As every year, you are surprised when Christmas rushes towards you with big steps. Stress, panic and hecticness are spreading. The best idea to escape and breathe deeply is a city trip to the Swiss city of Zurich. Here you can stroll through the illuminated city centre in the most beautiful Christmas mood and look for gifts for your loved one. We have the best tips for you – and the most beautiful Christmas markets.
Christmas Shopping
Zurich is the perfect shopping destination for the trend- and fashion-conscious, design aficionados, lovers of luxury, and all those who are seeking that je ne sais quoi. Particularly at Christmas time.
Christmastime is a time for giving. Consequently, it is worthwhile making a detour to Zurich, where countless Christmas markets, international fashion boutiques, up-and-coming designers, and tradition-steeped department stores are just waiting for you to come and browse in search of the perfect present for your nearest and dearest.
In addition, several late-night shopping events, Sunday shopping, and even New Year’s shopping will be held from November onwards. You can find all the most important information at a glance and get some inspiration for your Christmas gifts here.
On three Sundays in Advent, Zurich is even open for business: on 1, 8 and 22 December you can shop from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. as you please. Also on 2 January, actually a holiday in Zurich, many shops in the city centre are open for a shopping spree until 6 pm.
And everything about Zurich’s Christmas shopping events can be found here.
The best Christmas Markets
1. At the Zurich Opera House
Just a stone’s throw from the lakeshore, Zurich’s “Wienachtsdorf” – or Christmas village – enchants visitors both big and small. Around 100 market stalls are grouped together to form a convivial Christmas village against the spectacular backdrop of the Opera House, and invite visitors to browse and enjoy a glass or two of glühwein.
At the market stalls, changing local designers offer out-of-the-ordinary pieces of jewelry and unusual finds, while a colorful choice of culinary delights ensures that visitors do not go hungry. Whether international specialties or traditional Swiss fare in the Fondue-Chalet: the main focus is placed on people spending an enjoyable time together amidst a festive ambiance – whether over an after-work drink of mulled wine, on an excursion with friends, or after making candles with their children at Bürkliplatz.
An ice rink invites ice-skating enthusiasts of all ages to take to the ice at Sechseläutenplatz and perform some pirouettes. Moreover, groups can try their hand at Bavarian curling in a relaxed atmosphere.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday: until 8 pm
2. Niederdorf – gay part of town
Zurich’s oldest Christmas market is a tiny world of its own, located in the heart of the Niederdorf quarter of the Old Town. The numerous market stalls line the centrally located Niederdorfstrasse and spill onto Hirschenplatz and Rosenhof, so that it is easy to lose track of time when browsing through the multitude of wares on sale. A visit to the Christmas market in the Old Town during the Advent period is an absolute must – even if only to take a stroll and sample some mulled wine.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday 11.00am – 9.00pm (food stands until 10.00pm)
Sunday 11.00am – 7.00pm (food stands until 8.00pm)
3. The Singing Christmas Tree
If you stroll along the Bahnhofstrasse during the Advent period, sooner or later you will come across the Christmas market at Werdmühleplatz. It has already firmly established itself among visitors and locals alike. One good reason for this is without doubt its unique attraction – the Singing Christmas Tree. Rowed up on a vertical podium in the shape of an enormous Christmas tree, various choirs from the region spread Christmas cheer with their repertoire of Christmas carols.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday 4.00pm – 9.00pm
Friday 4.00pm – 10.00pm
Saturday 1.00pm – 10.00pm
Sunday 1.00pm – 9.00pm
Choir performances:
Monday to Friday 5.30pm / 6.30pm
Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm / 3.30pm / 5.30pm / 6.30pm
More Christmas markets in the Zurich area can be found here.
To a happy pre-Christmas period!
Facebook
Twitter