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November in Switzerland

November is a tricky time to visit Switzerland. Most mountains resorts close around the end of October and take a break until ski season starts in mid December.

However, a few mountains do stay open for hiking into November and some high elevation ski resorts open early as soon as the snow sticks.

Plus you’ll find November full of fall festivals and even some Christmas markets.

Below are links to all our November tips to help you plan your trip, for both tourists and locals.

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25 Fun Things to Do in November in Switzerland
The best activities when visiting Switzerland in November including mountain viewpoints, light shows, food & cultural events, early Christmas activities, and where to hike and ski.

November Mountains

15 Swiss hikes for November
A few hikes that you can do in November in Switzerland (assuming no snow), focusing on sunny areas with panorama views.
10 Places to Ski in November in Switzerland
Ski resorts in Switzerland that open in November for early season skiing, including glaciers and high elevation resorts.
  • Switzerland
20 Best Mountain Viewpoints for November in Switzerland
The few Swiss mountains that stay open in November after hiking season ends, so you can enjoy the views and perhaps hike if the weather cooperates.
  • Switzerland

November Events

Bern Onion Market Festival (Zibelemärit)
Everything you need to know about visiting the November onion festival in Bern Switzerland, including finding the best onion braids, how to get there, what to eat, and fun traditions.
  • Northwest Switzerland
  • Bern Region
12 Magical Light Festivals in Switzerland
Light festivals around Switzerland to visit during the dark nights of winter months from October to February.
  • Switzerland
Räbechilbi – Turnip Lantern Festival
Räbechilbi is a fall tradition where children carve lanterns out of turnips and parade them around the neighborhood. Here’s info about the biggest celebration in Richterswil near Zürich.
  • Zürich Region

Christmas Markets

These Swiss Christmas Markets open in November 2025. See the full market calendar.

15 Nov – Luzern

20 Nov – Zurich, Bern, Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva

27 Nov – Basel

27 Nov – Lugano

28 Nov – Einsiedelen

Swiss Cheese Festival

In fall, you can experience the Switzerland Cheese Festival (aka “Käsefeste” ) in six cities across Switzerland, one location each weekend. Here are the November dates:

8 Nov 2025 – Rapperswil (near Zurich)

15 Nov 2025 – Bern & World Cheese Awards

Fall Festivals & Markets

Basel Fall Fair (Herbstmesse)
25 Oct – 9 Nov 2025

Räbechilbi Richterswil – Turnip Lantern Festival
Sat 8 Nov 2025

Aarau Carrot Market
Wed 5 Nov 2025

Bern Onion Market
Mon 24 Nov 2025

Light Shows

Eonarium Light Show Geneva
9 Oct to 22 Nov 2025

Rendez-vous Bundesplatz Bern
19 Oct to 23 Nov 2024

Illuminarium
6 Nov to 30 Dec 2025

November Food & Drink

Expovina Wine Ships in Zurich
30 Oct – 11 Nov 2025

Swiss Coffee Festival in Zurich
22/23 Nov 2025

15 Best Cheese Fondue in Zürich
Where to eat fondue in Zürich during winter including Christmas markets, fondue chalets, and fondue rides on trams, trains and tuk-tuks.
  • Eastern Switzerland
  • Zürich City
Where to buy Thanksgiving ingredients in Switzerland
Don’t panic! Here’s your guide to shopping for Thanksgiving ingredients in Switzerland and alternatives if you don’t want to cook.
10 Places to eat Thanksgiving dinner in Zürich
If you prefer not to cook on Thanksgiving or you can’t find a turkey, here are restaurants and catering services that will provide Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings.

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