Christmas Events for Kids in Lausanne (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

9 min read · Lire en français

For 2026, we confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Lausanne. The season opens on November 20 with L'Atelier Biscuits Kambly (The Kambly Cookie Workshop) and runs until December 24 with Noël Nordique (Nordic Christmas). Of these, 5 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Switzerland.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux and Morges: 13
  • First: L'Atelier Biscuits Kambly (The Kambly Cookie Workshop), Montreux, November 20
  • Free events: Le Père Noël Volant (The Flying Santa), L'Éveil de Noël (Christmas Awakening), Les rennes sont raplapla (The Reindeer Are Worn Out), Une nuit sous les flocons (A Night Under the Snowflakes) and Noël sur la colline (Christmas on the Hill)

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Lausanne

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux and Morges
Season
November 20 to December 24
Free events
5
Last checked

Free 5Ticketed and paid 8

Free Christmas events for kids in Lausanne

Story time with SantaFree

Les rennes sont raplapla (The Reindeer Are Worn Out)

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This year the reindeer are tired and refuse to pull the sleigh: the presents are too heavy. What will Santa (Père Noël) and Mrs. Claus (Mère Noël) do? The company Les Contes Joyeux tells these stories full of humor and surprises, with music.

The session takes place on Tuesday, Dec 1, from 5 to 6 pm at the Bibliothèque Chailly. It is for children ages 5 to 10, with an adult, and it is free. A nice way to start December after school. It is part of the Lire à Lausanne program of the city libraries. The Bibliothèque Chailly is on Avenue de la Vallonnette, and you can use the visit to borrow a few Christmas picture books to read at home.

Parent tip: An adult must stay with the children during the session. Expect it to be in French.

Host
Bibliothèques de la Ville de Lausanne (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothèque Chailly, Avenue de la Vallonnette 12, 1012 Lausanne (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bibliothèques de la Ville de Lausanne (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 12 more Lausanne events researched for you.

  • New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Lausanne.
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Coming up on this page

  • 7 Santa
  • 6 Shows
  • 5 Lights
  • 4 Story time
  • 5 Free

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Christmas showFree

Une nuit sous les flocons (A Night Under the Snowflakes)

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Christmas night is like no other: sometimes animals reveal themselves and speak to us, sometimes we open our door to those who are not like us. This Christmas concert takes the audience into a musical world where the instruments tell a story, among snowflakes and encounters.

The storyteller Claire Heuwekemeiyer accompanies the musicians throughout the concert. Meet on Saturday, Dec 5, at 4 pm at the Aula de l'Elysée, Avenue de l'Elysée 6, for about 1 hour 30 minutes. Entry is free but registration is requested. A warm, poetic moment, ideal for getting into the Christmas mood together on a Saturday afternoon.

Parent tip: Register at 021 312 44 41; plan on 1 hour 30 minutes of show. Expect it to be in French.

Host
École de Musique Lausanne (opens in a new tab)
Where
Aula de l'Elysée, Avenue de l'Elysée 6, 1006 Lausanne (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with École de Musique Lausanne (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Noël sur la colline (Christmas on the Hill)

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Flashlight in hand, kids set off to find the fallen stars along the path. The stars guide them to the top of a hill, where a lovely Christmas story is told. To end gently, star-shaped cookies and cinnamon tea are served.

The meeting is on Saturday, Dec 12, from 5 to 6:30 pm, starting at the tl Dapples stop on line 1, so you can come without a car. It is free and designed at kid level for ages 3 to 7, accompanied by their parents, with a short route and a story told by lamplight.

Parent tip: Dress warmly and bring a flashlight; the route is hard with a stroller. Expect the story to be in French.

Host
Lausanne Tourisme (official calendar) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Starting at the tl Dapples stop (line 1), Avenue Édouard Dapples, 1006 Lausanne (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Lausanne Tourisme (official calendar) (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Vevey

Visit with SantaFree

L'Éveil de Noël (Christmas Awakening) (Vevey)

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From Nov 27 to 29, Vevey's Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville is decked in light to launch the season. On Friday at 6 pm, the tree ceremony lights up the big tree, followed by a complimentary drink, and the Sapin des Vœux (Wish Tree) is launched, with cards available at nearby shops.

On Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm, Mrs. Claus (Mère Noël) is there all day and gives small gifts to kids with a prize wheel where everyone wins. On Sunday, a magical show closes the weekend late in the day. The Sapin des Vœux cards stay available at the nearby shops until Dec 24, so kids can hang their wishes on the tree.

Parent tip: Come on Friday at 6 pm for the lighting, or on the weekend for Mrs. Claus's wheel.

Host
Vevey Riviera Noël (opens in a new tab)
Where
Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, 1800 Vevey (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Vevey Riviera Noël (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Montreux

Visit with SantaFree

Le Père Noël Volant (The Flying Santa) (Montreux)

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It is the signature image of Montreux Noël: coming from his house at Rochers-de-Naye, Santa (Père Noël) takes to the air with his reindeer, flies over the crowd and the lake in a ballet of lights and sings his famous song. The show is entirely free.

From Nov 20 to Dec 24, flights take place Monday to Friday at 5 pm, 6 pm and 7 pm, with an extra flight at 4 pm on Dec 21, 22 and 23. On weekends, he flies at 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm and 7 pm, and on Dec 24 at 4 pm and 5 pm only. The flight goes ahead in the rain; only extreme conditions such as a storm or strong winds can cancel it. For a more intimate meeting and a souvenir photo, Santa also receives visitors at his House at Rochers-de-Naye, a separate offering.

Parent tip: The best view is on the quays, between the Freddie Mercury statue and the Ferris wheel.

Host
Montreux Riviera Noël (opens in a new tab)
Where
Montreux quays, between the CGN boat landing and the Place du Marché, Grand-Rue, 1820 Montreux (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Montreux Riviera Noël (opens in a new tab)

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Lausanne

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot

Christmas show

Casse-Noisette (The Nutcracker)

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The European Classical Ballet presents The Nutcracker (Casse-Noisette), the fairy-tale ballet for children and adults inspired by Hoffmann's story, set on a Christmas evening. The principal dancers are Maia Makhateli and Constantine Allen of the Dutch National Ballet. Snowflakes, fantastical rats, enchanting sets and sumptuous costumes make up the magic of the show.

The performance is on Sunday, Nov 22, at 6 pm at the Salle Métropole. Tickets start at CHF 49, and at CHF 34.30 for children under 12. The ballet tells of a Christmas evening in a small German town, set to Tchaikovsky music that many children recognize and that becomes a true symphonic poem about childhood and the wonders of Christmas night. The Salle Métropole is at Rue de Genève 12.

Parent tip: Book early for good seats; the child price applies to under 12s.

Host
European Classical Ballet (opens in a new tab)
Where
Salle Métropole, Rue de Genève 12, 1003 Lausanne (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with European Classical Ballet (opens in a new tab)

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Visit with Santa

La lettre au Père Noël (The Letter to Santa)

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For one afternoon, the machines at the Typewriter Museum's typing bar are reserved for a single purpose: writing letters to Santa (Père Noël). Kids and adults are invited to type their wishes, key by key, before handing them over to the right person.

The workshop is on Saturday, Dec 12, from 2 to 4 pm, at a flat rate of CHF 5. A fun experience for kids who have never used a typewriter, and a keepsake to slip into the envelope for Santa. The museum is at Rue des Terreaux 18B. A short December outing that shows kids an object from another era while getting ready for the holiday.

Parent tip: Kids who can already write will get the most out of it; younger ones can dictate their list to a parent. Expect the workshop to be in French.

Host
Musée de la machine à écrire (opens in a new tab)
Where
Musée de la machine à écrire, Rue des Terreaux 18B, 1003 Lausanne (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Musée de la machine à écrire (opens in a new tab)

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Visit with Santa

Noël des enfants (Children's Christmas)

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The Maison de quartier Sous-Gare holds its traditional Noël des enfants. The festive afternoon includes a show for kids, a visit from Santa (Père Noël) and a snack for everyone. A friendly neighborhood atmosphere, a few minutes from Lausanne's train station.

The party is on Wednesday, Dec 16, from 3 pm. Entry is free for kids and costs CHF 10 for adults. For any practical questions, the Maison de quartier can be reached at 021 601 13 05. It is located at Avenue Édouard Dapples 50, and the party takes place indoors. A good idea for a December Wednesday afternoon.

