00

Advent wreath making at GZ Leimbach

Zürich

·

Zurich city

One afternoon and evening of drop-in Advent wreath binding at GZ Leimbach. Bring your own candles.

Indoor

From CHF 16 per wreath; decorations extra
Crafts & workshops

Fri 27 Nov

Fri Nov 27 14:00–20:00

Advent wreath making at GZ Loogarten

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Drop-in Advent wreath binding at GZ Loogarten in Altstetten, with small pot arrangements for kids from age 6.

Indoor

Wreaths from CHF 22; kids’ arrangement from CHF 8; decorations from CHF 0.30

Ages 7+
Crafts & workshops

Fri 27 Nov

Fri Nov 27 16:00–20:30

Advent wreath making at GZ Seebach

Zürich

·

Zurich city

One evening of drop-in Advent wreath binding at GZ Seebach, for adults, teens, and accompanied kids.

Indoor

Materials CHF 18 to about CHF 60, depending on wreath size and materials

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Fri 27 Nov – Sat 28 Nov

Fri 18:00; Sat 15:00

Bachibouzouk — Vorstadttheater

Basel

·

Basel

A nearly wordless dream adventure with colorful plastic sheets at Vorstadttheater Basel, for ages six and up.

Adults CHF 28 (CHF 18 accompanying a child); kids CHF 10; Familienpass adults CHF 18

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Bülach Christmas market

Bülach

·

Canton Zurich

A three-day Christmas market in Bülach’s old town, running the same weekend as the town’s Samichlaus parade.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

27 Nov – 13 Dec

Christmas candle dipping at Markthalle Aarau

Aarau

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Aarau’s long-running Advent beeswax candle dipping in the Markthalle, run by insieme Aarau-Lenzburg.

CHF 4.50 per 100g beeswax

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

27 Nov – 24 Dec

Mon–Sat 10:00–20:00; Sun 10:00–18:00; Dec 24 10:00–17:00

Christmas Market at Waisenhausplatz

Bern

·

Bern

Bern’s central Christmas market on Waisenhausplatz, right next to the candle-dipping tent.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Fri 17:00–22:00; Sat 11:00–21:00; Sun 11:00–17:00

Christmas market by the lake in Brunnen

Brunnen

·

Central Switzerland

About 60 huts of handmade goods on the Lake Lucerne shore, with a weekend kids’ program of baking, candles, and stories.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

27 Nov – 20 Dec

Fri 14:00–20:00; Sat 10:00–20:00; Sun 10:00–18:00

Christmas market in Gruyères

Gruyères

·

Romandie

A Christmas market inside the ramparts of medieval Gruyères, with a family day, shows, and children’s workshops.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

27 Nov – 23 Dec

Daily 11:00–21:00; merchandise stalls close 19:00

Chur Christkindlimarkt

Chur

·

Graubünden

Chur’s daily Advent market near the station, with blacksmith demonstrations and bell ringers on the opening weekend.

Free

Free to browse; food and purchases extra (no ticket listed)

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 27 Nov – Sat 28 Nov

Friday 14:00–21:00; Saturday 11:00–19:00

Chur Old Town Christmas Market

Chur

·

Graubünden

A two-day Christmas market in Chur’s historic old town, separate from the longer Christkindlimarkt.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

27 Nov – 6 Dec

Circus Knie in Agno

Agno

·

Ticino

Switzerland’s national circus brings its 2026 tour show to Agno.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Fri 27 Nov

Fri 17:30–20:00

Decorate the Albisrieden Christmas tree

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Make your own ornament and hang it on Albisrieden’s big Christmas tree, with punch to warm up.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

27 Nov – 6 Dec

Nov 27 17:00–21:00; Sat 11:00–21:00; Sun 11:00–19:30; weekdays 11:00–19:30; Dec 4 11:00–21:00

Einsiedeln Christmas Market

Einsiedeln

·

Central Switzerland

A Christmas market around Einsiedeln Abbey, with stalls and lights against the abbey’s backdrop.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Family outings

27 Nov – 18 Dec

Nov 27 and Dec 18, 18:30–19:30

Evening tour of the Vivarium at Dählhölzli

Bern

·

Bern

An after-dark guided tour through the tropical Vivarium at Bern’s Dählhölzli zoo, for kids from 8.

Indoor

Adults CHF 30, kids CHF 20

Ages 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Fri food 17:00–22:00; Sat market 10:00–19:00; Sun market 11:00–19:00

Horgen Christmas Market

Horgen

·

Canton Zurich

A village Christmas market on Horgen’s Dorfplatz over the first Advent weekend, with food from Friday evening.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 27 Nov

Fri 15:30–20:30; Beizli open until 21:30

Hünenberg Christmas market

Hünenberg

·

Central Switzerland

A local Friday-evening Christmas market in Hünenberg with handmade gifts, Advent arrangements, and a kids’ play and craft corner.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Ice skating

27 Nov – 31 Dec

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 16:30–19:30; Wed 13:30–19:30; Sat–Sun 11:00–20:00; opening day Nov 27 17:30–21:00

LAC Winter Village ice rink Lugano

Lugano

·

Ticino

Lugano’s ice rink has moved to the lakefront in front of LAC, with a winter village, workshops, and readings.

Free Outdoor

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Lights

27 Nov – 3 Jan

After dark; lighting hours not separately specified

Rheinfelden Advent light trail

Rheinfelden

·

Aargau & Solothurn

A free after-dark walk past Rheinfelden’s Advent light displays in the old town and along the river.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

27 Nov – 23 Dec

Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00; Sun 11:00–18:00

Thun Christmas Market

Thun

·

Bern

Thun’s old-town Christmas market, with Samichlaus and donkey rides on select days.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 27 Nov – Sat 28 Nov

Wald Christmas market

Wald ZH

·

Canton Zurich

A Christmas market in Wald ZH with a petting zoo, donkey rides, puppet theater, and a Samichlaus visit.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

10:00–18:00 both days

Advent Bazaar at Elfenau Greenhouses

Bern

·

Bern

An Advent bazaar in Bern’s Elfenau greenhouses with workshops, magic, music, and food trucks.

Free

Free entry; workshops and purchases may cost extra

Ages 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

28 Nov – 13 Dec

Mon–Fri 12:00–18:00; Sat/Sun 11:00–17:00

Beeswax candle dipping at Sternenmarkt

St. Gallen

·

Eastern Switzerland

Beeswax-blend candle dipping in a church-run tent at St. Gallen’s Sternenmarkt.

