Christmas Plays for Children
From classic fairy tales and imaginative musicals to new Christmas stories, children's theater and family shows take audiences on magical journeys this Advent.
Read MoreSeven mischievous dwarfs, a lovestruck lion and a puppet hero on a mission to save Christmas – there’s plenty happening on stages across the region this Advent. One moment, elaborate sets and full orchestras transport audiences to Wonderland; the next, beautifully crafted puppets tell stories of brave children and unlikely friendships. Beloved Swiss children’s books become lively musicals performed in Swiss German, while classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales and stories of princes and princesses get unexpected twists. And, of course, there are Christmas tales to add a little festive magic.
From singing and dancing to puppetry and theater, these family-friendly shows promise plenty of laughter, wonder and excitement for kids and grown-ups alike.
Various locations | from Oct 21, 2026 | age 5+
Schellen-Ursli Musical
When Ursli receives the smallest cowbell, he sets off with his little mouse Mür to the family's mountain hut. This beloved Swiss children's classic comes to life as a colourful musical in Swiss German, filled with music and Alpine charm.
Various locations | from Oct 21, 2026 | age 5+
Various locations | from Nov 4, 2026 | age 4+
Snow White
Mirror, mirror on the wall! Fidibus retells the Brothers Grimm fairy tale with plenty of humour. Expect a jealous queen, seven mischievous dwarfs and lots of hilarious dwarf songs.
Various locations | from Nov 4, 2026 | age 4+
Zurich Opera House | Nov 8, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027 | age 7+
Alice in Wonderland
Alice follows a white rabbit into a world of wonderfully strange characters. This children's opera brings the famous story to life with singing, a live orchestra and imaginative stage sets.
Zurich Opera House | Nov 8, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027 | age 7+
Zürcher Märchenbühne | from Nov 14, 2026 | age 4+
Die Zauberorgel
A magical organ is said to hold the power to heal a sick king. But an evil pair of pharmacists has other plans. Tinsmith Fridolin and his daughter Rägeli embark on a musical fairy-tale adventure full of surprises.
Zürcher Märchenbühne | from Nov 14, 2026 | age 4+
Bernhard Theater | from Nov 15, 2026 | age 4+
The Lion Who Couldn't Write
A lion in love wants to write a love letter but doesn't know how. He asks the jungle animals for help, but their letters drive him mad. A lively musical in Swiss German based on the popular children's book.
Bernhard Theater | from Nov 15, 2026 | age 4+
Theater Stadelhofen | Nov 19 – 21, 2026 | age 8+
The Animals of Farthing Wood
When construction machines destroy their forest, eight animals are forced to leave their home. Where will their journey take them? An adventurous puppet show combining puppetry, live video and music in a story about courage and friendship.
Theater Stadelhofen | Nov 19 – 21, 2026 | age 8+
Theater Casino Zug | Nov 30, 2026 | age 6+
Ronja the Robber's Daughter
Ronja and Birk come from rival robber families but become friends despite their differences. This musical puppet show tells a story of brave children, wild adventures and a friendship that defies all the rules.
Theater Casino Zug | Nov 30, 2026 | age 6+
Theater Purpur | Dec 2 – 13, 2026 | all ages
Dunkelfunkelndes Wandelhaus
When the stars begin to twinkle, a journey to the moon unfolds. Children and adults create a dream world together, bringing their own magical night to life through imagination. Includes a special afternoon snack.
Theater Purpur | Dec 2 – 13, 2026 | all ages
Figurentheater Winterthur | Dec 3 – 4, 2026 | age 3+
Minimum
"Hi everyone, I'm Minimum!" With funny ears and a new adventure around every corner, this little character delights even the youngest theatre-goers. A 30-minute puppet show full of surprises, discoveries and opportunities to join in.
Figurentheater Winterthur | Dec 3 – 4, 2026 | age 3+
junges THEATER liechtenstein | Dec 7– 8, 2026 | all ages
A Little Christmas Story
Young performers take centre stage in this Christmas production. Children aged 5 to 7 present their own theatre performance and get the audience into the Christmas spirit.
junges THEATER liechtenstein | Dec 7– 8, 2026 | all ages
Märlitheater Zürich | Dec 13, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 | age 4+
De Chasperli retted d'Wiehnacht
The witch Giixigäx and robber Schnappsack have kidnapped the Christ Child and stolen all the presents. Now Kasperli and Friedli must save Christmas, with a little help from the children in the audience.
Märlitheater Zürich | Dec 13, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 | age 4+
Kultur Brunnen | Dec 13, 2026 | age 4+
Children's Concert with Roland Schwab
Roland Schwab, known from the children's music duo Leierchischte, brings new songs, popular favourites and surprising instruments to the stage. Families are invited to sing along and join in the fun.
Kultur Brunnen | Dec 13, 2026 | age 4+
TAK Liechtenstein | Dec 16 – 18, 2026 | age 4+
The Christmas Goose Auguste
Auguste the goose is supposed to end up on the Christmas dinner table, but young Peterle has grown fond of her and is determined to save her. A humorous puppet show about a family and their Christmas goose.
TAK Liechtenstein | Dec 16 – 18, 2026 | age 4+
Mythenforum Schwyz | Dec 24, 2026 | age 4+
Rumpelstiltskin
A miller claims that his daughter can spin straw into gold. A mysterious little man offers to help her, but at what price? The Brothers Grimm fairy tale comes to life in an entertaining Swiss German theatre production.
Mythenforum Schwyz | Dec 24, 2026 | age 4+
Circus Mugg | Dec 27 – 29, 2026
O Sole Mio
Diabolo artists, acrobats and magicians bring laughter and amazement to Circus Mugg. The family performance of "O Sole Mio" offers a colourful variety show filled with astonishing tricks and spectacular acts.
Circus Mugg | Dec 27 – 29, 2026
Advent Events for Families
Families enjoy a magical time before Christmas with these lovingly organized and child-friendly events.
Christmas Markets in the Kinderregion
Christmas markets get families into the holiday spirit. Children make crafts, dip candles, meet St. Nicholas and listen to fairy tales, while grown-ups browse for gifts and festive treats and enjoy spending time together.
Visiting Saint Nicholas
Every year during Advent, Saint Nicholas is a busy man. Discover all the places where kids and families can visit him.
Ice Skating in the Kinderregion
From atmospheric lakeside ice skating rinks to lively ice discos, families around Zurich can practice first spins, play hockey or simply enjoy a few easy laps together.
Illuminated Trails
Trails illuminated with Christmas lights lead through nature and villages of the Kinderregion for a beautiful stroll with the family.
