The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better place to soak up the festive spirit than Zurich! With twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine in the air, and decorations everywhere you turn, Zurich’s Christmas markets are pure magic. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these markets are a must-see. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite Zurich Christmas markets, tips for making the most of your visit, and a map of all the locations.
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Table of Contents
- Things to Know Before You Go!
- Where to Stay in Zurich for the Christmas Markets
- Traditional Foods & Drinks You’ll Find A Zurich Christmas Markets
- When Do Christmas Markets Start in Zurich?
- Map of Christmas Markets in Zurich
- Christmas Markets in Zurich (A full list!)
- Summary (Full List) of Christmas Markets in Zürich, Switzerland
Things to Know Before You Go!
Dress Warm: Zurich can be freezing (literally) in the winter, especially at the outdoor markets, so bundle up with lots of layers. Think hats, gloves, scarves, thick socks, thermal underwear.
You might also like: What to Wear in Winter in Switzerland
You Don’t Need Cash: Zurich’s Christmas markets are all cashless so no need to worry about exchanging money to Swiss Francs because you won’t be able to use them.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours: The Christmas markets are extremely busy and crowded, and there are times that are almost unwalkable due to the crowds. To avoid total chaos, try visiting the markets during weekday afternoons, or on the weekends when the Christmas markets open at 11:00am.
Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to forget to drink water when it’s cold, so make sure to stay hydrated!
Make Sure to Purchase a Tram/Bus Ticket: It’s easy to forget to purchase a ticket before you hop on the tram or bus in the city. Make sure to download the SBB app before you arrive to make getting your tickets a breeze! If you can’t download the app, no worries, you can buy a day or 3-day ticket at any of the stations, and you can pay with card!
Where to Stay in Zurich for the Christmas Markets
I suggest staying in Old Town, as this will put you directly in the center of everything there is to do in Zurich!
Traditional Foods & Drinks You’ll Find A Zurich Christmas Markets
One of the best parts about Zurich’s Christmas markets is the incredible variety of food you can find. From traditional Swiss dishes to unexpected delights like Momos (yes, those delicious Nepalese dumplings that are EVERYWHERE in Zurich), there’s something for everyone and every diet. Unlike Bavaria, where sausages reign supreme, Zurich offers a diverse, and somewhat elevated food choice. Like, where else can you get oysters at a Christmas Market?! Now with this variety, there are a few traditional Christmas market foods you’ll find in Zurich that you can try if you feel up to it!
Raclette
Raclette is a classic Swiss dish where cheese is melted and scraped over boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions. It’s warm, gooey, and very pungent cheese that people love here (but not me).
Fondue
As we stay on the cheese topic, which the Swiss love, at Zurich’s Christmas markets you can often find huts dedicated to fondue. It’s a quintessential experience, one I will tell you I have not partaken in because I do not like the type of cheese they use-it’s quite pungent like raclette.
Langos
A traditional street-food from Budapest, Hungary that you’ll see at a variety of markets in Zurich is my FAVORITE market food. It’s a deep fried flatbread that is then topped sour cream, a ton of garlic, and cheese. It is one of my favorite foods in the whole world. You can also get a variety of other toppings like just cheese, tomato, rucola, onion, or ham. At the Dörfli Christmas Market in Niederdorf, there is a hut called “Budapest Langos” that makes the best. The dough is fried fresh and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Chnöpfli
Think of Chnöpfli as Swiss-style gnocchi. They are small, soft dumplings that are typically served with a savory sauce. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. It isn’t exceptionally flavorful, but interesting and warming nonetheless.
Roasted Chestnuts (Heissi Marroni)
You guys, I am sharing things that are traditional, so I’ve got to add this one. And if you’ve been around here or read my blog before, I am a food lover. And I think I have a pretty good palate, but Swiss food just does not do anything for me. So, another thing I DO NOT LIKE. Like I actually hate, are roasted chestnuts. Heissi Marroni, or hot roasted chestnuts, are sold in paper bags and you’ll find everyone, young to old, snacking on these. They’re warm and nutty, but really just taste like burnt….nothing? Give them a try and tell me what you think!
Glühwein
Nothing says Christmas quite like a steaming cup of Glühwein. Now this isn’t Swiss, but it’s a traditional Christmas drink made with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus you’ll find at ever Christmas market. And if you’re not into alcohol, no worries—there are plenty of non-alcoholic versions too!
Travel Tip (from a local): It’s common to add an extra shot to your Glühwein, such as Amaretto, Whiskey, Controiex. In Zurich it’s called “Güggs”, and to order this you would say, “Glühwein mit Güggs bitte!“. In Germany you would say “mit Schuss“.
When Do Christmas Markets Start in Zurich?
The Christmas Markets in Zurich start November 21st, 2024 and go until December 23/24th, 2024. Check out the locations below for specific hours!
Map of Christmas Markets in Zurich
Christmas Markets in Zurich (A full list!)
Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Station
Location: Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday 11:00am-9:00pm, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm.
