Christmas in Zürich, Switzerland

Zürich gears up a month before Christmas as the festive lights turn on everywhere and the Christmas markets come to life. The city can boast of various Christmas markets which start usually on 24th of November every year and last for a month. 

Old Town Christmas Market

We decided to visit three of the most popular Christmas markets in Zürich and share our experience with you. We started with the oldest one which is in the old town. Stalls are lined up  all along Niederdorfstrasse. From lamps and lanterns to woolen garments, you can find stalls selling a variety of items. If you ever feel cold or tired while walking along the cobbled stone street, you will readily find shops selling Glühwein (mulled wine) and warm food to restore your festive mood! For more information click here!

Märlitram

As we reached the Bellevue end of the Old town market, we decided to visit the Wienachtsdorf Christmas village on Sechseläutenplatz next. Just near the entrance to the market, we found the famous Märlitram parked at Bellevue. It is a tram dedicated to the children during this period of the year. Santa drives this streetcar through the streets of Zürich while the 4-10 years old passengers listen to popular Christmas stories narrated by angels. This is a very popular custom and you will not find someone in Zürich who has not boarded this tram at least once during childhood. The tram was built in 1913 and runs on the same route during Christmas since 1958 transporting tens of thousands of children every year. For more information click here!

Wienachtsdorf Christmas village

It is one of the largest Christmas markets in Zürich situated near the Opera House. It boasts of hundreds of stalls which are all colored in red to match the festive season. You will find stalls selling jewelry, spices, cheese, herbs and tea, woolen shawls and scarfs and hot snacks. There is enough well-lit and cozy covered space so that friends and families might sit, eat and drink together. The market has an ice rink for the skating lovers. We saw children having real fun with their parents. For more information click here!

Bahnhofstrasse

If you want to experience the Christmas lights and the festive vibe, you should definitely visit Bahnhofstrasse, the most popular shopping street of Zürich. The shops often offer Christmas discounts and are crowded with people trying to find the nicest gifts for their loved ones. You will also find temporary stalls selling Christmas decorations, food and wine. The neighboring streets are all very nicely decorated.

Christkindlimarkt, Main Train Station

We finally reached the Main train station to experience one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. This market is located inside the station, hosts around 150 stalls and the Christmas tree is decorated by thousands of sparkling and shining Swarovski crystals! It is heavily crowded with people in the best of their moods enjoying the festive season to the fullest. The rich smell of food, wine, spices and cheese coupled with the warmly colored stalls and the bright Christmas tree wished us a very merry Christmas!

For more information click here!