The city of Zurich knows how to celebrate Christmas and ensures that it is not just a holiday period but a true Christmas experience.
There is so much to do during this time of the year: wandering through the festive Old Town, admiring the Christmas lighting or enjoying one of the many Christmas markets spread around town.
The smell of roasted chestnuts is almost always present, a cheese fondue never far away, and a mug of mulled wine always at hand.
Zurich has so much to offer. Let’s have a look!
Zurich Christmas Markets
There is definitely no shortage of Christmas Markets in Zurich. I’m sure you will find one that satisfies your needs in terms of Christmas shopping, atmosphere and of course food stalls. Some are bigger than others, some are busier than others.
One thing is sure: on the weekends the Christmas Markets are packed. So, either you try to go early evening during the week or you join the crowds and let it all wash over you. No matter what, I bet you will go again, again and again.
I have written a detailed post on the most important Christmas Markets in Zurich. If you don’t have time to read it, click on the links below, and you will find the necessary information.
Dates: Nov 19 – Dec 23/24
- Zürcher Wienachtsdorf – Sechseläutenplatz – one of the largest in the city
- Christkindlimarkt – at Zurich Main Train Station – one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe
- Weihnachtsmarkt Münsterhof – close to the Fraumünster church focussed on local products
- Weihnachtsmarkt Dörfli – in Zurich Old Town
- Wiehnachtsmärt Werdmühleplatz – Singing Christmas Tree
- Weihnachtspyramide – at Stadelhofen Train Station
Zurich Christmas Lights
This is one of my favourite parts of Christmas in Zurich. Every year, I drag my partner around the city during the Christmas period to remind him how beautiful it is. Zurich makes quite an effort to turn the city into a magical sea of lights.
In addition, different areas have different lights, so it’s well worth spending an evening strolling through them and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.
The Christmas lights are turned on every year on Nov 19, 2026 at 6 pm and shine until Jan 4, 2027.
Thousands of people gather in the Bahnhofstrasse in late November to witness the lights being switched on and have their first Glühwein! On this particular night, most shops also offer late-night shopping until 9 p.m.
These are the different areas worth checking out:
Bahnhofstrasse
The most famous street in Zurich also has the most famous lights, called “Lucy,” named after the Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” 11,550 crystals decorate the Bahnhofstrasse, which is 1 km long.
They twinkle in different shades depending on where you are standing. Inside the crystals, 23,100 energy-saving LEDs shine in different brightness, creating a beautiful starry sky. You can find more detailed facts on Lucy here.
Rennweg & around
Turning off Bahnhofstrasse into Rennweg another string of tiny lights seems to fall out of the sky. Moving further, direction of Rathausbrücke, you will wind your way up and down narrow streets filled with the most beautiful spiky golden balls, mounted on the walls. These are my personal favourites.
Löwenplatz
Parallel to the Bahnhofstrasse, behind Globus, the Löwenplatz is lit up with tiny stars made from PET bottles. Like Lucy, they use very little energy: twenty-seven of these PET stars use as much electricity as a 60-watt light bulb.
Paradeplatz
In the middle of the Bahnhofstrasse, at Paradeplatz, several big buildings are lit up in warm red and orange lights. A big Christmas tree provides the perfect spot for that perfect Christmas shot.
Niederdorf & Neumarkt
On the other side of the river, Christmas lights continue. Especially around the Rindermarkt, Spiegelgasse, Predigergasse, Froschaugasse, and Brunngasse, lots of tiny colored lights create a unique, cozy atmosphere in the little alleyways.
Zurich Singing Christmas Tree
Where else in the world can you find a singing Christmas tree?
At Werdmühleplatz, just off the Bahnhofstrasse, there is a small but very cute Christmas market and the famous Singing Christmas Tree.
So what is this Singing Christmas Tree all about? Several local choirs sing Christmas carols on a vertical podium shaped like a giant Christmas tree. They sing, wear green jackets and red hats and create a very unique atmosphere. Once they start singing, you will forget the hectic that comes with the Christmas preparations and you will feel like you’ve entered a different world.
Get there early, get a Glühwein, find a spot close to the stage, and let yourself be carried away by the beautiful songs sung by young and old. I particularly enjoy the gospel and children’s choirs, but they are all very talented and always give me goosebumps.
The performances run Nov 21st to Dec 23rd, 2026.
Performing times of the choirs:
| Monday to Thursday | 5.30 pm, 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm |
| Friday | 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm / 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm |
| Saturday & Sunday | 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm / 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm |
Märlitram
When I see the Jelmoli Märlitram pass, it’s definitely one of those moments. You buy your children a ride on this tram and they will never forget. It’s at times like this that I really wish I were still a kid again!
The Jelmoli Märlitram (Fairy Tale Tram) is an institution and has been around for a long time. It’s bright red, all lit up, festively decorated and right out of a Christmas movie.
