Always at Advent about 40 large stars light up the village and provide a little light to the long, dark nights and create a wonderful atmosphere. If there is already enough snow, the first slopes in the Schilthorn area open at the end of November or beginning of December. Otherwise, snow cannons help nature to get going, provided the temperatures are below freezing point. Towards the middle of the month there is often a typical ‘Christmas thaw'. The temperature rises above zero and the snow starts to melt as in March. Tension rises just before Christmas if there isn't enough snow. It is, however, always possible to ski on the Schilthorn, which is 3000m high.
During the Christmas week the holiday apartments and hotels fill up. Since the vacation homes are booked on a long-term basis throughout the year, it is now almost impossible to find a free holiday home or a hotel room spontaneously.
The organic farmers of Gimmelwald hold a Christmas market with their products in Muerren. They sell a wide range of self-produced products from fine braid bread to alpine cheese, fresh meat, dried sausage, jam, honey, syrup, tea mixtures and much more. Throughout the winter and until Easter, the Gimmelwald market women organise a sales day once a week in Muerren.
