Updated for 2019
Zurich Christmas Lights © Zurich Tourism
Top Christmas Events in Zurich
2019
There are lots of fun Christmas events all around Zurich (including the wonderful Christmas Markets) in the run up to Christmas Day and New Year. Here are some of the key ones to watch out for.
Christmas Lights Bahnhofstrasse 21st November
The “Lucy” Christmas lights get turned on in Bahnhofstrasse at 6pm. Website
Late Night Christmas Shopping 21st November
After the Christmas lights go on lots of the city’s shops stay open till 10pm for late night shopping. Many have special offers too – so it’s a great chance to steal a march on getting your Christmas presents sorted!
The Singing Christmas Tree 21st November – 23rd December
In Werdmühleplatz, Zurich. There is also a small Christmas Market attached too. Find out more about the Singing Christmas Tree here or visit the website here.
Lighting of Swarovski Tree 21st November
Zurich’s most famous Christmas Market lights the beautiful Swarovski tree at 7pm. The market takes place from 21st November till 24th December. Find out more about the Swarovski tree here or visit the website.
St Nicholas Procession 24th November
Traditional procession from Urania to Bürkliplatz by Santa Claus accompanied by his helper, Schmutzli from 5pm. Crowds will be lining the streets and Santa will be dishing out treats. Website
Stadelhofen “Christmas Pyramid” from 26th November
Standing 8.5m high outside Stadelhofen station the Christmas Pyramid is a great place to visit for a Glühwein with friends or even a raclette. November 26th until December 23rd. You can find out more about the tradition of the Weihnachts Pyramide here.
The Illuminarium from 14th November until 30th December
A light festival in the inner courtyard of the Landesmuseum in Zurich. Please note it is closed on 24th & 25th December. Find out more and see some photos here.
We have some more photos of the Illuminarium you can view here.
Kerzenziehen (Candle Making) until 22nd December
Taking place at Bürkliplatz until 22nd December from 10am – 8pm. A perfect Christmas event for children. Website
Children’s Märlitram Christmas Tram 23rd Nov – 24th Dec
Tickets from customer service in Jelmoli department store. Children are driven round town and entertained by Father Christmas and his fairy helpers. Find out more here.
Shoppings Sundays – Sonntags Verkauf
The three Advent Shopping Sundays in Zurich this year are 1st, 8th and 22nd December. See more about Shopping Sundays in Zurich, Glatt, Sihlcity and Volkiland here.
Fondue Restaurants, Pop Ups Tram & Cruise
There’s nothing better than a fondue when it’s cold outside – so take a look at our guide to fondue restaurants, fondue pop ups, the Fondue Tram and the Fondue Cruise. We also have included a section on other Winter Pop Ups that aren’t fondue too. Read all about them here.
Lichterschwimmen 19th December 6pm
Don’t miss this cute little tradition of watching hundreds of little lights float down the River Limmat. Starting from Weinplatz next to the Storchen at 6pm on 19th December. See here.
Heiliger Bim Bam Christmas Market
A less traditional and more trendy Christmas Market in Zurich. 19th – 22nd December in Zurich Oerlikon. Website
Samichlaus Swimming in the Limmat 8th December
Swim across the Limmat in the chilly December water! The water temperature will be between 6 and 8 degrees, you need to be over 16 and you have to register first. From 1.30pm on Sunday 8th (only for the brave or the mad!) Website.
Take a look at our photos from a previous Limmat Swimming Event here.
Silvesterlauf 15th December
Fun run through centre of Zurich. Website
Salto Natale Christmas Circus 22nd Nov to 31st Dec
A traditional Swiss Salto Natale Circus continues until 31st December in Kloten, near airport. Website
Conelli Christmas Circus 22nd Nov to 31st Dec
At Bauschänzli near Bellevue. There are no animals involved in any performances. Website
The Christmas Markets
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a stroll round the Christmas Markets and meeting with friends for a Glühwein. See the here for all the details on Zurich’s Christmas Markets.
Ice Skating in Zurich
If you fancy ice skating, check out all these great places you can practise this fun Winter Sport.
New Years Fireworks 31st December / 1st January
You can enjoy the New Year fireworks from many locations along the lake, but the heated tent by the Carlton offers great views and a cosy atmosphere and you can even have a menu included at the Bürkliplatz Tent too. Visit the Website here
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