The Tradition of the Swarovski Christmas Tree at Zurich HB
In 2020 Christmas is going to be quite a lot different in Zurich. All the big bustling Christmas markets are not taking place and most of the traditional events we all treasure so dearly will be absent too. However, we can remind ourselves of Christmases past and look forward to them hopefully returning to normal next year. One of those traditions is the Swarovski Christmas Tree.
Swarovski Christmas Tree – A Zurich Tradition
One of the most beautiful traditions of Christmas in Zurich has to be the sparkling Swarovski Christmas tree at Zurich main station. The station, or “HB” as it is often referred to, usually comes alive at Christmas time as the hall is filled with the bustle of the Christkindlimarkt. The Swarovski Tree is donated each year to the Christkindlimarkt and it serves as a beacon of light and beauty and a real centrepiece for the market. The tradition began over 20 years ago and it gives Swarovski the opportunity to highlight its latest Christmas Collection which is always featured at the base of the tree in beautiful glass cabinets. Every year Swarovski produce a new collection to inspire you for Christmas – so there is always something new to view and admire.
The Christmas Market at the station lasts around 4 weeks from the end of November till just before Christmas. It’s full of bright lights, colour and lots of stall holders eagerly selling their wares. Sadly it won’t be taking place this year – but here are some photos from previous Christmases.
The beautiful, glittering, 50 ft tall Swarovski tree usually stands proudly overseeing the HB Christmas market. Bedecked with over 6,000 shimmering Swarovski pieces, the elegant structure dominates the skyline. The tree is covered with tiny lights which change colour intermittently and the sparkles can be seen from all corners of the station.
Swarovski Tree in Zurich
Usually around an hour after the “Lucy” lights are illuminated in Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s main shopping street, the countdown begins for the lighting of the Swarovski tree, shortly after 7pm. As the lights on the tree go on, applause breaks out across the station and you know that Christmas is definitely on its way!
So let’s hope that in 2021 the Christkindli Market at Zurich main station will be back in all its glory.
Here is a video of the Swarovski tree at Zurich HB at the lighting ceremony with an address in German.
And a shorter version of the Countdown to the lighting of the tree without the introduction in German:
The Swarovski Christmas Tree
Where: Zurich Main Station
The Christmas Tree is sponsored by Swarovski and is a free attraction.
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Photos taken by Carmen Sirboiu on Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk iii
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