Parent tip: Call the Maison de quartier at 021 601 13 05 to find out how long the show lasts and when Santa comes by. Expect the show to be in French.

Host
Maison de quartier Sous-Gare (opens in a new tab)
Where
Maison de quartier Sous-Gare, Avenue Édouard Dapples 50, 1006 Lausanne (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Maison de quartier Sous-Gare (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Vevey

Christmas story time

Mapping féerique (Magical Projection Mapping) (Vevey)

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From Dec 1 to 6, the facade of the Alimentarium, on the lakefront, becomes the screen for a magical video projection shown every evening from 6 to 10 pm. A lovely outing at nightfall, as a family, with a bar on site for parents.

During the day, the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm. On Saturday, Dec 5 and Sunday, Dec 6 at 3 pm, the Alimentarium offers a special program of food-themed stories (contes gourmands) followed by a snack, and a craft market livens up the quay the same weekend. The projection is part of Vevey Riviera Noël, which animates the town from Nov 19 to Dec 31 with a Christmas village on Place Scanavin. The projection can be watched freely from the quay, with family or friends.

Parent tip: Combine the 3 pm stories on the weekend with the projection from 6 pm for a full afternoon and evening. Expect the stories to be in French.

Host
Vevey Riviera Noël (opens in a new tab)
Where
Alimentarium, Quai Perdonnet, Quai Perdonnet 25, 1800 Vevey (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Vevey Riviera Noël (opens in a new tab)

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Visit with Santa

Noël Nordique (Nordic Christmas) (Vevey)

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From Dec 16 to 24, Vevey's Jardin du Rivage takes on a polar look. The Vevey sur Glace rink is open every day from 10 am, and every evening from 5 pm northern lights are projected around the rink.

Every day, kids can leave a message for Santa (Père Noël) on the phone set up on site. On Sunday, Dec 20, it is ice sculpture time, and on Wednesday, Dec 23, a mini Christmas party on ice (mini boom) is organized especially for kids. Noël Nordique is part of Vevey Riviera Noël, which animates the town until Dec 31 with its Christmas village. By the lake, the Jardin du Rivage offers a magical pause just before Christmas.

Parent tip: Ask on site about prices and skate rental.

Host
Vevey Riviera Noël (opens in a new tab)
Where
Jardin du Rivage, Vevey sur Glace ice rink, 1800 Vevey (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Vevey Riviera Noël (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Montreux

Christmas crafts

L'Atelier Biscuits Kambly (The Kambly Cookie Workshop) (Montreux)

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In the heart of Montreux Noël, the Kambly chalet, decorated for the occasion, invites families to take a creative break. Everyone can decorate a gingerbread cookie and take it home, or nibble it on the spot, while tasting bretzeli baked right in front of visitors.

The workshop is open every day during the market, from Nov 20 to Dec 24, with no reservation. Each gingerbread cookie to decorate costs CHF 7. The chalet is across from the 2m2c, near the Forêt des Vœux (Wish Forest), where you can hang your wishes on the lit-up fir trees. The Montreux market gathers more than 150 chalets on the quays, open from 11 am on weekdays and from 10 am on weekends. For big and small sweet tooths, the workshop combines easily with the free Flying Santa (Père Noël Volant) show in the late afternoon.

Parent tip: No reservation: drop by whenever suits you. On weekdays, it is often less crowded.

Host
Montreux Riviera Noël (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chalet Kambly, across from the 2m2c, Avenue Claude-Nobs 5, 1820 Montreux (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Montreux Riviera Noël (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Morges

Christmas show

Ciné'Boutchous: Le Noël d'Ernest et Célestine (Ernest and Celestine's Christmas) (Morges)

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The Cinéma Odéon in Morges offers a Ciné'Boutchous session designed for the youngest viewers. On the program is Le Noël d'Ernest et Célestine: six animated shorts in which the bear and the mouse have tender, funny adventures among snowy landscapes, Christmas preparations and unexpected encounters.

The screening is on Saturday, Dec 12, at 11 am. The stories celebrate friendship, solidarity and wonder, in a short format well suited to a first trip to the movies. Prices are listed on the cinema's website. The film is distributed by KMBO. This Saturday morning time suits toddlers' rhythm, and the trailer lets you show them the film before you come.

