Samichlaus 2025

Celebrated on December 6th in Switzerland, St. Nicholas is a beautiful custom that families can look forward to. Less known amongst expats, St. Nicholas, who is known as Samichlaus in Swiss German, distributes treats such as chocolate, nuts and fruit to children. This differs somewhat from the Anglo-Saxon tradition of Father Christmas, the jolly man who delivers gifts and fills stockings just in time for Christmas Day.

The tradition dates back to the fourth century Nicholas of Myrna, a bishop who is the patron saint of children - hence why Samichlaus is often dressed as a bishop and does not necessarily always wear red, though he does sport a white beard. Accompanying him are his forbidding cane-wielding helpers, known as Schmutzli, whom have undergone an image softening as of late. St. Nicholas praises the children and points out the good things, but at the same time gains enough trust to point out where the children could improve.

Aside from public appearances, St. Nicholas also does home visits for which registration is required. Set the tone for upcoming Christmas at your household:

Zug

The procession of the St. Nicholas Society of the City of Zug will take place at St. Oswald Church on Saturday, 29 November from 5.15 pm. The short service features illuminated mitres and lanterns, followed by St. Nicholas and his helpers distributing treats. The St. Nicholas Gut Hirt Zug English procession will start at 6 pm from the Gut Hirt Church on Sunday, 30 November. Samichlaus tells a story in church and then distributes treats to the service. Visits to families take place from 29 November to 14 December, and Samichlaus speaks dialect, German and, upon request, English. Registration for home visits closes on 16 November. Signup and information (in German) here.

Baar

Samichlaus will be making his appearance on Saturday, 29 November at the Christchindlimärt (market). There will be a procession as well as a food and drinks stand led by Samichlaus. Visits to families take place between 3 and 6 December. Samichlaus speaks only German. Registration for home visits closes 17 November. Signup and information (in German) here.

Cham

Visits to families take place from 3 to 6 December. Families with young children may prefer to opt for the communal event at the church on 6 December at 6 pm where Samichlaus and his entourage can be enjoyed from a distance. The event is open to all families, regardless of their religious affiliation. Signup and information (in German) here.

Oberwil

Since 1963, Samichlaus has been arriving by boat to Oberwil. Visitors can gather along the Artherstrasse on Tuesday evening, 2 December and join the procession. Visits to families take place between 4 and 7 December. Registration for home visits closes 21 November. More information will be published in the village newspaper "Dorfzytig Oberwil" and signup forms will be posted to all households. Online signup and information (in German) here.

Steinhausen

Samichlaus will be making his appearance at the Christmas market on 5 December and a procession will take place through the village. Registration for home visits taking place 6 to 8 December closes 15 November. Signup and information (in German) here.

Risch-Rotkreuz

Instead of doing home visits, Samichlaus will be welcoming families in his cosy hut in the Sijentalwald (forest) from 1 to 8 December. Registration closes 15 November. Signup and information (in German) here.

Unterägeri

On 30 November, the annual Chlausauszug takes place from 5 pm and Samichlaus meets families at the Catholic Church Unterägeri. Visits to families take place between 4 and 8 December. Registration for home visits closes 11 November. Signup and information (in German) here.

Oberägeri

On 5 December, the annual Chlauseseln takes place from 5 pm whereby Samichlaus and his entourage make their way from door to door in the main village quarters. Typically, Samichlaus who is accompanied by Schmutzli enters the house and presents the children with gingerbread, mandarins and nuts once they have recited a poem or a song. Visits to families take place upon request. Signup and information (in German) here.

A comprehensive list of all St. Nicholas events in Zug is available here.