Visiting Saint Nicholas
Every year during Advent, Saint Nicholas is a busy man. Discover all the places where kids and families can visit him.
Read moreSitting in a hut, cozy and next to a fireplace, parading in the streets followed by music and friends, or braving the cold and swimming in the Limmat River – during Advent, Saint Nicholas shows his many sides and talent to be everywhere at once. One thing, however, always remains the same: his red, velvety garment, white beard, friendly face and the many sweets and treats for the kids.
Here is a list of places and events, where children can see and visit Saint Nicholas – with a little luck, his friend “Schmutzli” and the donkey will also be there.
Brunnen | November 29, 2025
Santa Claus at the Lake
When Santa Claus visits the children of Brunnen, he doesn’t come from the forest, but by canoe on the lake, at Waldstätterquai he offers the waiting children yummy gingerbread.
Brunnen | November 29, 2025
Zurich | November 30, 2025
Samichlaus Parade
During the parade on Bahnhofstrasse, Samichlaus, the Swiss Santa, and Schmutzlis, his helpers, give out fine delicacies while the city’s youth band plays music.
Zurich | November 30, 2025
Bülach | November 30, 2025
St. Nicholas Parade Bülach
On the last Sunday in November, St. Nicholas groups ring in the festive season in the pretty town of Bülach, accompanied by traditional music and groups dressed ups as angels and dwarves.
Bülach | November 30, 2025
Kloster Einsiedeln | 30. November 2025
St. Nikolaus-Aussenden
On 30 November, after Mass, numerous Saint Nicholases come out of the monastery church, spread festive cheer and hand out bags filled with goodies.
Kloster Einsiedeln | 30. November 2025
Winterthur | November 30, 2025
St. Nicholas Parade Winterthur
On the first Advent, the St. Nicholases are on the loose in Winterthur. They parade from Obertor through the old town, handing out mandarins, peanuts and sweets.
Winterthur | November 30, 2025
Jona | November 30, 2025
St. Nicholas Parade Jona
Saint Nicholas, his helpers and the donkey come from Johannisberg to Schulhaus Dorf bringing yummy surprises to the children – and adults.
Jona | November 30, 2025
Vaduz | December 3, 2025
Vaduz on Ice
Saint Nicholas trades his sleigh for skates and brings festive cheer to the ice rink in the heart of Vaduz, where children’s eyes sparkle when they get to shake his hand.
Vaduz | December 3, 2025
Winterthur | December 3 to 6, 2025
Chlaus-Hüsli
Not far from Winterthur, children can visit Santa, his helper "Schmutzli", and their donkey at the Chlaus-Hüsli.
Winterthur | December 3 to 6, 2025
Zurich | December 3 to 7, 2025
Forest Hut
A jovial get-together at Saint Nicholas’ house – while Schmutzli is building the fire and preparing a nice snack, Saint Nich tells stories from his life.
Zurich | December 3 to 7, 2025
Schellenberg | December 3-7, 2025
Saint Nicholas in the Forest
Deep in the Schellenberg woods, Saint Nicholas opens his home to families. Those who hike to visit him and his animals are welcomed with gingerbread, nuts, and mandarins – and can warm up with barley soup and sausages.
Schellenberg | December 3-7, 2025
Hünenberg | December 4, 2025
Iffelen and Saint Nicholas Procession
To herald the start of Advent, Saint Nicholas ceremoniously parades through Hünenberg with bells and lanterns. Afterwards, the traditional Saint Nick procession takes place.
Hünenberg | December 4, 2025
Winterthur | December 4, 2025
Saint Nicholas Market
Every year on the first Thursday in December, this themed market in the old town offers not only saisonal delicacies. Children also get to meet Saint Nicholas.
Winterthur | December 4, 2025
Rapperswil | December 5, 2025
Clauseinzug Rapperswil
Solemn and impressive, Santa and his companions parade down the castle stairs in Rapperswil.
Rapperswil | December 5, 2025
Glarus | December 5, 2025
St. Nicholaus Parade Glarus
Switzerland's smallest cantonal capital shines in festive dress for the traditional St. Nicholaus parade. Schoolchildren present their handmade lanterns.
Glarus | December 5, 2025
Küssnacht am Rigi | December 5, 2025
Klausjagen
The impressive procession with 250 lanterns followed by Saint Nicholas and the impressive sound of 1,400 «Saint Nick Hunters» attracts spectators of all ages.
Küssnacht am Rigi | December 5, 2025
Unterägeri | December 5, 2025
Chlauseslä
For one of the oldest traditions in Ägeri valley, numerous Saint Nicholas’ and their friends go from house to house and ask for a little donation. In return, the kids get yummy nuts.
