When autumn evenings grow darker, Switzerland lights up with one of its most magical family traditions — the Räbeliechtli parades.

Children carve turnips into glowing lanterns, adding candles or LED lights inside, and proudly walk through their villages after sunset. It’s the perfect mix of creativity, craftsmanship, and nighttime wonder — a memory every child treasures and every parent loves to relive.

The highlight of the season is the Räbechilbi in Richterswil, Switzerland’s most famous turnip festival. With hundreds of beautifully carved lanterns, live music, and a spectacular parade through the village, it transforms the lakeside into a sea of light.

A Short History of the Räbechilbi in Richterswil

The Räbechilbi in Richterswil is one of Switzerland’s most beloved autumn traditions, blending harvest gratitude with the magic of light. Its origins date back to the 19th century, when villagers carried hollowed-out turnips with candles to the church — simple processions symbolizing the transition from harvest to winter.

The first written record of an organized Räbeliechtli parade in Richterswil appears in 1901, and by 1908, the Richterswil–Samstagern Tourism Association (VVRS) officially took over its organization. What began as a small local custom gradually grew into a major community celebration.

Over the decades, the event transformed into a breathtaking spectacle featuring more than 25 tons of carved turnips, thousands of candles, and glowing floats. In the year 2000, the Räbechilbi earned a place in the Guinness World Recordsas the largest turnip lantern parade in the world.

Today, the festival lights up the shores of Lake Zurich every November, celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and togetherness — a tradition passed down through generations and cherished by families across Switzerland.

The Eiffel Tower and a giant owl statue at the Raebeliechtli parade in Richterswil, Switzerland in November 2024. Photo credits to fellow Momizen mom Juana Codina.

The main parade takes place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM — right next to the train station, easy to reach by S-Bahn S2 or S8. Arrive early to explore the market stalls and soak in the festival atmosphere.

Getting There

• Take the S2 or S8 to Richterswil (the parade begins right at the station).
• Extra trains and stops will run for the event.
• No parking in the village — use public transport only.
• A festival badge (CHF 10) is required for everyone aged 16+.
• No strollers or dogs during the parade.

Family Tips

• Arrive around 3:30 PM to enjoy the market and music before the crowds.
• After the parade, take a stroll through the illuminated village streets.

How to Join a Räbeliechtli Parade Near You

• Carve a turnip or lantern together at home — it’s half the fun!
• Bring matches or a safe LED light and make sure the lantern hangs securely.
• Dress warmly and wear reflective clothing.
• Many parades happen rain or shine — and most ask for no open flames.

Upcoming Parade Highlights

• Tue, 4 Nov — Winterthur (Neuwiesen) 18:30–20:30, Garden of Kindergarten Schützenwiese. (winterthur-neuwiesen.ch)
• Wed, 5 Nov — Winterthur (Töss) Räbeliechtliumzug Töss (time listed by local Gugge schedule). (Eulachschränzer)
• Thu, 6 Nov — Muri AG 18:00, kindergarten & lower school lantern parade to Schulhaus Kloster. (aargautourismus.ch)
• Fri, 7 Nov — Aarau (Zelgli) Start 18:30 at Wallerplatz; punch served after. (aarau-zelgli.ch)
• Sat, 8 Nov — Zürich (Friesenberg/Sihlhauptstadt area) Staged “Sternmarsch” to Friesenbergplatz, groups start 18:00/18:10 at multiple meetpoints; no torches. (fgzzh.ch)
• 08.11.2025 – Richterswil
• 18:00 → Gratis zugänglich; Badge-Pflicht ab 16 J., keine Hunde/Kinderwagen (vvrs.ch).
• 08.11.2025 – Zürich Friesenberg
• 18:00 → Sternmarsch mit mehreren Treffpunkten; keine Fackeln, bei jeder Witterung.
• Tue, 11 Nov — Basel (Lange Erlen / Eglisee) 17:15–18:15; ends at Kaffi ELCH, optional soup afterwards. (Quartiertreffpunkte Basel)
• Fri, 11 Nov — Basel (Wettsteinquartier) 18:00 from Theodorskirche; St. Martin’s day theme. (erk-bs.ch)
• Thu, 13 Nov — Basel (Kannenfeldpark) “Räbeliechtl im Kannenfeldpark” with carving + parade; tea & soup; free, registration noted. (Stadtteilsekretariat Basel-West)
• Wohlen AG School calendar lists 4 Nov (backup 6 Nov); check local school’s page for your child’s centre. (schulewohlen.ch)

Safety & Logistics

• Take earlier trains to avoid crowds; plan your return connection.
• Bring hand-warmers and mark younger children with an ID tag.
• In Richterswil: buy the badge, no parking, no dogs/strollers.