Winter Events in Switzerland 2026/2027: 12 Highlights Not to Miss

Contents:

• Arosa Comedy Festival – Laughter in the heart of the mountains
• Spengler Cup Davos – Top-class ice hockey
• Lilu Light Festival, Lucerne – When the city lights up
• Lauberhorn Race, Wengen – Spectacular downhill runs against the backdrop of the Eiger North Face
• World Snow Festival, Grindelwald – Snow sculptures
• Murten Light Festival – A sea of lights in the old town
• Snow Polo World Cup, St. Moritz – Equestrian sport on the frozen lake
• Château-d’Œx International Balloon Festival – A riot of colour in the winter sky
• 2027 World Ski Championships, Crans-Montana – The world’s elite visit Valais
• Art on Ice – Figure skating meets live music
• Basel Carnival – Three days full of colour and tradition
• Engadin Ski Marathon – A cross-country skiing spectacle against a stunning backdrop
• Conclusion: The Swiss winter has plenty to offer

Arosa Comedy Festival – Laughter in the heart of the mountains

3 to 13 December 2026, Arosa, Graubünden

Comedy at an altitude of 2,000 metres? At the Arosa Humour Festival, well-known performers provide top-class entertainment right in the heart of the ski resort. To mark the festival’s 35th anniversary, the line-up includes Michael Mittermeier, Stefan Büsser, Charles Nguela and Tahnee, amongst others.

The centrepiece of the festival is the heated big top near the Tschuggenhütte. Here, humour, cabaret and satire meet an impressive mountain backdrop. It’s the perfect way to combine a day in the snow with an entertaining evening.

Tickets: Tickets are available from CHF 35 for the night sessions. A standard seat in the festival tent costs CHF 70, including a return journey on the mountain railway. Hotel packages including accommodation and a festival ticket are also available. Further information and tickets can be found on the official website of the Arosa Humour Festival.

Spengler Cup Davos – Top-class ice hockey

26 to 31 December 2026 | Davos, Graubünden

Between Christmas and New Year, Davos becomes a meeting place for ice hockey fans. Six international teams compete for the Spengler Cup, one of the sport's most prestigious invitational tournaments. First held in 1923, the event attracts thousands of fans to Graubünden every year.

The atmosphere in the ice rink is something special when the stands are packed and the fans are cheering their teams on loudly. Even those who don’t usually watch ice hockey regularly can get swept up in the atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to combine a visit to Davos with a few days in the mountains.

Tickets: Standing tickets cost CHF 35, whilst seats are available from CHF 98. As demand is high, it’s worth booking well in advance. Tickets are available exclusively online via the official Spengler Cup ticket shop. Individual seats may become available again at a later date, even for matches that are already sold out.

Lilu Lucerne Light Festival – When the city begins to glow

14 to 24 January 2027, Lucerne

Lucerne will once again be a riot of colour in January. At the Lilu Light Festival, artists from all over the world transform the old town and the lakefront into a vast open-air gallery. Historic buildings are illuminated with colourful projections, whilst around 30 light installations can be discovered in the alleyways and squares.

An evening stroll is particularly lovely, when the city appears in a completely different light. Those who want to experience even more can attend one of the light shows accompanied by music or take a guided tour to get a glimpse behind the scenes.

Admission: The light installations can be viewed free of charge daily from 6 pm to 10 pm. Tickets are required for individual light shows and guided tours. Further information and tickets can be found on the official website of the Lilu Light Festival.

Lauberhorn Race, Wengen – Spectacular downhill runs against the backdrop of the Eiger North Face

15–17 January 2027, Wengen, Bern

In mid-January, the world’s best skiers gather in Wengen for the legendary Lauberhorn Races. The highlight is Saturday’s downhill race: at around 4.5 kilometres, it is the longest World Cup downhill run in the world. The skiers reach speeds of up to 160 km/h.

