Zurich Christmas Markets 2024: Swiss Festivity & Fun

Christmas in Zurich is everything you imagine: twinkling trees, warm mulled wine, fairy lights, tasty treats, and the sound of Christmas carols in the cool, crisp air.

Yet, the plethora of Zurich Christmas markets can leave you spoiled for choice, unsure where to begin.

We’ve been to these markets and put together some helpful insights and tips to streamline your festive journey through this Swiss city. This guide offers a straightforward overview of Zurich’s top Christmas markets and practical tips to enhance your experience.

Dive into our festive findings below to discover Zurich at Christmas time and find the Xmas market that resonates with you the most.

Spoiler alert: You might find it hard to pick just one!

For those enchanted by Switzerland’s festive spirit, don’t miss our dedicated post on the best Swiss Christmas markets nationwide.

Zurich Christmas Markets 2024

Zurich has not one but four main Christmas Markets and a couple of smaller ones, each with its unique experience. They are all within walking distance of each other, and we managed to visit all of them in one day.

Explore our summary below for a quick overview, and then dive deeper into our detailed list of each market.

Whether you’re looking for gourmet food, unique gifts, or simply a festive atmosphere, Zurich has a market for everyone. Click on the links provided for more detailed information and maps to help plan your visit.

Our Top Tips for Visiting Zurich’s Christmas Markets

First of all, let’s help with some translation:

• Weinachtsmarkt means Christmas Market or Christmas Fair
• Chriskindlimarkt also means Christmas Market or Christmas Fair
• Wienachtsdorf means Christmas Village
• Zürcher means someone from Zurich

Experience Zurich Beyond the Markets: A Christmas Treat

While the Christmas markets themselves are a delight, Zurich offers even more special experiences that can make your Yuletide visit genuinely unforgettable.

From indulgent treats to relaxing retreats, these activities are perfect for making the most of the festive season in this charming city.

Click on the expand button in the top right-hand corner to find the key on the left-hand side. The red stars are the Christmas Markets in Zurich. 

Our Detailed Zurich Christmas Market Guide 2024

There are four main markets to discover and another two smaller ones. Each has its own distinct style. We list these below, with their opening dates and times.

You can also find their specific location on the map above.

1. Old Town: Niederdorf’s Dörfli Christmas Market

Zurich’s oldest Christmas Market, Dörfli Weihnachtsmarkt,  is held in the  Niederdorf quarter of the picturesque Zurich Old Town. The festive market stalls line the main thoroughfare and festoon off into the side streets.

The aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon weaves through the tiny festive alleyways as you peruse the Christmas goodies and gifts. 

The Dorfli Market is the perfect place to lose yourself in the Christmas atmosphere. 

💝🍫 If you’re visiting Zurich at Christmastime, you’ll likely want to indulge in Swiss chocolate — a quintessential part of a Swiss experience. You can combine a sightseeing tour with a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate and enjoy unlimited chocolate tasting.

Dörfli Christmas market spills out around Niederdorfstrasse, and the 11th-Century Fraumunster Church, on the opposite side of the River Limmat, makes for an eye-catching backdrop.

You can walk along the Limmat riverfront towards the next Zurich Christmas Market, the Wienachtsdorf Market.

🏊🏼‍♀️ Interesting Extra: Every December, the Limmat River plays host to the “Samichlausschwimmen.” At the beginning of December, around 300 people, some dressed in Santa outfits, swim in the freezing cold river to raise money for charity.

2. The Urban Christmas Village: Sechselautenplatz Wienachtsdorf Market

The largest Zurich Christmas Market is Wienachtsdorf, the urban Christmas Village. It is located near the Lake Zurich shoreline, at Sechseläutenplatz, in front of the Zurich Opera House. 

Over a hundred stalls form the ‘Village’, which offers culinary delights, local handicrafts, and an ice rink where children can skate with giant-sized plastic penguins.

The Fondue Chalet sells traditional Swiss fare and plenty of glüwein (red wine, sweetened and heated with mulled spices and citrus). Sample the local raclette (a cheese that is melted and scraped onto potatoes or bread) or dip it into a festive fondue.

The Christmas village also hosts a variety of performances, including stilt walking, operas, storytelling and crafts – check out the program here.