Children between the ages of 4 and 9 can board this fairy tale tram and are captivated by the scenery and the Christmas stories the two angels tell on board. The stories are told in German, but honestly, I don’t think it really matters what language they’re told in. Every single child, no matter what nationality, leaves that tram with a very big smile on their face.
Adults are not allowed to go with the kids. The kids sit in the tram on their own and you will meet them again at the end of the short 20-minute ride.
The tram leaves from Bellevue and tickets can be purchased online from mid-November 2026. Pickup is available exclusively at one of the Coop stores in St. Annahof, Bellevue, Sihlcity, Oerlikon, or at the Tourist Information at Zurich Main Station.
- Location: Zurich Bellevue
- Price: ca. 8 CHF
Zurich Illuminarium
At the beginning of November, the inner courtyard of the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) is turned into a unique spectacle of light, music, images and culinary delights.
Entry to the inner courtyard is free, and several bars and food trucks serve delicious food and drinks. You can huddle or cuddle around one of the many open wood fires with gentle music playing in the background. There is a great buzz and it’s not too busy early in the evening. On certain nights, famous DJs play and the inner courtyard turns into one big open-air dance floor.
To enter specific Illuminarium shows, you need a ticket, which you can buy online or on-site. The shows are quite popular, so I recommend you buy your tickets online.
Once inside, you can watch two unique light shows projected onto the museum’s old walls. The Yuki Show is a heartwarming story about Yuki and her friends and is more family-oriented. The Digital Art Show is geared more toward adults and features complex lighting and laser technology tuned to modern electronic dance music. You can buy separate tickets or combined tickets for both shows.
- Location: Swiss National Museum
- Dates: 5 November – 30 December
- Show Times:
- Yuki-Show: every 45 minutes from 5 pm to 8 pm / Duration: 25 min
- Digital Art Show: every 45 minutes from 8 pm to 10 pm / Duration: 25 mins
- For more information and online tickets, please click here.
- Good to know: the entire area, including bars and food trucks, is cashless, so you can only pay with card, no cash is accepted.
Zurich Zauberpark
Around Christmas, the shopping and entertainment park The Circle at Zurich airport turns into a winter wonderland with lots to discover.
Along the panorama route both young and old can marvel at the dozen art light installations.
In addition, daily concerts by famous artists keep the mood high. The lineup can easily match that of summer festivals. I’m expecting the tickets to sell out fast.
In the late afternoons, magicians, storytellers, ventriloquists, and musicians perform for the younger ones.
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Of course, you won’t go hungry, as many food stands are serving all kinds of culinary delights.
Getting to the airport from Zurich Main Station is easy. Regular trains and trams whisk you to the airport in 10-20 minutes, so it’s an easy trip and definitely worth a visit.
Tickets can be purchased online and are divided into different categories. If you just want to see the light installations along the panorama route, I suggest buying the “Late Night Walk” ticket, which gives you access after the concerts finish at 9 p.m.
For more information on the program and the different acts, please check here.
- Location: The Circle at Zurich Airport
- Dates: Nov 18 – Dec 6, 2026
Zurich Candle Making
Candle dipping or candle drawing forms an integral part of a Swiss Christmas Market. In Zurich, candle dipping began in 1969 and has continued to grow over the years. It’s run entirely by volunteers, and all the profits go to charity.
The cozy chalet, located at Bürkliplatz, feels like a little oasis in the city center and makes you forget about the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle. You focus on making your candle and having a chat with people of all ages and cultures. The atmosphere is very relaxed and kind.
The process itself is very straightforward and easy. You will walk away with a candle in some shape or form.
- Location: Zurich Bürkliplatz/Hechtplatz
- Dates: Nov 14 – Dec 21, 2026
- Opening Times: daily from 10 am – 8 pm
- Price: depends on the size of the candle
Zurich Lichterschwimmen
Every year, Zurich Tourism thanks local people for their hospitality to national and international visitors.
At the “Lichterschwimmen” (Floating Candles), hundreds of tiny lanterns, made by students of the Canton Zurich, float from Stadthausquai down the river Limmat. Many locals and tourists watch the sea of passing lights and enjoy this beautiful spectacle.
Afterward, Zurich Tourism invites everyone to a glass of hot punch and something sweet at Weinplatz.
- Location: Limmat river starting at Stadthausquai
- Time: 6pm
- Date: 17th December 2025
- Price: free
Zurich Circus Conelli
Switzerland’s first Christmas circus, Circus Conelli, stands very proud at Bauschänzli. With its big bright red tents and thousands of lights, it provides the perfect Christmas setting. The picture on their homepage shows exactly what it looks like.
The circus has been around for a few decades and never fails to capture its audience with crazy acrobatics, poetry, comedy and lots of music. The atmosphere inside is cozy and intimate. Conelli keeps its audience size small in order to create a bond between the artists and the spectators.