Website: Christkindlimarkt HB
One of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe is the Christkindlimarkt at HB, right in the heart of Zurich. The star attraction is the giant Christmas tree, with this years theme being Lindt. As you wander through the market, you’ll find a variety of stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious Swiss treats. I will be honest, this market isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing market, but it does have the most food stalls than any other market, and it’s great when it’s super cold or raining outside.
Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz
Location: Sechseläutenplatz (near the Opera House)
Hours: 11am-10pm M-S, Sunday 11am-8:00pm.
Website: Weinachtsdorf at the Opera House
Wienachtsdorf, or “Christmas Village,” is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Zurich Opera House. This market is the largest in Zurich and the one that gives you that quintessential Christmas market feel. Seriously, Americans visiting Europe dreaming of THAT Christmas Market? This one is for you. What sets this market apartment form others in Zurich, and Northern Europe in a whole, is it’s elevated food scene and little seating nooks. Where else can you get oysters and sit in a cozy alps inspired hut? It’s perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.
Traveling Tip: If you are heading here with little ones, I suggest visiting earlier in the day as getting through with a pram is almost impossible later in the afternoon. There is also a huge children section this year, called Elfendörfli that’s amazing! It’s definitely the most kid friendly market in Zurich.
Münsterhof Market
Location: Münsterhof Square
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00am-9:30pm, Sunday 11:00am-7:30pm.
Website: Münsterhof Christmas Market
For this market think high end and chic (it’s one of the most expensive markets in Zurich!). It’s nestled in the historic heart of the city, so you’ll be surrounded by designer stores and women holding the latest Hermes bag and fur coat. This market though offers a more intimate and traditional Christmas market experience. Here, you’ll find beautifully crafted gifts, gourmet foods, and festive decorations. The market also hosts live music and performances. It’s a small one, but perfect for a show and Glühwein.
Dörfli Christmas Market in Niederdorf
Location: Niederdorf, Old Town or Aldstat
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00am-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-8:00pm.
Website: Dörfli Christmas Market
For a truly magical experience, head to the Dörfli Christmas Market in Zurich’s Old Town. The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with festive stalls, and the air is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts (a hard no from me lol) and sweet pastries. This market is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit and explore Zurich’s charming historic district. It’s seriously cute! + it’s home to my favorite street food, Langos!
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City Christmas Market on Werdmühleplatz
Location: Werdmühleplatz
Hours: The hours for this one are tied to the Christmas singing, check that out below!
Website: Christmas Market on Werdmühleplatz
Known for its unique “Singing Christmas Tree,” the City Christmas Market on Werdmühleplatz is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Choirs perform daily from a tree-shaped stage, creating a joyful and festive ambiance. The market itself is filled with a variety of stalls offering handmade gifts, food, and drinks.
Travel Tip: The Christmas Tree “sings” Monday-Thursday 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm, Friday 15:30 and 16.30 and 17.30. On Saturday and Sunday 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
Travel Tip: After you check out the Market on Werdmühleplatz, walk along Bahnhofstrasse to see Lucy in the Sky! It’s a dazzling light installation features thousands of sparkling lights, creating a canopy of twinkling stars above Bahnhofstrasse. Named “Lucy,” this installation is a must-see and sets the perfect holiday mood. Can you image a better Saturday?! The Lucy lights turn on at sundown and are one of my favorite holiday experiences in Zurich, Switzerland! You don’t want to miss walking under these.
Zurcher Weinhnachtsalle
Location: Europaallee, right near Zurich Main Station.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-8:00pm.
Website: Zurich Christmas Market at Europaallee
This market get’s an update each year, and each year it get’s better! In a super convenient location, and more spacious than any other market in the city. If you enjoy, or want to try fondue, you can check out the fondue chalet for an alps like feel. They also have a huge drinks area (bottom photo), perfect for meeting friends for drinks.
Landesmuseum (Illuminarium)
Location: Landesmuseum, aka The Swiss National Museum
Hours: Daily from 5:00pm-8:00pm.
Website: Landesmuseum, market and Illuminarium
Now, this is not technically a Christmas market as there are no vendor stalls, but it’s one of my favorite areas to get into the Christmas spirit in Zurich! Located in the center of the stunning Swiss National Museum is a winter land of lights, music, and delicious eats. It features enchanting light shows, this year is “Yuki’s Musical Christmas” and “Odyssey in Space”. Starting at 5 PM, visitors can enjoy concerts, glowing cotton candy, and mulled wine in a festive atmosphere. The event is perfect for families and includes a fondue chalet!
Summary (Full List) of Christmas Markets in Zürich, Switzerland
- Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Station
- Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz
- Münsterhof Market
- Dörfli Christmas Market in Niederdorf
- City Christmas Market on Werdmühleplatz
- Zurcher Weinhnachtsalle
- Landesmuseum (Illuminarium)
Zurich’s Christmas markets are a magical experience that should not be missed. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, delicious food, or simply want to soak in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. So grab your warmest coat, your best travel buddies, and get ready to explore the ultimate Christmas markets in Zurich and be sure to let me know what markets you check out!
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
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