Unterägeri | December 5, 2025
Gersau | December 5-7, 2025
Gersauer ChlausNächte
Every three years, young and old look forward to the Chlaus Nights. With impressive “Iffelenen” and “Trychler”, a Christmas market and cozy huts.
Gersau | December 5-7, 2025
Rotenflue | December 6, 2025
Saint Nick visits Gipfelstubli
Before Saint Nicholas leaves the forest to go see the children in the village, he has to do one very important stop at the Restaurant Gipfelstubli on Rotenflue at 2 pm.
Rotenflue | December 6, 2025
Baden Museum of History | December 6, 2025
Little Santa Claus
A Christmas story that shows: You don't have to be big to do big things. Little Santa Claus makes Christmas for all the animals and has a treat in store for the children too.
Baden Museum of History | December 6, 2025
Vaduz | December 6, 2025
Saint Nicholas' Visit
Shopping is twice the fun when Saint Nicholas strolls through the Mühleholzmarkt mall – verses are being recited and small hands reach eagerly for his treat bags.
Vaduz | December 6, 2025
Lake Zurich | December 6, 2025
Saint Nick on Lake Zurich
What a surprise! Kids meet Saint Nick and his companion not in the forest but on a boat of the .
Lake Zurich | December 6, 2025
Weggis | December 6, 2025
Klausjagen
The “Klausjäger” meet, and the lights go out: The impressive procession starts with “Geisselklepfer”, “Iffelen” and traditional sounds from horns and bells.
Weggis | December 6, 2025
Sihlwald | December 6, 2025
Steam Train Ride to St. Nicholas in Sihlwald
The historic steam train takes you to the Sihlwald forest. There, St. Nicholas and Schmutzli invite you to a celebration in the pavilion at the visitor center.
Sihlwald | December 6, 2025
Schwyz | December 6, 2025
Saint Nicholas Tradition
When Saint Nicholas and his helpers leave the church, the beloved tradition begins: The kids outside are excited to see Saint Nick and to receive some treats.
Schwyz | December 6, 2025
Bauma | December 6/7, 2025
Samichlaus Express
A dreamy ride in the nostalgic steam train to Saint Nick who is waiting for the kids in the station hall. After having recited their poem, the children get a present.
Bauma | December 6/7, 2025
Kilchberg | December 6/7, 2025
Lindt Home of Chocolate
When there is chocolate, Saint Nicholas isn’t far! In return for a little poem or song, the little visitors receive a yummy Lindt Choco Santa.
Kilchberg | December 6/7, 2025
Lake Zug | December 7, 2025
Saint Nicholas Brunch
Join Saint Nicholas on this themed Sunday boat trip. He has a surprise in store for every child who can remember a Saint Nicholas rhyme.
Lake Zug | December 7, 2025
Zurich | December 7, 2025
Samichlausschwimmen
Up to 300 brave Saint Nicks meet at Stadthausquai for a swim in the ice-cold river Limmat – a freezing fun adventure for young and old.
Zurich | December 7, 2025
Arth Goldau | December 7, 2025
Saint Nicholas at Wildlife Park Goldau
On this Sunday, visitors will not only get to see the forest animals, but also Santa Claus. As a thank you for a poem or a song he gives the children a sweet treat.
Arth Goldau | December 7, 2025
Zugerberg | December 8, 2025
Saint Nicholas and Zugiblubbi
A walk with Zugiblubbi and Saint Nick on the illuminated path. Before they arrive at the crèche, the kids can look forward to a little surprise.
Zugerberg | December 8, 2025
Elm | tbd
Santa Claus Ski Day
Calling all St. Nicholas! Anyone who dares to hit the slopes in costume can ski for free on this day and enjoy refreshments at the Älpli and the Munggä Hüttä.
Elm | tbd
Zurich | tbd
St. Nicholas at Wiehnachtsdorf
Have your saying ready – St. Nicholas is coming to the Christmas market. He rewards the children for their verses with nuts and mandarins from the big sack.
Zurich | tbd
Elm | tbd
Samichlau-Märt Elm
In the heart of the village, the Elmer Landfrauen organize the cozy “Chlausmärt” with market stalls, the popular “Ziger” rolls and a lot of Christmas cheer.
Elm | tbd
Advent Events
Families enjoy a magical time before Christmas with these lovingly organized and child-friendly events.
Christmas Plays
Performances for children of well-known tales and new stories that take its audience on a journey into fascinating worlds.
Christmas Markets
The creative, beautiful and inviting Christmas markets in the Kinderregion invite families to spend a wonderful and exciting time.
Ice Skating
Gracious pirouettes or skating as fast as a lightning over the ice: Families are having lots of fun on the various ice rinks of the Kinderregion.
Rainy Day Activities
Fun rainy-day activities that will turn that frown upside down – discover the many things you can do with your kids.
