Every year as December rolls round, I get the same question from my kids: “can we have an advent calendar?” It doesn’t matter if they were 2 or 20, they still get a thrill of opening a little cardboard door, counting down the days to Christmas. Advent calendars in Switzerland have been a thing as long as I have lived here and I’ve watched them change over the years. From store-bought to homemade, to now advent calendars for young and young at heart, here is everything you need to know about advent calendars in Switzerland.
DIY or Store-Bought Advent Calendars? What Modern Swiss Families Choose
Long before they were popular the world over kids in Switzerland received a cardboard advent calendar where each little daily window revealed a new scene. These scenes were almost always religious, because here it isn’t Santa who brings the Christmas presents, it’s the Christkind.
As time passed, advent calendars moved on to chocolate-filled ones. Then, as a health-conscious culture developed, they shifted toward toys, and plenty of brands jumped on the advent-calendar bandwagon.
But advent calendars aren’t always store-bought.
Many families like to DIY their own advent calendars, especially when the kids are young, and plenty of shops now sell reusable advent calendars people can fill themselves. The Gotti and Götti (godparents) often take this on for their godchildren instead of the parents. Especially when the kids are young, the idea of a DIY, experience-based advent calendar is really popular.
Types of Advent Calendars in Switzerland
25+ Swiss-Inspired Advent Calendar Ideas
These days, what isn’t turned into an advent calendar? There really is one for every type of person. Even the adults get in on the fun.
This list is anything but exhaustive, but it’s a great starting point if you’re looking for an advent calendar for someone in your life. My personal favourite is a chocolate advent calendar from a boutique chocolatier.
1. Chocolate
2. Food & Drink
4. Toys
5. Beauty
- Rituals
- Sephora
- Douglas
- Swarovski
Someone who focuses on experiences is primary school teacher and mother of two Kaccey. Her family’s motto, “presence over presents” is built straight into their advent calendar. She chooses many activities her family would do in December anyway. Putting an Advent-calendar spin on an everyday activity just sprinkles a bit of December magic on it.
Swiss-Inspired Experiences
- Light a candle each Sunday during Advent
- Visit the Advent windows in your neighbourhood or make your own
- Bake a Grittibänz on St. Niklaus Day (6th December)
- Visit a Christmas Market
- Watch Klausjagen in. Küssnacht am 5th December
- Book a trip on the Fairytale Tram (in SwissGerman)
- Bake Swiss Christmas Cookies
- Make a Candle at a candle Workshop
Tree & Decorating Traditions
- Buy a Christmas tree
- Make your own decorations
- Decorate the tree together
- Put up Christmas Lights outside
Sweet Treats & Cozy Nights In
- Dessert before dinner
- Breakfast for dinner
- Marshmallows on the fire
- Watch a Christmas movie
- Read Christmas-themed books together
- A day in your PJs
Getting Out & About
- Ride a carousel
- Go ice skating
- Invite a friend over for a playdate
- Take a night walk with lanterns
Connection, Kindness & Quiet Moments
- Bake cookies for friends or neighbours
- Buy yourself a small Christmas present
- Set aside time for a family photo.
- Host a board game night.
- Write and send Christmas cards
- Designate a day per Family member to do an act of service
- Make a family Christmas Playlist
Advent Calendar Switzerland FAQ
What kind of advent calendar do families use in Switzerland?
An advent calendar in Switzerland can be anything from a classic chocolate calendar to a reusable advent calendar that people fill themselves. In is typical in Switzerland for the godparents to gift an advent calendar each year.
Who brings the Christmas presents in Switzerland?
In most Swiss families, it is “Christkind” or “Baby Jesus”, not Santa, who brings gifts on Christmas in Switzerland. Christkind brings the gifts on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day.
What is an experience advent calendar?
An experience advent calendar swaps the daily treat of chocolate, toys and other physical gifts in exchange for a shared family activity. Experiences range from decorating the Christmas tree to taking a later walk or bake cookies.
When does Advent start in Switzerland?
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which is when many Swiss families light the first candle on their advent wreath. Most advent calendars however begin on 1st December and run until the 24th.