Parent tip: An ideal format for a first movie outing: several short stories rather than one long film. Expect it to be in French.

Host
Cinéma Odéon Morges (opens in a new tab)
Where
Cinéma Odéon, 1110 Morges (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Cinéma Odéon Morges (opens in a new tab)

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Visit with Santa

Fête du Père Noël à la Patinoire (Santa Party at the Ice Rink) (Morges)

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Before the holidays, Santa (Père Noël) stops by the Eaux-Minérales ice rink. He welcomes young and old on the ice between 2 and 5 pm, skates alongside the kids and has a few surprises in store. A festive moment to share as a family.

The party is on Wednesday, Dec 16; the rink opens at 9 am and Santa arrives at 2 pm. Entry is free for kids up to 16, and only skate rental has a charge. The Eaux-Minérales rink is run by Morges's Office des Sports (sports office). An ideal outing for a winter Wednesday afternoon. Rental prices are listed on the rink's website.

Parent tip: Arrive a little before 2 pm to be on the ice when Santa arrives; bring gloves.

Host
Office des Sports, Ville de Morges (opens in a new tab)
Where
Patinoire des Eaux-Minérales, 1110 Morges (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Office des Sports, Ville de Morges (opens in a new tab)

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More Christmas events for kids in Switzerland

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.de (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Lausanne: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Lausanne?

For 2026, we confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Lausanne, each on its host’s own page: L'Atelier Biscuits Kambly (The Kambly Cookie Workshop) (Montreux), Casse-Noisette (The Nutcracker), Le Père Noël Volant (The Flying Santa) (Montreux) and 10 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Lausanne?

Yes, 5 of the 13 events here are free: Le Père Noël Volant (The Flying Santa) (Montreux), Les rennes sont raplapla (The Reindeer Are Worn Out), L'Éveil de Noël (Christmas Awakening) (Vevey) and 2 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Lausanne?

Where to see Santa: Le Père Noël Volant (The Flying Santa) (Montreux), Les rennes sont raplapla (The Reindeer Are Worn Out), L'Éveil de Noël (Christmas Awakening) (Vevey) and 4 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Lausanne?

Christmas story times on this page: Mapping féerique (Magical Projection Mapping) (Vevey), Les rennes sont raplapla (The Reindeer Are Worn Out), Une nuit sous les flocons (A Night Under the Snowflakes) and 1 more. Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Lausanne

Lausanne celebrates Christmas with a lakeside market, a children's village under the cathedral and a night watchman who calls out the hours from the bell tower. Here is what a visiting family can expect, and how to plan around it.

How Lausanne celebrates Christmas

Lausanne is a hillside city above Lake Geneva, and its Christmas season centers on the downtown market called Bô Noël. It has carried that name since 2015, when the city lit garlands, stars and snowflakes from late November to early January. Before the market grew, the city already sold Christmas trees on the Rue Centrale: an old photo from the Lausanne Historical Museum shows the tree market there between 1904 and 1907.

For a visiting family, the big difference is how spread out the fun is. In 2025 the market filled eight sites across the city center, with about 60 chalets and more than 450,000 visitors. Add the nearby lakeside towns on this page and you can plan a whole week of small, kid-sized outings.

Santa, a stagecoach and a night watchman

Children in Lausanne meet a Santa Claus (Père Noël in French) who has been part of the city for a long time. Historical archives show him arriving by stagecoach between 1925 and 1935. In 2025 he welcomed kids at the children's village on Cathedral Square, where there were also ponies, craft workshops and storytelling, and a toboggan run waited on the Rue du Lion d'Or.

Then there is the watchman. Every night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., a watchman climbs the cathedral bell tower and calls out the hour over the rooftops. Since January 1, 2024 the job has been held by Alexandre Schmid, backed by seven substitutes. Tours of the bell tower are very popular during the Christmas holidays.

Food plays a part too. In 2025 the market shared a giant regional fruit tart, the Grande Raisinée, on December 12 and 13.

Planning a Christmas visit to Lausanne with kids

The season on this page starts early. A family Nutcracker ballet at the Salle Métropole kicks things off on November 22, 2026, and Vevey's opening weekend with its tree lighting follows on November 27 to 29. The flying Santa show over the Montreux market and the gingerbread chalet there run daily from November 20 to December 24.

