Swissmas Surprises: Top 5 Fun Facts About Christmas in Switzerland You Need to Know!

1. Santa's Angel Sidekick

In Switzerland, Santa's golden-haired wingman is truly an angel: the Christkind, a cherubic child with a heart for gift-giving, joins forces with Samichlaus during the festive season to ensure every child's Christmas wishes are granted. While the Christkind rules the roost in Protestant regions, taking care of presents on Christmas Eve or the night before, Santa steps in to spread cheer on December 24 and 25, making sure even expat children feel right at home.
Source => iamexpat.ch

2. Banks Turned Winter Wonderland

Who needs sleigh bells when you've got Raiffeisen bells? It seems the Swiss took a page from Clark Griswold's playbook and decided to transform their banks into a winter wonder-scene: For almost 40 years, Raiffeisen banks in Switzerland dazzle the season with more than 13,000 twinkling lights and festive decorations, making town hopping a favorite holiday activity for light-gazers.
Source => christmas-cookies.com

Did you know Boxing Day isn't about the sport at all? It's actually an old British tradition of giving "Christmas boxes" to tradesmen as a token of appreciation! Learn about this heartfelt punch of gratitude.

=> Fun Facts about Boxing-Day

3. Samichlaus' Healthy Gifts

Move over, Santa – Samichlaus and his sidekick Schmutzli are in town, ready to switch out those lumps of coal for a healthier and broomstick-free option: In Switzerland, well-behaved children are rewarded with a Samichlaussäckli filled with nuts and fruit, while Schmutzli silently assists, focusing on spreading kindness and manners rather than doling out punishment.
Source => eatlittlebird.com

4. Enchantment Express Tram Ride

Next stop: Enchantment Express! All aboard the magical holiday tram in Zurich where Samichlaus takes the wheel and angels double as storytime hosts: This whimsically festive ride, called the "Märlitram," has been delighting Swiss children aged 4-10 for more than 60 years, during a 20-minute ride around the city, all for the price of only 8 Swiss Francs, making it an affordable and unforgettable Christmas experience.
Source => afternoonteainswitzerland.wordpress.com

5. Schmutzli, the Broomstick-Wielding Helper

Forget the naughty list – Switzerland has Schmutzli on deck to keep the little rascals in check! Kids be warned, if you're not careful, you might find yourself facing a broomstick-wielding sidekick instead of good ol' Samichlaus: In Swiss Christmas traditions, Schmutzli accompanies Samichlaus as his helper, who formerly used a broomstick to punish misbehaving children. But fear not, for now he merely helps distribute gifts to the well-behaved, adding an air of enigma and just a sprinkle of dread to the festivities.
Source => eatlittlebird.com