Advent Sundays

Advent Sundays

Event

Advent Sundays structure Christmas markets, family visits, gifts, rail travel, mountain regions and school dates in Switzerland.

Date, scope and practical effect

At a glance

Advent Sundays 2026 includes these dates: First Sunday of Advent: ; Second Sunday of Advent: ; Third Sunday of Advent: ; Fourth Sunday of Advent: . No additional nationwide public holiday. They are Sundays; work, retail, transit and events follow local and cantonal rules.

Date
29 Nov - 20 Dec 2026
Advent Sunday with Christmas markets, family plans, rail and mountain-region planning in view.
Public holiday status
No additional nationwide public holiday. They are Sundays; work, retail, transit and events follow local and cantonal rules.
Advent Sundays divide Christmas markets, family plans and preparation into four weeks.
Scope
Switzerland
The canton decides holiday and school consequences; the recurring rule supplies the date.
Practical consequence
Plan Advent as a sequence: markets, family visits, gifts, rail, weather, mountain regions and cantonal school breaks belong in one calendar.
Compare the affected canton before booking leave or childcare.
Dates for planning

Current and upcoming dates

2026

First Sunday of Advent
Second Sunday of Advent
Third Sunday of Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent

2027

First Sunday of Advent
Second Sunday of Advent
Third Sunday of Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent

2028

First Sunday of Advent
Second Sunday of Advent
Third Sunday of Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent

2029

First Sunday of Advent
Second Sunday of Advent
Third Sunday of Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Planning impact

Advent Sundays divide Christmas markets, family plans and preparation into four weeks.

Sequence

View all four Sundays together

The value comes from the sequence, distance to Christmas and available weekends.

Shopping

Shop before Sunday

Many errands belong on Saturday or weekdays; cantonal and local opening hours remain decisive.

Outings

Check markets and rail early

Christmas markets, city centres, rail, mountain railways and hotels can be much busier on Advent weekends.

Family

Spread visits

Family visits, baking, children's events and downtime are easier to spread across four weeks.

Data basis

Recurring date rule, legal status separated

Advent Sundays divide Christmas markets, family plans and preparation into four weeks. The canton decides holiday and school consequences; the recurring rule supplies the date.

Sources reviewed

Sources & review status