Christmas adventures in Bern

When shopping for gifts, don’t forget to stop by the shops in Bern’s old town after browsing the Christmas markets. The six kilometres of arcades and characteristic vaulted cellars make Christmas shopping here extra special. We especially recommend the lower part of the old town – from the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) downwards – with its many charming boutiques, ateliers, and local shops. Many of them accept the Bern City gift card for payment.

Christmas in Bern isn’t just peaceful and reflective. It can be colourful, creative and wonderfully carefree too. Christmas markets and winter pop-ups throughout the city invite you to enjoy a steaming drink after work. Whether at the festively decorated Sternenmarkt, with Oscar the Elk in Ringgenpärkli, or “Bim Portier” at Freibank restaurant in Wankdorf City, winter in Bern serves up hot chocolate, mulled punch (a fruity, spiced drink), Hot Mules, raclette and much more every day. Enjoy exploring and tasting.

Right next to Bern station, the courtyard of the Generationenhaus is a welcoming spot to linger, even in the cold season. At Christmas, the space comes alive with a festive programme: five little chalets invite visitors of all ages to get creative with candle dipping, and kids can whirl around on a pedal-powered carousel. Homemade hot chocolate, ginger tea and delicious local treats are served in the café bar, and every day in Advent a new calendar door opens to reveal music, literature, film or theatre.

The Christmas spirit has arrived at Bern’s animal park, and with it many fun activities. Under expert guidance, children can get creative and help make something to keep the animals entertained until they, too, receive their gifts on Christmas Day. Or they can get their faces painted and turn into a glittery Christmas fairy or a snow angel. There’s a letterbox for “Samichlous” (Father Christmas), who is looking forward to receiving lots of rhymes (a Swiss tradition) and drawings. As a thank-you, he will be distributing little bags filled with treats on 6 December. While the children are busy, the adults can sit back and enjoy a warm drink in the festively decorated Eulen Bistro. 

A “Schoggi Tasting” (chocolate tasting) at Casa Nobile will take you on a journey into the fascinating world of fine cocoa. Learn from the passionate “artisti del cioccolato” how chocolate is made, all the way from the cocoa bean to the exclusive end product. After the tasting, the shop on Kramgasse tempts with a wealth of sweet delights – from chocolate bars, candied nuts and fruits to pralines, tartufi and what may well be the world’s largest selection of Branchli (Switzerland’s iconic chocolate sticks), to name just a few. In the run-up to Christmas, things get especially creative on 22 November: in a festive workshop, you can craft three hand-dipped chocolate lollies, decorated to your own taste with your favourite couverture.

Every year, the facade of the Berchtoldhof in Bätterkinden is turned into a 16-metre nativity scene. The figurines, décor and props are all hand-made. Visitors of all ages flock to Bätterkinden from far and wide to see the installation, which tells the Christmas story from a different perspective every year. It can be visited every day from 1 December to 6 January from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nativity scene sits 50 centimetres above ground, so children and people in wheelchairs can also enjoy it.

Who knows the secret of the well in the castle courtyard? Who has heard the legend of the White Lady? No one? Then it’s high time to visit Junker Gerold and listen to him tell these and other spooky stories on a tour of Thun Castle by night. The legends are complemented by historical facts and information about the construction and operation of the castle over the course of eight centuries. Accompanied by a guide, the participants tour the dark castle, lit only by lanterns – an experience that will let you see the historic site in a new light.

Everyone loves a good ghost story, even though (or perhaps because?) they send shivers down our spine. When night falls and the city goes quiet, the “Spooky Bern” city tour leads you into the world of gruesome tales, tragic fates, unredeemed souls and haunted places. Who spent centuries in the little chamber in the Zytglogge (Clock Tower)? What is the difference between ghosts and ghouls? And why is there a headless woman going down the steps into the Matte neighbourhood? Participants will find out all this and more on this entertaining tour through Bern’s old town. Did you know? There is also a children’s adaptation of this tour, which takes place a bit earlier.

A winter stroll with very special companions awaits at the Alpaca Farm Bern. This is the perfect season to meet them: with their thick winter coats, the alpacas are fluffier than ever and ready to join you on an unforgettable walk. With views of Switzerland’s federal city in the distance, couples, families and friends alike can enjoy this festive highlight in the snowy landscape. Afterwards, a sweet reward awaits in the cosy hayloft: homemade molten chocolate cakes. And if you can’t get enough of their soft, warm coats, the farm shop offers beautiful products and unique gifts made from fine alpaca wool.

From 13 December to 14 February, current and aspiring ice princesses and princes flock to Bundesplatz where, every winter, an ice-skating rink is set up. There is also a restaurant where you can warm your feet while enjoying a hot chocolate, a steaming mug of mulled wine, or a creamy cheese fondue. Admission is free and you don’t need to make a reservation – we do recommend it for the restaurant, though – and ice skates can be rented on site. We think it’s the perfect choice for a fun, festive family activity or a romantic winter date with your (future?) sweetheart.

Cosy alpine vibes meet football fever at the YB Chalet, right in front of Wankdorf Stadium. From hearty raclette to an outdoor apéro with mulled wine and apple punch, the chalet decked out in black and yellow sets the scene for memorable evenings with family and friends. Sports fans get an extra treat: all BSC Young Boys away games (Tuesday to Saturday) are shown live on two big screens.

A ticket to the one-hour open studio is your pass to a creative journey. Each month explores a new theme – in December, it’s all about “A Sparkle of Silver”. With an array of materials, young and old can craft small treasures for themselves or heartfelt gifts for loved ones. A festive break with creativity, light and inspiration.