Holidays & Customs
15 Reasons to come to Zurich during the Holiday Season
The Advent season is one of the best times of the year to come to Zurich. Vivamost put together a list of things you could do with your family or friends.
1. CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Zurich has many Christmas markets. The one at the main train is one of the biggest indoors European Christmas market. It is already the 26th year. You can stroll through this wonderful market without having to worry about rain and snow. It has about 150 huts. The main attraction is of course the 49 feet (15m) tall Swarovski tree, holding many lights and crystals. It is best to go there early and during the week as it can be quite crowded. About 15,000 people visit it daily.
When: from Nov 21th to Dec 24th in the main hall.
Zürich’s oldest Christmas market is located in the Old Town in Niederdorf. (Hirschenplatz, in Niederdorfstrasse and at Rosenhof)
When: from Nov 21st to Dec 23rd.
Sechseläutenplatz, Weihnachtsdorf Alex Buschor © Zürich Tourism
2. SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE
More than 1200 singers perform every year at the Christmas singing tree. There is a platform in shape of a tree near the Bahnofstrasse on the Werdmühleplatz. There, every day from Nov 21st through Dec 23rd you can listen to Christmas carols, gospel music and various school and church choirs.
Singing Christmas-Tree 2009 / Organisation André Kofmehl Zurich Singing Christmas Tree
3. MUSICAL ADVENT CALENDAR
It will be the 5th edition this year of the Zurich Opera musical events. They take place daily in the foyer of the Opera house. The mini concerts last from 15 to 20 minutes and are free of charge.
When: Dec 1st to Dec 23rd
4. FLOTING CANDLES – LICHTERSCHWIMMEN
Since 1962 children come together to put about 800 candles on the Limmat river. The event takes places this year on Dec 19th at 6pm at the Stathausquai. Punsch will be served from 5 to 7 pm.
Lichterschwimmen – credits Zurich tourism office
5. DIPPING CANDLES
Since 1969 you can make your own candles at Bürkliplatz from Nov 9th to Dec 22nd.
Candles dipping at Bürklipatz – Valeriano di Domenico © Zürich Tourism
6. CHRISTMAS TREES
The town of Zurich has many Christmas trees around the city. One of them is at the Crédit Suisse on Paradeplatz. The enormous tree is decorated with many colorful lights mainly in red, white, beige and silver tones. It is quite fascinating, especially at night when the surroundings are lit up. It is lit up on the same day as Lucy on November 21st.
The Passage at Paradeplatz is a good place to stroll during the months of November and December. It is beautifully decorated with small Christmas trees and red and silver balls. You can enter from the Bahnofstrasse or Paradeplatz, at the Crédit Suisse.
Another tree not to miss is the Swarovski´s tree in the main train station. Around 15,000 come to see the 15 meter high tree daily.
Weihnachtsmarkt, Hauptbahnhof Mario Modena © Zürich Tourism
7.LUCY
Lucy are the Zurich Christmas lights on the Bahnhofstrasse. They are almost 10 years old and were made to last 20 years. The 12,000 crystal lights were funded by 28 sponsors in 2010 and cost 2,5 million CH. The lights will be turned on November 21st at 6pm.
Lucy Bahnofstrasse Mattias Nutt copyright Zürich Tourism
8. WINTER CIRCUS
During the Advent season and till the end of the year there are two circus we recommend. There are the Conelli circus and Salto Natale.
Baushänzli Conelli circus Mario Modena © Zürich Tourism
9.CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
The town of Zurich is beautifully decorated for the holidays. It is the case for the city shop windows and café decorations. You will love the lights and hanging decorations. Check out the chocolate stores like Sprüngli and cafés like Teuscher.
The Bürkliplatz market is also a place to visit. When you go to the vegetable and flower outdoor market, you won’t know where to turn your head.You will find everything you need to decorate your house, your table or Christmas tree. You can decide if you want a finished product or a do-it yourself. They sell branches, dried flowers, candles, sculpted wood, pinecones and everything you can think of.
market at Bükliplatz – credits Vivamost
Where: It is located just at the intersection of the Bahnofstrasse and the Zurich lake. Be sure to be there before 11:00 a.m. as it closes punctually on the hour.
When: Tuesdays and Fridays
10.MARLITRAM
Kids from age 4 to 10 can take the Santa red tram in the city for a short ride. Reserve and buy your tickets at Jemoli ticket counter. What is it? Märli means fairytale in Swiss German. In this tram, angels read Christmas stories to the children. The tram has been bringing the children on rides for more than 40 years.
When: the Märlitram begins on Nov 22nd to Dec 24th
LUCY Marlitram Mario Modena © Zürich Tourism
11. SAINT NIKOLAUS PARADE
On November 24th, children can enjoy the well-known St. Nikolaus Parade dowtown Zurich on the Bahnhofstrasse. It starts at 5pm. So come early to find a spot. Bring a bag for the Lebkuchen you will receive from Nikolaus and his helpers!
St. Nicholas and Santa Claus speeches at the Samichlaus Parade in Zurich – credits Vivamost
12. Peter Marvey & Friends
The show of well-known magician and illusionist Peter Marvey is taking place at the Maag Halle from Dec 6th to the 31st. Marvey brings other artists with him. If you like magic don´t miss it.
13. GLÜHWEIN, FONDUE & MARRONIS
Drinking mulled wine or Glühwein is possible everywhere at the Christmas markets and some restaurants, bars and cafes in the old Zurich.show
You can buy chestnuts or marronis at the many huts around town. Expect longer queues! They are quite popular but a nice place to stop to warm up after shopping or a long walk along the lake.
In addition to the many fondue restaurants in town there are some pop-up fondue chalets. You can find some on Zwingliplatz, Sechseläutenplatz at Bellevue and at Sihlcity. We can highly recommend them.
credits the ILLUMINARIUM
14. FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – ILLUMINARIUM
The festival of lights at the Landesmuseum is the perfect place to bring your children. See more here.
15. FIREWORKS
The Sylvester fireworks in Zurich are very popular. 100,000 people come each year to watch the magnificent display of fireworks. They start at the Zurich lake at 12.20 am.
Sylvester Fireworks -Caroline Minjolle © Zürich Tourism
