The Christmas season is at its very peak here in Zurich and the city has SO MUCH to offer! From the different Christmas Markets to the adorable singing tree, fun shows and delicious food. I am here to make a bit of an organized spot for you to make the BEST out of the season so here we go!
Things that are already on:
The Christmas markets Polarzauber in HB, Weihnachtsallee, Wienachtsdorf, the Münsterhof and Weihnachtsdörfli.
Events in and around Zurich this Month:
7th of December
The popular tradition of the the Samichlaus swim with swimmers in Santa Claus costumes plunging into the Limmat.
13th of December
Flumserberg: Night Ski Touring Race, December 13th, with a mass start in Tannenheim and a challenging course to the Prodkamm.
14th of December
Zurich New Year’s Eve Run, December 14th, a festive running event with various categories for all ages and a lively atmosphere in the city center.
18th of December
Lichterschwimmen: A tradition where students launch hundreds of handmade candle-lit lanterns onto the River Limmat starting 18:00 at Stadthausquai.
21st of December
Rapperswil: On Saturday, the traditional caroling will take place in Rapperswil. The Christmas caroling will take place under the castle steps on the main square. In addition, there will be a procession of carol singers through the alleys of the old town.
31st of December
New Year’s Eve magic in Zurich. Every year, more than 150,000 visitors from Switzerland and abroad attend the big New Year’s Eve party at Zurich’s lake basin and marvel at the illuminated sky on New Year’s Eve.
Fun Activities
The “Zauberpark” festival at The Circle park features a lil “Genussdorf” (food village) and a panoramic light art trail, alongside live concert. Dates: November 19th–December 7th.
Candle making: The beloved “Zürcher Kerzenziehen” tradition takes place at Hechtplatz, where visitors can hand-dip their own beeswax candles. Practical Info: November 15th–December 21st.
“Circus Conelli” with its festive red tent on the Bauschänzli island, world-class acrobatics, poetry and comedy without animal acts. Dates: November 19th–December 31st.
“Salto”, a modern “event circus” offering a surreal, poetic and animal-free spectacle of acrobatics, light and live music. Dates: November 19th–December 31st, Located at Parkplatz Holberg near Zurich Airport.
Pop-up Chalets & Gardens
The “Soulfood Igloos” in Belvoirpark with Korean hot pot and BBQ served inside cozy private domes, all illuminated by a pretty installation created by the LILU light artists.
Widder Wonder Garden: The courtyard of the Widder Hotel transforms into a magical garden with private, antique dining gondolas.
Gondel Gärtli: Located at the Restaurant Rigiblick, this spot offers a fantastic view over the city from its cozy gondolas.
Cheese am See: The “fondue igloo” village on the terrace of the Kongresshaus offers a stunning view over the lake.
Frau Gerolds Garten: The popular summer garden in Zürich West transforms into a magical “Winterstube.” It’s incredibly cosy and perfect for a fondue night.
Chalet Züriberg: High up on the Züriberg with a view, this pop-up chalet is already open for the season. It’s great for getting out of the city center.
