Things To Do In Zurich Beginning of December 2024
Wishing you a great new weekend and week ahead! The Christmas Markets are in full swing, this weekend is the first of the Christmas Shopping Sundays, the Singing Christmas Tree is proving super popular and there are so many great Christmas events on in town right now. Take a look here to see them all.
The Zauberpark Illuminations and concerts continue until the 8th December and for those of you into traditional Swiss festivals, don’t miss the Klausjagen which takes place outside Zurich at Kussnacht am Rigi on 5th December every year. Read all about the Klausjagen celebrations here.
KLAUSJAGEN CELEBRATIONS 5th DECEMBER: See details here.
Last week I visited Chateau d’Aigle near Montreux to take part in the judging for the Terravin “Lauriers de Platines 2023” Blanc and tasted some unbelievably good Chasselas wines. Read all about the event here.
And if you’re looking for a really unique dining experience, why not visit the Belvoir Park Restaurant in Zurich and try out their delicious Japanese Fondue.
For those of you who have recently arrived in Zurich check out our top tips for newcomers here. If you’re looking for a fondue take a look at our 🫕 Fondue Guide here. If the weather turns to rain, you can find some ☔️ rainy day ideas and activities see here. If you fancy going for an excursion, here are 31 ideas and activities for children and teenagers and 31 ideas for excursions from Zurich.
Looking further ahead to Christmas and New Year, don’t forget to order your expertly cooked turkey from the Park Hyatt here. You just need to order 48 hours in advance and you can order for Christmas and New Year, in fact any time up till 5th January next year!
LES MISÉRABLES CONTEST: We have a contest to win a pair of tickets for Saturday, 21st December at 7.30pm at Hallenstadion Zurich. Simply email us here with a) your name and b) the word Mis in the subject line to enter. Contest closes at midnight on Sunday 15th December. Read more about Les Misérables in the article here.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
The Illuminarium (above) is on in the courtyard of the Landesmuseum until 30th December
The Christmas Markets – see our guide here. They mostly finish on 23rd or 24th December.
The Singing Christmas Tree continues till 23rd December.
The Lucy Christmas Lights continue till 6th January.
The Stadelhofen Pyramid continues till 24th December.
The Shopping Sundays in Zurich are on 26th November, 3rd and 17th December.
The Visit to St Nicholas in the Käferberg Forest are from 4th – 8th December (10am – 4pm)
The Zauberpark Light Illuminations and concerts are now on at The Circle at Zurich Airport
The Märlitram is now running until 23rd December.
The Kerzenziehen (Candle Making) is this year at Hechtplatz instead of Bürkliplatz till 19th December.
Samichlaus Swimming in the Limmat is on Sunday 8th December this year.
Silvesterlauf Fun Run is on 15th December – sign up while registrations are still open!
The Lichterschwimmen event (free) takes place right on the Limmat on 19th December
Christmas Musical Advent Calendar at the Opera House (FREE) from 1st – 23rd December.
Salto Christmas Show is on in Kloten near the airport till 31st December.
Conelli Christmas Circus – the famous Christmas circus is at Bürkliplatz until 31st December.
EVENT LISTINGS
USTER MÄRT 28th NOV: Saturday 28th November is the last day of the Uster Market and our friends Sports Shop Time Out will be there with lots of amazing snow and ski deals. Don’t miss! Venue: Uster.
JAPANESE BRUNCH AT METROPOL RESTAURANT ZURICH 1st DECEMBER: Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Japanese Brunch at the Metropol in Zurich on Sunday 1st December. See details here.
SAMICHLAUS TAG 6th DECEMBER: How about taking your children to visit Samichlaus from 4th – 8th December. See details here.
EINSIEDELN CHRISTMAS MARKET NOW – 8th DEC: Check out the beautiful Einsiedeln Christmas Market – see the details listed here.
THE ZAUBERPARK AT THE CIRCLE ZURICH AIRPORT NOW – 8th DEC: Lights shows, music with a selection of great bands as well as food stalls can all be found at the Zauberpark at the Circle Zurich Airport. Find out all about it here.
ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR TAKE AWAY TURKEY: If you’re looking for an expertly cooked and beautifully prepared turkey or goose for Christmas or New Year Turkey you can order one from now until 5th January at the Park Hyatt Hotel and collect it all prepared directly at the hotel. You just need to order 48 hours in advance. See the full information here.
FRAU GEROLDS GARTEN OPEN FOR THE WINTER SEASON : Frau Gerolds Garten is now open for the Winter Season. Read all about it here.
VISIT BERWERK KÄPFNACH HORGEN BEFORE END OF NOVEMBER: Just a reminder to visit the Käpfnach Mine in Horgen before it closes for the season at the end of November. It makes for a great family outing. Find out all about it here.
