Top Christmas Events in Zurich 2025
There are lots of fun things to do all over the city (including the wonderful Christmas Markets) in the run up to Christmas Day and New Year. From Shopping on a Sunday to a fun run through the city to seeing Santa (or Samichlaus) in person, here are some of the key ones with details of when they are taking place.
1. Christmas Markets Zurich from 20th November 2025
The Christmas Markets in Zurich have got to be one of the top Christmas events in Zurich and they open on 20th November, with most of them ending on 23rd or 24th December. The key ones are the Wienachtsmarkt at Bellevue, the Christmas Market at Münsterhof next to the Fraumünster, the Polarzauber with the giant Lindt Christmas Tree at Zurich Main station, the Dörfli Christmas Market in the Niederdorf, the Weihnachtallee market in Europaallee 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.
Or check out this short Instagram reel by Alex Nikolsky here.
2. Christmas Lights Bahnhofstrasse From 20th November – 6th Jan
The “Lucy” Christmas lights go on in Bahnhofstrasse at 6pm precisely on Thursday 20th November and they will remain on throughout the Christmas and New Year until 6th January. The lights are very energy efficient. You can find out more about the Lucy lights here.
3. Christmas Sunday Shopping 30th Nov & 7th and 21st December 2025
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 – one in November and 2 in December. They are on 30th November, 7th and 21st December 2025. See details of all the Shopping Sundays here.
3a. Santas On Harley Davidsons at Silhcity 30th November
Visit Sihlcity Shopping Centre in Zurich on Sunday 30th November between 2pm and 3pm to watch the procession of Santas on their Harley Davidsons arrive at the shopping centre. It’s great fun for all the family and this year they will be raising funds for the Kinderspital Children’s Hospital. More information here.
4. The Singing Christmas Tree Until 23rd Dec
The Singing Christmas Tree in Werdmühleplatz Zurich has got to be another of the top Christmas events in Zurich and 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 until 24th December
Zurich’s most famous Christmas Market has a very special attraction a giant Christmas Tree! You can see it at Zurich Main station from 24th November till 24th December and this year it has been renamed as Polarzauber. Previously there used to be a Swarovski tree here. However, this year there is a giant 10 metre (32 ft) high tree decorated with Swiss chocolates balls. See a list of all the Christmas Markets in Zurich as well as most of the key ones in Switzerland here.
6. St Nicholas in the Käferberg Forest 3rd – 7th December
You can visit St Nicholas along with his helper, Schmutzli at this house in the Käferberg forest at certain times.This year it’s from 3rd – 7th December from 10am till 4pm. See here for more details
7. Stadelhofen “Christmas Pyramid” from 21st Nov – 24th Dec 2025
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 until 24th December. You can find out more about the tradition of the Weihnachts Pyramide here.
8. The Illuminarium 6th November until 30th December
The Illuminarium 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 opens on 6th December 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 15th Nov – 21st December
Taking place at Hechtplatz this year (instead of Bürkliplatz) from 15th November till 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 until 23rd 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. Find out all about the Märlitram here.
11. Visit The Zauberpark at Zurich Airport 7th Dec
Why not head out to The Circle at Zurich airport and experience the magic of the Zauberpark? It’s open until 8th December and is easy to get to by public transport or car. As well as a selection of great concerts there is a beautiful light show and a wide selection of food stalls. A great place to go with all the family! Find out all about it here.
12. Samichlaus Umzug – Santa Procession in Bahnhofstrasse the last Sunday of November
At 5pm on the last Sunday of November there is always a Samichlausumzug or Santa Procession in Bahnhofstrasse. It all starts close to the Singing Christmas Tree in Werdmühleplatz and goes all down Bahnhofstrasse to Bürkliplatz with lots of fun and plenty of treats! See details of the Samichlaus Parade in Zurich here.
13. Samichlaus Swimming in the Limmat Sunday 7th 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 7th December (only for the brave or the mad!). Tickets go very quickly as this is a very popular event.
14. Silvesterlauf 14th December 2025
A Fun Run through centre of Zurich on 15th December. Read all about it here.
15. Conelli Christmas Circus at Bauschänzli Until 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. See all the details here.