💡Quick Tip: This market operates on a cashless basis

The Opera House, behind the Sechseläutenplatz Christmas Market, also gets into the Christmas spirit. Each day at 5.30 pm, you can listen to the Opera House Christmas Musical Advent Calendar, a musical countdown to Christmas.

It is held in the entrance foyer, admission is free, and each day’s program and performance are only 15 minutes long.

The Advent performances run from the 1st to the 23rd of December, with each day’s program announced on its Facebook page.

👧🏻 For Kids: Just north of the Weinachtsdorf Christmas village is the Bellvue tram stop for the St. Nicholas tram, Jelmoli Marlitram (Märlitram)—a Christmas-themed fairytale tram for kids aged 4-10. On the tram, Santa and angels read Christmas stories as it trundles along a circular route, returning to the same stop.

 3. The Singing Christmas Tree at Weihnachtsmart Christmas Market

Our Singing Christmas Tree Video

The Singing Christmas Tree and Weihnachtsmart are just off the main shopping street of Bahnhofstrasse, where the ‘Lucy Lights’ of Zurich shimmer and shine.    

Even though it was raining as we headed towards the Singing Christmas tree, the surreal image of thousands of twinkling stars was made even more beautiful by the reflections on the rain-soaked street. 

These lights are named ‘Lucy’ after the Beatles’ song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Each LED bulb (around 12000) is surrounded by cut glass crystal to create a romantic Christmas diamond and star-like effect.  

This iconic Christmas Market, Zurich Bahnhofstrasse, was our favourite Christmas market in Zurich because of its unique ‘Singing Christmas Tree’. 

Unfortunately, when we were there, the rain gave no thought to the evening’s festivities. It bucketed down, just as the ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ prepared to serenade its audience. Nevertheless, the choir took its place on the tiered podium, in the shape of a giant Christmas tree, seemingly unperturbed by the relentless downpour.

Meanwhile, visitors and locals sipped mulled wine and huddled beneath umbrellas, enjoying the impressive spectacle. 

You’ll also find a cozy wooden fondue chalet here—the perfect Swiss comfort food to warm you after watching the sensational singing Christmas tree. 

4. Christkindlimarkt – Zurich Train Station Christmas Market

With warm mulled wine pleasantly flowing through our veins, we returned to the train station and Zurich’s most centrally located Christmas Market, Christkindlimarkt. It is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe and is held in the main concourse of Zurich Train Station.

When we visited, the centrepiece was a 10-meter (32 ft) tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals.

But for Christmas 2024, it is a chocolate delight, with thousands of Lindor chocolate balls decorating the tree. An extra-big Lindor chocolate ball takes pride at the top of the tree. And you can hop on the golden sled for a festive selfie.

It is the 31st anniversary of the Christkindlimarkt Zurich at the main station, with a special program for kids and a chocolate-laden tree.

This was by far the busiest Christmas market we visited (though we did visit in the evening), with packed stalls enticing onlookers with their festive temptations. We lost count of the varieties of mulled wines on offer and the wide array of food stalls.

5. Weinachtsmarkt Münsterhof Christmas Market

The Münsterhof Christmas market is located beside the Fraumunster Church. The market sells high-quality gifts made or designed in Zurich and the surrounding area.

A Culture Tent nearby provides entertainment, including workshops and performances by the Zurich Music Conservatory. 

6. Zürcher Weihnachtsallee – The City Christmas Market

The City Christmas Market is near the train station at Lintheschergasse — between the Jelmoli and Globus department stores. Market traders sell their handicrafts in decorated market huts. There is also a domed bar on Europaplatz and a fondue chalet on Gustav-Gull-Platz.

So, What is the Best Christmas Market in Zurich?

In our opinion, the best Zurich Christmas market is the “Singing Christmas Tree” at the Weihnachtsmärt Market.

The tiered podium, shaped like a giant Christmas tree, hosts the choir amidst a breathtaking backdrop of thousands of twinkling lights.

However, determining the best Christmas markets in Zurich is a matter of personal preference, as each market offers its own unique charm and attractions.

Another contender for us was the Niederdorf Christmas Market. Situated in the heart of Zurich’s picturesque Old Town, this market, with its historical setting and festive ambience, captured the essence of the holiday season.

