10 Bernese highlights in December

If you’re looking for a little light on those dark December evenings, you’ll certainly find it at Bern’s delightful Christmas markets. From the sparkling Sternenmarkt to the traditional Christmas market on Waisenhausplatz and the craft market on the Minster terrace, the holiday spirit is present throughout the city. But the federal city isn’t the only place with mistletoe and sparkling market stalls: the entire region captivates visitors with its diverse Christmas markets. At the Adventsschloss (Advent Castle) in Burgdorf, you can enjoy historical craftsmanship; the December market in Belp is a fun, colourful family event; and at the Christmas market in the Kulturhof Schloss Köniz, you’ll get a visit from Saint Nicholas, his helper, Schmutzli, and their donkey.

The run-up to Christmas often involves hectic preparations and shopping stress. The most exclusive perfume, a designer handbag, the new iPhone – Christmas is a time of giving and the wish lists are long. But not everyone in Switzerland can afford gifts. It is often forgotten that there are many people in our country who are affected by poverty. The “Eine Million Sterne” (one million stars) campaign aims to help. On 6 December, people can light a candle on Bundesplatz to express their solidarity for those affected. Because that’s what Christmas is about: being kind and spreading hope. That is truly gift that keeps on giving.

Star of Bethlehem? Star of Bätterkinden! A visit to the Berchtoldshof farm in Bätterkinden will take you right into the Christmas story. It is told in the form of the largest nativity scene on the entire Central Plateau, measuring an impressive 16 metres in length. The display can be admired every day from 1 December 2025 to 6 January 2026 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It sits 50 centimetres above ground, so it is also suited for children and people in wheelchairs. To round off your visit, we recommend popping by the farm shop for some regional, homemade treats.

Joy to the masses: following its successful special exhibitions “Nothing” and “Dance!”, the Museum of Communication will be showing “Massen – Foules – Crowds” as of 12 December. In this new exhibition, the award-winning museum will provide fascinating insights into the workings of human crowds. Take, for example, the many people who make their way through Bern railway station at the end of the working day: they have little to do with each other, yet we perceive them as a whole. Why is that? Can crowds be directed, and if so, how? Why can being part of a crowd feel both frightening and empowering at the same time? From mid-December until the summer, visitors will find answers to these and other questions in Bern’s Museum Quarter.

When the night falls, the time has come for ghost stories and spooky tales. In the past, this was also when Bern’s night watchman started his shift, equipped with a flowing cloak, lantern and halberd. How did a night watchman in the Middle Ages handle suspicious people who were out and about at night? Were there curfews back then or did people stay out until the early hours of the morning? Did the night watchman come across ghosts or other mystical creatures on his tour? Why did Kreuzgasse send shivers down his spine? And why was he often annoyed by the tower guards? Find out on the night-time stroll through the dark alleyways of Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town.

Not the night watchman’s lantern, but spotlights in every corner illuminate the ice rink on Bundesplatz. It will finally reopen its doors on 13 December to enthusiastic ice skaters of all ages and onlookers who enjoy the colourful hustle and bustle on the rink and the view of the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building) while sipping a cup of tea or some mulled wine. The unique rink with its spectacular backdrop is open until mid-February. It also has its own chalet-style restaurant where you can enjoy a tasty post-skate fondue or a warming pumpkin soup. You can bring your own skates or hire them on site. Admission is free!

Scandinavia is en vogue. This hardly comes as a surprise – the region offers “hygge”, tasty food, relaxing saunas and stunning natural beauty. While we can’t (always) offer impressive Northern Lights in Bern, we can certainly compete with the rest. For fans of Scandinavian cuisine in particular, there’s a new place on Hirschengraben near Bern railway station that has the potential to become your new favourite restaurant: Vasa. Whether you’re longing for smörrebröd, köttbullar or Lohikeitto, you’ll find everything you need to satisfy your Nordic wanderlust. As well as delicious food, the new restaurant also offers a varied bar menu and an inviting Scandi-style interior.

In Bern, the last month of the year is filled with sparkling lights and festive decorations. If you need to stock up on the latter (or just feel like treating yourself to a little something, no judgement), we recommend a leisurely stroll through Bern’s old town. The many shops and boutiques under its arcades offer plenty of beautiful home decor and gift ideas for your loved ones. If you’re celebrating on your own or not at all, browse the old town’s many stylish, artistic, practical, lovely gems for a souvenir from the federal city that brings you joy. By the way: many stores accept the Bern City gift card as payment – another popular Christmas gift or souvenir.

Amidst the hustle and bustle around the end of the year, it is easy to forget that December is also a time for reflection and turning inward. It is important to rest and recharge. And what better place to do so than in one of the region’s wonderful hotels? This winter, they have come up with a number of special offers. One such hotel is the festively decorated Kemmeribodenbad country inn. Its “Wintertröimli” (winter’s dream) package for two includes a two-night stay with a classic Emmental breakfast, a four-course gourmet menu, a cheese fondue in an igloo or on the terrace, and a one-hour carriage ride or a guided two-hour snowshoe tour through the Schangnau’s snow-covered winter landscape.

Laupen and its castle are lit up in the middle of the night? The time has come for “Achetringele”, Laupen’s traditional end-of-year procession: evil spirits are driven out of the medieval town with lots of noise and spooky wooden masks, ensuring a good, happy start to the New Year. The procession through Laupen is led by masked “Bäsemanne” (broom men), “Glöggeler” (bell ringers) in white, and “Blaateremannli” (bladder men). They stop at five places along the way to recite a traditional New Year’s verse and New Year’s wish. This is followed by a chase with inflated “Söiblatere” (pig bladders)(yes, pig bladders), after which the evil spirits will hopefully be banished in time for the New Year. The impressive spectacle begins at 8 p.m. at Laupen Castle and is open for everyone to watch and enjoy.