Thousands of fans line the course to watch the races, creating a fantastic atmosphere. As well as the Super-G on Friday and the slalom on Sunday, there are air shows by the Patrouille Suisse, plus music and entertainment in the World Cup village.

Tickets: Admission for adults starts at CHF 65 on Sunday, CHF 95 on Friday and CHF 105 on Saturday. Grandstand seats are available at an additional cost. All tickets include return travel from Interlaken Ost. Official advance sales begin on 2 November 2026. Further information and tickets can be found on the official website of the Lauberhorn Races.

Grindelwald World Snow Festival – Snow Sculptures

18 to 24 January 2027, Grindelwald, Bern

Every January, Grindelwald turns into an open-air sculpture workshop. At theWorld Snow Festival, international teams of artists transform enormous 3.5-metre-high blocks of snow into impressive sculptures. The theme for the 2027 edition is 'Animal Worlds'.

Visitors can watch the artists at work and see the figures gradually take shape. The public also gets to help decide which sculpture is the best. A visit on the final weekend of the festival is particularly worthwhile, when the finished works of art are illuminated in colour in the evening.

Admission: The festival is free of charge. The finished sculptures will be on display from 22 January. They will be illuminated in the evenings from 22 to 24 January.

Murten Light Festival – A sea of lights in the old town

20 to 31 January 2027, Murten, Fribourg

Murten takes on a magical glow in January. During the Murten Light Festival, the medieval old town transforms into an illuminated open-air gallery every evening. Artists from Switzerland and abroad bring historic façades, narrow streets and squares to life with colourful projections, music and creative light installations.

On a stroll through the Stedtli, there’s something new to discover at every turn. Particularly popular are the light shows on the historic buildings and the little lanterns that visitors can set afloat on Lake Murten with their personal wishes.

Tickets: Advance tickets cost CHF 8 and standard tickets CHF 12 for adults. Children under 16 get in free but still need a ticket. The festival is open daily from 6 pm to 10 pm. Further information and tickets can be found on the official website of the Murten Light Festival.

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz – Equestrian sport on the frozen lake

22 to 24 January 2027, St. Moritz, Graubünden

Polo is usually associated with green grass pitches. In St. Moritz, however, this sport is played on snow – and has been since 1985. At the Snow Polo World Cup, six international teams compete against each other on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. The horses gallop across the pitch whilst the players attempt to hit the ball into the opposition’s goal.

There is plenty to enjoy away from the matches too. Around the pitch, there are various food and drink stalls and cosy spots from which to watch the action. Added to this is the impressive view of the snow-capped Engadin mountains. A special winter spectacle that is also of interest to visitors who have never seen a polo match before.

Tickets: Admission starts at CHF 20. Those wishing to enjoy the tournament in a little more comfort can also book grandstand seats or VIP packages. Further information and tickets can be found on the official Snow Polo World Cup website.

Château-d’Œx International Balloon Festival – A riot of colour in the winter sky

23 to 31 January 2027, Château-d’Œx, Vaud

A trip to Château-d’Œx is particularly worthwhile at the end of January. During the nine days of the International Balloon Festival, numerous hot-air balloons take to the skies, creating a spectacular sight against the snow-capped peaks of the Vaud Alps. Pilots from various countries travel to the Pays-d’Enhaut every year for the event.

The most exciting part is watching the balloons take off up close. As well as daily balloon rides and competitions, there’s also a programme for families with children. Anyone who’d like to take to the skies themselves can book a balloon ride and enjoy the winter landscape from above. As take-offs are heavily dependent on the weather, it’s advisable to check the current programme before travelling.

Tickets: According to the currently published prices, admission at weekends costs CHF 15 for adults aged 16 and over. Admission is free on weekdays. A balloon ride costs CHF 350 per person. You can find current prices and further information on the official website of the International Balloon Festival.