December is the busiest month. Many events are free, including a Christmas story hour at the Chailly library, a flashlight walk for little ones on December 12 and a family concert on December 5 (registration required). A handful cost a few francs, such as typing a letter to Santa on a vintage typewriter for CHF 5.

The season winds down on December 24 with Santa events at the lakeside towns, and Bô Noël itself returns one last time in 2026 before a new concept arrives. Most events are in French, so check with the host if you need English.

A tree market, a stagecoach and roller skates

The Lausanne Historical Museum keeps a fun gallery of old Christmas photos. It includes a Christmas box from 1914, the big hall of the L'Innovation department store in the 1940s, a Christmas party for police families in 1952 and even a torchlight parade on roller skates in 1997.

The same Rue Centrale where Christmas trees were sold over a century ago hosted the final night of the 2025 market. On December 31, 2025 it ended with a silent disco on a rotating stage there.

Traditions today

  • The Bô Noël market chalets: The downtown Christmas market, called Bô Noël since 2015, had about 60 chalets in 2025. It returns one last time in 2026 before the city moves to a new concept.
  • The children's village on Cathedral Square: In 2025, kids could meet Santa there, ride ponies, join craft workshops and listen to stories.
  • The cathedral night watchman: A watchman calls out the hour from the bell tower every hour from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Bell tower visits are popular over the holidays, so book ahead.
  • Christmas lights downtown: Garlands, stars and snowflakes light the streets, and in 2015 the cathedral was lit in color. That year the lights shone from November 26 to January 6.
  • The Grande Raisinée: A giant tart made with fruit from the region, shared at the market on December 12 and 13 in 2025.
  • Giving away old toys: In 2017, children could leave toys they no longer wanted at the Christmas village. They went to Solidarité Jouet, a program of the City of Lausanne.

A fact for kids

In Lausanne, a night watchman climbs to the top of the cathedral and calls out the hour over the whole city, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. During the Christmas holidays you can visit his bell tower.

Questions about Christmas in Lausanne

Is Lausanne worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes, if you like small, spread-out events rather than one giant market. Lausanne's market filled eight sites in 2025, and this page also lists story hours, a flashlight walk, a Nutcracker ballet and Santa events in nearby lakeside towns. Many of the events are free.

When does the Christmas market in Lausanne open?

The Lausanne market, Bô Noël, ran from November 20 to December 31 in 2025. The 2026 dates are not confirmed in our sources, so check the official city listings before you book. The Nutcracker ballet on November 22 and the Montreux market from November 20 give you early-season options.

What is Bô Noël?

It is the name of Lausanne's downtown Christmas market and winter lights, used since 2015. In 2025 it had about 60 chalets across eight sites and welcomed more than 450,000 visitors. It was the 11th edition.

Will the Bô Noël market still happen in 2026?

Yes, one last time under that name. The city has chosen a new concept, provisionally called Lausanne Magic Winter, that is due to start at the end of 2027.

What is Lausanne Magic Winter?

It is the future concept for Lausanne's year-end festivities, set to replace Bô Noël from the end of 2027. It was chosen unanimously from six projects, and the association Lausanne Winter signed a four-year agreement. The name is still provisional.

Where can kids meet Santa in Lausanne?

In 2025 the children's village on Cathedral Square welcomed Santa. This season, the Sous-Gare neighborhood house hosts a children's Christmas party with a Santa visit on December 16, and Santa skates with kids at the Morges ice rink the same day. Most events are in French, so check with the host.

Are there free Christmas events in Lausanne?

Yes, several. A musical Christmas story hour at the Chailly library on December 1, a flashlight walk for ages 3 to 7 on December 12 and a family concert on December 5 are all free, though the concert needs registration. Some events nearby, such as the flying Santa show in Montreux, are free as well.

Are Christmas events in Lausanne in English?

Most events are in French, the local language. Some, like the ballet or a flashlight walk with a story, depend heavily on the language, so check with the host before you go. Music and shows are easier to enjoy without French.

What is the flying Santa in Montreux?

It is a free nightly show where Santa and his reindeer fly over the lit lakeside quays, singing as they go. It runs every day from November 20 to December 24, with flights at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 4 p.m. on weekends.