16. Salto Christmas Show until 31st Dec 2025
The Swiss Salto Show takes place until 31st December in Kloten, near the airport. Visit the website here
17. Ice Skating in Zurich
Please note that this year there is no ice skating at the Christmas Market in front of the Opera House once again this year. If you fancy ice skating, there are lots of great places all over Zurich eg the Dolder Sports, the ice rink at the Hotel Sonne in Küsnacht and various other locations such as Heuried and Oerlikon.
18. Lichterschwimmen 18th December 2025
This cute little tradition involves watching hundreds of little lights float down the River Limmat. It takes place on the Thursday before Christmas, which this year is Thursday 18th December. Starting from Weinplatz next to the Storchen at 6pm children place little floating lanterns on the Limmat and watch them float by. Read all about the Lichterschwimmen here.
19. Winter Magic Uto Kulm Uetliberg 6th November – 31st January 2026
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. Christmas Musical Advent Calendar at the Opera House Zurich
Why not go along to one of the short 15 minute (free) concerts at the Opera House in Zurich which are running from. Read all about the Christmas Advent Calendar at the Opera House here.
21. 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
A Touch Of Lucy Light Installation
Why not take a trip along Bahnhofstrasse to the area around Bahnhofstrasse where you can admire one of Zurich’s prettiest Christmas attractions – the beautiufl “Touch of Lucy” art installaion. Find out all about A Touch of Lucy here.
23. 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. See all our suggestions here.
If you fancy making a fondue at home – find out how to make one here.
We hope you enjoyed our list of the top Christmas events in Zurich for 2025 and if we’ve left any out, please let us know in the comments below.
Keep posted on new events in and around Zurich by “subscribing to blog” to get a once a week update and
==>>Why not check out our Handy Guide to Christmas Events here.
🎄 Zurich Christmas Markets and Events Guide 2025 🎄
6th November – 30th December 2025
📍 Illuminarium – Landesmuseum Zurich
6th November – 31st January 2025
📍 Uetliberg Winter Wonderland
15th November – 21st December 2025
📍 Kerzenziehen – Hechtplatz (Candle Making)
19th November 2025
📍 Zauberpark Zurich Airport
19th November – 31st December 2025
📍 Salto – Zurich
20th November 2025
📍 Lucy Christmas Lights Switch-On – Bahnhofstrasse
20th November 2025
📍 Night Shopping Bahnhofstrasse
20th November – 23rd December 2025
📍 Wienachtsdorf – Bellevue / Sechseläutenplatz
20th November – 23rd December 2025
📍 Zürcher Weihnachtsallee, Europaallee
20th November – 24th December 2025
📍 Covered Christmas Maket – Zurich HB
20th November – 24th December 2025
📍 Weihnachtsmarkt – Münsterhof
20th November – 23rd December 2025
📍 Niederdorf Christmas Market
21st November – 23rd December 2025
📍 Singing Christmas Tree & Market Werdmühleplatz
21st November – 24th December 2025
📍 Märlitram (Children’s Tram)
22nd November – 31st December 2025
📍 Circus Conelli – Zuric
30th November
📍 Santa Claus Procession 5pm Bahnhofstrasse
🎄 SHOPPING 🎄
20th November 2025
📍 Night Shopping Bahnhofstrasse
30th November 11am – 6pm
7th December 11am – 6pm
21st December 11am – 6pm
1st – 23rd December 2025
📍 Musical Advent Calendar – Zurich Opera House
7th December 2025
📍 Samichlauschwimmen – Zurich
11th – 14th December 2025
📍 Heiliger Bimbam Market – Halle 550D, Oerlikon
14th December 2025
📍 Zurich Silvesterlauf Run
18th – 21st December 2025
📍 Heiliger Bimbam Market – Halle 550D, Oerlikon
19th December 2025
📍 Lichterschwimmen – Zurich Floating Candles
11th – 14th December 2025
📍 Heiliger Bimbam Market – Halle 550D, Oerlikon
31st December 2025
📍 New Year’s Eve Fireworks
==>>Why not check out our Handy Guide to Christmas Events here.
**********************
Articles Which May Be of Interest
Christmas Shopping Sundays in Zurich – Sonntagsverkauf Zurich
Vermicelles – A Traditional Chestnut Dessert from Switzerland
**********************
2 comments
Do you have any recommendations for pop up igloos/similar for Christmas meals?
Hi Melanie You can find some great suggestions on fondue here: https://newinzurich.com/2025/10/best-places-to-eat-fondue-in-zurich-2025-2026best-places-to-eat-fondue-in-zurich/