One of the most magical autumn traditions and family-friendly festivals in Switzerland — is the Räbechilbi in Richterswil. Every November, this autumn event near Zurich transforms the town into a glowing wonderland as turnips are carved into lanterns and carried through the streets at night. While many towns across Switzerland host similar parades, Richterswil’s celebration along the shores of Lake Zurich is the largest, featuring around 30 tons of carved turnips. As night falls, the entire town glows with thousands of lanterns. The highlight is the parade, where intricately carved turnips decorate large illuminated floats. Families should plan to spend at least two hours exploring the town and watching the parade.
Getting There and Tickets
Because the Räbechilbi attracts thousands of visitors each year, arrival is only possible by public transport — there is no public parking available. Trains and boats connect easily to Richterswil from Zurich and other nearby towns, but expect some delays due to the crowds. Arriving early — at least one to two hours before the parade — helps avoid congestion and gives families time to enjoy the decorations before the streets fill up. Upon arrival, look for the Kasse (ticket counters) to purchase the required festival badge to enter the town. Only visitors aged 16 and older need a badge (10 CHF). Bring cash, as not all vendors accept cards, though some accept TWINT. Due to the dense crowds, strollers are not recommended, as navigating them can be challenging.
The Parade Experience
The parade follows a circular route through the town. A single firework marks five minutes before the start, followed by another at the official launch when all streetlights are turned off — leaving only the warm glow of lanterns. Around 40 groups take part, including schools, bands, and large floats. The parade lasts about an hour. We’ve attended twice and are always amazed by the creativity and detail in the floats. This year, being near the front allowed us to hear the schoolchildren sing as they proudly carried their carved lanterns. It was delightful, and our kids loved seeing others their age participate. The large floats, especially those with moving designs like the shark and Pinocchio, are a family favorite. After the parade, the floats remain on display throughout the town, perfect for an up-close look and photos.
Exploring Richterswil
Plan to arrive at least one to two hours before the parade to explore the town’s beautifully illuminated streets. Nearly every house and building is decorated with carved turnips, many featuring intricate and creative designs. A family favorite is the lantern tunnel along Farbweg Street, starting from Poststrasse and ending at the Gemeinde House. This year, a new dinosaur-themed walkthrough attraction beside the Gemeinde House was a big hit, though the line after the parade was quite long. We recommend visiting this attraction first upon arrival. Be sure to check the official Räbechilbi website for opening times and the latest event details.
Market Stalls and Local Food
Throughout the town, roughly 20 food stalls serve Swiss favorites and seasonal treats. The lines can be long, so packing your own dinner, snacks, and drinks helps make the evening smoother. Near the Gemeinde House, look for a stall where local children sell small carved turnip lanterns. Our kids loved choosing their own and carrying them proudly through the glowing streets.
Tips for Families
After attending the Räbechilbi twice, here are our practical family tips:
- Arrive early (1–2 hours before the parade) to enjoy the town before it gets crowded.
- Roughly 20–30 minutes before the parade begins, find your spot. We recommend standing near the bus stations on Seestrasse, right at the start of the parade route.
- Once settled, unpack your snacks and dinner to enjoy while waiting.
- Dress warmly — it gets cold after sunset. We dressed our kids in warm, waterproof pants so they could sit comfortably during the parade.
- After the parade, you’ll be conveniently close to the train station for an easy return home.
A Magical Family Autumn Tradition
The Räbechilbi in Richterswil is one of the most enchanting autumn festivals in Switzerland. The combination of glowing lanterns, creative floats, and a welcoming community atmosphere makes it a memorable experience for families. Whether you’re planning a family weekend near Zurich or seeking unique things to do in Switzerland with kids, the Räbechilbi offers something truly special. Arrive early, bring your own food, dress warmly, and embrace the glow of this timeless Swiss tradition. For more family-friendly fall activities in Switzerland, check out our blog.