Zürich, Switzerland.
Christmas markets, Advent concerts, seasonal popups and Christmas shows : Zurich is simply magical at Christmas time. The whole city is bathed in warm light, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine fills the air and the sounds of Christmas can be heard everywhere. Sunday sales and “night shopping” offer the opportunity for exten sive gift shopping. And last but not least, Zurich's hoteliers really let it rip on New Year's Eve.
➡ zuerich.com/christmas
The Advent Period in Zurich Opens with “Lucy”
Every year at the end of November, all of the city's Christmas lights are switched on at the same time. Among other things, “Lucy” illuminates Zurich's famous shopping street - Bahnhofstrasse - in warm, colorful light. The unique light installation consist s of almost 12,000 crystals with white, blue and red LED lights that vary in brightness. On the same evening, many of Zurich's stores will remain open until 10 p.m., marking the start of the Christmas shopping season. The Christmas markets in the city also open and start on the same evening. The shopping fun during the Advent season is extended by several Sunday sales and the many Christmas markets throughout the city and region.
➡ Christmas Lights
Illuminarium
Visitors can also immerse themselves in a winter wonderland of light in the inner courtyard of the Landesmuseum: an interactive light show spectacularly illuminates the façade of the Landesmuseum. In addition to a paid show, guests can enjoy a mulled wine or punch and local culinary delights in the freely accessible part of the museum - which also features illumination and illusion as well as music and culinary delights.
➡ Illuminarum
Christmas Markets and Singing Trees
Zurich's traditional Christmas markets are wrapped in the scent of cinnamon and festively decorated. At Zurich's oldest Christmas market in Niederdorf or at the popular Christmas market in the main railway station, locals and tourists alike come together t o browse the stalls for curiosities. The 16 -metre high, richly decorated Christmas tree is a particular highlight of the Christmas market in the station concourse. And anyone strolling along Bahnhofstrasse will sooner or later come across the unique “Singi ng Christmas Tree”. In the evenings, various choirs from the region perform the best of their Christmas repertoire on a tiered scaffolding the height of a house with a Christmas tree covering. At the “Wienachtsdorf” on Sechseläutenplatz, the backdrop of th e opera house makes you feel like you're at home with St. Nicholas. Countless enchanting market stalls, an elves' village for children and many other attractions make visitors big and small dream.
➡ Christmas Markets
Christmas Beyond the City
A trip to Rapperswil by boat or train is particularly worthwhile at Christmas time. The annual “Christkindlimärt” is one of the largest in Switzerland and, in addition to the elaborate decorations, is characterized by a varied supporting program. Those who prefer to travel to the north of the canton can get into the festive spirit at the “Wiehnachtsmärt” in Winterthur. The market in Winterthur's old town is considered one of the most beautiful and atmospheric in Switzerland.
Candle Dipping
Candle making is extremely popular in Switzerland at Christmas. Candles are made in a cozy and relaxing process. The most popular candle -making event in Zurich takes place in the pavilion on Bürkliplatz. As you enter the temporary tent, you are immediately enveloped in the scent of beeswax and the glow of warm candlelight.
➡ Candle Dipping
Märlitram
The “Märlitram” has been a popular attraction since 1958 - almost 70 years ago. It is the oldest historic vehicle operated by Zurich's public transport company. The Christmas -decorated streetcar makes its way through the city center, jingling and ringing m errily and making children's and adults' eyes light up.
Driven by Santa Claus, two angels read Christmas stories to the up to 25 children on board. Children aged 4 to 10 are allowed on board, parents are not admitted. The ride goes from Bellevue via Limmatquai to Zentral and from there through Bahnhofstrasse back to Bellevue. One ride takes about 25 minutes. Every year, 7,000 to 10,000 children are transported during the Christmas season.
➡ Märlitram
Magical and breathtaking
Year after year, various circus institutions in and around Zurich host a Christmas spectacle. At the Bauschänzli on the Limmat, the traditional Circus Conelli enchants its audience with its current program. And in the airport town of Kloten, the Knie famil y takes off into fabulous spheres with breathtaking acrobatics in their Circus Salto Natale.
➡ Conelli Christmas Circus
Samichlausschwimmen
At the beginning of December, 111 meters from Pier 7 to the Frauenbadi are swum in water temperatures of 6 -8 degrees. Every year, the St. Nicholas S wim is an event worth seeing. According to the organizers' website, wetsuits or milking grease are permitted, but swimmers are then considered warm showers. Costumes such as “Santa Claus suits” are permitted. Hot tea and barley soup await at the finish. A new record was set in 2018 with 352 swimmers
➡ Santa Claus swim
Seeing in the New Year with a Bang
After the festive season, Zurich say s goodbye to the old year with a bang. Visitors from home and abroad always gather around Zurich's lake basin at the end of the year to be part of Switzerland's biggest New Year's party. The impressive fireworks display, accompanied by music, is organized b y Zurich's hoteliers and shot into the air from boats on Lake Zurich.
➡ New Year's Eve
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