- Trips
- Tour Calendar
- About Our Tours
- Plan a Trip
- Book a Trip
- About Us
- Contact Us
.jpg)
Advent, the four Sundays that precede Christmas Day, is a deeply embedded tradition in Switzerland. You will find Advent Wreaths, adorned with the required four candles, in florist shops and grocery stores.
Advent calendars, of every shape and size, can be found starting in early November. The most popular include a little chocolate treat behind each of the 24 doors. The biggest advent calendar in Switzerland is the illuminated one in Lucerne on the banks of the River Reuss.
Many of the larger Christmas markets start in late November, and most all of them are in full swing by the second week in December. Swiss Chirstmas Markets are a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy the festivities and food in a social atmosphere.
As in many parts of Europe, people in Switzerland enjoy the tradition of counting the days until Christmas Eve. This also known as an Advent calendar, which counts the 24 days from December 1–24.
St Nicholas Day is a festive occasion, especially for children in Switzerland and throughout Europe. Children receive gifts or put their shoes in front of the door or fireplace, waiting for St Nicholas' arrival and the gifts he brings.
In the village of Küssnacht on Lake Lucerne, there is a special event the evening prior to December 6th as hundreds of bell ringers, horn blowers, and whip crackers usher in the arrival of Samichlaus in a dramatic traditional procession, in an even called the Klausjagen.
.jpg)
December 24 is “Heiliger Abend,” Christmas Eve or Holy Night, and is celebrated according to the unique traditions of each town or village.
Most family events are held on Christmas Eve, so Christmas Day, a holiday throughout Switzerland, is often a day to enjoy the outdoors. With mountain snowfall in abundance, Christmas Day launches the winter sports season. Many head for ski resorts to try their hand at the immense variety of winter sports available: tobogganing, skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, winter walking, and sledding. You may want to try a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride, hot air balloon, or a tandem paragliding adventure over the snow-covered valley.
Christmas Day spent in the snow should conclude with something to warm you up—like a bowl of soupe de chalet, delicious cheese fondue, piping hot apfelstrudel, or a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