CHF 5 per 100 g wax

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Sat 12:00–21:00; Sun 10:00–18:00

Brienz Christmas market

Brienz

·

Bern

A lakeside Christmas market in the woodcarving village of Brienz, with a historic carousel, Samichlaus, and a lantern parade.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 28 Nov

Market 13:00–19:00; Chlauseinzug from Dübendorf station at 16:00

Chlausmärt and Chlauseinzug Dübendorf

Dübendorf

·

Canton Zurich

Dübendorf’s long-running Chlausmärt, with Samichlaus parading in from the station to the market square.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov

Sat 11:00–20:00

Christchindli-Märt Baar

Baar

·

Central Switzerland

Baar’s long-running Advent market with 130-plus stalls, Samichlaus, a carousel, and a storytelling corner.

Free

Free entry; rides and purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Christkindlimarkt Sargans

Sargans

·

Eastern Switzerland

An old-town Christmas market in Sargans with Samichlaus, candle dipping, and a Kasperli puppet show.

Free

Free market admission

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov

10:00–19:00

Christmas Market Arbon

Arbon

·

Eastern Switzerland

A one-day Christkindlimarkt in Arbon’s lakeside old town.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

28 Nov – 24 Dec

Mon–Thu 11:00–18:30; Fri 11:00–20:00; Sat/Sun 10:00–18:00; Dec 24 10:00–16:00

Christmas Market at Münsterplatz

Bern

·

Bern

A handicraft-focused Christmas market beside Bern’s cathedral.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Sat 09:00–18:00; Sun 10:00–17:00

Christmas market at Schloss Biberstein

Biberstein

·

Aargau & Solothurn

A castle Christmas market just outside Aarau, selling goods handcrafted by the Schloss Biberstein foundation’s own workshops.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov

10:30–18:30

Davos Christmas Market on Arkadenplatz

Davos

·

Graubünden

A one-day Christmas market on Davos Platz’s Arkadenplatz, with 28 stalls and a hospitality area.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Sat 28 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Sat–Sun 13:00–16:45

DIY Advent calendar — Basler Papiermühle

Basel

·

Basel

Families stamp, print, and draw their own Advent calendar at Basel’s paper museum.

Included with museum admission

Ages 3–6, 7+
Ice skating

28 Nov – 18 Dec

19:00–23:00

Eis-Disco at Basel’s ice rinks

Basel

·

Basel

Evening skating to music and lights at Basel’s outdoor rinks, open to kids and adults.

Outdoor

Kids 6–16 CHF 7, adults CHF 10, skate rental CHF 5

Ages 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov

Sat 11:00–19:30

Embri Märt: Embrach Christmas market

Embrach

·

Canton Zurich

Embrach’s one-day Christmas market around the Reformed church, from late morning into the evening.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov

Sat 11:00–20:00 (food until 23:00); Chlauseinzug 17:00

Gossau ZH Christmas market and Chlauseinzug

Gossau ZH

·

Canton Zurich

Gossau ZH’s one-day Christmas market on the Ernst-Brugger-Platz, with a Samichlaus parade at 17:00.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 10:00–19:00

Hergiswil Dorf-Advent — Children’s Activities

Hergiswil

·

Central Switzerland

A village Advent market in Hergiswil with gingerbread decorating, face painting, a carousel, and a kids’ train.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov

11:00–19:00

Menzingen Christmas market and Samichlaus

Menzingen

·

Central Switzerland

Menzingen’s village Christmas market with choirs, brass music, and Samichlaus with bell ringers.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Family outings

Sat 28 Nov

Meyrin Run family race

Meyrin

·

Romandie

A community running event near Geneva with a 1.6 km family course and short kids’ races.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

28 Nov – 20 Dec

Mon–Fri 15:00–21:00; Sat 11:00–21:00; Sun 11:00–20:00; food later Fri/Sat

Olten Advent Village

Olten

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Olten’s Advent village with a sledding slope, ice rink, carousel, candle dipping, and a small animal area.

Free

Free market entry; individual attractions may cost extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 28 Nov

Sat 17:30

Samichlaus arrival in Altdorf

Altdorf

·

Central Switzerland

Altdorf’s Samichlaus procession through the village, followed by his speech to the crowd.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 28 Nov

Sat 17:30 service; St. Nicholas leaves the church at 18:30

St. Nicholas send-off and gifts at Einsiedeln market

Einsiedeln

·

Central Switzerland

St. Nicholas is blessed in Einsiedeln’s abbey church, then hands out gifts at the Christmas market.

Public event; no price stated

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov

Sat 08:00–17:00

Wädenswil Christmas Market

Wädenswil

·

Canton Zurich

A daytime Christmas market in Wädenswil on the first Advent Saturday.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 28 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Sat 10:00–18:00; Sun 11:00–17:00

Wiehnachtsmärt 4125 Riehen

Riehen

·

Basel

A small indoor Christmas craft market in Riehen’s Landgasthof hall, with a café, on the first Advent weekend.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sat 28 Nov

Sat 14:00 (1 hr 30 min)

With Squillo through the world of opera — Opernhaus Zürich

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A rabbit-like conductor and an earworm called Squillo lead kids on a playful tour through the opera house.

Indoor

Ages 7+
Music

Sun 29 Nov

Sun: concerts at 10:15 and 11:30, 45 minutes each; doors open 15 minutes before

Advent baby concert — GZ Seebach

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A 45-minute Advent concert made for babies and toddlers, with two sittings on Sunday morning.

Indoor

CHF 10 per person in advance (adults, kids, and babies), CHF 12 at the door if seats remain

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Music

29 Nov – 20 Dec

Advent Sunday candle ritual at Bellevue Noël

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Each Advent Sunday one candle on the giant wreath takes center stage, with choirs and cultural performances.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

29 Nov – 6 Dec

Christkind story 13:30; fondue sittings 12:00 and 14:30

Blüemlisberger Advent — Christmas story

Sattel

·

Central Switzerland

A mountain Advent event above Sattel with a Christkind visit and a Christmas story for kids.

Christkind story free; gondola + Advent meal adults CHF 30; gondola + fondue adults CHF 50

Ages 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

Sun 29 Nov

10:00–17:00

Candle dipping at Schloss Dottenwil

Wittenbach

·

Eastern Switzerland

A day of candle dipping for kids and adults at Schloss Dottenwil near Wittenbach.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Candle dipping

29 Nov – 6 Dec

Nov 29 10:00–18:00; Nov 30–Dec 5 10:00–20:00; Dec 6 10:00–15:00; last entry one hour before closing

Candle Dipping at Waisenhausplatz

Bern

·

Bern

A heated candle-dipping tent in Bern with stations at kid height and volunteer help.

Beeswax CHF 4.20 per 100 g; colored wax CHF 4.00 per 100 g

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 16:16

Chlauseinzug Winterthur — Samichlaus parade

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

On the first Sunday of Advent, Samichläuse parade through Winterthur’s old town, handing out mandarins, peanuts, and sweets.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 13:00–17:00

Christmas bazaar on the hayloft — GZ Schindlergut

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Local makers sell handmade gifts in the hayloft at GZ Schindlergut, with the GZ café open.