The Niederdorf Christmas Market is Zurich’s oldest, and its location and traditional charm make it a favourite of ours.

If you have kids, the Sechseläutenplatz Christmas Market, opposite the opera house, is an excellent choice because of its fun ice rink.

Other Christmas Events in Zurich

Illumunarium

In the inner courtyard of the Landesmuseum Zurich, the Illuminarium showcases its enchanting winter wonderland of light, illumination, illusion, music and culinary delights.

In front of the courtyard, which has free access, there are light-filled cocktail bars and food bars for winter snacks. 

Opening Times: TBC for 2024 (Closed: December 24th and December 25th)

Lichterschwimmen Event

At the traditional ‘Lichterschwimmen’ event in Zurich, hundreds of tiny lanterns are launched from Stadthausquai, and they float down the Limmat River, creating a magical scene in the middle of Zurich.

Zurich Tourism organises the event and also serves hot punch and pastries for onlookers at Weinplatz as a way of saying thank you to the people of Zurich for their hospitality towards national and international visitors. 

We were lucky enough to witness this event when we were in Zurich.

This year’s event is TBC.

Santa Claus Parade (Samichlaus Parade)

On the last Sunday of November, Santa Claus and his helpers have a parade through Bahnhofstrasse and give out gingerbread cookies to the children. 

Salto

Salto is an acrobatic circus that plays annually in Zurich. This year’s show is “Neverland,“ which features pirates, fairies, and hidden treasure.

Salto is described as:

“…a surreal-poetic event that brings together wonderful energies, colours, artistry, lights, sounds and music.’ 

Salto dates for 2024: 22nd Nov – 31st December 2024

Best Time to Visit the Markets

Nighttime Visits to the Christmas Markets

Should your schedule allow, experiencing the markets after dusk is highly recommended for a full-fledged festive feel. Our time in Zurich was limited to a day, so we toured half of the markets while the sun was up.

However, if you’ve got more time, venturing to each of the four primary markets during the evening hours is worthwhile. That’s when the Christmas lights add a special touch to the atmosphere.

Evening hours attract the most visitors, creating a lively buzz. It’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Due to thinner crowds, daytime visits are advisable for a more tranquil shopping experience.

The good news is that, with sunset around 4.45 p.m. in December, there’s ample opportunity to witness the markets illuminated by twinkling lights.

Daytime Visits to The Christmas Markets

The daytime ambience of the Christmas markets was charming, yet the grey skies and lack of snow dampened the magical feel usually amplified by the Christmas lights come nightfall.

It’s the quieter time for a leisurely browse through the stalls, with more space to explore and shop.

Delightful Christmas Foods to Savour in Zurich

When visiting Zurich during the festive season, immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions that make Swiss Christmas markets a gastronomic delight.

Here are some must-try foods:

Fondue and Raclette: Warm Cheesy Delights

No winter in Switzerland is complete without indulging in a warm, gooey cheese fondue or raclette. These dishes are perfect for cold evenings and a staple at Zurich’s outdoor markets.

Zürich Tirggel: Traditional Swiss Christmas Biscuits

Experience the tradition of Zürich Tirggel biscuits that date back to the 14th century. Made primarily from honey and flour, Tirggel is known for its intricate embossed designs that depict scenes from Swiss folklore and Zurich’s history.

Luxemburgerli: Delicate Mini Macaroons

Dive into the sweet world of Luxemburgerli, a type of mini macaroon with various flavours. These bite-sized confections from the famous Confiserie Sprüngli are a beloved treat among locals.

Glühwein: A Toast to Warmth

Warm up with a cup of Glühwein, the Swiss version of mulled wine. This spiced, heated red wine is perfect for sipping while you explore the festive stalls at the Christmas markets.

Bratwurst: Grilled Sausage Perfection

While exploring the markets, stop for a Bratwurst, a Swiss German sausage typically served in a crusty roll with mustard—a favourite among visitors and locals alike.

Lebkuchen: Spiced Festive Cookies

Enjoy Lebkuchen, a soft baked cookie similar to gingerbread. Often heart-shaped and decorated with icing, these cookies carry delightful spices like ginger, nutmeg, and clove, truly embodying the spirit of Christmas.

