Why is it on December 4 this year?

The Klausjagen always runs on December 5, unless that falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Then it moves to the Friday before.

How busy does it get?

Very. Up to 30,000 people line the darkened streets, so get there early if you want kids at the front.

Where does the tradition come from?

Nobody has written proof of how old it is. It most likely goes back to midwinter rites, when people made as much noise as they could on the long nights to chase off evil spirits and hope for a better harvest.

It's a December night outdoors and you'll be standing at the roadside in the dark, so dress kids in warm layers, a hat and gloves.

Samichlaus in Zurich 2026, 4 of 6

UpcomingFestival

Küssnacht Klausjagen: St. Nicholas Night Parade

Name: Küssnacht Klausjagen: St. Nicholas Night Parade
Start: 2026-12-04
End: 2026-12-04
Location: Küssnacht am Rigi village center

When: Fri Dec 4
Ages: Not listed
Price: Free

Küssnacht Klausjagen: St. Nicholas Night Parade photo 1

Küssnacht Klausjagen: St. Nicholas Night Parade photo 2

Küssnacht Klausjagen: St. Nicholas Night Parade photo 3

Küssnacht Klausjagen: St. Nicholas Night Parade photo 4

FestivalKüssnachtRoad Trip

Where

Küssnacht, Küssnacht am Rigi village center

Setting

Outdoors

Music

Live brass, horns and cowbells

What you need to know

Afternoon school parade first, an easier option for kids who can't stay up for the night procession
Whip crackers open the night, so arrive early to catch the Geisselchlepfer before the parade sets off
Seriously loud cowbells and horns, so bring ear protection for small or noise-sensitive kids

About

Once a year Küssnacht turns off its street lights for a St. Nicholas parade. First come up to 250 Iffelen, some over 2.5 meters tall, slipping past in silence. St. Nicholas follows with torch bearers, then about 1,100 Klausjäger swinging cowbells in time and some 200 horn players. It is dark and loud, so it suits kids who love a spectacle more than kids who startle at noise.

Free

Fri, Dec 4

2:15 PM

8:15 PM

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