Free

Free entry

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 11:00–17:00

Christmas market at Fischingen Monastery

Fischingen

·

Eastern Switzerland

A one-day Christmas market at the baroque Benedictine monastery of Fischingen in the Thurgau hills.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 29 Nov

Grüningen Christmas market at the castle

Grüningen

·

Canton Zurich

A one-day Christmas market in Grüningen’s castle courtyard and old town, with a children’s carousel.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Music

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 14:30 and 16:30

Joshua and the Magic Fiddle — maxi.musik family concert

Basel

·

Basel

Sinfonieorchester Basel’s hour-long concert story for primary school kids, with musicians from the orchestra.

Indoor

Adults CHF 25, kids CHF 15, family (2+2) CHF 60

Ages 7+
Theater & stories

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 15:00

Junges Foyer puppet-theater workshop ages 2–5

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

A puppet-theater workshop for children aged two to five at Theater Casino Zug.

CHF 15 per child with one accompanying adult

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Samichlaus

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 10:00–18:00

Klausmarkt Zug with children’s attraction

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

Zug’s Klausmarkt, a city-center market in the Samichlaus season with a children’s attraction.

Free entry

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 13:00–19:00

Meilen Christmas market

Meilen

·

Canton Zurich

Meilen’s one-day Christmas market has more than 150 stalls, a Chlauseinzug, and a tree that kids help decorate.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Sun 29 Nov

11:00–16:00

Open Studio for Children

Aarau

·

Aargau & Solothurn

An open art studio at the Aargauer Kunsthaus for kids from babies to age twelve.

Museum admission + CHF 8 per child

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 15:00 (about 65 min)

Ronja Räubertochter puppet theater

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

Astrid Lindgren’s Ronja Räubertochter (Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter) as puppet theater at Theater Casino Zug.

Adults CHF 40, kids CHF 15

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 29 Nov

Rüti Christmas market

Rüti ZH

·

Canton Zurich

Rüti’s Christmas market in the Klosterhof, with a children’s train, Samichlaus, and a tree-decorating contest.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 29 Nov

17:45

Samichlaus arrives by boat in Schmerikon

Schmerikon

·

Eastern Switzerland

Samichlaus arrives by boat in Schmerikon, followed by a story in the church and Chlausbiber for the kids.

Free

Free public event

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 17:00–18:00

Samichlaus Christmas-tree kickoff

St. Gallen

·

Eastern Switzerland

A community Christmas-tree kickoff with a Samichlaus visit at the Reformed Church in St. Gallen.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 17:00

Samichlaus parade Bülach

Bülach

·

Canton Zurich

Bülach’s Samichlaus procession through the old town, with bell ringers, drummers, and horse-drawn wagons.

Free

Free to watch

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 29 Nov

17:00

Samichlaus parade Zürich

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Zurich’s Samichlaus parade along Bahnhofstrasse, with small gifts for kids along the route.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 29 Nov

From 17:00; celebration approximately 18:00

Samichlaus procession in Jona

Rapperswil-Jona

·

Eastern Switzerland

Samichlaus walks from the Jonerwald into Jona, with a small surprise for every child.

No admission charge listed

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 29 Nov

Sun 11:00–17:00 shops; 16:00 carol singing; 16:45 Samichlous at the Zytglogge

Samichlous at the Zytglogge on the 1st of Advent

Bern

·

Bern

On the first Sunday of Advent, Samichlous comes out of the Zytglogge clock tower after carol singing on Kramgasse.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

1 Dec – 23 Dec

Daily, evenings

Advent calendar at Theater Basel

Basel

·

Basel

A daily Advent surprise in the Theater Basel foyer, with short ballet, drama, and opera excerpts.

Indoor
Crafts & workshops

Tue 1 Dec

Tue 14:30–16:30

Cookie baking — GZ Hottingen

Zürich

·

Zurich city

An afternoon of Christmas cookie baking at GZ Hottingen, while supplies last.

Indoor

CHF 5

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Wed 2 Dec

17:00–21:00

Advent celebration with Samichlaus and donkeys

Oberuzwil

·

Eastern Switzerland

An Advent evening on Oberuzwil’s village square with Samichlaus, Schmutzli, and donkeys.

Public event; purchases extra

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Wed 2 Dec – Thu 3 Dec

Wed–Thu 13:30–21:00

Chlausemäret Solothurn St. Nicholas market

Solothurn

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Solothurn’s two-day St. Nicholas market fills Friedhofplatz and the old-town lanes with more than 70 stalls.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Wed 2 Dec

Wed 09:00–17:00

Chlöösler-Chlausmarkt in Appenzell

Appenzell

·

Eastern Switzerland

Appenzell’s Chlaus market fills the village center with more than 30 stalls of regional crafts.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Wed 2 Dec

Wed 14:00–17:00

Christmas crafting for kids — GZ Seebach

Zürich

·

Zurich city

An afternoon of Advent decorations, printed cards, and gift tags in the GZ Seebach workshop.

Indoor

Depends on materials used

Ages 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Wed 2 Dec

Wed 15:30–16:30

Family tour of the Zurich Opera House

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A one-hour backstage tour for families through the stage, workshops, and costume storage of the opera house.

Indoor

Adults CHF 15, kids free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Wed 2 Dec

Wed 14:30–17:30 (last start 16:45)

Grittibänz baking — GZ Grünau

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Kids shape and bake their own Grittibänz at GZ Grünau.

Indoor

CHF 4 per Grittibänz

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

2 Dec – 3 Jan

Wed–Fri 14:00–20:00; Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–19:00

Märlistadt Christmas market in Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein

·

Eastern Switzerland

A medieval old town turned into a fairy-tale Christmas market, with a shop-window story trail, a free carousel, and crafts.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Wed 2 Dec

Wed 15:00 and 17:00

S’Äffli Noarah — Christmas in the Rainforest

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

A Christmas dance-theater story about a rainforest monkey who finds a mysterious red coat and bell.

