Family Friendly New Year's Events in Interlaken: Ice Magic

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Children can use plastic penguins to help them balance safely on the cold ice. The Ice Magic Interlaken tickets are affordable for most travelers visiting the region. Parents can enjoy a warm drink at the nearby winter market stalls while kids skate. The rink is located right in the center of the town near the park.

The atmosphere becomes truly magical as the sun sets behind the massive Swiss mountains. Colorful lights illuminate the ice and create a festive glow for your family to enjoy. It is the perfect place for a family photo during your 2026 winter holiday. Make sure to dress in warm layers for the cold evening Swiss air.

Touch the Mountains Open-Air Concert

The Touch the Mountains concert is a famous tradition for locals and tourists in Interlaken. It takes place on the first day of January every year in the town center. This open-air event features local bands and great Swiss music for all ages to enjoy. It is free for everyone to attend and provides a lively festive environment.

The concert stage is set up near the Hoehematte park for easy public access. Families can spread out and enjoy the lively musical performances throughout the cold afternoon. Food stalls offer local treats like bratwurst and melted cheese for a quick snack. This event is a great way to start the new year with energy.

Check the Interlaken Tourism website for the full artist lineup closer to the date. The music usually starts in the early afternoon to accommodate families with young children. It provides a fun environment for children of all ages to dance and play. You will feel the true spirit of the Swiss Alps at this event.

Spectacular Fireworks at Hoehematte Park

The New Year fireworks display is a must-see for every visitor in the region. It happens over the Hoehematte field located in the very center of the town. The show usually begins early so children can watch it before their bedtime. Check the Interlaken fireworks display time to plan your evening properly.

Thousands of people gather to watch the sky light up with brilliant colors and shapes. The surrounding mountains reflect the bright colors of the show for a stunning effect. It is a spectacular sight that your family will remember for many years. Most hotels near the center offer a great view of the park area.

Arrive at the park at least thirty minutes before the start of the show. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate to keep the kids warm during the wait. The display lasts for about fifteen minutes of pure magic in the night sky. It is one of the best free family friendly New Year's events in Interlaken.

New Year's Eve Dinner Cruises on Lake Thun

A dinner cruise on Lake Thun is a relaxing family option for the holiday. These boats offer a unique view of the winter landscape from the calm water. You can enjoy a traditional Swiss fondue while sailing past the snowy mountain peaks. It is a peaceful way to celebrate the holiday with your loved ones.

The New Year's Eve dinner cruises often include live music for a festive mood. Boats depart from the Interlaken West station pier regularly during the holiday evening. You should book your tickets several weeks in advance for your 2026 trip. Prices for adults usually start around 120 Swiss Francs for the full experience.

Children often receive special menus or small festive gifts on board the large ships. The cruise lasts for several hours across the dark lake under the stars. You will see the lights of mountain villages from the water during the trip. It is a very safe and comfortable experience for kids of all ages.

Traditional Harder Potschete Parade

The Harder Potschete is a unique masked parade held annually in the town. It takes place every year on the second of January for the local community. This tradition dates back many centuries in this specific region of the Swiss Alps. It represents the spirits of the Harder Kulm mountain coming down to town.

Masked figures called Potts run through the streets of town to chase away winter. They wear hand-carved wooden masks that look quite scary but are part of the fun. Children enjoy watching the parade from a safe distance on the busy sidewalks. The Harder Potschete Interlaken 2026 event is very popular with visitors.

The parade usually starts in the middle of the afternoon for everyone to see. It follows a route through the main streets of Interlaken near the train stations. Local groups play loud music to help chase away the cold winter spirits. This is a great way to learn about authentic Swiss culture together.