St. Nikolaus Gut Hirt Zug – Volunteer Association
Samichlaus, the Swiss St Nicholas
Traditional Samichlaus Visits in the Canton of Zug and Beyond
Our volunteer association organises visits by Samichlaus and two Schmutzli for families, schools, associations, institutions and companies – in English, High German or Swiss German.
Samichlaus visits since 1982 · An independent association since 1995 · Over 25 volunteer members
Personal & traditional
Samichlaus visits you with two Schmutzli — at home, in your club or company.
New Here?
Is Samichlaus coming to you for the first time?
Samichlaus is the Swiss St Nicholas, celebrated around 6 December. Unlike Father Christmas or the modern Christmas-day Santa Claus, he appears in the traditional robes of a bishop and is accompanied by helpers known as Schmutzli. Local Samichlaus associations organise visits to families, schools, associations, institutions and companies.
During a family visit, Samichlaus speaks personally with the children. They may recite a poem, sing a song or play a piece of music. The family normally prepares and labels any gift bags that Samichlaus is asked to hand to the children.
Quick Links
Find the Right Starting Point
Already know what you need? Jump straight to the right registration path.
Schools, Associations and Institutions
Register a visit for a school, kindergarten, daycare centre, club or institution.
2026 Season
Season Status and Dates
The current registration status and our key dates at a glance.
Family visits take place between 28 November and 13 December 2026 (Sat/Sun and public holidays 5–8 pm, Mon–Fri 6–8 pm). Please give two preferred dates with a time slot when registering. The registration is a request, not a fixed booking — we will let you know the date and time by the end of November.
Costs
Costs for Samichlaus Visits
For Samichlaus visits we charge a fee depending on the occasion. For families as well as public schools and kindergartens the visits are free of charge and a contribution is voluntary.
FamiliesRecommendation
CHF 10 – 20 per child
Clubs and associations
CHF 200
Public schools and kindergartensRecommendation
Voluntary contribution
CompaniesBased on time required
CHF 100 per hour
Further categories (daycare centres, private schools, care homes, service clubs) and the rule for visits outside the canton are listed on the Costs page.
Transparency
Where Does the Surplus Go?
Any surplus from Samichlaus visits and costume rentals is passed on to charitable institutions — in particular for children and people with disabilities. We support these organisations:
Angelman Verein Schweiz
Founded by Melanie Della Rossa after the birth of her daughter, the association supports parents, relatives and friends of people with Angelman syndrome. We have visited and supported the Della Rossa family, and the association, since its earliest days.
Insieme Cerebral Zug
The insieme Cerebral Zug association works throughout the Canton of Zug for people with cognitive, cerebral and multiple disabilities. Politically and denominationally neutral, it promotes inclusion, advises relatives and organises respite services such as supported holidays and leisure and educational activities.
Zuger Kantonaler Frauenverbund
We provide financial support to the family aid and emergency relief service of the Zuger Frauenverbund, helping families — and mothers with their children — through difficult situations.
Primarschule Isenthal
The small school in the tranquil village of Isenthal is attended by around 40 children and taught in mixed-age classes. The children have their own school council, and our contribution goes directly to it, to use as they see fit — an early lesson in handling money.
Heilpädagogisches Zentrum Innerschwyz
Our contribution makes special outings possible for the children — therapeutic riding, for example — or pays for toys to enjoy during breaks.
Heilpädagogisches Kinderhaus Weidmatt
Kinderhaus Weidmatt uses our contributions to bring the children joy without red tape — through outings, special occasions or buying toys.
Rental
Your Own Samichlaus
For associations, companies or families who want to organise their own appearance: we rent out complete Samichlaus and Schmutzli costumes – well maintained, complete and ready to wear.
01
Samichlaus costume
CHF 100
02
Schmutzli costume
CHF 40
03
1× Samichlaus + 1× Schmutzli
CHF 110
04
1× Samichlaus + 2× Schmutzli
CHF 120
Get involved
Become a member and light up children’s eyes yourself
Our association runs on volunteers. Would you like to take part as a Samichlaus or Schmutzli, or support the association? We would love to hear from you.
Ready for a Samichlaus visit?
Contact
St. Nikolaus Gut Hirt Zug
6302 Zug, Switzerland
Samichlaus visits: info@chlaus-zug.ch
Costume rental: vermietung@chlaus-zug.ch