Christmas wishes for in-laws USA families love to send at the holidays carry warmth, gratitude, and a little American cheer. Whether you are writing to your mother-in-law in Texas, your father-in-law in Ohio, or your brother-in-law and sister-in-law across the country, the right words can make the family dinner feel even closer. This list brings together heartfelt, funny, and short messages made for American homes, snowy mornings, and long drives home for Christmas. In-laws become family in the truest sense at Christmas. They welcome you to the table, share treasured recipes, cheer for the same football team, and help trim the tree. A thoughtful wish thanks them for that welcome and tells them how much their love means through the year. Use these 45 wishes in a card, a text, a holiday letter, or a toast at the table. Pick one that fits your family, add a personal line about a shared memory, and send it early so it arrives before the turkey is carved and the eggnog is poured. Last up...
Christmas in Thun is a quieter and more local Swiss Advent escape than the big city markets, and that is exactly its charm. Set where Lake Thun meets the River Aare beneath a white medieval castle, wooden huts glow against snow-capped Alpine views.
During Advent, the Old Town glows, roasted chestnuts scent the river air, and locals gather for Glühwein. Thun is compact enough to explore on foot in a day.
This guide covers the 15 best things to do at Christmas in Thun, from the market and castle to food, cruises, and day trips.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Jump to: Thun Christmas Market and Old Town | Thun Castle and Schlossberg | Food, Drink and Swiss Treats | Family and Lakeside Winter Fun | Day Trips and Evenings | FAQ
Thun Christmas Market and Old Town
Start in the heart of the city.
1. Wander the Thuner Weihnachtsmarkt The market fills Waisenhausplatz and Mühleplatz with about 50 wooden huts selling crafts, candles, and local gifts. Provisional 2026 dates are November 27 to December 23, so check the official Thun tourism site before you go.
2. Stroll Rathausplatz at Dusk Rathausplatz is at its best just after sunset in December, when old facades glow warm against the dark sky. The Saturday market adds fresh produce and local treats by day.
3. Walk the Raised Pavements of Obere Hauptgasse Obere Hauptgasse is famous for its Hochtrottoirs, raised pavements above the ground floor shops. Walk both levels for boutiques and cafes dressed for Advent, and wear grippy shoes on icy stone steps.
Thun Castle and Schlossberg
Climb the hill above the Old Town.
4. Tour Thun Castle and Its Museum Thun Castle, built around the end of the 12th century, dominates the skyline with four corner towers. Its museum spans five floors of medieval artefacts, so allow 90 minutes and check limited winter hours.
5. Climb a Tower for Alpine Views Castle towers offer views over the Old Town, the Aare, Lake Thun, and on clear days the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Arrive in the early afternoon for the clearest mountain views.
6. Visit the Stadtkirche and Schlossberg Paths The Stadtkirche stands beside the castle on the Schlossberg, and its tower is a landmark across Thun. Walk the quiet churchyard paths for sweeping views over the city and the lake.
Food, Drink and Swiss Treats
Swiss Christmas food is rich and warm.
7. Warm Up With Glühwein by the River A mug of Glühwein, or mulled wine, is the classic way to start an evening at the market. Keep a card ready, because many stalls charge a small deposit on the mug.
8. Try Raclette, Fondue, and Roasted Chestnuts Look for raclette over potatoes, fondue shared at a wooden table, and cones of hot roasted chestnuts. Share a portion first if you want to sample several stalls.
9. Taste Lebkuchen and Swiss Christmas Sweets Lebkuchen, spiced gingerbread, plus Swiss chocolate and festive biscuits fill the sweet stalls. Buy a small box as a gift, and greet stallholders with Schöne Adventszeit, which means have a lovely Advent season.
Family and Lakeside Winter Fun
Thun suits families, with gentle walks and market fun close together.
10. Take a Winter Cruise on Lake Thun A winter cruise from Thun passes lakeside villages such as Oberhofen and Spiez, with mountains rising beyond the shore. Services run on a reduced winter timetable, so check times and the return sailing first.
11. Walk the Aare and Watch the River Surfers Follow the Aare to the historic wooden locks, where fast turquoise water creates a standing wave. River surfers sometimes ride the wave even in cold weather, which makes a fun free show from the bridge.
12. Explore Schadau Park and Schadau Castle Schadau Park sits where the Aare meets Lake Thun, with lawns, mature trees, and views toward the Bernese Alps. Schadau Castle now holds a small hotel and restaurant, so book a table for a festive lunch.
For Families
Visit the market in daylight, ride a short lake cruise, and finish with hot chocolate.
For Couples
Book a lakeside table at Schadau Castle, then share fondue at the market after dark.
For Budget Travellers
Focus on free pleasures: Old Town walks, river views, and Schadau Park. Share one market meal and take the train for day trips.
Day Trips and Evenings
Thun is an ideal base for the Bernese Oberland.
13. Day Trip to Interlaken and Lake Thun Villages Interlaken is about 25 minutes by train from Thun, which makes it an easy half day trip. Add a boat stop at Spiez or Oberhofen, then return for dinner at the market.
14. Day Trip to Bern Christmas Markets Bern is a short train ride away, and its markets on Waisenhausplatz, Münsterplatz, and Kleine Schanze offer a bigger city contrast. Walk the UNESCO listed arcades between markets, then return for a quieter evening in Thun.
15. Enjoy a Festive Evening Walk and Cafe Stop End your day with a slow loop from Rathausplatz across the wooden bridges and along the Aare. Stop in a cafe for coffee and cake, or pick up last minute gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Thun
When is the Thun Christmas Market in 2026? Provisional dates are November 27 to December 23, with food stalls open until December 28, so check the official Thun tourism site before you go.
Where is the Thun Christmas Market? The main market sits around Waisenhausplatz and Mühleplatz, a short walk from Thun station. A separate one day Advent market also runs in the Bälliz area.
Is Thun worth visiting at Christmas? Yes, if you want a relaxed Swiss Christmas with a castle, a lake, and a local market instead of large crowds.
How long do you need in Thun at Christmas? One full day covers the market, the castle, the Old Town, and a lakeside walk.
Does it snow in Thun at Christmas? Snow at lake level is possible but not guaranteed, so expect frost, mist, rain, or sunshine. Snow is more reliable on nearby mountains such as Niederhorn and Stockhorn.
How do you get to Thun? Thun station has direct trains from Bern, Interlaken, Zurich, and Basel, and the Old Town is a short walk away.
More Christmas Inspiration
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