Adults CHF 18, kids CHF 13

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Wed 2 Dec – Mon 7 Dec

Daily 10:00–16:00

Samichlaus forest hut (Waldhüsli) at Käferberg

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Walk through the Käferberg forest to visit Samichlaus and Schmutzli at their hut, including their living room and bedroom.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Wed 2 Dec

16:00–20:00

St. Moritz Christmas market

St. Moritz

·

Graubünden

An evening Christmas market in the St. Moritz pedestrian zone, with regional products, handmade gifts, and music.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Thu 3 Dec

17:00 (arrives at the Schlossplatz around 17:20)

Aarauer Chlausauszug St. Nicholas procession

Aarau

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Samichlaus walks from Aarau’s town church through the old town on the market’s opening evening, then hands out treats to kids.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

3 Dec – 20 Dec

Thu–Fri 16:00–21:00; Sat 10:00–21:00; Sun 10:00–19:00 (Dec 3–6, 10–13, 17–20)

Advent i de Altstadt Christmas market Aarau

Aarau

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Aarau’s old-town Christmas market runs Thursday to Sunday over three December weekends, with a kids’ carousel and candle dipping.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Thu 3 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Thu 13:30–22:00; Fri–Sat 11:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–18:00

Bremgarten Christmas and Christkindli Market

Bremgarten

·

Aargau & Solothurn

One of Aargau’s best-known Christmas markets, spread through Bremgarten’s historic old town.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

3 Dec – 20 Dec

Thu–Fri 14:00–21:00; Sat 11:00–21:00; Sun 11:00–19:30; also Wed Dec 9 14:00–21:00

Christkindlimärt Rapperswil-Jona

Rapperswil-Jona

·

Eastern Switzerland

Rapperswil’s large old-town Christmas market, with more than 200 stalls stretching from the lakefront.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

3 Dec – 24 Dec

Mon–Wed and Fri 11:00–19:00, Thu 11:00–20:00, Sat 09:00–18:00, Sun 10:00–18:00

Christmas Market Biel/Bienne

Biel/Bienne

·

Bern

Biel/Bienne’s Christmas market along the Nidaugasse pedestrian street, open daily through most of December.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

3 Dec – 21 Dec

Daily 11:00–20:00, food stalls to 21:00; Dec 21 to 19:00

Lozärner Christmas Market

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

Lucerne’s old-town Christmas market around the Franciscan church.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Family outings

3 Dec – 17 Dec

Thu 17:30–18:30

Winter in the Middle Ages walk in Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein

·

Eastern Switzerland

A one-hour guided walk about how people in medieval Stein am Rhein got through winter.

Adults CHF 10, kids 6–15 CHF 10

Ages 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Opens Fri 17:30; closes Sun 18:00

Bad Zurzach Christmas market

Bad Zurzach

·

Aargau & Solothurn

More than 60 decorated stalls with crafts, decorations, and regional food fill Bad Zurzach’s historic center for a weekend.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 4 Dec – Tue 8 Dec

Brig Christmas Market and Children’s Program

Brig

·

Romandie

An Advent market on Brig’s Stadtplatz with a children’s carousel, candle making, and puppet theater.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Fri–Sat 10:00–22:00; Sun 10:00–18:00

Christkindlimärt Willisau

Willisau

·

Central Switzerland

Willisau’s walled old town turns into a three-day Christmas market with roasting chestnuts, fire kettles, and music.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Fri 4 Dec

17:30

Etzelchlaus arrival in Rapperswil

Rapperswil-Jona

·

Eastern Switzerland

Around thirty Samichläuse, Schmutzlis, and donkeys arrive on Rapperswil’s main square.

No admission charge listed

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Fri 4 Dec

18:30

Glarus Chlaus Procession

Glarus

·

Eastern Switzerland

The big Glarus Chlaus procession, with around 600 children and young people carrying lanterns, torches, and bells.

Public procession; no ticket listed

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Glarus Christmas Market

Glarus

·

Eastern Switzerland

A Glarus Christmas market with indoor and outdoor stalls, a Samichlaus hut, and a big Friday procession.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

4 Dec – 23 Dec

Neuchâtel Christmas market at the Jardin Anglais

Neuchâtel

·

Romandie

Neuchâtel’s lakeside Christmas market has a yurt with fairy tales, face painting, and visits from Père Noël.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Procession departs 17:00; speech around 18:00

Saint-Nicolas celebration Fribourg

Fribourg

·

Romandie

Saint Nicolas rides a donkey through Fribourg’s old town after dark, handing out biscômes along the way.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Fri 4 Dec

Fri 18:00–20:00

Samichlaus on the hayloft — GZ Schindlergut

Zürich

·

Zurich city

An evening Samichlaus visit in the hayloft at GZ Schindlergut, for a small group of up to 25 kids.

Indoor

CHF 10 per child, passed on to Samichlaus for a charity

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Samichlaus

Fri 4 Dec – Mon 7 Dec

Daily 17:00–20:00

Samichlaus phone line (Chlaus-Telefon)

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Kids can call Samichlaus and Schmutzli for free on a dedicated phone line in the evenings before December 6.

Free

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 4 Dec

15:00–20:00

Steinhausen Christmas market

Steinhausen

·

Central Switzerland

Steinhausen’s village Christmas market on Dorfplatz, with music school performances and a Samichlaus procession.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 4 Dec

Thalwil Christmas Market

Thalwil

·

Canton Zurich

A one-day Christmas market on Thalwil’s Gotthardstrasse and Centralplatz in early December.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Fri 17:00–22:00; Sat 10:00–22:00; Sun 10:00–17:00

Weihnachtsmarkt der Sinne Zofingen

Zofingen

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Zofingen’s old-town Christmas market has a carousel, a medieval market, and camel rides on Saturday.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Fri 17:00–21:00; Sat 13:00–21:00; Sun 11:00–17:00

Wildegg Castle Christmas Market

Möriken-Wildegg

·

Aargau & Solothurn

A Christmas market at Schloss Wildegg with crafts in the castle barn, an old carousel, flashlight castle tours, and Samichlaus.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 5 Dec

10:00–15:00

Advent gathering on Zehntenhausplatz

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A daytime neighborhood Advent gathering in Zürich-Affoltern with hot drinks, snacks, and a Samichlaus visit.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 5 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Saturday 13:00–19:00; Sunday 11:00–17:00

Appenzell Christchindlimarkt

Appenzell

·

Eastern Switzerland

A compact Christmas market on Appenzell’s Postplatz with handmade goods, over Samichlaus weekend.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 5 Dec

11:00–20:00

Artigiani in Borgo Ascona

Ascona

·

Ticino

Ascona’s craft Christmas market in the old town, a short walk from the new lakefront ice path.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 5 Dec

Sat 09:30–10:00

Children’s Samichlaus celebration

St. Gallen

·

Eastern Switzerland

A Saturday morning Samichlaus celebration for young kids at the Reformed Church in St. Gallen.

Ages 3–6
Markets & fairs

Sat 5 Dec

Sat 14:00–20:00

Chlouse-Märit Spiez — Samichlaus market

Spiez

·

Bern

An outdoor Samichlaus-weekend market in Spiez town center.

Free

Free entry

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 5 Dec

Sat 11:00–19:00

Christchindli-Märt Greifensee

Greifensee

·

Canton Zurich

A one-day Christmas market in Greifensee’s tiny old town, between the castle, the church, and the lake.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Family outings

5 Dec – 12 Dec

Sat 09:00–17:00

Christmas days on the farm at Horbermatt

Oberbalm

·

Bern

A supervised pre-Christmas day on a working farm near Bern, with Grittibänz baking, animals, pony rides, and hay jumping.

