In just a few hours from Milan, it is possible to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere by diving into the renowned Christmas Markets in Zurich, enjoying the holiday season while waiting for the spectacular Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Zurich, with special offers available from November.
The traditional Zurich Christmas Markets are filled with the scent of cinnamon and festively decorated. At the oldest Christmas market in Zurich, in the Niederdorf district, or at the popular “Christkindlimarkt” in the Central Station, locals and tourists gather to browse the stalls in search of rarities.
The highlight of the “Christkindlimarkt”, in the Central Station hall, is the 16-meter tall Christmas tree decorated with about 7,000 sparkling Swarovski crystals.
Zurich Christmas Markets
With Advent, the season of magical Christmas markets begins: not to be missed in the city are several starting from the Christmas market “Zürcher Wienachtsdorf” on Sechseläutenplatz where, among more than one hundred stalls, you can find “sustainable” objects made from recycled materials transformed into gift ideas and enjoy numerous street food delicacies.
At the end of November, the lights and the Zurich Christmas Markets are inaugurated. It all starts with the lighting of the illuminations set up on Bahnhofstrasse, symbolizing shopping in Zurich for Christmas and the heart of strolling in the city.
Zürcher Christkindlmarkt, the largest market
At the same time, the central station hall will come alive—not for the usual traffic of people departing or arriving—but precisely at this point the Zürcher Christkindlmarkt has been set up, the largest and most famous Christmas market in Zurich. It is the largest covered Christmas market in Europe, featuring its majestic 15-meter fir tree decorated with 5,000 Swarovski. It consists of 160 house-shaped stands and is set up indoors, so it can always be visited, even on the coldest days. This is the largest covered Christmas market in all of Europe, alongside another Zurich market located in Werdmühleplatz.
The atmosphere becomes magical during the performance of the timeless Singing Christmas Tree and the “Wiehnachtsmärt” on Werdmühleplatz, ideal for Christmas shopping while listening to live Christmas music. All this awaits the climactic moments of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with the largest fireworks show in Switzerland organized directly on the lake by Zurich hoteliers.
Christkindlmarkt, the most historic market
If the station market holds the record for being large, this second Christkindlmarkt is the most historic, the most beloved by the city’s inhabitants because it is very old and surely always exciting. Beyond the most classic items you can find—sweets, toys, crafts—this market is particularly enveloping in atmosphere, thanks to the musical background from Christmas carols sung by adults and children in front of the Singing Christmas Tree.
Sechseläuten Platz, exclusive market
Another market in Zurich is located in Sechseläuten Platz: small and intimate, it consists of only 15 very exclusive little houses intended for those looking for special, particular, and somewhat expensive gifts.
Wandering among these stands, however, costs nothing and is a good idea to spend a few days of break not too far from Italy, perhaps during the Immaculate Conception holiday in Zurich.
During the Christmas Markets in Zurich, it is possible to see the floating candles of Lichterschwimmen on the Limmat river, circus shows, the Live on Ice ice skating rink, the Singing Christmas Tree, the Bahnhofstrasse illuminations, and the Märlitram, a special tram just for children, driven by Santa Claus and with an angel who tells fairy tales, traveling around the city.
Upon arrival, next to the station in the inner courtyard of the Zurich National Museum, you can immediately immerse yourself in the enchanted world of Illuminarium, a show made of lights, illusions, music, and gastronomy centered around the legendary creature Yuki.
Along this path, among fairy tale scenes and the illuminated and decorated streets of the city center, a stop is recommended at one of the many cozy cafés or chocolate shops or, for the more indulgent, a refreshing break for a warm fondue in Frau Gerolds’ winterstube.
Wienachtsdorf Market
Visiting the “Wienachtsdorf” market on Sechseläutenplatz, in front of the Opera House, you feel like you are at Santa Claus‘s home. Countless, evocative stalls, an ice skating rink, and many other attractions make both adults and children dream.
Münsterhof Christmas Market
A few steps away is the Münsterhof Christmas market, set up between the Fraumünster church and the charming houses of the historic center, in a wonderful setting. Here, under the motto “from Zurich for Zurich,” locals and tourists find quality regional products from the shops in the center.
Promo Christmas Markets with Eurocity
Zurich awaits all those who love the magic of Christmas, with special packages like the PROMO MARKETS fare (available for purchase from November) valid for those traveling from November 22 to December 20, 2018 for 1st and 2nd class seats on Eurocity trains.
The price of the PROMO MARKETS fare is 25 euros one way for 2nd class and 45 euros one way for 1st class. The fare is limited in availability, non-refundable, non-changeable, and can be purchased up to 3 days before departure at station ticket offices or on the website www.trenitalia.com (selecting the offer name “Promo Mercatini”) and at authorized travel agencies.
Zürich-Zahlen zu Weihnachten
- von 7.000 bis 10.000 sind die Kinder, die in jeder Weihnachtszeit vom „Märlitram“ (Märchenstraßenbahn) befördert werden
- 000 sind die Kristalle mit LED-Lämpchen, die die Bahnhofstrasse in der Weihnachtszeit beleuchten
- 1 ist der größte überdachte Markt Europas, nämlich der Weihnachtsmarkt des Hauptbahnhofs Zürich
- 000 die Swarovski auf dem majestätischen Tannenbaum im „Christkindlimarkt“ des Hauptbahnhofs
- 15 Meter Höhe des gleichen Baumes
- 5 Weihnachtsbahnen in der Stadt Zürich für Eislauffreunde
- 5 Grad ist die Wassertemperatur beim alljährlichen Schwimmwettkampf „Samichlausschwimmen“
- 6 Uhr nachmittags ist der Zeitpunkt, an dem am 22. Dezember die faszinierende Show mit Hunderten von bunten Kerzen beginnt, die auf der Limmat schwimmen
- 80 ist die Zahl der Kinder, die vom berühmten Singing Christmas Tree beherbergt werden