2027 World Ski Championships in Crans-Montana – The world’s elite to visit Valais

1 to 14 February 2027, Crans-Montana, Valais

Forty years after the last World Ski Championships, this major winter sports spectacle returns to Crans-Montana. For two weeks, the world’s best male and female skiers will compete on the Mont Lachaux and Nationale slopes for the coveted world championship titles. A total of eleven races are on the programme, including the downhill, super-G, giant slalom and slalom.

Things will be particularly exciting during the downhill races on 6 and 7 February, when the athletes race towards the finish line at high speed. There’s plenty on offer off the slopes too: concerts and various events will create a lively atmosphere throughout the resort. A great opportunity to experience top-class sport live whilst spending a few winter days in Valais.

Tickets: Day tickets and multi-day passes are available for the races. As demand is likely to be high, particularly at the weekends, it is advisable to book early. Further information, the race programme and tickets can be found on the official website of the 2027 Crans-Montana World Ski Championships.

Art on Ice – Figure skating meets live music

4 to 13 February 2027, Zurich, Fribourg and Davos

Figure skating set to live music – it is precisely this combination that has made Art on Ice so popular for years. The show features international figure skating stars sharing the stage – or rather, the ice – with well-known musicians. Whilst the musicians sing live, the skaters perform their impressive jumps, pirouettes and choreographed routines.

Add to that elaborate light shows, special stage effects and plenty of excitement. Even those who don’t usually follow figure skating will find something to enjoy here. The tour will stop in three Swiss cities in 2027:

• Zurich: 4 to 7 February

• Fribourg: 9 and 10 February

• Davos: 12 and 13 February

Tickets: Tickets are available from CHF 38.80. Prices vary depending on the venue and seat category. Cheaper seats may have a restricted view. Further information and tickets can be found on the official Art on Ice website.

Basel Carnival – Three days of colour and tradition

15 to 17 February 2027, Basel

At four o’clock sharp on 15 February, the lights go out in Basel city centre. Shortly afterwards, the sound of drums and piccolos rings out everywhere, whilst hundreds of hand-painted lanterns make their way through the dark alleyways. This event, known as the ‘Morgestraich’, marks the start of Basel Fasnacht, affectionately referred to by locals as the ‘drey scheenschte Dääg’ (the three most beautiful days).

For three days, the city is completely taken over by the carnival. On Monday and Wednesday, groups in colourful costumes and elaborately decorated floats parade through the streets. On Tuesday, the stage belongs to the children and the Guggenmusik bands. In between, imaginative masks, confetti and satirical performances create a very special atmosphere. Since 2017, the Basel Fasnacht has been recognised as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Admission: The Basel Fasnacht is free to attend. Anyone wishing to support the Fasnacht groups can buy a so-called ‘Blaggedde’. The official badges are available from CHF 10. Further information and the programme can be found on the official Basel Fasnacht website.

Engadin Ski Marathon – A cross-country skiing spectacle against a stunning backdrop

14 March 2027, Engadin, Graubünden

In mid-March, the Engadin becomes a meeting place for cross-country skiing enthusiasts from all over the world. Around 13,500 athletes take part in the Engadin Ski Marathon every year. The 42-kilometre route leads from Maloja across frozen lakes and through snow-covered valleys to S-chanf.

It's well worth a visit for spectators too. Crowds cheer on the participants along the route, with a particularly lively atmosphere at the finish line in S-chanf. Music and food stalls add to the festivities, making it an enjoyable day even for those who aren't taking part.

For visitors: The race can be watched from various points along the route. The finish area in S-chanf is particularly popular. Further information can be found on the official website of the Engadin Ski Marathon.

Conclusion: Switzerland Has Plenty to Offer in Winter

From colourful light festivals and thrilling ski races to traditional celebrations, there's no shortage of events worth visiting in Switzerland between December and March.

Why not combine several events in one trip? You could watch the Lauberhorn Races in Wengen from 15 to 17 January, then head to nearby Grindelwald for the World Snow Festival, starting on 18 January.

Our tip: Plan ahead and book tickets for your favourite events early, especially if you're travelling at the weekend.