Top Christmas Events in Zurich 2018

Updated for 2018

Zurich Christmas Lights © Zurich Tourism

Top Christmas Events in Zurich

2018

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 22nd November

The “Lucy” Christmas lights get turned on in Bahnhofstrasse at 6pm. Website

Late Night Christmas Shopping 22nd 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 22nd 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 22nd November 

Zurich’s most famous Christmas Market lights the beautiful Swarovski tree at 7pm. Find out more about the Swarovski tree here or  visit the website. 

St Nicholas Procession 25th 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 28th 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 28 until December 23rd. You can find out more about the tradition of  the Weihnachts Pyramide here.

The Illuminarium until 30th December

A light festival in the inner courtyard of the Landesmuseum in Zurich. Find out more and see some photos here.

We have some more photos of the Illuminarium you can view here.

Kerzenziehen (Candle Making) until 23rd December

Taking place at Bürkliplatz until 23rd 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.

Fondue Tram

Ride through the centre of Zurich in a tram taking in the sights and enjoy a steaming hot fondue at the same time. For exact dates and times see Website

Fondue Cruise on Lake Zurich

Or why not try a fondue on a boat trip across the lake? For exact dates and times see Website

Lichterschwimmen 20th 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 20th December. See here.

Heiliger Bim Bam Christmas Market

A less traditional and more trendy Christmas Market in Zurich. 20th – 23rd December at Halle 622 in Zurich Oerlikon. Website

Samichlaus Swimming in the Limmat 9th 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 9th (only for the brave or the mad!) Website.

Take a look at our photos from the 2018 Limmat Swimming Event here.

Silvesterlauf 16th December

Fun run through centre of Zurich. Website

Salto Natale Christmas Circus 17th Nov to 31st Dec

A traditional Swiss Salto Natale Circus continues until 31st December in Kloten, near airport. Website

Conelli Christmas Circus 23rd Nov to 31st Dec 

At Bauschänzli near Bellevue. There are no animals involved in any performances. Website

Zurich Christmas Shopping Sundays 2nd, 9th & 23rd December 

From 11am till 6pm in the city. Some out of town shopping centres will have their own dates for “Sonntagsverkauf”, for example on the 25th November and 9th and 23rd December at Glatt and on 16th and 23rd December for  Volkiland. You can see more information here.

Have fun exploring these great Christmas events and check out our Guide to the Christmas Markets too!

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.

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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For more information about things going on in Zurich and beyond please see our What’s On Page or our News Articles and for regular updates subscribe to our blog.

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Articles Which May Be of Interest

Christmas Markets Guide Zurich and Switzerland

Best Places to go Ice Skating in Zurich

ILLUMINARIUM Light Show at Zurich’s National Museum

The Fonduementals of Fondue in Zurich

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