CHRISTMAS PHOTO SESSIONS BOOK NOW : Whether you’re looking for incredible pictures for your holiday card, some Christmas-themed gifts for family and friends, or to begin a tradition of your family’s annual photo to display over the holidays, this is the perfect chance. To Book your session, please contact Carmen at: info@carmen.photo or visit www.carmen.photo
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SUNDAYS ZURICH 1st, 8th & 22nd DEC: Check out the dates for the Christmas Shopping Sundays in Zurich: 1st, 8th and 22nd December. See all the details here.
TOP ENGLISH MUSICALS AND SHOWS: There’s a great selection of top English musicals and shows taking place this year in Zurich and for the first time in 30 years, the Phantom of the Opera in Basel. Get your tickets soon before they sell out! Take a look here to find out more.
LAKE SIDE WINTER WONDERLAND ON NOW: Why not pop down to Lake Side in Zurich from 21st November where there will be a great Fondue set menu for CHF 79 and over 100 Christmas trees as well as a huge 15m Christmas tree along with furs, blankets, fire bowls, lounges, bar tables an aperitif chalet. There’s stick bread (which you can make yourself over an open fire), mulled wine and seasonal cocktail creations along with lights by LILU to complete the winter Wonderland vibes. Addresss: Bellerivestrasse 170, 8008 Zurich. Read all about Lake Side Winter Wonderland here.
JAPANESE BRUNCH AT THE METROPOL ZURICH 1st & 15th DECEMBER: Fancy something different? Every 1st Sunday of the month the Metropol Restaurant serves a Japanese Brunch and the next one is taking place on Sunday 2nd December with an additional one on 15th December due to popular demand! Comprising a selection of Japanese-inspired dishes, including sushi & poké bowl, tataki on wakame, bao buns, various tartare creations as well as hot dishes like gyoza, tempura, pork belly, okonomiyaki and poached eggs with berry ragout & desserts. Read all about it here.
LYCKA: NEW ZURICH RESTAURANT SERVING BRUNCH 7 DAYS A WEEK: There’s a great new LYCKA Cafe in Zurich, a sister cafe to the one in Meilen and from 1st December onwards it’s serving brunch 7 days a week! There are lots of different varieties and it’s a great place to go for a coffee too. Take a look here.
WEDNESDAY, 4 DECEMBER 2024: BRANDSPACE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE MARKET: Join the festive celebration at the BrandSpace Business Hub in Meilen from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday 4th December with a little market featuring hand crafted, holiday gifts, food and drinks, music handcrafted jewelry, luxurious skincare, festive décor, and artisanal products.BrandSpace Business Hub, Pfarrhausgasse 5, Meilen, 8706 (behind Löwen Hotel). More info here.
AUTUMN FESTIVALS: Check out this list of great Autumn Festivals in Switzerland.
CCIS & FRIENDS END OF YEAR PARTY 4th DECEMBER: The CCIS & Friends End of Year Party is taking place on 4th December at Lake Side in Zurich. It’s a wonderful event full of networking and good cheer with lots of great Italian food and wine. There are a limited number of tickets on sale – but you can secure your ticket here. You can also read more about the event here.
FREE ADMISSION!!! MUSEUM RIETBERG FROM NOW – 31st DEC: Don’t miss this unique opportunity to visit Museum Rietberg (main collections) for FREE until 31st December 2024. A wonderful opportunity! More info here.
THE BOOK OF MORMON ZURICH FEB 2025 – TICKETS ON SALE NOW: The Book of Mormon is coming to Zurich next February 2025 but tickets are available to purchase now. If you’re interested take a look here.
ZURICH OPERA HOUSE PERFORMANCES: Check out the latest performances at Zurich Opera House here.
THINGS TO DO ON A RAINY DAY IN ZURICH: There’s plenty to do on a rainy or cloudy day in and around Zurich. Take a look here.
BRITISH SWISS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: Check out the upcoming events at the British Swiss Chamber of Commerce. Take a look here.
TONHALLE ZURICH: See what’s on at the Tonhalle Zurich. See their latest program here.
INTERNATIONAL COMEDY CLUB IN ZURICH: The International Comedy Club Zurich has lots of new Stand Up events coming soon. Take a look here.
SPORT SHOP TIME OUT NOW OPEN FOR WINTER SEASON SKI KIT: Sport Shop Time Out in Uster is ready for the Ski and Snow season with top ski brands and expert advice from English speaking staff. THE place to go for all skiers and mountains lovers!
5 IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO ON A WINTER DATE NIGHT WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNE: We all know how expensive Zurich can be but take a look at this article by Amy Challenger where she invites us to explore some of the cheaper and even free ways to enjoy a date night out in Zurich. Take a look here.
