How to get the most out of Zurich at Christmas

Steve Mather

Steve Mather

Prepare to be surprised by Zurich*, where a gentle stroll through the city in December shows it more than matches the celebrated festive destinations in neighbouring countries.

Why snow-dusted Zurich makes the perfect festive escape
Why snow-dusted Zurich makes the perfect festive escape © Zürich Tourism

Whether it's the singing Christmas tree, a tram ride with Santa or a bracing dip, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the Christmas season in Switzerland's biggest city.

Getting to Zurich: find great value breaks, including flights, baggage and accommodation, to Switzerland with easyJet holidays*.

Copious Christmas markets

When it comes to Christmas markets, Zurich certainly isn't lacking in quantity as the city comes to life with numerous markets spread across scenic spots alongside lakes or atop mountains.

Once Advent gets underway, a switch is flicked and Zurich glows with fairy lights, Christmas trees and seasonal scents. Colourful lights twinkle above the city's main shopping street Bahnhofstrasse, which links the station with Lake Zurich, like stars in the night sky and that is a good place to start the festive route around the city.

Ticking off every Christmas market in Zurich would be a challenge, albeit a pleasant one. Niederdorf, located in the heart of the Old Town, hosts the oldest Christmas market in the city, while Wienachtsdorf offers delicious food in a beautiful setting near the opera house.

Zurich Hauptbahnhof, or train station, has one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe with more than 140 stalls selling homemade gifts, decorations, chocolates and clothing. The highlight is the 50-ft Christkindlmarkt tree.

For something a bit different, board the Uetliberg Bahn. This red train heads up Uetliberg Mountain, the highest point in Zurich, which rises above the city's rooftops to 2,857 ft (871 metres) and where the Uto Kulm Winterzauber market is held.

Small-scale, independent producers are given the prime spots, touting locally produced wine, beer, honey and chilli sauce. Expect spectacular panoramic views of the city, lake and Alps.

Carolling with a Christmas tree

A thoroughly charming spectacle can be found just off the Bahnhofstrasse at Werdmuhleplatz where a vertical tree-shaped stage has been annually hosting local choirs since 1998.

The Singing Christmas Tree sees adults and children joyfully singing carols through late November and December.

The musical Singing Christmas Tree in Zurich
The musical Singing Christmas Tree in Zurich © Zürich Tourism

The performers change daily with musical groups given the opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd who sing along with gusto while clutching warming mulled wine.

What began as a small event to promote children's choirs is still going strong 26 years later and has become a real favourite of locals.

Take a ride with Santa

The Marlitram is another way Zurich sprinkles Christmas magic, as you take in the unusual sight of Father Christmas driving a beautifully decorated red tram around the city.

Eye open for the magical Santa Tram, Zurich
Eye open for the magical Santa Tram, Zurich © Zürich Tourism

The Santa Tram provides a memorable experience for children aged between four and nine as they meet Father Christmas before he takes them on a tour of the city. Angels dressed in white read Christmas stories to the children as the tram trundles along the illuminated streets.

Make a splash with an icy dip

For the bravest of souls, there's a chance to take part in a traditional annual event that's certainly not for the faint-hearted. The wonderfully named Samichlausschwimmen, or Santa Claus Swim, sees 300 people take the plunge into the icy water of the River Limmat.

You must register in advance and wait in line before getting changed and taking to the water in groups of about 20. The event sees swimmers swim from one side of the river to the other (Restaurant Pier 7 to Frauenbad Stadthausquai) as crowds cheer them on from the banks and bridges.

It offers a chance to see Zurich from a whole new perspective, with the Grossmunster and Kirche Fraumunster in full view on opposite sides of the river.

The event has been held since 2000 when about 65 people started the swim as a bit of fun between friends but it has grown in popularity and knowing that proceeds are donated to charity gives just the warm feeling you might need after taking a dip.

Tackle with traditional crafts

Candle-dipping has been a local tradition since the late 1960s and you'll see families giving it a go across the city, most notably at Hechtplatz. Grab a wick and start constructing your own candle from scratch or take one which has been started and hung up next to the vats of hot beeswax.

Give candle-dipping a go
Give candle-dipping a go © Zürich Tourism

Wicks are repeatedly dipped into the fragrant wax and taken out, each plunge adding another layer. You can decide on the style and shape of your design but to reach the point of a decent-sized candle can take up to an hour.

It is seen by locals as a relaxing, traditional pastime, which transports you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can leave your candle to be added to or purchase it to take home; the price depends on the weight of your finished creation.

Sauna on the water

Looking for something a bit different? Strike out onto Lake Zurich on the sauna boat at Mythenquai. No skipper's licence is required to get behind the wheel of the vessel which allows groups of two to six people to head out onto the water before dropping anchor and enjoying four hours of relaxation while admiring the view from the warmth of the sauna.

Unwind in the heat of the sauna boat on Lake Zurich
Unwind in the heat of the sauna boat on Lake Zurich © Jan Hedlund - courtesy of Zürich Tourism

Get your skates on

Built in 1930, the 6,000 sqm Dolder Ice Rink is located on the eastern outskirts of the city. You can get there by taking the Dolderbahn up the hill to the Dolder Grand Hotel. A large Christmas tree sits in the middle of the rink, which stays open until March, and colourful lighting makes for a fine winter spectacle.

Jump on a nostalgic funicular

The Polybahn, loved for its nostalgic feel and dinky size, is one of the most well-known forms of transport in Zurich. It may be small, but the little red funicular has been mightily making the short 100-second journey linking the city to the Polyterrasse since 1889.

Hop aboard to historic Polybahn, Zurich
Hop aboard to historic Polybahn, Zurich © Zürich Tourism

Often used by students as it's the quickest way to reach the university at the summit, the funicular can seat up to 50 people and transports up to two million passengers a year. The train holds great affection in the hearts of residents and the views at the top are certainly worth the short trip.

What else is there to do?

But there's far more to Zurich than just festive fun. With enough museums to satisfy every appetite, including the National Museum, Museum Rietberg and Kunsthaus Zurich, it's easy to find a hit of history and culture.

Meanwhile, a visit to the FIFA Museum is also a must for any football fan, with memorabilia from every World Cup since 1930, along with the Jules Rimet trophy; children will enjoy the interactive games.

Chocolate lovers can head to the Lindt Home of Chocolate exhibition while The Beyer Watch Museum delves into the city's tradition of watch-making.

For followers of the anti-establishment art movement of Dada, or Dadaism, a visit to Cabaret Voltaire in the Old Town is a must. The building has stayed true to its roots and is still a lively hub where performances are staged and ideas discussed.

Zurich in winter

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall

The above guide shows the climate in Zurich. Find out more about conditions across the country year-round in our complete guide to the climate in Switzerland.

Ready to experience Zurich at Christmas? Browse current offers on city breaks with easyJet holidays.

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Steve Mather

Steve Mather

Posted on Friday 13th December 2024 in: City Europe Season

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