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 28, 2026
Santa Claus at the Lake
When Santa Claus visits the children of Brunnen, he doesn’t come from the forest, but by boat on the lake, at Waldstätterquai he offers the waiting children yummy gingerbread.
Brunnen | November 28, 2026
Bauma | November 28/29, 2026
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 | November 28/29, 2026
Zurich | November 29, 2026
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 29, 2026
Bülach | November 29, 2026
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 29, 2026
Näfels | November 29, 2026
Chlausmarkt und Chlauseinzug
As Saint Nicholas and his helpers parade through Näfels, they’re joined by ringing Trychlers and children carrying lanterns. The St. Nicholas Market, filled with regional treats, adds lights, music and a warm seasonal spirit.
Näfels | November 29, 2026
Winterthur | November 29, 2026
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 29, 2026
Jona | November 29, 2026
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 29, 2026
Elm | tbd
Samichlaus-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
Vaduz | December 2, 2026
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 2, 2026
Winterthur | December 2 to 6, 2026
Chlaus-Hüsli
Not far from Winterthur, children can visit Santa, his helper "Schmutzli", and their donkey at the Chlaus-Hüsli.
Winterthur | December 2 to 6, 2026
Zurich | December 2 to 7, 2026
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 2 to 7, 2026
Schellenberg | December 3 to 7, 2026
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 to 7, 2026
Hünenberg | December 3, 2026
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 3, 2026
Winterthur | December 3, 2026
Saint Nicholas Market
Every year on the first Thursday in December, this themed market in the old town offers not only seasonal delicacies. Children also get to meet Saint Nicholas.
Winterthur | December 3, 2026
Rapperswil | December 4, 2026
St. Nicholas Procession in Rapperswil
Solemn and impressive, Santa and his companions parade down the castle stairs in Rapperswil.
Rapperswil | December 4, 2026
Küssnacht am Rigi | December 4, 2026
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 4, 2026
Glarus | December 4, 2026
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 4, 2026
Unterägeri | December 5, 2026
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, 2026
Vaduz | December 5, 2026
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 5, 2026
Weggis | December 5, 2026
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 5, 2026
Schwyz | December 5, 2026
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 5, 2026
Sihlwald | December 5, 2026
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 5, 2026
Rotenflue | December 6, 2026
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, 2026
Lake Zurich | December 6, 2026
Saint Nick on Lake Zurich
What a surprise! Kids meet Saint Nick and his companion not in the forest but on a boat operated by the Lake Zurich Navigation Company.
Lake Zurich | December 6, 2026
Kilchberg | tbd
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 | tbd
Lake Zug | December 6, 2026
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 6, 2026
Zurich | December 6, 2026
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 6, 2026
Arth Goldau | December 6, 2026
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 6, 2026
Zugerberg | December 8, 2026
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, 2026
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
Rigi | tbd
Mountain Train Ride to St. Nicholas at Rigi Staffel
What a surprise – on Mount Rigi, St. Nicholas also travels by train. At Rigi-Staffel he then invites his visitors to a fun afternoon with fairy tales, handicrafts and parade.
Rigi | tbd
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