Christmas in Zurich

Whether traditionally contemplative or flamboyant with pop-ups and quirky events: Zurich is the Christmas city.

Which Christmas Type Are You?

No matter whether you celebrate Christmas to the full, simply want to enjoy the culinary specialties at Advent, or dislike all the hustle and bustle during the festive season: Zurich is the perfect Christmas city for you. Here you can find out why.

Bahnhofstrasse, Märlitram

Cinnamon, Tinsel, and Candlelight

The scent of mulled wine and cinnamon wafts through the air, Christmas carols sound out from the stores and shopping malls, children’s shining eyes gaze at the festively decorated Märlitram, and the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town are bathed in a magical light. Christmas lovers are spoilt for choice in Zurich.

At Advent, Christmas aficionados can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city center and allow themselves to be spoiled: every few steps, a stand serving raclette, a timber chalet with fondue corners, or a “Maroni” vendor selling hot chestnuts beckons. And to make sure your hands do not get cold, there is mulled wine or sweet & spicy punch variations everywhere you look.

Sechseläutenplatz, Weihnachtsdorf

Pop-ups and Urban Chalets

Zurich can be contemplative, but at the same time quirky and extrovert. Especially at Christmas, when fun pop-up bars or restaurants open their doors in otherwise inaccessible locations, or when an ice-skating disco is held in the middle of the forest near the Dolder Grand.

Temporary Bars at Christmas in Zurich

Particularly popular in Zurich are the short-lived and usually out-of-the-ordinary Christmas bars, events, and chalets.

See the Pop ups

For Christmas Scrooges

Christmas? No thanks!

Zurich also has a lot to offer for those who have an aversion to Christmas and all the fuss that goes with it. Walks in the heart of the city yet far away from the hustle and bustle or cozy cafés where you can relax for an hour or two are just some ideas. And with a quick dip in the lake, you leave all your cares behind you and afterwards feel like a new person.

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