CHF 100 per child, including supervision and meals

Ages 3–6, 7+
Family outings

Sat 5 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Sat 10:00–23:00; Sun 09:00–18:00

Course de l’Escalade kids’ races

Geneva

·

Romandie

Geneva’s famous costumed running race through the Old Town, with youth and children’s categories.

Kids CHF 26, adults CHF 42

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 5 Dec

11:00–18:00

Dietlikon Christmas market with Samichlaus

Dietlikon

·

Canton Zurich

A one-day village Christmas market in Dietlikon where the Samichlaus visit is the main event for kids.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

Sat 5 Dec

Sat 08:30–11:00

Father-and-child breakfast Wetzikon — December

Wetzikon

·

Canton Zurich

A father-and-child breakfast in Wetzikon for preschool kids, with indoor and garden play after breakfast.

CHF 7 per father plus CHF 1 per child

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Samichlaus

Sat 5 Dec

Sat 20:15

Küssnachter Klausjagen

Küssnacht am Rigi

·

Central Switzerland

One of Europe’s biggest St. Nicholas processions, with glowing Iffele headdresses, torches, and about a thousand cowbell ringers.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

5 Dec – 20 Dec

Sat 08:00–17:00; Sun and Tue Dec 8 10:00–18:00

Lucerne Christmas and crafts market

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

Lucerne’s crafts market goes festive, with handmade gifts at Weinmarkt in the old town.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 5 Dec

Samichlaus breakfast Baar

Baar

·

Central Switzerland

Breakfast with Samichlaus in Baar on the Saturday morning before Samichlaus Day.

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Samichlaus

Sat 5 Dec

Sat 15:30–16:30 or 17:00–18:00

Samichlaus forest visit in Kirchberg

Kirchberg

·

Eastern Switzerland

Follow a lantern path into Kirchberg’s Hüsligswald for a small-group Samichlaus visit.

CHF 10 per child for Mütterteam members, CHF 15 for non-members; registration required

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 5 Dec

Sat 19:40

Samichlaus Parade in Stans

Stans

·

Central Switzerland

An evening Samichlaus procession in Stans, with Schmutzlis, torches, and bell ringers.

Free

Free public parade

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 5 Dec

Samichlaus steam train to the Sihlwald

Sihlwald

·

Canton Zurich

A Zürcher Museums-Bahn steam train runs families from Zürich-Wiedikon into the Sihlwald to meet Samichlaus.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 5 Dec

15:30–16:30 (Samichlous leaves at 16:30)

Samichlous visits Tierpark Dählhölzli

Bern

·

Bern

Samichlaus and Schmutzli visit Bern’s Dählhölzli zoo with a story and a Chlaus bag for every kid.

Included with regular zoo admission

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sat 5 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Sat 09:00–16:00 at Rössli-Felsen-Platz; Sun 10:00–16:00 at the Waldhüsli on the Ottenberg

St. Nikolaus public visits in Weinfelden

Weinfelden

·

Eastern Switzerland

Weinfelden’s St. Nikolaus and Schmutzli meet families without registration, in town on Saturday and in the forest on Sunday.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 5 Dec – Sun 6 Dec

Sat 11:00–21:30; Sun 11:00–19:30

Winter market at Freiruum

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

A two-day winter market at Freiruum in Zug with Samichlaus story time, candle making, and face painting.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

40 Samichläuse parade in Bad Ragaz

Bad Ragaz

·

Eastern Switzerland

A bishop leads around 40 Samichläuse and a Schmutzli through Bad Ragaz every December 6.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Sun 6 Dec

11:00–17:00; museum crafts 10:00–17:30

Advent Castle and Craft Market

Burgdorf

·

Bern

A hands-on historical Advent market at Burgdorf Castle, with crafts kids can try themselves.

Free

Free castle-market admission; museum crafts require regular museum ticket

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

Fondue seatings 12:00 and 14:30

Blüemlisberger Advent on Sattel-Hochstuckli

Sattel

·

Central Switzerland

A mountain Advent Sunday on Blüemlisberg above Sattel, reached by gondola, with fondue and warm drinks.

Advent package CHF 30; gondola and fondue package CHF 50 (ages 16 and up)

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 6 Dec

Sun 10:00–16:00

Chlaus-Koffermärt Volketswil

Volketswil

·

Canton Zurich

A Samichlaus Sunday suitcase market at the GZ In der Au in Volketswil, with handmade and one-off finds.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

From 17:00; Samichlous from 18:30

Chlouse-Märit Matten (St. Stephan)

Matten bei St. Stephan (Simmental)

·

Bern

A small Sunday-evening village market in the Simmental where kids decorate gingerbread and meet Samichlous.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 6 Dec

Christmas market at Ritterhaus Bubikon

Bubikon

·

Canton Zurich

A Christmas market in the courtyard of the medieval Ritterhaus Bubikon, with Samichlaus, stories, and theater.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

6 Dec – 20 Dec

Sun 12:00–16:00

Gingerbread Biber decorating at Bellevue Noël

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Kids decorate Swiss Biber gingerbread in the Kinderhaus at the Bellevue Noël market on three Advent Sundays.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

Sun afternoon

Harley Niggi-Näggi — Samichlaus motorcycle parade

Basel

·

Basel

Riders dressed as Samichlaus take Harley-Davidsons through Basel’s city center, collecting donations for charity.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

6 Dec – 20 Dec

Imperial Christmas Sundays at Arenenberg

Salenstein

·

Eastern Switzerland

Advent Sundays at Napoleon’s Lake Constance castle, where kids dress in historical costumes and hear his story.

Indoor

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

From 14:00

Samichlaus and Schmutzli at Rheinfelden nativity

Rheinfelden

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Samichlaus and Schmutzli visit Rheinfelden’s nativity scene on Zähringerplatz on Samichlaus Day.

Free

Free public visit; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

Sun 14:00–17:00

Samichlaus arrives by boat in Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein

·

Eastern Switzerland

Samichlaus lands at the Stein am Rhein boat pier and walks through the Christmas market old town.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

14:00–17:00

Samichlaus at Bellevue Noël

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Samichlaus and Schmutzli visit the children’s area at the Bellevue Noël Christmas market.

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

13:00–17:00

Samichlaus at Haus der Museen

Olten

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Samichlaus and Schmutzli visit Olten’s Haus der Museen, with crafts and free museum entry.

Free

Free museum admission all day

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

13:00–16:00

Samichlaus at Thun Castle

Thun

·

Bern

A free Samichlaus visit at Thun Castle on December 6.

