Visitors unfamiliar with the tradition often ask what exactly Samichlaus is, how he differs from Santa Claus, and what a Chlausauszug is. This page answers those questions in more detail than our German pages, since it is written for people encountering the tradition for the first time.
From St Nicholas of Myra to Samichlaus
Samichlaus (literally “Saint Nicholas” in Swiss German) traces back to St Nicholas of Myra, a bishop remembered as a protector and gift-giver of children. His feast day, 6 December, is the traditional date around which the Swiss Samichlaus visits take place. Over the centuries this became a distinctly Swiss and, in particular, Central Swiss tradition.
The Tradition in Central Switzerland
In Central Switzerland, including the canton of Zug, the tradition centres on personal home visits as well as public processions known as Chlausauszüge (see below). Samichlaus typically appears wearing a mitre (bishop’s hat) and carrying a bishop’s staff, and is accompanied by his dark-robed helpers, the Schmutzli. Lanterns and bells often accompany the public processions, which are organised by local Samichlaus associations such as ours.
Samichlaus and Santa Claus
Samichlaus is not simply the Swiss name for the Christmas-day Santa Claus. He belongs to the St Nicholas tradition celebrated around 6 December – not 24/25 December – and appears in the traditional robes of a bishop rather than the red-and-white fur suit associated with the modern, commercial Santa Claus or Father Christmas. There is no sleigh, no reindeer and no chimney: Samichlaus and his Schmutzli arrive on foot or by car and are invited in for a short, personal visit.
Why is he dressed as a bishop?
The bishop’s robes, mitre and staff refer directly to St Nicholas’s historical role as Bishop of Myra. This is one of the clearest visual differences from Santa Claus, and one reason our English-speaking visitors sometimes need a moment to adjust their expectations.
Who Are the Schmutzli?
The Schmutzli are the traditional companions of Samichlaus. They wear dark, hooded robes, walk with him on his rounds and support him during visits. They are not intended to be frightening figures; our Schmutzli take a warm, encouraging tone with children, consistent with how we ask families to prepare their children in advance (see our FAQ).
What Is a Chlausauszug?
Chlausauszug: a traditional procession marking the beginning of the Samichlaus visiting season. The word “Auszug” literally means “setting out” – referring to Samichlaus’s ceremonial departure from a church, followed by a procession to the public. Depending on the town, the Central Swiss tradition includes both such processions and house-to-house visits around 6 December. Our own German- and English-language processions are listed, with dates and times, on the Dates page.
What Happens During a Family Home Visit?
During a typical home visit, Samichlaus and his two Schmutzli are welcomed into the home. Samichlaus speaks personally with each child, and the children may recite a poem, sing a song or play a piece of music if they wish – this is welcome but never required. The family is normally asked, in the registration form, for a few personal details about each child (for example, something they are good at, and something Samichlaus can gently encourage them about); these details are treated confidentially and used only to prepare for and carry out the visit. The family also prepares and labels the Chlaussäckli themselves; Samichlaus hands these to the children if asked to.
A Request Is Not Yet a Confirmed Booking
Submitting an online or paper registration form is a request. The visit only becomes a binding, reserved appointment once our association has confirmed it in writing by email.
Languages: Swiss German, High German and English
Visits can be conducted in Swiss German (the everyday spoken language of German-speaking Switzerland), High German (Standard German, sometimes also called “High German”) or English, according to your preference.
A Short Glossary
Samichlaus — The Swiss St Nicholas, traditionally celebrated around 6 December.
Schmutzli — The traditional dark-robed companions of Samichlaus.
Chlausauszug — A ceremonial procession marking the beginning of the Samichlaus visiting season.
Chlaussäckli — A small gift bag, traditionally containing items such as nuts, mandarins or gingerbread, and normally prepared by the host.