Berchtoldstag (Berchtold's Day)
2025Thursday, January 2
Quick Facts
- Date
- Thursday, January 2, 2025
- Observed in
- Switzerland
- Type
- Regional Holiday
What is Berchtoldstag (Berchtold's Day)?
Berchtoldstag, also known as Berchtold's Day, is a regional holiday celebrated on January 2 in many German-speaking cantons of Switzerland. It serves as a second day of New Year celebrations.
The holiday is observed as a public holiday in the cantons of Zurich, Bern, Lucerne, Glarus, Fribourg, Solothurn, Schaffhausen, Thurgau, Aargau, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Obwalden, among others.
Unlike most holidays with clear religious or historical origins, Berchtoldstag has mysterious and debated origins, making it a uniquely Swiss cultural phenomenon.
When is Berchtoldstag (Berchtold's Day) 2025?
Berchtoldstag (Berchtold's Day) is on Thursday, January 2 in 2025. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
The origins of Berchtoldstag are unclear and highly debated among historians. Several theories exist:
The Berchtold Theory: Some believe the holiday honors Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen, the founder of the city of Bern in 1191. However, this connection is considered unlikely by most historians.
The Berchta Theory: Another theory connects the day to Berchta (or Perchta), a goddess figure from Alpine folklore associated with spinning and household duties. She was believed to roam during the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Guild Day Theory: The most practical explanation is that January 2 was traditionally the day when guilds and corporations held their annual meetings and elected new leadership for the coming year.
The holiday has been observed since medieval times and represents the continuation of New Year festivities in Swiss tradition.
How It's Celebrated
Extended New Year Celebrations: Berchtoldstag extends the New Year holiday, giving people an extra day off to recover from celebrations.
Nut Games (Nüsseln/Nüsslen): In some regions, particularly Zurich, there is a tradition of playing games with nuts. This involves hiding nuts and having children find them, or playing various table games with nuts.
Guild Meetings: Historically, guilds and associations would hold their annual meetings on this day to elect officers for the coming year.
Family Gatherings: Like the day before, Berchtoldstag is often spent visiting relatives and continuing New Year festivities.
Traditional Meals: Special meals may be served, continuing the festive eating from New Year's Day.
Closing of Businesses: In cantons where it's a public holiday, shops and businesses are closed, making it a quiet day for rest.
Where It's Observed
Berchtoldstag (Berchtold's Day) is a public holiday in 1 country. In 2025, it falls on Thursday, January 2.
Fun Facts
- Berchtoldstag is almost exclusively a Swiss holiday—it is rarely observed outside Switzerland
- The exact origin and meaning of the name 'Berchtold' remains a mystery after centuries
- Not all Swiss cantons observe Berchtoldstag; it varies by region
- In some cantons, only the morning is a public holiday
- The tradition of nut games (Nüsseln) is particularly associated with Zurich on this day
- The holiday may derive from pre-Christian winter festivals
- Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen, the supposed namesake, died on February 18, not January 2
- Some historians believe 'Berchtold' may simply mean 'bright' or 'shining' in old German
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Berchtoldstag?
Berchtoldstag is celebrated on January 2 every year. It is observed in many German-speaking cantons of Switzerland as a public holiday or half-day holiday.
Who was Berchtold?
The origin of the name is debated. Theories include Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen (founder of Bern), the goddess Berchta from Alpine folklore, or simply a word meaning 'bright' in old German. No definitive answer exists.
Which Swiss cantons observe Berchtoldstag?
Cantons observing Berchtoldstag as a public holiday include Zurich, Bern, Lucerne, Glarus, Fribourg, Solothurn, Schaffhausen, Thurgau, Aargau, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Obwalden. Some observe it as a half-day.
What are the traditions of Berchtoldstag?
Traditions include extended New Year celebrations, nut games (Nüsseln) especially in Zurich, family visits, guild meetings historically, and generally a day of rest after New Year festivities.
Is Berchtoldstag religious?
No, Berchtoldstag is a secular holiday. While some theories connect it to pre-Christian goddesses or saint traditions, it is observed as a cultural and civic holiday today.
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around Berchtoldstag (Berchtold's Day)? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
