New Year's Day

🎆 🇨🇭 Switzerland • January 1, 2026

Days off: 1 days • Falls on Thursday

Today is
July 28, 2026
Tuesday
Next Holiday
208days
208 days
Year Work Progress
ended
New Year's Day — holiday, Switzerland (January 1, 2026)

New Year's Day Description

New Year's Day (Neujahr) is a nationwide public holiday across all Swiss cantons, marking the first day of the Gregorian calendar year on January 1st. Public offices, banks, post offices, and most businesses are closed. Public transport runs on a reduced Sunday schedule in most cities. Many Swiss celebrate with family gatherings, traditional meals, and New Year's Eve fireworks the night before. Ski resorts are particularly busy during this period as the holiday falls within the peak winter sports season. Shops in train stations and airports may remain open with limited hours. Check local cantonal notices for any variations in public services.

📜 History & Origins

New Year's Day in Switzerland follows ancient Roman customs adopted across Europe. The Swiss celebration of Silvesterabend (New Year's Eve) was named after Pope Sylvester I, who died on December 31, 335 CE, and has been marked with festivities since the Middle Ages.

🎉 How It's Celebrated

Swiss New Year traditions include the Silvesterchlausen in Appenzell, where costumed figures with elaborate headdresses parade through villages ringing bells to drive away evil spirits. In cities, fireworks over Lake Zurich and Lake Geneva draw large crowds. Families gather for fondue or Raclette feasts at midnight.

🍽️ Traditional Foods

Zürcher Neujahrsgebäck (Zurich New Year's cookies shaped like pigs, horses, and chimney sweeps) are baked for good luck. Fondue and Raclette are the quintessential Swiss celebration foods served on New Year's Eve.

Next Berchtoldstag →