Free

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

Sun departures 11:20 and 13:20; back at 13:05 and 15:05

Samichlaus boat

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A two-hour Lake Zurich round trip with Samichlaus and Schmutzli on board.

Adults CHF 9.40, kids 6+ CHF 4.70; ZVV tickets and travel passes valid

Ages 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

Sun 14:00–16:00

Samichlaus on the Schwägalp

Schwägalp

·

Eastern Switzerland

Samichlaus, Schmutzli, and their two donkeys spend the afternoon on the Schwägalp below the Säntis.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Sun 6 Dec

Sun 17:00–18:00 (doors 16:30)

Samichlaus visit at Museum Langmatt

Baden

·

Aargau & Solothurn

An intimate Samichlaus visit in Baden’s Christmas-decorated Langmatt villa, limited to thirty children.

Adults CHF 10, kids CHF 5

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 6 Dec

St. Nicholas market Samedan

Samedan

·

Graubünden

Samedan’s St. Nicholas Day market, where local shops and clubs set up stalls in the Engadin village center.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sun 6 Dec

10:15–11:00

Stories of Autumn — Theater Bilitz, December edition

Weinfelden

·

Eastern Switzerland

A short storytelling-theater morning for kids aged four and up, with a new surprise story each time.

CHF 6 admission

Ages 3–6, 7+
Music

Sun 6 Dec

Sun 14:00

Winterzauber mit de Tante Carmen

Dietikon

·

Canton Zurich

Tante Carmen’s sing-along winter show for kids at the Limmatzauber Christmas village in Dietikon.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sun 6 Dec

Sun 14:00–18:00

Zuger Märlisunntig — fairy-tale Sunday

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

Zug’s old town turns into a fairy-tale trail, with around thirty storytelling rooms and carriage rides.

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sun 6 Dec

13:30–17:00

Zuger Märlisunntig at Museum Burg Zug

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

Free fairy-tale storytelling inside Zug’s castle museum, for kids five and up.

Free

Free entry

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Mon 7 Dec

18:00

Advent at Kurtheater: Minitheater Hannibal

Baden

·

Aargau & Solothurn

A Zurich storytelling duo performs the Grimm tale of the wolf and the goats, retold with a Christmas twist.

Free Indoor

Free (collection)

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Tue 8 Dec

12:00–19:00

Chamer Wiehnachtsmärt and fairy-tale hour

Cham

·

Central Switzerland

Cham’s holiday Christmas market with more than 100 stalls across the village and church squares.

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Tue 8 Dec

10:00–21:00

Locarno old town Christmas market

Locarno

·

Ticino

A one-day Christmas market through Locarno’s old town on the Immaculate Conception holiday.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Samichlaus

Tue 8 Dec

14:05 or 16:05; about 1 hour

Zugerberg lights trail with Zugiblubbi and Samichlaus

Zugerberg

·

Central Switzerland

A free hour-long lights-trail walk on the Zugerberg with Samichlaus and Zugiblubbi.

Free

Free event; transport tickets extra

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Wed 9 Dec

Wed 15:00–16:00

Advent story with Kamishibai at Weinfelden library

Weinfelden

·

Eastern Switzerland

An Advent story told with Japanese picture-card theater, followed by a small craft for kids and parents.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Wed 9 Dec

Wed 14:00–17:00

Children’s Christmas market Geneva

Geneva

·

Romandie

Kids run their own stalls in a tent in Geneva’s Parc des Bastions, selling and swapping toys, books, and games they’ve outgrown.

Free

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Wed 9 Dec

Wed 13:00–17:00

Christmas gift workshop — GZ Oerlikon

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Kids make one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for family and friends from prepared ideas and materials.

Indoor

CHF 5–20 per gift

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

9 Dec – 31 Dec

Frauenfeld Christmas Circus

Frauenfeld

·

Eastern Switzerland

A Christmas circus in a tent village in Frauenfeld, with acrobats, clowns, and live music.

Indoor

CHF 19.20–57.20 depending on category

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Wed 9 Dec

14:30

Herisau Puppet Theater — Wintergeschichten

Herisau

·

Eastern Switzerland

Winter stories told with puppets in Herisau, for kids aged four and up.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Wed 9 Dec

Wed 18:30–20:00 (doors 18:00)

The Nutcracker children’s ballet Winterthur

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

A Christmas Nutcracker in Winterthur where professional dancers share the stage with students from Swiss and German ballet schools.

Indoor

Kids up to 3 free; tickets on Ticketino

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

10 Dec – 31 Dec

Circus Knie in Luzern

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

Switzerland’s national circus brings its 2026 tour show to Luzern.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

10 Dec – 23 Dec

Sun–Thu 11:30–20:00; Fri–Sat 11:30–22:00

Lake Noël Zug

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

Zug’s lakeside Christmas market with around thirty-five stalls and a visit from the Coca-Cola Christmas truck.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Thu 10 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Liestal Christmas market

Liestal

·

Basel

Liestal’s old-town Christmas market, with gifts, crafts, and seasonal food.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Thu 10 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Thu–Sat 11:00–21:00; Sun 11:00–19:00

Uster Christmas Market

Uster

·

Canton Zurich

Around 50 Christmas stalls and a carousel in Uster’s Stadtpark over four days in December.

Free

Free entry; carousel and purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

10 Dec – 20 Dec

Dec 10–13 and 16–20; Wed–Fri 12:00–19:00, Sat 11:00–20:00, Sun 11:00–17:00

X-Mas Line Zug

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

A small Christmas market of sixteen stalls along Zug’s illuminated Bahnhofstrasse.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 11 Dec

Fri 14:00–21:00

Altdorf Christkindlimarkt

Altdorf

·

Central Switzerland

A one-day Christmas market with about 70 stalls of mostly handmade crafts in the center of Uri’s capital.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 11 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Fri–Sat 16:00–21:00; Sun 11:00–18:00

Chäsimatt Christmas market Rotkreuz

Rotkreuz

·

Central Switzerland

Rotkreuz’s three-day Christmas market at Chäsiplatz, with live music, seasonal food, and a Samichlaus visit.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 11 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Friday 16:00–22:00; Saturday 11:00–22:00; Sunday 11:00–18:00

Christmas Market Kreuzlingen

Kreuzlingen

·

Eastern Switzerland

A lakeside Christmas market on Kreuzlingen’s Hafenplatz, with stalls, food, and warm drinks.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Family outings

Fri 11 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Fri 18:00–20:00; Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00

Fête de l’Escalade Geneva

Geneva

·

Romandie

Geneva’s biggest tradition, with costumed fifers, drummers, cavalry, and torch-lit parades through the Old Town.

