Every year on October 31, Halloween in Switzerland blends modern costume fun with historic lantern traditions and themed events across the country.
I’d bet a cheeky wink that Switzerland doesn’t pile on parades like New York, yet what it does offer feels charmingly authentic. Think castle parties, spooky guided tours, and even secretive torchlit wanderings through old town lanes.
I’ve dug through official tourism sites, event calendars, and local chatter to bring you real, useful details not fluff.
I promise you’ll walk away knowing exactly where to go, what’s happening, and when. And if you love lanterns or haunted castles, you’re going to feel at home here.
Halloween in Switzerland 2025
| Quick Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Main Focus | Halloween events across major Swiss cities (Zürich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne, Lugano, St. Gallen), plus traditional lantern parades |
| Dates | Mainly October 31, 2025, plus Räbeliechtli lantern parades in early November |
| Types of Events | Club nights, haunted dinners, castle happenings, guided tours, lantern processions |
| Parades (lantern) | Richterswil (Nov 8), Zürich-Oerlikon (Nov 7) lantern route details to come |
| Entry Fees | Vary by event some free, others ticketed (typically CHF 20–80) |
| Viewing Tips | Best spots and off-peak times coming up; expect crowds after dark |
| Local Tips | Dress warmly, plan transport, check schedules early |
| Official Sites | Local tourism boards: Zürich, Geneva, Vaud/Lausanne, Basel, Bern, Lucerne |
Zürich: Castle-Style Halloween and Nightlife
Zürich doesn’t roll out a big street parade, but it more than makes up with atmospheric parties and eerie venues on October 31, 2025.
I’ve found a Halloween-Party-Schiff that sets sail around 20:00 from Schiffstation Bürkliplatz, offering costumes, music, and river-side views. It’s a creative alternative to a static parade.
After that, clubs like VIOR crank up at 23:00, keeping the spooky vibes high into the early hours. Local tourism calendars note some haunted tours in old town cobblestones right before the party train begins.
Basel: Haunted Beats and Concert Vibes
In Basel, Haunted Beats – Halloween Bash takes center stage. It kicks off at The Cave (Bordeaux-Strasse 7) around 23:00 on October 31.
The vibe mixes electronic beats with costume flair. Tickets usually range between CHF 20–40 depending on presale or door.
If you prefer something less dance-floor and more melodic, look for a “Halloween Celebration” concert a classy alternative that many locals check out.
Bern: Afro-Rhythms After Dark
Bern brings a global twist with Afroenergy w/ A-STAR (LIVE) at Stellwerk, Parkterrasse 16, starting around 23:00 on October 31.
This one targets dance lovers with strong beats and high energy. It’s not a street event, but the venue is central and easy to reach.
Expect a lively crowd, CHF 30-ish ticket price, and a dance-floor quite unforgettable in a good way.
Geneva: Dinner by Candlelight and Deep-Night Beats
Geneva leans into atmospheric, themed dining before the nightlife kicks in. For instance, the Dans le Noir? Halloween dinner on October 31 is a spooky-chic experience in pitch darkness.
Post-dinner, the LE TEMPLE: Halloween edition party on Rue des Vollandes 73, from 22:00 to 05:00, keeps the energy going.
This combination offers something for gourmands and club-goers alike two distinct experiences under one date.
Lausanne / Vaud: Castle Haunts and Village Gatherings
The Canton of Vaud treats Halloween more as a week-long celebration, not just one night. Highlights include “Halloween at the Castle” in Aigle (Oct 21–26) and Payerne’s Halloween (Oct 30–Nov 2).
Then there’s the Vevey Loup-Garou party on October 30 wolves, lanterns, and dance tunes, usually in town squares or near lakeside.
On October 31, Lausanne hosts smaller themed club nights and some open-air screenings. Dates and times vary but most start around 20:00–21:00.
Lucerne: Retro Soundtrack in Club Settings
Lucerne keeps things local and cozy with club offerings like “Best of 1990–2020: Halloween Edition” at ROK Klub starting 22:00 on October 31.
It’s punchy, nostalgic, and perfect for night-owls who want catchy music not scares. Ticket info often runs CHF 25–35, and the venue is pretty central, making last-minute plans easy to pull off.
Lugano and St. Gallen: Check Local Listings
Lugano and St. Gallen don’t broadcast major events upfront, but tickets platforms consistently show families’ Halloween shows, themed parties, and club nights across the final weekend of October and especially on the 31st.
Venues and start times change year to year, so keep an eye on sites like Eventbrite and AllEvents for current listings. These cities tend to mix quiet community-flavored gatherings with energetic nightlife scenes something for almost every mood and age group.
