The delights of Zürich in Switzerland are many. But many more are the delights of its Christmas markets. As you wander through the cobblestoned streets of medieval town squares, stroll across fancy shopping streets or even hop off onto the main train station in Zürich, the smell of cinnamon and hot mulled wine emanating from the Christmas markets will draw you in. Vacation rentals in Zurich are flocked by holiday-goers for this exact reason. Admire the illuminations, shop for gifts, sample local specialities or enjoy musical performances; the ultimate aim of Zürich’s Christmas markets is to spread holiday cheer! Prepare for your holiday trip by booking the top Vrbo vacation rentals in the city. To get into the Christmas spirit, come and take a look at our selections of the most delightful Christmas markets in Zürich, Switzerland.
Tip from tour guide
Another Christmas tradition to experience in Zürich is the lighting of the Lucy lights. The ceremonial lighting is named after The Beatles song "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" and heralds the advent season on Bahnhofstrasse. After the lighting, the famous fairs, ice skating rinks, Marlitram tram and fondue will be officially open!
1. Frau Gerolds Winter-Garten
Frau Gerolds Garten has been a staple of Zurich District 5’s Gerold area since 2012. With its trinket shops, garden dining, and cultural events, it’s quickly become one of the coolest hangout spots in town. Now, the garden has decided to bring the festivities all throughout the winter with Winter-Garten. Christmas-inspired dishes and markets, along with several food trucks, will be welcoming your arrival at the garden. Bonfires will be lit to keep you warm and cozy during this unique dining and shopping experience. Sip on some hot cocoa and savor your Zürich holiday!
Frau Gerolds Winter-Garten
Address: Geroldstrasse 23, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: Frau Gerolds Winter-Garten
Opening hours: Fri: 3pm - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 11:30am - 7pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
2. Christmas Island at Bauschänzli
In the heart of Zürich lies the miniature and artificial island of Bauschänzli. The public park is typically a restaurant or a beer garden, but come holiday season, the island transforms into a Christmas paradise that you may not want to leave once you visit! Upon entry, you’ll be greeted by the cutest little shops where you can get raclette cheese, chestnuts, and roasted almonds. Have a taste of the finest spiced wines to get yourself into the holiday spirit. Escape the rest of Zürich for a short while and make your way to the Christmas Island.
Christmas Island at Bauschänzli
Address: 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: Bauschänzli
Opening hours: November 19 - December 23
3. Zurich Wienachtsdorf
Emanating a wonderful festive mood is the Zurich Wienachtsdorf (Christmas Village) at Sechseläutenplatz. Held every year in front of the Opera House, this is one of Zürich’s largest Christmas markets. About 100 festively-decorated market stalls come together to form the central attraction of Zurich Wienachtsdorf. The bright lights give a magical glow to the Christmas wares on offer at the stalls - from jewelry by local designers, trinkets, gifts to high-quality leather goods and more! The Fondue-Chalet offers local Swiss specialties and global culinary delights. Plenty of children’s activities are available every day, including theater performances, art, carousel rides, etc. Adults can enjoy cups of hot mulled wine, go ice skating or even try their hand at Bavarian curling.
Zurich Wienachtsdorf
Address: Zürcher Wienachtsdorf, Weihnachtsmarkt, Sechseläutenplatz, 8001 Zürich
Website: Zurich Wienachtsdorf
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm
Dates: November 21 - December 23
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4. Old Town Christmas Market
Zürich at Christmas is truly something special. As the oldest Christmas market in Zürich, Old Town Christmas Market has a reputation to uphold and it does that very well thanks to its amazing holiday vibe, stunning Old Town backdrop and the good-natured cheer of the stall owners. Situated in the beautiful Niederdorf quarter, this market has oodles of charm with the glow of its lights, cobblestoned streets and the cultural diversity of its stalls. One minute you might be sampling the best Swiss fondue and another, you might be petting some llamas and tasting the spicy culinary delights from South America! There are fire shows, alphorn performances, musical shows and lots more to take in. The market often spills onto the side streets, so be sure to check those too.
Old Town Christmas Market
Address: Weihnachtsmarkt im Niederdorf, Niederdorfstrasse, 8001 Zürich
Website: Old Town Christmas Market
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
Dates: November 21 - December 23
Zurich Tour Guide
Iuliia Solodenko
Learned to read at the age of five. Loved fairy tales.For 11 years I studied the cello at the school that Oistrakh graduated from ( I am from Ukraine).My favorite lesson at school is history, it is my only passion.I dreamed to became an archaeologist, but I graduated from the acting faculty and worked as an actress in the theater.In 2008 I moved to Venice. Experience since 2011 in travel companies hosting tourists throughout Italy, as well as France and Switzerland. Thats why even before I moved in Lucerne, I knew Switzerland very well!In 2015, in Venice, I received a guide license.In 2020 I moved again, this time and Switzerland and now is my home: here I have my family and I continue to work as a guide.I promise not to torment you too much with dates and names.See you!
5. Werdmuehleplatz Christmas Market
Posted by The Singing Christmas Tree on Monday, 11 December 2017
The outstanding feature of Werdmuehleplatz Christmas Market is the Singing Christmas Tree, which is a unique creation comprising of choir singers placed on varying levels shaped like a giant Christmas tree. The market attracts thousands of visitors with its unique daily concerts that are performed by melodious choirs from around Zürich. Other attractions at this Zürich Christmas market are stalls selling mulled wine, Swiss culinary delights, gifts, Christmas decor, souvenirs, etc. Children can also enjoy riding a colorful carousel at the market.
