11 November highlights in Bern

Pumpkin soup, mulled wine, biscuits and pralines – November in Bern tastes every bit as good as it looks. The festive mood arrives early here: every day from 1 to 30 November, a beautifully decorated window opens somewhere in the city, bringing a touch of Christmas magic to even the greyest days. Don’t miss the unveiling of the next window – many participating shops and restaurants have something special planned for the day.

For the people of Langnau, the ice rink marks the true start of winter. It’s where families and friends meet. The rink is freshly prepared several times a day, so you can skate until long after sunset. Beginners can take comfort in sweet little seal-shaped supports to help them keep their balance. So, nothing stands in the way of a magical winter outing for all ages. And the best part? Entry is free. Warm up afterwards with a hot drink in the chalet next to the ice rink or treat yourself to fondue, raclette or a Sunday brunch. Our tip: book your table early, it’s a popular spot.

From 13 to 15 November, Bern becomes the world’s “Capital of Cheese”. The World Cheese Awards in the Bernexpo halls make every cheese fan’s heart beat faster. Out of 5,000 entries, one cheese will be crowned the world’s best. At the 2,000-square-metre “Swiss Fine Food Market”, visitors can sample and buy cheesy delicacies, hop aboard the fondue tram for a classic Swiss experience, or join concerts and family activities on Quartierplatz in front of the Wankdorf Centre. One thing’s certain: this weekend, cheese is king.

The “Zibelemärit” is more than a market, it’s a Bernese institution. Whether you’re a child throwing confetti, a night owl dancing at the Zibele rave, or a family picking out beautifully plaited onion garlands, everyone here has their own “Zibelemärit” tradition. Officially recognised as a living Swiss tradition, food is at the heart of the celebrations on 24 November. The offerings are as varied as they are tempting: from onion soup and tart to garlic bread, “Chäsbrägu” (cheese toast) and spiced cider, the culinary temptations start early.

Bern’s culinary journey doesn’t end at the city limits. If good food and a dash of festive romance are your thing, head to the Oberaargau, only an hour from Bern. From 26 to 30 November, the historic centre of Huttwil hosts one of Switzerland’s largest and most enchanting Christmas markets. In lovingly decorated wooden chalets, you’ll find traditional crafts and delicious treats of every kind. Candied almonds, melted raclette and the region’s famous gingerbread make the start of the festive season even sweeter.

“Don’t leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute” – easier said than done, right? But this festive season, you can finally make it happen. On 30 November, the traditional First Advent shopping day brings a festive buzz to Bern’s lower old town. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., many local shops open their doors and showcase their creative products. If you’re getting peckish, you should stop by the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) to meet Santa and enjoy some clementines and nuts. And don’t worry if you couldn’t make it on the First Advent: Bern’s annual Sunday shopping returns on 14 and 21 December, giving you the perfect second chance.

In Uettligen, just outside Bern, a truly special dining experience awaits. On the Schüpfenried organic farm, sisters Camille and Céline of Aplati have turned a greenhouse into a magical pop-up restaurant, surprising us with a truly contemporary dining experience. Guests gather around a long communal table, enjoying dishes made from ingredients grown just metres away. Vegetables and grains from the field, animals providing fertiliser and meat – this is true farm-to-table eating. Dinner is served Wednesday to Saturday until 20 December, and if you fancy a little extra warmth, the farm’s cosy sauna wagon awaits.

When night falls and the cobbled streets grow quiet, it’s time to set off on a chilling walk through the city’s shadowy past. The “Spooky Bern” city tour brings eerie tales of witches, restless spirits and souls long condemned. Where in the old town did the most dreadful crimes take place? Which corners and alleys have witnessed the most haunting moments? This spine-tingling tour weaves legends and historical events together, and you might just find your hair standing on end (or your nails bitten down).

Greenland has long been a theme in Bern’s museum district, Switzerland’s largest cultural complex by area, most recently through the impressive film exhibition at ALPS. Now, the Bernisches Historisches Museum (Museum of History) adds another perspective with “Greenland Ahoy!”. With 150 artefacts, the museum’s Greenland collection is one of the largest in Switzerland. The new exhibition explores the story behind these objects, Switzerland’s interest in the polar world and its colonial legacy. With the Museum District Pass Greenland x Greenland, both exhibitions can be visited for the price of one. And to round off your day of culture, stop by the museum café Las Alps for a refreshing Qajaq – Greenlandic beer served cold.

This unique film festival has long been a favourite among culture and cinema lovers. For the 14^th time, the Latin American and Caribbean embassies in Bern invite audiences to immerse themselves in the artistic stories of their countries – free of charge. Some films were already shown in October, but until 18 November, you can still catch productions from Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, Costa Rica and this year’s guest country, Italy, at the Cine Club Bern. And if you’d rather not live on popcorn and ice cream alone, why not round off the evening at one of Bern’s Latin American restaurants? El Mexicano on Spitalgasse is always a good choice.

“Nibble, nibble, little mouse, who is nibbling at my house?” Few lines conjure such vivid images of breadcrumbs, gingerbread cottages and crackling ovens. The famous Grimm story comes to life as an opera on the stage of Bern’s Stadttheater. This enchanting production is perfect for the whole family, featuring well-known children’s songs performed by the Bern Symphony Orchestra and the young children’s choir of Bühnen Bern. The premier takes place on 8 November, with additional school performances and special shows offering childcare.