Bern Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors can skate on an open-air ice rink situated in the heart of Bern. An adjacent chalet restaurant provides dining and cozy indoor seating, alongside weekend live music and entertainment. Ice skates, ice aids, and helmets are available to rent...

Hundreds of runners take on a 1-kilometer loop through the medieval town of Estavayer-le-Lac across numerous categories. Highlights include a costumed relay race and the youngest runners sprinting alongside Santa Claus. Attendees can gather for refreshments at local halls and...

Visitors can take to the covered ice rink to enjoy skating with family and friends close to the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. From the rink on Place Nova Friburgo, skaters can take in views of the lake and the Jura...

Audiences experience Switzerland's traditional Christmas circus featuring acrobatics, poetry, comedy, and musical entertainment under the big top. In the foyer and bar areas, visitors can enjoy snacks including hot dogs, sandwiches, popcorn, cotton candy, and roasted almonds. Galas and special...

Children board a festively decorated streetcar for a magical ride through the streets of Zurich. Santa drives the tram while two angels entertain young passengers with Christmas stories. The entire ride is reserved exclusively for children between the ages of...

Held inside the Palazzo Colombino mirror tent on the Rosentalanlage, this Christmas circus welcomes families to an enchanting holiday performance. Audiences can watch aerial artists fly through the air and enjoy comedic clown acts amid the scent of popcorn and...

Selected courtyards throughout Basel's Old Town transform into tranquil Christmas wonderlands away from everyday hustle. Visitors can wander through the hidden courtyards to take in radiant light displays, seasonal decorations, and the scents of mulled wine and cinnamon. Festive pop-up...

Visitors gather in the theater foyer to witness the opening of a new advent calendar door. The presentations feature short artistic contributions spanning opera, drama, ballet, and special guests from the theater house.

Visitors dip prepared wicks into pots of warm, fragrant beeswax to build up their own candles layer by layer. Hosted in large pagoda tents, the event provides a calm, meditative craft experience amidst the pre-Christmas bustle. Participants learn the rhythm...

Participants plunge into the cold waters of the Limmat river to swim a course of 111 or 125 meters. Spectators can cheer from the sidelines and access the bathhouse area. Swimmers cross the finish line to receive warm drinks, traditional...

Rhybar WinterQuartier invites guests to enjoy time outdoors with seasonal refreshments. Visitors can partake in regional raclette cheese paired with fresh bakery bread alongside selections of Swiss and Italian wines, beers, and coffee. Carriage rides are also offered as part...

Children step behind the scenes of Christmas at the Elves' Workshop to help make and wrap toys to place beneath the tree. Supervised by qualified professionals across a dedicated 1,000-square-meter facility, young visitors take part in holiday games, stories, and...

Participants race through the festively decorated streets of Zurich's Old Town across diverse formats ranging from family runs and costumed fun runs to competitive and elite races. Spectators line the course along the Limmat to cheer on runners and enjoy...

Experience the unique Harder-Potschete Parade on January 2nd in Interlaken. This traditional event features a vibrant parade with participants showcasing handcrafted masks. Children are invited to join with their own creations, followed by a festive atmosphere with music, food, and...

Step into a meticulously crafted 17th-century Sicilian village, brought to life with artisans, social scenes, and the journey of Joseph and Mary. This traveling Nativity scene, designed to engage all five senses, offers a unique and immersive holiday experience. Each...

L'Illuminée is a vibrant and festive night race held annually in December through the historic Citadel of Belfort. Participants run two 4.2km loops, totaling 8.4km, in a fun and musical atmosphere, encouraged to wear their most creative costumes. A shorter...

Experience the warmth of the holiday season at the Adventssingen, a community gathering filled with carols and music. Young instrumental students will have the chance to showcase their learned Christmas songs in a relaxed atmosphere. The event encourages everyone to...

Spark holiday creativity at the Christmas Lantern Workshops! Children aged 6-10 can craft their own festive lanterns using a variety of natural and recycled materials. Each creation takes about 15-30 minutes, and participants get to take their handmade holiday decoration...

During the Advent season, Zurich offers Christmas illuminations, markets, circus shows, live music, and traditions like candle making and the Samichlausschwimmen.