From folk festivals to unique dining experiences, we have selected ten of the best events to experience in Switzerland this November.
Carrot market
While the canton of Aargau may often be described (by the Swiss) as Switzerland’s most boring canton, on November 6th its capital Aarau turns into the nation’s undisputed carrot centre as it hosts its popular carrot market.
Here's a great example of the use of carrots as an art form. Aarau, Switzerland Rüeblimärt (carrot market), an annual celebration of the local produce, carrots. #carrots pic.twitter.com/A46EJPA2EJ
— World Carrot Museum ? (@carrotmuseum) September 12, 2023
Much like Bern’s iconic onion market, Aarau’s carrot market - or “Rüeblimärt” as it’s called in Swiss German – is a big hit each year as nearly 140 vendors register to sell their carrots at the fair held in the town from 8 am.
Langnau fair
Langnau’s many markets (Shrovetide, May, summer, autumn, cold and Christmas), which all feature a wide selection of goods, are somewhat legendary in Switzerland as they date back to 1467. Needless to say, you should visit one of them at least once.
The markets have retained their popularity in and outside of Langnau’s borders until today and while traditional goods can still be found, new and modern products – such as phone cases and cosmetics - are also sold by around 180 traders.
The cold market – or Kalter Markt – will be held in the town centre on November 6th from 9 am until 5 pm.
Star Magic
If you’ve ever wanted to get an unparalleled view of the night skies from one of the highest vantage points you’ll ever reach, ‘Star Magic’ at the summit of Säntis is your pick for November.
From November 1st until April 2025, you’ll be able to book a ‘Star Magic’ experience including a four-course meal that changes depending on the constellations passing overhead and a multimedia presentation that unlocks the secrets of the night sky overhead.
Auto Zurich
Car enthusiasts from all over Switzerland will make their way to the country’s financial capital between November 7th and 10th.
Auto Zurich - the largest automobile fair in German-speaking Switzerland - will delight visitors with the latest automobiles, engaging shows, competitions and concerts while its 250 exhibitors will showcase how to make driving safer, more comfortable and a lot more fun. An adult ticket costs 21 Swiss francs.
Lausanne Art Fair
While technically commencing on the 31st of October, Lausanne’s contemporary art fair runs until November 3rd, bringing some of the world’s most exciting modern artists together to exhibit their works in the beautiful Beoulieu building. Tickets are 15 Swiss francs.
International Short Film Festival
The Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur – Switzerland’s most important short film festival - attracts thousands of movie fans to Winterthur every year.
The festival is a great way for film professionals to network while families get the chance to partake in various activities, such as workshops, concerts, parties, and installations. The event takes place from November 5th until November 10th and many of the attractions are free.
Basel Autumn Fair
Switzerland’s oldest and largest amusement fair – the Basler Herbstmesse - takes place from October 26th until November 10th. The Basler Herbstmesse is an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage and draws around one million visitors from Switzerland and overseas each year.
Visitors can enjoy a stroll from Barfüsserplatz to Messeplatz and from Petersplatz to the city’s cathedral while taking in traditional market stalls, exciting rides and many other nostalgic attractions.
Der Zauber der Basler Herbstmesse auf dem Münsterplatz ?? pic.twitter.com/mJlW01YFNR
— Grabmacherjoggi Basel ❤️ (@grabmacherjoggi) November 6, 2022
The unloading of the Gra
For a truly unique, unforgettable and dare we say, rustic experience, head to the Ticino municipality of Moghegno between November 7th and 9th.
There you can take part in the traditional activity of removing chestnuts from the drying house - or ‘Gra’ - and preparing them for eating and use in cooking.
The community decided to make this an event open to visitors to pass on a dying art form.
You can find more information about the process, and how to get involved here.
Onion market
Bern’s traditional onion market, or Zibelemärit in Swiss German, will be making its comeback on November 23rd this year.
On the fourth Monday of every November, people around Switzerland flock to Bern’s Old Town from as early as 6 am to admire (and purchase) the various braids of onions on display.
In addition to the onion braids - an uncontested highlight of the market – you can also buy onion garlands or figures in numerous designs from more than 200 stalls.
The market, which also sells onion-based foods such as onion soup, onion tar and onion pizza, closes at 6 pm.
Räbechilbi
How could we make a list of November events without mentioning ‘Martini’, or the feast of St Martin?
A beloved saint in German-speaking countries, and particularly Switzerland, ‘Martini’ is marked by all kinds of folk festivals.
One of the most enchanting traditions is the ‘Räbechilbi’ in Richterswil, in the canton of Zurich. There, children carve turnips into lanterns, which are then paraded through the streets as the children sing.
The event is now a significant draw in the region, and hundreds attend to watch the age-old custom.
This year’s event takes place on November 9th, and you can read more about it here.
Know of any more great events in Switzerland this November? Share with our readers in the comments section below.
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