In Switzerland, turnip lanterns are still seen as the genuine tradition, and pumpkin carving, while decidedly more fun, as an imported custom. The Swiss style

In Switzerland, turnip lanterns are still seen as the genuine tradition, and pumpkin carving, while decidedly more fun, as an imported custom. The Swiss style turnip lantern generally does not use faces, but is mostly ornamental (Using cookie cutter shapes for those not skilled at free hand carving). Instead of cutting holes, only the outer skin is supposed to be removed, which takes even greater skill of hollowing out the turnip. The children then assemble in parades with their turnip lanterns. Turnips are definitely more convenient for parading, and pumpkins for stationary displays, so I see both traditions coexisting here.