THINGS TO DO ON A RAINY DAY IN ZURICH: There’s plenty to do on a rainy or cloudy day in and around Zurich. Take a look here.
TRAVEL, FOOD & LIFESTYLE
SNOW SHOEING: Check out a collection of great Snow Shoe hikes here. Do check if the snow conditions before setting out.
VISIT KLÖNTALERSEE: Klöntasersee is another beautiful lake to visit in the Autumn. Take a look here.
A TRIP TO LAKE PALPUOGNA: The Stunning lake of Palpuogna is a wonderful place to visit in Autumn and Winter and in 2007 Lai da Palpuogna was voted the most beautiful place in Switzerland. Read all about it here.
A TRIP TO THE SWISS AIRFORCE MUSEUM DÜBENDORF: If you’re a fan of aircraft, why not take a trip to Dübendorf to visit the Swiss Airforce Museum in Dübendorf or the “Flieger Flan” as it is affectionately called. Read all about it here.
AUTUMN / WINTER TREAT – VERMICELLE: How about treating yourself to a wonderful Vermicelle tart? Read all about this typical Swiss Autumn treat here.
JAPANESE IGLOO AT BELVOIR PARK 21st NOV – JANUARY: Why not enjoy a twist on traditional fondue and instead book the Igloo at Belvoir Park Restaurant and enjoy a Japanese hot pot menu for CHF 69 per person. This unique location is bound to get booked up early – so why not make your reservation now? Read all about the Japanese Igloos here.
FONDUE GUIDE ZURICH: Check out where to get the best fondues in Zurich here. Please note we will be updating this regularly.
LULU FONDUE POP UP IN AN IGLOO: Check up the cool new fondue pop up at Lulu Restaurant next to the Opera House. See details here.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Recipe of the week this week is: Hot Chocolate
JENNY WINKLHOFER PERSONAL TRAINER FOR WOMEN: If you’re looking for a great fitness trainer who specialises in helping women, particularly those over 40 – read all about Jenny Winklhofer and her very flexible training sessions which use EMS as well as the benefit of her latest research into fitness training. And for nutrition advice do check out EatByAlex.
NEW IN ZURICH? NEW IN SWITZERLAND? : See our top tips for newcomers here.
MORE TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS: Some more tips to help you feel at home here.
NEW EXPAT IN SWITZERLAND? CHECK OUT ZUZUG CONSULTING: If you’re new to Switzerland check out the practical expat services on offer from Zuzug Consulting here.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HAVING A PET IN SWITZERLAND: Did you know that there are special rules on keeping pets in Switzerland? Read all about having a Pet in Switzerland here.
FIND OUT ALL ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ZURICH HERE: Tips on the different public transport options and types of tickets available in Zurich. Read the details here.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST HOT CHOCOLATE IN ZURICH: Check out these great places for the best hot chocolate in Zurich.
SHARED LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Find yourself sharing laundry facilities in your new apartment? Find out all about this Swiss phenomenon here.
WHERE TO SELL ONLINE IN SWITZERLAND: Find out where you can sell stuff online in Switzerland here.
SPEEDING FINES IN SWITZERLAND: Things you need to know about Speeding in Switzerland. Read the article here.
EXCHANGING YOUR DRIVING LICENCE: As soon as you arrive in Switzerland and receive your Ausweis, you should make arrangement to exchange your driving licence. See all the steps you need to undertake here.
RECOMMENDED HAIRDRESSERS: See our list of recommended hairdressers in Zurich here.
TRANSITIONING TO SWITZERLAND WITH CHILDREN: Top tips when transitioning to Switzerland with children. Read the article here.
LEAVING SWITZERLAND? If you’re leaving Switzerland anytime soon, check out our handy list of things you need to do before you go. See details here.
NEWINZURICH OFFERS
GET 20% OFF YOUR HENRI WINE!: With your first order of Henri Wines you can get 20% discount from now until the end of 2024 using the discount code READYHENRI – visit the website here.
COIFFEUR-ARTÉ HAIRDRESSERS ZURICH – 20% off all services on your 1st appointment at Coiffeur Arté when you mention NewInZurich. Tel: 044 482 99 33.
PURE BEAUTY SPA: Beauty / Massage Treatments – 20% off your 1st Treatment at Pure Beauty Spa (Wednesday – Friday & excluding special offers) – Just mention NewInZurich
WINTER IN SWITZERLAND: Just a reminder with all the snow around do double-check to make sure you have Winter Tyres fitted on your car, and of course soon it will be time to get the AutoVignette for 2025!
CHRISTMAS EVENTS: Don’t forget to check out list of Christmas Events here.
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