Zürich Christmas Samichlaus Parade

On the first Advent, Zürich has a Christmas parade down the Zürich Bahnhofstrasse. With festively decorated wagons and brass bands, many Samichlaus (aka Santa) and other traditional Swiss Christmas characters wave and pass out treats to children.

This year: Sunday 25 November 2024 at 17:00

Keep reading to learn more about how to visit this event.

Location

The parade route is short, starting at Werdmühleplatz (same location as the Singing Christmas Tree) and leads down the Bahnhofstrasse to Bürkliplatz.

Hundreds of spectators line both sides of the Bahnhofstrasse. Best to arrive about 20 mins early to get a front row position along the Bahnhofstrasse. There is no seating or reserved places to watch the parade.

When

This event happens on the first Advent, which is four Sundays before Christmas. This year, it is happening on 26 Nov 2023.

The parade starts at 17:00 but can move quite slowly down the parade route. If you are standing near Paradeplatz, the parade might not reach you until 17:30.

This event is free to attend. See Official Samichlaus parade website (German only).

Tips for your visit

Since you will be standing for 30-60 mins, dress a bit warmer than the forecast may suggest, particular for small children.

The Santas typically hand out Lebkuchen to the kids. But if your kids don’t like that, perhaps have some other treats on hand to help deal with the disappointment.

If you have small children, you may want to familiarize yourself with the Swiss Samichlaus and Schmützli traditions so you can help explain why there are dozens of Samichlauses walking down the street, why they look like Catholic priests, and why a scary man (unfortunately often in black face) is carrying a whip/broom/big sack (it’s Schmützli, who punishes naughty children). Good luck!

Children can participate in the parade, dressing up as angels or santa’s helpers and walk along the parade route. You have to sign up a few weeks in advance on the official website.

How to get there

By public transport

If you are coming from outside the city, the closest train stations are Zürich HB or Zürich Stadelhofen. Then a short walk to the parade route.

If you are coming by tram inside the city, note that some trams will be rerouted during the parade. So check the ZVV.ch or SBB.ch apps for current tram disruptions. I would ride to either the Zürich HB or Bürkliplatz stop then walk to the parade route.

By car

Parking in Zürich is expensive and can be difficult to find, especially during Christmas season. I would suggest one of these lots:

• Parkhaus Opéra – Schillerstrasse 5, 8001 Zürich
• Hohe Promenade near Stadelhofen – Rämistrasse 22A, 8001 Zürich
• Parkhaus Hauptbahnhof near Zürich HB – Sihlquai 41, 8005 Zürich

See ParkingZuerich.ch for lot status and more parking lots.

Photos of the parade

The parade started with a whip and these men carrying very heavy cow bells.

Then Samichlaus driving the Jemoli Märlitram. Children aged 4-11 can ride this at other times, learn more.

A few different Samiclaus styles.

A few bands not necessarily playing Christmas tunes. I think I recognized the Marvel theme song.

Forest scene, perhaps friends of Samichlaus?

This float looks like the typical forest hut where you can visit Samichlaus on the week leading up to 6 Dec.

A view inside the hut where Samichlaus and Schmützli await guests.

Samichlaus can also receive post and phone calls.

I think the bags might be for naughty children that are kidnapped by Schmützli.

I’m guessing these are angels, finishing out the parade.

Video of parade

Here’s a short video from SRF about the parade.