How do the Swiss celebrate Christmas and New Year's?
Post ByAdequate Travel
Summary
Christmas and New Year's are celebrated all around the world, but in Switzerland, there's a unique set of traditions! In this blog, we'll uncover the many ways the Swiss celebrate these two special occasions. From Christmas markets to candlelit church services, discover the Swiss holiday spirit in all its glory.Christmas in Switzerland
1. Advent Time: The Christmas season in Switzerland begins with the four weeks of Advent leading up to December 25th. People often decorate their homes with Advent wreaths, candles, and nativity scenes.
2. Christmas Markets: Swiss cities and towns host charming Christmas markets throughout December. These markets offer traditional food, mulled wine, crafts, and holiday decorations. The most renowned Christmas market in Switzerland is held in Basel.
3. Christmas Eve: In Switzerland, Christmas Eve, known as "Heiligabend," is the time for families to gather and exchange gifts. It is typically celebrated with a festive meal, often including fondue or roasted meat dishes.
4. St. Nicholas and Santa Claus: In many regions of Switzerland, St. Nicholas visits children on the evening of December 6th, rewarding them for good behavior with small gifts. However, in some parts of the country, Santa Claus (also called Samichlaus) is prevalent on Christmas Eve.
5. Church Services: Attending a Christmas Eve church service is a common tradition for many Swiss families, regardless of their religious beliefs. The services often feature choirs, carol singing, and the retelling of the nativity story.
New Year's in Switzerland
1. New Year's Eve Celebrations: New Year's Eve, called "Silvester" in Switzerland, is celebrated with festive parties, fireworks, and concerts in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern. Many people attend public gatherings or enjoy private parties with family and friends.
2. Swiss New Year Customs: Some Swiss traditions include making loud noises at midnight to scare away evil spirits and indulging in traditional foods like raclette, fondue, and Neujährswurst (a smoked sausage). Additionally, people often toast with a glass of champagne or local sparkling wine.
3. New Year's Day: The first day of the year is a public holiday in Switzerland. Many people take part in outdoor activities such as skiing, sledding, or taking a refreshing dip in Lake Zurich during the "Neujahresschwimmen" (New Year's swim).
4. Three Kings' Day: A significant event within the Christmas season, January 6th marks Three Kings' Day or Epiphany. In some parts of Switzerland, people celebrate this day by creating processions or singing carols.
5. New Year's Wishes: It is customary to exchange New Year's wishes and greetings with friends, family, and colleagues. Many people send cards or text messages to express good wishes for the coming year.
Before embarking on your journey to switzerland, make sure to check the latest travel guidelines and entry requirements to ensure a smooth tripSuggested Questions
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