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While I’m more of a summer person, I certainly see some perks to wintertime, and especially the Christmas in Zürich. And by that, I’m thinking mainly of fairy lights, Glühwein (mulled wine) and Fondue.

During the Christmas season, the city comes alive with twinkling lights, charming markets, and sweet aromas of spices filling the air. The famous Bahnhofstrasse is lit up by thousands of fairy lights, the National Museum turns into a winter wonderland, and the Christmas spirit can be felt in every nook and cranny of the city.

Here are 9 magical places to visit during Christmas in Zürich, from picturesque Christmas markets selling local products, handcrafted gifts and delicious treats, to quirky pop-up bars, and unique Christmas-themed experiences including a singing Christmas tree.

Zürich Christmas Village

Sechseläutenplatz, situated in front of the Opera House, is a popular venue for various events throughout the year, including one of the largest Christmas markets in Zürich. From late November, the square by the beautiful lake of Zürich is transformed into a magical Christmas village with close to 100 stalls.

These quaint red stalls offer a wide range of Christmas items, ranging from funky socks to fuzzy blankets, jewellery, and mouth-watering food, as well as steaming cups of Glühwein and hot chocolate. Don’t forget to visit Käthe Wolfahrts, the biggest stall, dedicated entirely to Christmassy tree ornaments.

Dörfli Christmas Market

The Niederdörfli is a charming district located in Zurich’s historic Old Town. It is characterized by its vibrant, colourful houses and cobbled streets. During the Christmas season, it transforms into one of the oldest Christmas markets in Zürich, with numerous stalls lining the main street and larger squares.

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Rudolph’s Holy Moly

Head over to Rudolph’s Holy Moly, a pop-up bar with a Christmas theme, to enjoy some homemade Glühwein (mulled wine) and cocktails. If you ever thought that there could be too many Christmas decorations, Rudolph’s Holy Moly will prove you wrong!

The pop-up features three differently themed rooms – The Christmas Living Room, Santa’s Office, and Rudolph’s Disco – and they’re filled with colourful Christmas baubles, tree ornaments and tinsel. A truly magical sight during Christmas in Zürich.

Opening Hours | The bar is open until December 23rd, from Tuesday to Saturday, starting at 5 PM, and there’s live music on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 PM.

Münsterhof Christmas Market

Münsterhof is one of the most beautiful squares in Zürich, located in the old town, just across the river from Niederdörfli. It is surrounded by historic pastel-coloured guild houses and the Fraumünster Church, which is the most dominant feature of the square.

During the Christmas season, Münsterhof hosts a very special market that focuses on local stores, Zürich brands, and high-quality products. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift or a special Zürich souvenir, be sure to take some time to stroll through the Christmas market at Münsterhof if you’re visiting Zürich during the holiday season.

Singing Christmas Tree at Werdmühleplatz

For a unique experience during Christmas in Zürich make sure to check out the singing Christmas tree at Werdmühleplatz! This festive attraction is essentially a Christmas tree-shaped stage surrounded by a cosy Christmas market.

Throughout the day, choirs and school kids belt out Christmas carols, creating a real singing Christmas tree.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Check the schedule beforehand so you know when to catch the performances. And be sure to arrive early so you can indulge in a warming cup of Glühwein or a sweet treat before the festivities begin.

Illuminarium

The Swiss National Museum is a beautiful castle that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale all year round. However, from early November to the end of December, you can actually delve into a magical world of light, music, illusion, and food in the museum’s inner courtyard.

Once you pass through the iron gates into the Illuminarium in the courtyard, you’ll be amazed by the artfully arranged fairy lights, food stalls, bars, and a Fondue chalet.

The Illuminarium is undoubtedly the most enchanting place to visit during Christmas in Zürich.

Christkindli market at Zürich Main Station

Even if you’re just passing through Zürich during the Christmas season, you don’t have to miss out on the enchanting holiday spirit. Inside the main station, there’s a small yet bustling Christmas market that can add a touch of magic to your journey.

While it may not offer the same level of charm as some of the other Christmas markets in Zürich, it’s still a wonderful spot to take a quick stroll past the colorful stalls, snap some photos in front of the magnificent Christmas tree decorated with giant Lindt balls, and pick up some delicious treats for your train ride. 

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Zürich Christmas Alley

Europallee is a great place to visit in Zurich. It’s a car-free zone located along the train tracks on the southern side of the main station. You’ll find a range of boutiques, restaurants and bars here, along with a variety of events that take place throughout the year.

During the Christmas season, Europallee transforms into a festive market that’s definitely worth checking out. You can sample some delicious food, like Empanadas, Ethiopian rice bowls, and Portuguese Pastel de Nata, and also find unique Christmas presents to purchase, such as hand-woven baskets, quaint jewellery, and African dips and sauces.

Europaallee is one of the best spots for some Christmas shopping during Christmas in Zürich!

Frau Gerolds Garten

Frau Gerolds Garten is a popular spot for locals to hang out in Zürich throughout the year. During the winter season, the open-air bar is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with hundreds of fairy lights, bonfires, cosy seating areas, and food stalls. This is one of my favorite spots to visit during Christmas in Zürich.

To get the full Swiss Christmas experience make sure to try some Fondue!

Switzerland’s signature dish consists of a pot of delicious melted cheese, and morsels of bread to dip into this gooey goodness. It’s the ultimate comfort food and a staple dish during the winter months. By the way, I always like to order some sides of boiled potatoes and gherkins for dipping variations.

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