Bright lights shine not only in the alleyways, but also on trees and at stalls.

Glittering Lights

The city’s festive lights bathe Thun in a warm glow and create a wintery atmosphere. Fairy lights – and, new this year, glowing stars – adorn the streets and cast sparkling reflections on the water. During Advent 2023/2024, the people of Thun were able to vote on whether to have star or lantern lighting. The stars won, which is why they will now shine during Advent in Untere Hauptgasse, Marktgasse, Schwäbisgasse and Gerberngasse. They will be unveiled on 13 November at the Christmas Event on Rathausplatz.

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A special kind of shopping

A visit to Thun’s historic old town is well worth it at any time of year, but particularly in winter, the town has a special way of enchanting young and old alike. Visitors can look forward to a lavishly decorated Christmas tree, narrow streets lit up with twinkling lights, inviting shop windows and a large Christmas market. On 13 December, Father Christmases and Mother Christmases on motorbikes will surprise shopaholics during the Sunday shopping hours at the ‘Chlouse-Ride’ and bring a sparkle to children’s eyes.

The stars chosen by the public light up the streets of Thun at Christmas time.

Hot punch, delicious chocolate-covered fruit and plenty of handmade goods: the Christmas market has something for everyone.

The Edelweiss Riders and Beo Bikers spread Christmas cheer throughout the town with their elaborately decorated motorbikes.

A festive start to Christmas

The Christmas season in Thun will be officially launched with the Christmas event on 13 November. Discover unique gift ideas at the Advent market, enjoy some hot punch and soak up the winter atmosphere. At 6.30 pm, the Christmas lights will be switched on in a festive ceremony by Mayor Eveline Salzmann and ThunCity President Samuel Bleuer, and at 7.00 pm, to round off the event, the lights on the Christmas tree will be switched on. The Christmas event will be accompanied by music, a wide-ranging children’s programme, open-air catering and fairy-tale characters, who will be welcoming a very special guest among them.

Advent is a time for giving love and strolling through Christmas markets together.

Margrit Bieri with some of the Christmas tree decorations she has designed for this year.

The Snow Queen’s snow crystals, crafted with great attention to detail.

The Christmas tree on Thun’s Town Hall Square stands proudly against the sky.

A regal Christmas tree

Every year, when the lights on the Christmas tree in Thun’s Town Hall Square are switched on, it feels as though the world stands still for a brief moment. But it is not only the lights on the tree that create such an impressive sight; the tree decorations, which change every year, also play their part. This Advent is themed around ‘Frozen’, and Margrit Bieri, owner of the ‘Schlossgarten’ florist’s, uses her creativity and skill to craft ornaments that give the Christmas tree in the centre of Thun a regal look.