December 1st: Advent windows
This tradition is still alive in many small towns and villages.
Twenty-four residents are selected to decorate one of their windows in a Christmas theme.
Every evening between December 1st and 24th, one window is ‘unveiled’ at a set time; the others stay shut until their turn comes. Villagers gather around to watch how the shutters of the house are opened and the window is revealed.
Once opened, the windows stay lit until Christmas Eve.
December 6th: St. Nicholas Day, throughout Switzerland
As in a number of other countries, kids in Switzerland will commemorate St. Nicholas (so named after Nicholas of Myra, Patron Saint of children).
This Swiss version of Santa Claus is called Samichlaus in the German-speaking part, and Saint-Nicolas in the French. He is typically dressed in bishop’s robes, wears a mitre on his head, and carries a staff.
He is accompanied by a donkey (which totes a sack filled with chocolates, peanuts, and mandarines on his back), and his helper, “Schmutzli.”
Called “Père Fouettard” in French, this evil sidekick carries a bunch of twigs for punishing naughty children.
Needless to say, this tradition started long before laws against whipping children were introduced, though Schmutzli never actually whips anyone.
But his menacing presence is supposed to be a deterrent to bad behaviour.
December 6th to January 3rd: ‘Christmas is in the air’ tour, Lugano
If you would like to mix Christmas and sightseeing, you can do so in Ticino’s largest city.
‘Christmas is in the air’ free tour allows you to admire Lugano’s festive decorations and fabulous Christmas market while learning more about the city.
Note that reservation is required before your visit.
December 8th: the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
This Catholic feast day marks the Immaculate Conception, which many believe was Mary's conception of Jesus.
It is celebrated in Appenzell Innerrhoden, Fribourg, Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Ticino, Uri, Valais, and Zug.
The public holiday is also celebrated in nearly all of Solothurn with the exception of the Bucheggberg District, one of the 10 districts within the canton.
In Aargau, the public holiday is only marked in Laufenburg, Muri, and parts of Rheinfelden (Hellikon, Mumpf, Obermumpf, Schupfart, Stein, Wegstetten).
Immaculate Conception is also a public holiday in parts of Graubünden, though not canton-wide.
December 12th to 14th: Fête de l'Escalade, Geneva
Arguably one of Geneva’s most beloved ‘historical events,’ the Fête de l'Escalade festival commemorates the night the city was stormed (in vain) by the troops of the Duke of Savoy, who sought to annex the city to France.
It features hundreds of participants dressed in period costumes.
Accompanied by drums, trumpets, and brass bands, soldiers, artisans, and citizens parade through the city, recreating the ambiance of 17th-century Geneva.
On the day it is customary to break a chocolate pot with family and friends and munch on the chocolate and the vegetable-shaped marzipan tucked away inside.
Until December 24th: Visit Santa Claus, Rochers-de-Naye (Vaud)
If you have young kids, a visit to Santa’s grotto, located at an altitude of 2,045 metres over the town of Montreux is a nice Christmas-y touch.
It can be accessed only by a cogwheel train from Montreux, offering scenic views, both down below and up above.
Throughout December: Christmas markets
Like in other places across Europe, Switzerland has its fair share of traditional Christmas markets.
In some cities, they run throughout December, while in others – mostly in small towns and villages – they pop up, on a smaller scale, on certain days of the month.
READ ALSO: What you need to know about Switzerland's best Christmas markets in 2025
Until December 23rd: Zurich singing tree
Spoiler alert: it is actually not the tree that sings but various children’s choirs from the region, which perform Christmas carols on a vertical podium in the shape of an enormous Christmas tree.
You can find this magic tree at the Christmas market at Werdmühleplatz.
December 31st: Achetringele, Laupen (Bern)
Every year on New Year’s Eve, after the 8 pm bell rings, figures in scary masks and demonic costumes march through the picturesque streets and lanes of Laupen, in the canton of Bern.
The Achetringele parade, rooted in ancient Germanic tradition, is supposed to scare away evil spirits and usher in the new year with a fresh slate.
Records for the event go back a century, but the event probably took place for much longer.
December 31st: New Year’s Eve cruise on Lake Geneva, Lausanne
You don’t have to ring in the New Year on terra firma.
Instead, you can be on a boat leaving from Ouchy in Lausanne, at 8 pm, sail the length and width of the lake, and return to the point of departure the following year, at 12:30am.
There will be food, champagne, and plenty of music on board.
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