Visiting Saint Nicholas
During Advent, Saint Nick 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.
Zurich | November 26, 2023
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 26, 2023
Brunnen | December 2, 2023
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 | December 2, 2023
Rapperswil | December 2, 2023
Clauseinzug Rapperswil
Solemn and impressive, Santa and his companions parade down the castle stairs in Rapperswil.
Rapperswil | December 2, 2023
Schwyz | December 2, 2023
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 2, 2023
Weggis | December 2, 2023
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 2, 2023
Rigi | December 2, 2023
Samichlaus-Express
Families travel from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm in the Belle Epoque Parlor Car. On the way, they enjoy an aperitif before meeting Saint Nicholas at the summit.
Rigi | December 2, 2023
Kloster Einsiedeln | December 8, 2023
St. Nikolaus-Aussenden
On 2 December, after Mass, numerous Saint Nicholases come out of the monastery church, spread festive cheer and hand out bags filled with goodies.
Kloster Einsiedeln | December 8, 2023
Bauma | December 2/3, 2023
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 2/3, 2023
Winterthur | December 2 to 6, 2023
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, 2023
Kilchberg | December 2/3/6, 2023
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 2/3/6, 2023
Zurich | December 2 to 7, 2023
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, 2023
Jona | December 3, 2023
Chlauseinzug Jona
Saint Nicholas, his helpers and the donkey come from Johannisberg to Schulhaus Dorf bringing yummy surprises to the children – and adults.
Jona | December 3, 2023
Zurich | December 3, 2023
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 3, 2023
Lake Zug | December 3, 2023
Saint Nicholas Buffet
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 3, 2023
Zurich Zoo | December 3, 2023
Saint Nicholas at the Zoo
At Zurich Zoo, Saint Nicholas and “Schmutzli" welcome you with a sack full of goodies and their special helpers: two friendly llamas.
Zurich Zoo | December 3, 2023
Arth Goldau | December 3, 2023
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 3, 2023
Rotenflue | December 3, 2023
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 3, 2023
Küssnacht am Rigi | December 5, 2023
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, 2023
Hünenberg | December 5, 2023
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 5, 2023
Unterägeri | December 5, 2023
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, 2023
Zurich | December 6, 2023
Saint Nicholas at Storchen
Between 2 and 4 pm Saint Nicholas is looking forward to seeing the kids – and if they sing a little song or recite a poem, they get a goody bag filled with yummy treats.
Zurich | December 6, 2023
Lake Zurich | December 6, 2023
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, 2023
Baden Museum of History | December 6, 2023
Where does Saint Nicholas get his goodies?
Listen and enjoy – the story by Silvia Hüsler takes you to the countries where Saint Nicholas finds the goodies he carries in his sack, including dates and almonds.
Baden Museum of History | December 6, 2023
Winterthur | December 7, 2023
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 7, 2023
Zugerberg | December 8, 2023
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, 2023
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 Children’s Region 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 Children’s Region.
Rainy Day Activities
The Children’s Region has always a great idea for the next family activity in store, where neither seasons nor the weather is an issue.