These treats not only provide a taste of Swiss culinary traditions but also add to the festive spirit of Zurich’s Christmas markets, making your visit truly memorable.

Zurich Weather at Christmas

We had imagined Zurich blanketed in snow, but the city sees merely an average of 5 snowy days in December.

Luckily for us, after immersing ourselves in the festive ambience of Zurich’s Christmas markets, we were off to the pristine snowy slopes of Bettmeralp, where snow was guaranteed. Our adventures continued on skis amidst the stunning Swiss Alps, a tale shared in our post about our Christmas ski trip to Bettmeralp.

Zurich Temperature in December

In Zurich, December’s temperatures hover around a high of 3.7°C and a low of -0.7°C. Layering up is key to combat the chill.

Our cozy retreat to Hotel Bristol was a warm respite, though it took a bit for our extremities to thaw despite being clad in gloves and snow boots!

Other Activities in Zurich

Not only are there plenty of Christmas activities in Zurich, but there are also many interesting experiences to be had that, although not Christmassy, can be bought as a treat … it is Christmas, after all.

Tours and Day Trips from Zurich

While in Zurich, you might like to take advantage of opportunities to visit the scenic surrounding areas.

Here are a few highly-rated day trips that depart from Zurich:

How to Get to Zurich

Travel to Zurich by Air

Travel from Zurich’s International Airport to the city centre is easy by train because it runs directly from the airport. 

Zurich Airport to Zurich Main Train Station (Zurich HB) by train takes about 15 minutes. 

(We flew into Zurich from Athens, (a 2.5-hour flight). This Christmas holiday was amid our year-long Europe Motorhome trip, so we left the Campervan in Athens while we had a family Christmas skiing in Bettmeralp, with Zurich being our first stop.)  

📃 👉 Check your Swiss Visa Requirements Here

Travel to Zurich by Train

Zurich’s main Train Station is situated in the city centre, so access to the city is easy. 

Go to the Swiss Rail website (SSB) to get the timetable, tickets and other information. 

Travel to Zurich by Road

Driving to Zurich in winter is a distinct experience and requires a tad more preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the winter roads to Zurich. For more information, check out our Road Trip Planning Guide.

Embarking on a road trip to Zurich in winter is an adventurous choice. With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, the journey can be as captivating as the destination itself.

Stay safe, and enjoy the picturesque drive to Zurich!

Where to Stay in Zurich

🛏 Looking for more places to stay in Zurich? Search for a great deal here on Booking .com 

FAQs on Christmas Markets in Zurich

1. Does Zurich have a Christmas Market?

Yes, Zurich’s Christmas markets offer a range of experiences, from the traditional Niederdorf Christmas Market in the Old Town to the urban Wienachtsdorf Market near Lake Zurich, with options like the Singing Christmas Tree at the Weihnachtsmärt Christmas Market and the Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Train Station.

2. Does Zurich have Good Christmas Markets?

Absolutely, Zurich features exceptional Christmas markets, including the 50-foot Swarovski tree at the Christkindlimarkt in the Train Station and an ice rink at the Wienachtsdorf Market. The diverse market varieties and the enchanting Singing Christmas Tree at the Weihnachtsmärt Market add to the city’s festive charm, making Zurich a hub for captivating Christmas markets.

3. What are the 2024 dates of the Zurich Christmas Markets?

The Zurich Christmas market dates for 2024 are as follows:

• Niederdorf Christmas Market: 21/11/2024 to 23/12/2024
• Wienachtsdorf Market: 21/11/2024 to 23/12/2024
• Singing Christmas Tree / Werdmuhleplatz Christmas Market: 21/11/2024 to 23/12/2024
• Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Train Station: 21/11/2024 to 24/12/2024

Zurich Christmas Markets … That’s a Wrap

The Zurich Christmas Market is a highlight of the city’s holiday season. It offers a variety of stalls, food, and festive activities in a lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and international visitors.

If you’re planning a return visit to Switzerland in warmer weather, consider exploring more of the country on the road.

Our summer campervanning journey through Switzerland provides plenty of inspiration and showcases the diverse experiences the country offers year-round.

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