Samichlaus is the Swiss-German name for Saint Nicholas, a figure celebrated on December 6th who visits families and leads processions. He is a bishop-like figure accompanied by his helper, Schmutzli. While he gives children treats like nuts, mandarins, and chocolates, he also reviews their behavior for the year.
Traditions and activities
- House visits: Samichlaus visits homes to talk to children about their behavior, often referring to a book with notes from their parents or teachers.
- Provisions: He gives children a bag of treats, often called a “Chlaussack,” filled with things like peanuts, mandarins, and chocolates.
- Processions: Many villages hold processions with Samichlaus, accompanied by bell-ringers (“Trychler”), whip-crackers (“Geisselchlöpfer”), and lantern-bearers.
- Klausjagen: A famous event is the Klausjagen in Küssnacht am Rigi, which involves a large procession with elaborate, candle-lit headpieces called “Iffelen”.
KlausJagen in Küssnacht,Rigi: On December 5, (the evening prior to St. Nicholas Day) a remarkable processional known as “Klausjagen” (“Santa Chasing”) . The event begins at 8:15pm when Küssnacht shuts off all its lights and plunges the awaiting crowd into complete darkness. more info: click here
St. Nicholas Celebration,Fribourg: Every year during the first weekend of December, the city of Fribourg honours its patron saint – St. Nicholas – with a special celebration. more info: click here
Samichlaus and Schmutzli’s little forest house: in Zurich from 03. Dec. 2025 – 07. Dec.2025
More Information about Santa events across Switzerland click here