They also offer “Gala” performances with an excellent gourmet menu. Yet another great idea for a night out.
- Location: Zurich Bauschänzli
- Date: Nov 21 – Dec 31, 2026
- Opening times: 1 afternoon performance and 1 evening performance at different times. On Sunday they also have a performance at 11 am.
- Price: different categories at different prices
Räbechilbi Richterswil
The Räbechilbi in Richterswil is an annual festival held in Richterswil, near Zurich. Almost every town in Switzerland has a Räbeliechtli parade, but the one in Richterswil is quite big and special. It’s a major attraction that draws people from near and far.
Around 30 tons of turnips (Räbe) are carved into lanterns (Liechtli) in different shapes and motives. Nearly every school and club in the area participates in this unique event to celebrate the autumn harvest.
Hundreds of children and adults walk through the streets with their lanterns and sing songs. The parade is about 1 kilometer long and also features larger pieces of art made from turnips.
Local choirs and orchestras perform a few concerts before the parade starts, and over 20 market stalls ensure you won’t go home hungry.
If you’re in the area, you won’t want to miss this event. Richterswil is only a 30-minute train ride from Zurich Main Station.
- Location: Richterswil
- Date: Nov 14, 2026
- Time: parade starts at 6.30 pm
- Price: free
Late Night & Sunday Shopping
Do you want to shop until you drop? Zurich late-night and Sunday shopping will satisfy all your needs. Combined with the beautiful Christmas lighting and Christmas markets, Christmas shopping isn’t so bad after all.
As mentioned above, shops are open until 9 p.m. when the Christmas lights are switched on on 20 November 2025. In addition, the shops also open on the following Sundays:
- Nov 29, Dec 6 and Dec 20, 2026, 11 am–6 pm.
No more excuses for not finding that special Christmas present!
Zurich Silvesterlauf
The Zürcher Silvesterlauf is one of a kind. Imagine this: a city already dressed up at its best with twinkling lights everywhere, its people finally relaxed after the Christmas hectic and thousands of people running through town before starting the New Year.
The Silvesterlauf (Silvester meaning New Year’s Eve) brings everyone together: from serious contenders in full running gear to families with strollers to those dressed up for the occasion. And there is the occasional tourist, who’s done with all the sightseeing and eating cheese fondue and ready for a fun physical activity.
The run takes you through the old town, along the banks of the river Limmat and past hundreds of spectators cheering you on.
As usual, it’s perfectly organized; we are in Switzerland after all. The race itself offers different options from a 10km run to a more relaxed 1,5km run. There is something for everyone. You can sign up online and after paying a small fee you’re ready to go. You will receive a bib, a starting time and something small to remember this epic run.
What are you waiting for? You can have that glass of champagne after your run!
- Location: Zurich city centre
- Date: 13th December 2025
- Time: every category has a different starting time
- Price: depends on the category
Zurich Samichlaus Parade
On every last Sunday in November, Zurich has the Samichlaus parade in the Bahnhofstrasse. Families and friends gather to watch the Jelmoli Märlitram (see above), followed by brass bands, lots of Samichlaus, and Schmutzli, who distribute little goodies to the children. It’s very festive and the perfect way to prepare for the upcoming Christmas season.
The parade starts at 5 pm at Werdmühleplatz and finishes at Bürkliplatz. It moves very slowly, so if you’re standing in the middle or closer to the end, wear warm clothes and grab a Glühwein to keep you going. There will be a lot of people, so get in early to secure a spot in the front row.
Children can participate in the parade dressed up as angels or as one of the helpers to Samichlaus. You can sign up here (website in German only).
- Location: Zurich Bahnhofstrasse / Start: Werdmühleplatz, End: Bürkliplatz
- Date: 29th Nov. 2025 (always on the last Sunday of November)
- Time: 5 pm
- Price: free
Zürich Samichlausschwimmen
Switzerland is all about tradition and the Zurich Samichlausschwimmen is no exception.
Picture this: it’s early December, and hundreds of people put on their Samichlaus costumes. But this time, they’re not walking around the city to distribute presents. No, this time, they’re plunging into the icy waters of the river Limmat. Yes, you heard that right.
The swim is 90 or 140 meters (312 or 459 ft) long, and the water temperature is around 8-10 C° (46-50 °F). Brave souls dive into the frigid water, cheered on by hundreds of spectators huddled in thick winter jackets, mittens, and beanies. The swimmers only have their Santa suit, maybe a wetsuit, nothing else.
And not to forget: all profits go to charity.
So, if you’re in Zurich and want an unforgettable experience, sign up or at least go and support these crazy Samichlauses from the banks of the Limmat.
Location: Restaurant Pier 7 at Schifflände → Frauenbad Stadthausquai.
Date: Dec 6, 2026, 1–3 pm
Time: Starting slots between 1:30 – 2:45 pm
Price: depends on category