Werdmuehleplatz Christmas Market
Address: Werdmühleplatz, 8001 Zürich
Website: Werdmuehleplatz Christmas Market
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 1pm - 10pm; Sun: 1pm - 9pm
Dates: November 21 - December 23
6. Zurich Main Station Christmas Market
Posted by Christkindlimarkt on Monday, 19 November 2018
Also known as Christkindlimarkt, Zurich Main Station Christmas Market has the distinction of being one of Europe’s largest indoor Christmas markets and it is held on the main concourse of the station. The star attraction of this market is the Swarovski crystals bedecked 50-foot (15-meter) tall glittering Christmas tree. Complementing the sparkle of the tree are the 150+ colorful market stalls selling all manner of goods and unconventional gifts. Follow your nose to the stalls that sell mulled wine and at the Chäs Atelier, sample fondue and raclette. Visitors are also treated to a Christmas Lightshow every evening at the market.
Zurich Main Station Christmas Market
Address: Christkindlimarkt, Hauptbahnhof Zürich, 8001 Zürich
Website: Zurich Main Station Christmas Market
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 10:30am - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 10:30am - 10pm (Dec 24: 10:30am - 4pm)
Dates: November 21 - December 24
7. Lintheschergasse Christmas Market
Providing relief from your stressful last-minute Christmas shopping spree is the peaceful Lintheschergasse Christmas Market in Zürich. Operational for over 20 years, this Christmas market is conveniently situated between two popular department stores. From their cute market huts, traders sell handicrafts of all manner like traditional Christmas lanterns, precious jewelry, handmade ceramics, caps and gloves, natural leather products, etc. The friendly stall owners will even help you pick out Christmas gifts like homemade gingerbread, fresh nuts, Christmas ornaments, artisanal fragrances and oils, specialty teas, chocolates, cheese and lots more!
Lintheschergasse Christmas Market
Address: City Weihnachtsmarkt, Lintheschergasse, 8001 Zürich
Website: Lintheschergasse Christmas Market
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
Dates: November 21 - December 23
8. Winterthur's Old Town Christmas Market
Shaped like snowy wooden chalets, more than 60 market stalls come together to form Winterthur’s Old Town Christmas Market in the center of Winterthur’s Old Town. Lending a festive air to the market are its sparkling lights, colorful decorations and the fragrance of cinnamon and hot mulled wine against the backdrop of picturesque old townhouses. Visitors can delight in shopping for Christmas-y products like jewelry, candles, gingerbread, kitchen textiles, wood carvings, woolens, etc. or sample hot snacks and drinks.
Winterthur's Old Town Christmas Market
Address: Winterthurer Weihnachtsmarkt, Neumarkt, 8400 Winterthur
Website: Winterthur’s Old Town Christmas Market
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 8:30pm; Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 8:30pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
Dates: November 22 - December 22
9. Einsiedeln Christmas Market
Posted by Enchanté Concept - enchante.ch on Sunday, 6 October 2019
With the magnificent Benedictine monastery as its backdrop, Einsiedeln Christmas Market paints a pretty picture, especially when combined with the bright festive lights, beautifully decorated market huts and a giant Christmas tree in the center. While you are being enchanted by the brilliant Christmas illuminations, don’t forget to pop around to the various stalls to discover the amazing array of Christmas goods on sale. Browse through artworks, local culinary specialties, wood carvings, Christmas ornaments, gifts and souvenirs. Often, local choirs enthrall visitors with Christmas carols.
Einsiedeln Christmas Market
Address: Einsiedler Weihnachtsmarkt, Hauptstrasse 54, 8840 Einsiedeln
Website: Einsiedeln Christmas Market
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 7:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm
Dates: November 30 - December 8
10. Rapperswil-Jona Christkindlimart
Creating a romantic atmosphere during the holidays is the Rapperswil-Jona Christkindlimart. Framed by the majestic medieval structures of Old Town Rapperswill, over 200 stalls set up the mood for Christmas at this market. Stroll through the stalls hand-in-hand with your partner and enjoy shopping for homemade goods, arts, home decor items, baked goods and more. Adding to the magical holiday ambiance are musical performances by choirs, guitarists and bands playing melodious Christmas tunes. Visitors can also enjoy candlemaking sessions, fairytales for children and a range of other activities at Rapperswil-Jona Christkindlimart.
Rapperswil-Jona Christkindlimart
Address: Christkindlimärt Rapperswil-Jona, Fischmarktplatz, 8640 Rapperswil
Website: Rapperswil-Jona Christkindlimart
Opening hours: Fri: 2pm - 9:30pm; Sat: 11am - 9:30pm; Sun: 11am - 7:30pm; Tue - Wed: 2pm - 8pm (closed on Mon & Thu)
Dates: December 13 - 22
A delightful Christmas in Zürich
Besides maintaining their country’s natural beauty, peace and prosperity, another thing that the Swiss do well is Christmas markets. And nowhere is that better reflected than in the Christmas markets of Zürich. Whether you just happen to be there or take a special trip, Christmas in Zürich is always better with a visit to these markets.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of these markets may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
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