Sternenstadt St.Gallen
During Advent, the city of St. Gallen is transformed into a sea of more than 600 twinkling stars performing a custom light choreography. The display bathes the Old Town and the UNESCO World Heritage Abbey District in a festive glow. Visitors can explore a Christmas market on Gallusplatz and view a specially decorated Christmas tree situated in the heart of the Abbey District on Klosterplatz.
What to Expect
Over 600 stars illuminate the historic Old Town during Advent.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Town
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Verein Sternenstadt St.Gallen
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Visitors who enjoy festive lights and city strolls
Vibe
Festive and atmospheric
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Tips & Advice
- Walk through the Old Town into the Abbey District to see the stars overhead and the specially decorated Christmas tree on Klosterplatz.
- Come on November 26 for the Sternissage on Marktgasse if you want to be there on the opening day of the City of Stars.
- Visit on November 28 or December 5 to catch the Christkindlimarkt on Gallusplatz, one of the Advent events held during the City of Stars.
- Add the Christmas Tour in the Star City if you want a guided stroll, but note it runs only until December 18.
- Plan an evening around the culinary winter stroll, which pairs an appetiser and mulled wine or punch at Scheitlinsbüchel with a main course at Falkenburg.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sternissage 2026 on Marktgasse on November 26.
- Christkindlimarkt on Gallusplatz on November 28 and December 5.
- Chlausritt 2026 at the Reithalle on December 3.
- Christmas Tour in the Star City, a guided stroll booked separately, from November 26 to December 18.
- Culinary winter stroll under the stars, booked separately, with an appetiser at Scheitlinsbüchel and a main course at Falkenburg, December 2 to 19.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I see?
More than 600 stars twinkle and dance to a light show designed for the City of Stars. They light up the Old Town and the UNESCO World Heritage Abbey District, and a specially decorated Christmas tree stands on Klosterplatz.
Is there a Christmas market too?
Yes. There is a Christmas market on Gallusplatz, and a Christkindlimarkt is held there on November 28 and December 5.
Are there special events during Advent?
Yes. The Sternissage is on Marktgasse on November 26, the Christkindlimarkt is on Gallusplatz on November 28 and December 5, and the Chlausritt is at the Reithalle on December 3.
Can I take a guided tour of the lights?
Yes. The Christmas Tour in the Star City is a guided stroll through Christmas in St. Gallen that explains things like why Father Christmas wears a red coat. It runs from November 26 to December 18.
Is there a food experience to go with the stars?
The culinary winter stroll under the stars runs from December 2 to 19. It starts with an appetiser and mulled wine or punch at Scheitlinsbüchel Restaurant, followed by a main course at Falkenburg.
More Christmas Events Near St.Gallen
More Christmas Events near Sankt Gallen
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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