Can kids decorate gingerbread at the Montreux Christmas market?

Yes. At the Kambly chalet, kids decorate their own gingerbread and taste pretzel-shaped cookies baked on site. It costs CHF 7 per gingerbread and runs daily during market hours from November 20 to December 24.

Where can kids write a letter to Santa in Lausanne?

At the Typewriter Museum on December 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. Kids type their letter to Santa on real vintage typewriters set aside for the occasion. It costs CHF 5.

What is the cathedral watchman in Lausanne?

He is the night watchman who climbs the cathedral bell tower and announces the hour over the city, every hour from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Since January 1, 2024 the post has been held by Alexandre Schmid, supported by seven substitutes.

How do I explain the watchman to a child?

Tell them a man climbs to the top of the biggest building in town every night and calls out the time so everyone knows someone is watching over the city. Kids who are asleep by 10 p.m. can hear about it at breakfast.

Can we visit the cathedral bell tower at Christmas?

Yes, and the holidays are one of the busiest times, so reserve ahead. Up there, kids can see where the watchman calls out the hour each night.

Is there a Nutcracker ballet in Lausanne?

Yes. The European Classical Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Salle Métropole on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 6 p.m., with two lead dancers from the Dutch National Ballet. Tickets start at CHF 49, and from CHF 34.30 for children under 12.

Is there ice skating near Lausanne at Christmas?

Yes. A Nordic-themed ice rink at Vevey's lakeside garden runs December 16 to 24, with projected northern lights, a phone to call Santa and a kids' ice disco on December 23. In Morges, Santa skates with children at the outdoor rink on December 16, and kids up to 16 get in free, with skate rental extra.

What can toddlers do at Christmas near Lausanne?

Morges has a cinema screening for little ones on December 12 with six animated shorts about Ernest and Celestine's Christmas. In Vevey, the Alimentarium offers storytelling with a snack on December 5 and 6, after the free video mapping on its façade. Check ages with each host.

What happens at the Vevey Christmas opening weekend?

Vevey's Christmas opening weekend runs November 27 to 29 on the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville. It has the lighting of the big tree, Mrs. Claus handing out small gifts and a show, and it is free.

How busy is the Lausanne Christmas market?

In 2025 it drew more than 450,000 visitors, compared with more than 400,000 the year before according to the city. Local shops reported more people in the center. If you travel with a stroller, quieter weekday hours are easier.

Was public transport free during the Lausanne market?

In 2025 the city offered free public transport on its Samedis en fête, one of the market's highlights. Conditions for 2026 may differ, so check with the local transit company or the city before you travel with little ones.

What did Lausanne look like at Christmas a hundred years ago?

Photos from the Lausanne Historical Museum show Christmas trees sold on the Rue Centrale between 1904 and 1907, and Santa arriving by stagecoach from 1925 to 1935. There is also a Christmas box from 1914 and a police family party in 1952.

When do the Christmas lights go on in Lausanne?

It changes each year. In 2015, garlands, stars and snowflakes shone from November 26 to January 6, and the cathedral was lit in color from December 4. In 2026, Vevey lights its big tree on November 27.

Can kids give away old toys in Lausanne at Christmas?

They could in 2017. Kids could drop off toys they no longer wanted at the Christmas village, and the team gave them to Solidarité Jouet, a City of Lausanne program. It is a nice idea to ask about in any year.

Sources

  1. Noël historique à Lausanne, Ville de Lausanne, Musée historique de Lausanne
  2. Lausanne Lumières et illuminations de fin d'année (communiqué du 17 novembre 2015), Ville de Lausanne
  3. Lausanne rallume les guirlandes et les feux de joie, Le Temps
  4. Lausanne welcomes the 11th edition of Bô Noël Christmas market, Lausanne Tourisme
  5. Record de fréquentation pour l'édition 2025 de Bô Noël Lausanne, La Télé
  6. Exit Bô Noël, vive Magic Winter dès fin 2027 à Lausanne, La Télé
  7. Appel à projets pour les festivités de fin d'année (communiqué du 30 septembre 2025), Ville de Lausanne
  8. Meet Alexandre Schmid, watchman of the Cathedral, Lausanne Tourisme
Kelsey Cecil
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