Free

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

11 Dec – 20 Dec

Dec 11–13 and 18–20 only; Fri 16:00–21:00, Sat 11:00–21:00, Sun 11:00–17:00

Glarus Christmas Village at the Courthouse

Glarus

·

Eastern Switzerland

A small Christmas village with about twenty chalets in the Glarus courthouse garden, open on two weekends.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Lights

11 Dec – 31 Dec

17:00–22:30; kids’ act 18:00–18:30; closed December 14

Lenzerheide Zauberwald — Light Forest and Kids’ Acts

Lenzerheide

·

Graubünden

A light festival in a Lenzerheide forest, with art installations, music, and a daily early-evening kids’ act.

Ticketed event; prices on official ticket page

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 11 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Fri 14:00–20:00; Sat 11:00–20:00; Sun 11:00–18:00

Medieval craft market at St. Georgen Monastery, Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein

·

Eastern Switzerland

A medieval craft market in the courtyard of Stein am Rhein’s monastery, held during the Märlistadt Christmas season.

Free

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 11 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Fri 16:00–22:00; Sat 10:00–22:00; Sun 10:00–17:00

Murten Christmas Market and Children’s Workshops

Murten

·

Romandie

Murten’s Christmas market in the medieval old town, with a carousel, a storyteller, candle making, and biscuit workshops.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 12 Dec

Sat 10:00–17:00

Angels Christmas market at Herdern Castle

Herdern

·

Eastern Switzerland

An angel-themed Christmas market at Herdern Castle in the Thurgau countryside.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 12 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Christchindlimärcht Schwyz

Schwyz

·

Central Switzerland

Schwyz’s Christmas market on the main square, with an entertainment program and a Samichlaus visit.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 12 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Sat 12:00–20:00; Sun 10:00–17:00

Christmas Market at Museum Burg Zug

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

A small makers’ market in the courtyard of Zug’s castle museum, with Samichlaus on both days.

Free

Free market entry; museum reduced admission

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 12 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Saturday 11:00–21:00; Sunday 11:00–18:00

Christmas Market Weinfelden

Weinfelden

·

Eastern Switzerland

Weinfelden’s old-town Advent market on the third Advent weekend, with craft stalls and live music.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Music

Sat 12 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Sat 14:00 and 16:00; Sun 13:30 and 15:15

Christmas sing-along at Theater Casino Zug

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

A family Christmas sing-along concert at Theater Casino Zug.

Adults CHF 35, kids CHF 15

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 12 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Dielsdorf Christmas market — Adventsdörfchen

Dielsdorf

·

Canton Zurich

A weekend Christmas market set up as a small Advent village in Dielsdorf, in the Zurich Unterland.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

12 Dec – 31 Dec

Sat 16:00; Sun 11:00; Wed Dec 23 16:00; Thu Dec 31 21:00

Greuliche Griselda — Vorstadttheater

Basel

·

Basel

A December children’s theater show at Vorstadttheater Basel for ages six and up.

Adults CHF 28 (CHF 18 accompanying a child); kids CHF 10; Familienpass adults CHF 18

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

12 Dec – 23 Dec

Dec 12, 19, 23 at 14:30; Dec 13, 20 at 11:00

Herisau Puppet Theater — Waldwiehnacht bi Fuchs und Haas

Herisau

·

Eastern Switzerland

A gentle Christmas puppet show about forest animals in Herisau, for kids aged five and up.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Lights

Sat 12 Dec

16:00–21:00

Light Night at Thun Castle

Thun

·

Bern

An evening of lights on the grounds of Thun Castle, with warm punch.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Music

12 Dec – 20 Dec

Sat Dec 12 15:30; Sun Dec 13 15:30; Sat Dec 19 15:30; Sun Dec 20 11:00

Musikgeschichten: Der Zauberschatz im Rhein — Opernhaus at GZ Buchegg

Zürich

·

Zurich city

The Opera House’s music-story series retells Wagner’s Rhine gold tale for kids aged 4 and up.

Indoor

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

Sat 12 Dec

Sat 10:30

Picture-book cinema at PBZ Unterstrass

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Otfried Preussler’s picture book «Die dumme Augustine» shown on the big screen and read aloud.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 3–6
Music

Sat 12 Dec

14:30–16:00 (doors 14:00)

Pumpelpitz kids’ concert

Olten

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Simu Fankhauser brings the Pumpelpitz songs and a funny story to Olten for a sing-along afternoon.

Indoor
Samichlaus

Sat 12 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Sat 12:30–15:00; Sun 13:00–16:00

Samichlaus at Museum Burg Zug Christmas Market

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

Meet Samichlaus in the castle courtyard at Museum Burg Zug’s first Christmas market.

Market entry free; museum admission reduced

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 12 Dec – Sun 13 Dec

Saturday 11:00–19:00; Sunday 11:00–18:00

Schaffhausen Christmas Market

Schaffhausen

·

Eastern Switzerland

A two-day Christmas market around Schaffhausen’s centuries-old Allerheiligen cloister and car-free old town.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sat 12 Dec

Sat from 09:30; market 14:30–20:00; candle dipping 14:30–16:45; fire show 18:15

Winterylüte with Christmas market in Adelboden

Adelboden

·

Bern

Adelboden rings in the winter season with a car-free village Christmas market, candle dipping, Trychler bell ringers, and a fire show.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

13 Dec – 20 Dec

10:00–18:00

Bellinzona Christmas markets

Bellinzona

·

Ticino

Two Sunday Christmas markets in Bellinzona’s old town, below the UNESCO castles, with traditional music.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Sun 13 Dec

Sun 14:00–17:00

Christmas crafts Sunday — GZ Loogarten

Zürich

·

Zurich city

A Sunday afternoon of small Christmas crafts at GZ Loogarten, with coffee and cake in the café.

Indoor

Gift wrapping CHF 2, lavender sachet CHF 6, leather key ring CHF 6, embroidering CHF 2

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

13 Dec – 3 Jan

Sun Dec 13 and 27, 11:00–11:50; Thu Dec 31, 14:30–15:20; Sat Jan 2, 14:30–15:20; Sun Jan 3, 11:00–11:50

De Chasperli retted d’Wiehnacht — Märlitheater Zürich at Millers

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Chasperli and his friend Friedli rescue the Christ Child from a witch and a robber in this Christmas puppet show.

Indoor

CHF 25

Ages 3–6, 7+
Family outings

13 Dec – 20 Dec

From 14:00

Donkey rides at Thun Christmas Market

Thun

·

Bern

Donkey rides at the Thun Christmas Market on two Sunday afternoons.

