Event
Christmas in Switzerland (Christmas Day & St Stephen's Day)
Christmas Day (25 December) is a national public holiday across Switzerland; St Stephen's Day (26 December) is also a public holiday in the Canton of Bern. Shops, banks and most attractions close on both days and public transport runs on a reduced schedule.
At a glance
- Dates
- December 25–2026 (day: 26)
- Where
- Nationwide
- Price
- Free (public holiday)
- Official link
- publicholidays.ch ↗
Last updated:
What to expect
- Two consecutive public holidays in Canton Bern (25–26 December)
- Shops, banks and government offices closed both days
- Reduced public-transport timetables on both days
Planning tips
- Stock up on groceries on 24 December — almost everything closes on the 25th and 26th
- Restaurants and mountain railways may open, but book ahead
- Christmas markets in Bern wind down around 24 December
Build a day around it
Treat the event as one clean block in your schedule, not the entire day. The best Bern days usually have one anchor (this event), one food moment, and one calm walk — with buffer so nothing feels rushed.
- If you have 2–3 hours: arrive a little early → event → short walk to decompress.
- If you’re making a full day: pair it with one neighborhood loop and one “sunset” stop.
- If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use cafés/museums as your buffer.
Before you go
- Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
- Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
- Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.
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