Switzerland is broken up into four different cultural divisions, French, Romanian, Italian and German. Each individual division borrows its holiday traditions from the country that influenced that particular region. To learn more about how Christmas is celebrated in Switzerland, check out the links on this page.
Swiss Christmas Decorations
In Switzerland, only real candles are used to decorate the Christmas tree, not electric lights.Museum of Science and Industry: Holiday Traditions in Sweden
Snowflake decorations represent the four different regions of Switzerland.Museum of Science and Industry: Holiday Traditions in Sweden
The star placed on the top of the Christmas tree is representative of the Star of BethlehemMuseum of Science and Industry: Holiday Traditions in Sweden
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References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Christmas Day is December 25
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Fact:
In 2008, Christmas falls on a Thursday
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Fact:
Typical Christmas greetings include "Joyeux Noel" (French), "Buon Natale" (Italian), "Froehliche Weinachten" (Swiss-German) and "Bellas Festas" (Romansh)Museum of Science and Industry: Holiday Traditions in Sweden
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Gifts are delivered to children by different entities depending on the region
Santa Claus, Sameichiaus, Father Christmas and his wife Lucy or La BefanaMuseum of Science and Industry: Holiday Traditions in Sweden
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Fact:
The Klausjagen is a torchlit procession led by men in long white shirts; St. Nicholas appears at the end of the processionSwiss Info: Advent and Christmas
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Fact:
In many areas Santa Claus comes and fills the children's shoes on the eve of St. Nicholas DaySwiss Info: Advent and Christmas
