The Alps, crystal clear water and chocolate galore, Switzerland is well known as an ideal holiday spot due to low crime, courteous residents and beautiful landscapes. Switzerland is a small country bordered by France, Italy, Germany, Liechtenstein and Austria with 4 national languages, Romansh, German, French and Italian. Most of the country consists of the Alpine Mountains, covering more than 60% of Switzerland. In addition to being a world leader for chocolate and cheese manufacturing, there are lots of events and festivals to attend throughout the year. Here are some upcoming activities taking place in Switzerland in 2024 and 2025:
22-25 January 2025
Taking place in Mürren every January, the annual Inferno Ski Races is the world's oldest and longest amateur downhill ski race. The upcoming 81st event is currently accepting registrations until 15 September 2024.
6-15 February 2025
Art on Ice is a sporting event featuring acrobatic, figure and dance skating as well as music festival full of worldwide top artists. Traveling through Zurich, Fribourg and Davos, tickets and VIP packages are available at this link.
24 February 2025 - 2 March 2025
Car enthusiast alert! The Geneva International Motor show takes place every year from end of February to beginning of March in Geneva. The 2024 show had over 150 cars displayed including Lamborghini, Porsche and Bugatti. Episodes from 2024 and 2023 are available to watch online.
8-12 April 2025
In the mood for acoustic music, check out Zermatt Unplugged, a festival spanning five days with international artists featuring Switzerland's gorgeous mountainous ranges. The event started in 2007 and has grown to include 120 concerts with 17 stages! The 2024 show featured artists such as Ben Howard, Birdy, Gregory Porter, James Arthur and Angus & Julia Stone. Shows take place during daytime and include epic after parties lasting throughout the night into early morning. If you're planning to attend, ensure to arrive through train or airplane as Zermatt is a car free zone.
4 May 2025
Well known for its authentic, high quality, unique cheeses, Gruyère celebrates its love of cheese during the annual cheese festival taking place the 1st Sunday of May. Musical entertainment including folk orchestra and Alphorn artists is provided and provide cheese making presentations. Take your family to this event and enjoy Emmental and Gruyère cheeses along with expert craftsmanship demonstrations lace making and wooden cream spoons.
26-29 June 2025
With fan tickets already sold out for 2025, the Open Air St. Gallen event takes place every year in June. Founded in 1977 with no interruptions, over 110,000 people attend this large and longest running outdoor event.
23-28 July 2024
Described as "way more than music," the Paléo Festival is Switzerland's biggest open air festival spanning 6 days and consists of over 250 concerts and shows, 8 stages and 250,000 party attendees. Ensure not to bring cash to the event as they doesn't accept cash payments (check out this link for accepted forms of payment).
7-17 August 2024
Considered one of the most prestigious and oldest film festivals in the world, this artistic event is an excellent opportunity for up and coming film makers and movie lovers. Tickets for the Locarno International Film Festival can be obtained here.
19-21 September 2024
Nicknamed the "Coachella of the Mountains," the SunIce Festival of St. Moritz, for the first time, is held during the spring and summertime in April and September since its commencement in 2016. Artists include Hot Since 82, Karaba and Meduza for upcoming September event.
27 October 2024
A runner and walkers dream, the Lausanne Marathon has been taking place in Lausanne since 1993. Walkers can participate in 10km walks and runners can run 42 and 21 km races (young males up to age 14 can also run 10km).
11-12 December 2024
Celebrate this 400+ victory of Geneva's defense against the Duke of Savoy's military during L'escalade (also known as Fête de l’Escalade) from the 11-12 of December. Enjoy mouth satisfying chocolate, medieval costumes and watch children carry torches during this annual event.
21 November 2024 - 24 December 2024
See Santa Claus in the air, literally, at the Montreux Christmas Market. Switzerland is predominantly Christian nation and has held this market since the end of the 19th century. Celebrate the holidays in one of the most festive and attractive locations in the world!
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