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 13 Dec

11:00–17:00

Flims Waldhaus Advent Market

Flims

·

Graubünden

A one-day Advent market in Flims Waldhaus with local crafts, seasonal food, and Christmas stalls.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Sun 13 Dec

14:00–16:15

Solothurn Christmas Journey — Live Nativity

Solothurn

·

Aargau & Solothurn

A free live nativity across Solothurn’s old town, with real animals and scenes from the Christmas story.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Sun 13 Dec

11:00–16:00

Village de Noël Bossonnens

Bossonnens

·

Romandie

A one-day Christmas village in the Veveyse with a mini kids’ disco, craft workshops, face painting, and Father Christmas.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Family outings

Sun 13 Dec

Zurich New Year’s Run (Zürcher Silvesterlauf)

Zürich

·

Zurich city

Zurich’s festive December race through the lit-up Old Town, with categories from 1.6 km for kids and families.

Ages 7+
Music

Mon 14 Dec

18:00

Advent at Kurtheater: Skinny Bird eco-punk family concert

Baden

·

Aargau & Solothurn

An eco-punk family concert with handmade cardboard sets, sing-alongs, and absurd humor at the Kurtheater.

Free Indoor

Free (collection)

Ages 3–6, 7+
Music

Mon 14 Dec

Mon 17:15–17:45 open rehearsal; 18:00–19:00 singing

Cantemus open Christmas singing

Biel/Bienne

·

Bern

An hour of singing Christmas carols together in Biel’s old town church, followed by punch and cake.

Indoor

Ages 3–6, 7+
Music

Wed 16 Dec

Wed 18:00

‘To Joy’ Christmas sing-along with the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

A Christmas sing-along for children and families with the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester in the KKL concert hall.

Indoor

From CHF 5

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Wed 16 Dec

14:00–16:00

Advent Stories at Haus der Museen

Olten

·

Aargau & Solothurn

A free Advent story hunt through Olten’s museums for kids aged five and up.

Free

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Wed 16 Dec – Sun 20 Dec

Wed–Fri 14:00–21:00; Sat 11:00–21:00; Sun 11:00–17:00

Soledurner Wiehnachtsmäret by the Aare

Solothurn

·

Aargau & Solothurn

A Christmas market of wooden huts along Solothurn’s southern Aare promenade, with views of St. Ursen Cathedral.

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Thu 17 Dec – Sun 20 Dec

Thu–Fri 11:00–21:00; Sat 10:00–21:00; Sun 10:00–19:00

Venite international Christmas market

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

An international Christmas market on Kapellplatz with food, crafts, and concerts from several countries.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 18 Dec – Sun 20 Dec

Friday 14:00–20:00; Saturday 11:00–20:00; Sunday 11:00–17:00

Christmas Market Frauenfeld

Frauenfeld

·

Eastern Switzerland

Frauenfeld’s city-center Christmas market on the final weekend before Christmas.

Free

Free entry; purchases extra

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Markets & fairs

Fri 18 Dec – Sun 20 Dec

Fri 15:00–22:00; Sat/Sun 11:00–22:00

Interlaken Christmas Market at Kursaalgarten

Interlaken

·

Bern

A weekend Christmas market in Interlaken’s Kursaalgarten, alongside the opening of an ice park.

Free

Free market admission; ice rink adults CHF 11, kids to 12 CHF 7, skate rental CHF 9

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Ice skating

18 Dec – 28 Feb

Mon–Fri 15:00–22:00; Sat–Sun 11:00–22:00

Top of Europe Magic Park ice rink

Interlaken

·

Bern

A 1,000 m² outdoor ice rink around the Kursaal fountain in Interlaken, with skating aids, soft hockey, and ice hockey mini golf.

Outdoor

Adults CHF 11, kids up to 12 CHF 7; skate rental CHF 9

Ages 3–6, 7+
Play & movement

Sat 19 Dec

Sat 09:30–11:30

Dads-and-kids meetup (VaKi-Treff) Uster — December

Uster

·

Canton Zurich

A relaxed December play morning for dads and preschool kids at Familienzentrum Uster, free and no registration.

Free

Free; snacks at cost

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Play & movement

Sat 19 Dec

Sat 09:30–11:30

Dads’ meetup (Vätertreff) Winterthur — December

Winterthur

·

Canton Zurich

A low-key December play morning for fathers and kids up to age 6 at Familienzentrum Winterthur.

Free

Free; bring food and drinks

Ages 0–2, 3–6
Markets & fairs

Sat 19 Dec

10:00–17:00

Oberägeri Christmas market

Oberägeri

·

Central Switzerland

An indoor daytime Christmas market at Aula Maienmatt in Oberägeri, just before Christmas.

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Crafts & workshops

Sat 19 Dec

Sat morning

Painting for children Uster

Uster

·

Canton Zurich

A Saturday-morning painting club for kids aged three to six, with a story, songs, and a snack.

Ages 3–6
Music

Sat 19 Dec

Star singers’ procession in Lucerne’s old town

Luzern

·

Central Switzerland

About 100 star singers walk through Lucerne’s old town with lanterns and perform a short nativity play at three squares.

Free

Free

Ages 0–2, 3–6, 7+
Music

Sun 20 Dec

Sun 11:00–11:50 (doors 10:00)

Hansel and Gretel — Family Concert

Aarau

·

Aargau & Solothurn

The Argovia Philharmonic’s morning family concert telling Hansel and Gretel with a live orchestra.

Adults CHF 25, kids CHF 5

Ages 3–6, 7+
Museums & discovery

Sun 20 Dec

14:00–15:00

Museumswunder kids’ surprise afternoon at Museum Langmatt

Baden

·

Aargau & Solothurn

A one-hour surprise program of searching, discovering, crafting, or painting for kids at Baden’s art museum villa.

Free Indoor

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Mon 21 Dec

17:00

Advent at Kurtheater: Kollektiv Kaktus

Baden

·

Aargau & Solothurn

Two quarreling flatmates build a whole world out of cardboard boxes in this children’s theater piece.

Free Indoor

Free (collection)

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Thu 24 Dec

Thu 14:00–15:10

Schellen-Ursli family musical

Zug

·

Central Switzerland

Schellen-Ursli as a family musical at Theater Casino Zug on Christmas Eve, for ages five and up.

Adults CHF 45, kids CHF 15

Ages 3–6, 7+
Theater & stories

Thu 31 Dec

Thu show 15:00; doors and kids’ activities from 12:30

Salto Kaleido New Year’s Eve family show

Kloten

·

Canton Zurich

An afternoon New Year’s Eve circus show in Kloten, with kids’ activities beforehand and a free child ticket per adult.

One free child ticket (up to age 12) and popcorn with each full-price adult ticket

Ages 3–6, 7+
Family outings

Thu 31 Dec

From early morning into the evening

Silvesterchlausen in Appenzell Ausserrhoden

Urnäsch

·

Eastern Switzerland

Costumed Silvesterchläuse with huge bells and headdresses go house to house in Appenzell villages on New Year’s Eve.

Free

Free

Ages 3–6, 7+

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