Christmas Markets in Zurich, between lights and the scent of cinnamon

In a few hours from Milan, you can immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere, 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 already active 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 hall of the central station is the 16-meter tall Christmas tree decorated with about 7,000 sparkling Swarovski crystals. 

Zurich Christmas Markets

With Advent begins the season of magical Christmas markets: not to be missed in the city are several, starting with the Christmas market “Zürcher Wienachtsdorf” on Sechseläutenplatz where, among over a hundred stalls, you can find “sustainable” items made from recycled materials turned into gift ideas and you can enjoy numerous street food delicacies.

At the end of November the lights and the Zurich Christmas Markets are inaugurated. Everything starts with the lighting of the illuminations arranged on Bahnhofstrasse, a symbol of shopping in Zurich for Christmas and the hub of strolling in the city.

Zürcher Christkindlmarkt, the largest market

At the same time also in the central station the hall will come alive and not just for the usual traffic of people departing or arriving: it is actually right here that the Zürcher Christkindlmarkt, the largest and best-known Zurich Christmas market, has been set up. It is the largest covered Christmas market in Europe with its majestic 15-meter decorated fir tree with 5,000 Swarovski. It consists of 160 house-shaped stalls and is set up indoors, so it can always be visited, even on the coldest days. It 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 “Wiehnachtsmärt” on Werdmühleplatz, ideal for Christmas shopping while listening to live Christmas music. All this while waiting for the highlights of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with the largest fireworks display in Switzerland organized directly on the lake by Zurich hoteliers.

Christkindlmarkt, the most historic market

If the market at the station holds the record for being large, this second Christkindlmarkt is the most historic, the one most loved by city residents because it is very old and always certainly moving. Beyond the most classic items you can find – sweets, toys, crafts – the atmosphere at this market is particularly enveloping, thanks to the musical background of Christmas carols sung by adults and children before 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 small houses but very exclusive and aimed at those looking for special, particular, and somewhat expensive gifts.

Wandering among these stalls, 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 Zurich Christmas Markets, it is possible to see the floating candles of the Lichterschwimmen on the Limmat river, circus shows, the Live on Ice ice skating rink, the Singing Christmas Tree, the illuminations on Bahnhofstrasse, and the Märlitram, a special tram just for children, driven by Santa Claus and with an angel who tells fairy tales, touring the city.

As soon as you arrive, 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 of lights, illusions, music, and gastronomy centered on the legendary creature Yuki.

During this journey, among fairy-tale glimpses and illuminated and decorated streets of the city center, a stop is recommended in one of the many cozy cafés or chocolateries or, for the most 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 house. Countless, charming stalls, an ice skating rink and many other attractions make both adults and children dream.

Münsterhof Christmas Market

A few steps further on, you find the Münsterhof Christmas market, set up between the Fraumünster church and the pretty houses of the old town, in a wonderful setting. Here, under the motto “from Zurich for Zurich”, locals and tourists discover quality regional products from downtown shops.

Promo Christmas Markets with Eurocity

Zurich awaits all those who love the magic of Christmas, with special packages such as the PROMO MARKETS fare (available from November) valid for those traveling from November 22 to December 20, 2018 on first and second class seats of 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 and 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.

Die Zahlen von Zürich zu Weihnachten

• von 7.000 bis 10.000 sind die Kinder, die in jeder Weihnachtssaison vom „Märlitram“ (Märchen-Tram) befördert werden
• 000 sind die Kristalle mit LED-Lämpchen, die die Bahnhofstrasse in der Weihnachtszeit erleuchten
• 1 ist der größte überdachte Markt Europas, nämlich der Weihnachtsmarkt am Hauptbahnhof Zürich
• 000 die Swarovski-Steine am majestätischen Tannenbaum im „Christkindlimarkt“ am Hauptbahnhof
• 15 Meter Höhe hat derselbe Baum
• 5 sind die Weihnachtsbahnen in der Stadt Zürich für Eislauffans
• 5 Grad beträgt die Wassertemperatur beim jährlichen Wettkampf „Samichlausschwimmen“
• 6 Uhr nachmittags ist der Zeitpunkt, an dem am 22. Dezember das faszinierende Schauspiel der hunderten bunten Kerzen beginnt, die auf der Limmat schwimmen
• 80 ist die Anzahl der Kinder, die vom berühmten Singing Christmas Tree aufgenommen werden