Top Christmas Events in Zurich 2022
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 with details of when they are open.
1. Christmas Markets Zurich from 24th November 2022
Most of the Christmas Markets in Zurich opened on 24th November. The key ones are the Wienachtsmarkt at Bellevue, the Christmas Market with a giant Christmas Tree at Zurich Main station, the Christmas Markt in the Niederdorf and the market at the Singing Christmas Tree. You can read all about these markets and many others in Switzerland here.
You can see a short video of the previous Wienachtsdorf Christmas Market at Bellevue here.
2. Christmas Lights Bahnhofstrasse From 24th November – 6th Jan
The “Lucy” Christmas lights went on in Bahnhofstrasse at 6pm precisely on Thursday 24th November and they will remain on throughout the Christmas and New Year until 6th January. The lights are very energy efficient but this year they will go off one hour earlier at 11pm in view of the energy crisis. You can find out more about the Lucy lights here.
3. Christmas Sunday Shopping 27th November, 4th & 18th December
At Christmas there is extra time to get all your Christmas gifts as there are 3 Shopping Sundays in the run up to Christmas this year on 27th November and on 4th and 18th December. See details here.
4. The Singing Christmas Tree 24th Nov – 23rd Dec
The Singing Christmas Tree in Werdmühleplatz Zurich. is a wonderful sight to behold. There is also a small Christmas Market attached too. Find out more about the Singing Christmas Tree here .
5. Giant Christmas Tree at Zurich HB From 24th November
Zurich’s most famous Christmas Market has a very special attraction a giant Christmas Tree! You can see it a the Christkindli market at Zurich Main station from 24th November till 24th December. Previous there used to be a Swarovski tree here. However, this year the Christmas Light Show at the main station and the glittering Swarovski jewels will not be there. Instead visitors to the Christmas Market are invited to pedal on bicycles in order to generate electricity to make the light balls on the large Christmas tree twinkle.
6. St Nicholas in the Käferberg Forest
You can visit Santa Claus along with his helper, Schmutzli at this house in the Käferberg forest at certain times. See website for details
7. Stadelhofen “Christmas Pyramid” from 24th Nov – 24th Dec 2022
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 24th until 24th December. You can find out more about the tradition of the Weihnachts Pyramide here.
8. The Illuminarium On Now until 30th December
A light festival in the inner courtyard of the Landesmuseum in Zurich which is open daily and where you can also buy tickets for an optional Light Show and a Art Festival. It is already open now and continues until 30th December. 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.
Take a look at this short reel of the Illuminarium here:
9. Kerzenziehen (Candle Making) until 21st December
Taking place at Bürkliplatz until Wednesday 21st December from 10am – 8pm. A perfect Christmas activity for all the family. Find out all about Kerzenziehen here
10. Children’s Märlitram Christmas Tram 25th Nov – 24th Dec
This children only tram is a legend in Zurich! Children are driven round town and entertained by Father Christmas and his fairy helpers. Tickets can be bought online via the Jelmoli website here from 18th November. Find out more here.
11. Visit The Zauberpark at Zurich Airport 24th Nov – 11th Dec
Why not head out to Zurich airport and experience the magic of the Zauberpark? It’s open from 24th November till 11th December and is easy to get to by public transport or car. As well as a beautiful light show there are food stalls, and a wide selection of concerts too. A great place to go with all the family! Find out all about it here.
12. Lichterschwimmen 22nd December 2022
This cute little tradition involves watching hundreds of little lights float down the River Limmat. It takes place on the Thursday before Christmas. Starting from Weinplatz next to the Storchen at 6pm children place little floating lanterns on the Limmat and watch them float by. See more information here.
13. Samichlaus Swimming in the Limmat Sunday 4th 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. Regsitrations open on 22nd November. From 1.30pm on Sunday 4th December (only for the brave or the mad!)
Take a look at our photos from a previous Limmat Swimming Event here.
14. Silvesterlauf 11th December 2022
A Fun Run through centre of Zurich on 11th December. Read all about it here.
15. Conelli Christmas Circus at Bauschänzli 18th Nov – 31st Dec
Th Conelli Circus is back in Zurich with its familiar red top and offers great entertainment for all the family including acrobatics, music, singing, dancing, puppetry and more. Find out all about this traditional family circus here.
16. Salto Christmas Show 23rd Nov to 31st Dec 2022
The Swiss Salto Circus Show takes place from 23rd November until 31st December 2022 in Kloten, near the airport. Website
17. Ice Skating in Zurich
Please note that this year there is sadly no ice skating at the Christmas Market in front of the Opera House due to the energy crisis. If you fancy ice skating, check out all these great places you can practise this fun Winter Sport.
18. Curling & Fondue at the Dolder Sports
How about going Curling and finishing off with a delicious fondue? You can do both these at the Dolder Sport just up close to the Dolder Grand. Find out more here. Of course if you prefer you could simply go ice skating at the Dolder ice rink followed by a fondue.
19. Winter Magic Uto Kulm Uetliberg 25th Nov 2022 – 28th Feb 2023
Why not take the train up the Uetliberg to the Uto Kulm and not only will you be rewarded with great views over the city but there are lights and refreshments too. You can grab a Glühwein at the Panorama Terasse or stop by for a meal. See details here.
20. New Years Fireworks 31st December / 1st January
You can enjoy the New Year fireworks from many locations along the lake, but the top places are ticketed. Visit the Website here
21. Fondue Restaurants, Pop Ups Tram & Cruise
There’s nothing better than a fondue when it’s cold outside – Zurich is full of fondue restaurants, fondue pop ups, the Fondue Tram and the Fondue Cruise. More details coming soon!
If you fancy making a fondue at home – find out how to make one here.
*** Keep posted on new events in and around Zurich by “subscribing to blog” at the bottom of this article ***
*********************
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.
**********************
Articles Which May Be of Interest
Vermicelles – A Traditional Chestnut Dessert from Switzerland
**********************
