Six light installations illuminate Switzerland this winter

As the nights grow longer, Switzerland awakens in the glow of countless lights.

Magische Lichtinstallationen und spektakuläre Lichtshows tauchen Städte und Landschaften in ein funkelndes Wintermeer.

Under the motto ​‘Connecting Festive Moments’, the inner courtyard of the Swiss National Museum in Zurich is being transformed for the eighth time into the ILLUMINARIUM – a luminous winter wonderland full of magic and emotion. From 5 p.m. onwards, visitors are immersed in a festive atmosphere that delights young and old alike with culinary delights, atmospheric music and immersive light experiences. The historic courtyard will be illuminated by thousands of lights, accompanied by projections and musical shows that will transform the grounds into a fairytale setting.

In the front area, which is freely accessible, a bar, a fondue chalet and various food stands invite visitors to linger. In the paid section of the ILLUMINARIUM, visitors can enjoy two elaborately staged light shows. The Yuki Show focuses on mysterious mythical creatures, while this year’s Digital Art Show – ODYSSEY IN SPACE takes the audience on an audiovisual journey through the infinite cosmos. Music by Aphex Win, The Doors, Pink Floyd and The Weekend merges with precise video mapping, laser effects and a spectacular disco ball installation to create a unique experience.

Tickets for the various projections are available at Light shows.

When: 6 November to 31 December 2025

Escape everyday life and head for the mountains. Since 2013, the Lenzerheide Magic Forest has been an integral part of the Christmas season in the Grison Alps. Where nature meets creative vision, an experience for all the senses is created. Along the atmospheric forest trail, artistic light installations created by national and international artists fascinate, move and surprise. They transform the Magic Forest into an incomparable festival that is sometimes quiet and dreamy, sometimes sonorous and rousing.

Top-class live acts and classical concerts bring music to the winter setting, stories to the squirrel forest and joy to every stage. Hearty laughter, pricked ears and little miracles await the youngest visitors in the children’s programme, when Switzerland’s best storytellers bring their fairy tales to life in the early evening hours.

A magical experience amidst an enchanting winter backdrop. Touching, inspiring and unforgettable!

Tickets are available at Zauberwald

When: 12 to 30 December 2025

Once upon a time, there was a town on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore that transformed itself into an enchanted village of light and dreams for six weeks every winter. In Locarno, for once, it is not film reels or screens that take centre stage, but an experience that enchants the heart and senses – warm, bright and full of poetry.

‘Long ago, a watchmaker with a white beard lived in the town. His name was Maestro Elia and he lived in a workshop overlooking the Piazza Grande, hidden under the beams of an old roof. There, among cogs and hands, Elia set the time…’ One of the most magical moments of Winterland Locarno is the audiovisual staging of the fairy tale ​‘Nel cuore del tempo’ (In the Heart of Time). When evening falls, Piazza Grande and Piazza Magnolia are transformed into a living stage set of light, sound and magic – a place where time seems to stand still and winter itself becomes a story.

Other attractions include an ice rink for all ages, an 18-hole ice mini golf course, cosy pop-up restaurants and – brand new this year – the Winterland Express: a 1920s-style railway carriage, lovingly redesigned into a French bistro serving culinary specialities from the Café de Paris.

When: 20 November 2025 to 6 January 2026

For the fifth time, Zurich Airport Park is being transformed into a fascinating festival that combines music, light art and cuisine into a unique experience. For 17 days, well-known musicians from a wide variety of genres will provide magical moments on the Zauberpark stage every evening. This year’s line-up includes Benjamin Amaru, Lo & Leduc, Marc Sway and the Esteriore Brothers. Also appearing are Culcha Candela, Picture this and two-time Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae.

But the Zauberpark is not just about music. Along the 30- to 45-minute panoramic trail, 17 light artworks invite visitors not only to marvel, but also to interact and explore. The trail passes floating planets, a six-metre-high house of cards on the sky platform, and artwork that begins to glow and sound when interacted with.

Programme and tickets: Zauberpark Zurich Airport

When: 19 November to 7 December 2025

Stroll through Lucerne’s alleys, feel the fresh air on your face and immerse yourself in a world of colours, light and music. At the 7th Lilu Light Festival Lucerne, selected squares, buildings and landmarks will be lovingly illuminated and brought to life by artists from all over the world every day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. More than 24 light installations around Lake Lucerne and in the old town can be explored free of charge on your own or as part of a 75-minute guided tour.

Light show ​‘SOUL’ concerts – an immersive journey full of joy. The latest multimedia creation by PROJEKTIL awakens magical soul animals that dance through light and shadow, transforming space and architecture. Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals is rearranged and fused with modern original compositions, driving beats, soulful vocals and atmospheric electronics to create audiovisual poetry and playful illusions. A luminous celebration between dream and reality.

Lilu Festival programme 2026 and tickets for the light show SOUL concerts

When: 15 to 25 January 2026

Play in all its facets is the motto of the 12th edition of Geneva Lux 2026. As you stroll along the waterfront and through the English Garden, a world of wonder and discovery unfolds. Everywhere you look, there are luminous art performances, interactive games and playful, participatory installations that invite you to join in, smile and dream. Projections, sculptures and light displays tell of universal themes such as ecology, diversity and hope, or the deep connection between humans and nature.

Geneva Lux 2026 in a tuk-tuk with fondue: Those who want to combine the magic of the luminous artworks with the enjoyment of a delicious cheese fondue can experience a unique ride through wintry Geneva on board an electric tuk-tuk, wrapped in warm blankets. A culinary and sparkling adventure that combines comfort, conviviality and the joy of discovery.

The full programme will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Geneva Lux 2026 is a free open-air festival accessible to all.

16 January to 1 February 2026

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