Traditional Lantern Parade: Räbeliechtli Umzug
The closest thing to a “parade” in Swiss Halloween season is the Räbeliechtli lantern procession, held after Halloween.
In Richterswil (ZH), the lantern parade happens on Saturday, November 8, 2025, starting at 18:00, with a market and gathering from 15:00 in the old village center.
In Zürich-Oerlikon, the “Grosse Route” meets at MFO Park at 18:15, starts walking at 18:30, while the “Kleine Route” gathers on a Schulhaus lawn at 18:30, departing at 18:40 also in early November.
These processions are charming, family-friendly, and deeply rooted in Swiss tradition very different from Halloween but just as magical.
Participation in Events and Lantern Parades
For most Halloween parties in Swiss cities, tickets or registration are essential. Clubs like Zürich’s Party-Schiff or Bern’s Afroenergy list price ranges (CHF 20–40); check official platforms to snag yours early.
Lantern parades like Räbeliechtli require a badge or “Plakette”, sold for CHF 8–15 on-site or in advance it’s mandatory to wear it to watch the procession.
Tips for Best Viewing
Arrive early at least 30 minutes before the start to secure a good spot, especially along main routes in Lucerne or Geneva where space fills fast.
Position yourself near the end of the route in Richterswil or Oerlikon to catch both the procession and the magically lit houses.
Costume Ideas Based on Local Style
Swiss Halloween events blend dark humor, traditional tales, and vibrant dance scenes. Embrace simple themes: ghosts in lederhosen, witches with Swiss lanterns, or go minimalist with Lantern Carver Chic.
Avoid over-the-top props that block views during parades or pose security concerns think lightweight and imaginative instead.
Navigating Transport and Weather
Public transport is your best friend most venues, especially Richterswil, are step-away from train or bus stops. The S2 or S8 lines go directly there.
November evenings chill quickly bring a warm layer (think scarves, hats) and maybe a pocket-size flashlight. Lantern route lighting is magical but soft.
Family-Friendly Advice
Oerlikon lantern parades offer both “Grosse Route” and “Kleine Route”, the latter timed (18:30) and paced for younger children plus free punch and grilled sausage at the end.
In Richterswil, note the market stalls and concerts begin at 15:00 great for families to enjoy snacks and music before the night chill sets in.
Travel & Accommodation Tips
Switzerland’s public transport network makes Halloween event-hopping easy. Trains link major cities like Zürich, Geneva, and Basel within a few hours.
For Richterswil’s lantern parade, take the S2 or S8 from Zürich HB the station is a 5-minute walk from the old town. If you’re staying overnight, book hotels early near venues.
In Zürich, hotels near Bellevue or HB keep you close to nightlife. In Geneva, the Cornavin area offers easy tram access to the old town and party spots.
Food & Local Experiences
Halloween in Switzerland pairs perfectly with local flavors. In Richterswil, market stalls serve raclette, roasted chestnuts, and hot cider during the lantern festival. Zürich and Lausanne clubs often have themed cocktails and Halloween-inspired desserts.
For a cultural twist, try a pre-event dinner at a medieval-style restaurant, or visit a castle hosting a haunted evening Aigle Castle’s Halloween week is a good example.
Safety & Rules for a Smooth Experience
Most Swiss Halloween events are safe, but a few rules help keep them that way. Large bags may be checked at club entrances. Avoid costume props that resemble real weapons security won’t allow them.
At lantern parades, follow marshals’ instructions and keep to the sidewalks. Families should bring reflective gear for kids, especially along darker streets.
Photography & Social Media Tips
If you want crisp night shots, arrive early for good lighting at dusk the blue hour flatters both costumes and lanterns.
In Richterswil, photograph from slightly elevated spots for the best lantern wave shots. Tag photos with event hashtags like #RaebechilbiRichterswil or city-specific Halloween tags to connect with other visitors.
Conclusion
Halloween in Switzerland offers more than costumes and candy it’s a mix of creative nightlife, historic traditions, and cozy community charm.
Whether you’re dancing on a boat in Zürich, wandering a lantern-lit village in Richterswil, or enjoying raclette under the stars, each moment is a blend of Swiss hospitality and seasonal magic.
If you’ve attended a Swiss Halloween event or have parade photos, share them in the comments your tips might help someone plan their perfect night.
And who knows? You might inspire the next traveler to hop on a train to Richterswil with a lantern in hand.
FAQs
It’s growing in popularity, especially in cities and tourist hubs, but it’s more nightlife and themed events than traditional trick-or-treat.
No American-style parades, but the November lantern processions are parade-like and family-friendly.
Yes, you’ll need a small paid badge (“Plakette”) to attend Richterswil or Oerlikon events.
Absolutely especially to the lantern parades and earlier community gatherings.
Yes, some have theme nights and costume contests, so check the event listing.