In December, you should go to Zurich to see the Christmas Markets. They are the best market in Switzerland. The city turns into a big bag of holiday fun during this time of year. There are lots of wooden houses for the Christmas markets in Zurich, which looks like a magical land filled with twinkling lights. City is busy, but there are lots of cozy places to eat, events, and things to do in the winter.
Discover what we thought of the Zurich Christmas markets by reading on. They are definitely worth a visit!
Information
Christmas Market Zurich 2024 Dates
The Zurich Christmas Markets will be open from the following dates in 2024:
From November 21st to December 24th, 2024
The Zurich website is where you should go for all legal information.
Zurich Christmas Markets Experience
If you want to do some of the same things we did at the Zurich Christmas Markets every year, here they are:
Market Dörfli in the Niederdorf
There are a lot of market stands all over the old city center, especially in the Niederdorf quarter. It’s beautiful to walk around here, even if you don’t buy anything.
Niederdorfstrasse, 8001 Zürich is the address.
We recommend combining the visit with a lookout point at the public university’s observation deck while you’re in Zurich. There are two free ways to get there: walk up the hill or take the little city lift. At the funicular’s start, you can buy a ticket at a machine or a booth. Many people from the area use this, but there’s also plenty of room for guests!
The Christmas Tree That Sings
The Singing Christmas Tree is one of the best parts of the Zurich Christmas Markets. It’s a stage in the shape of a tree where local carol singers sing their hearts out every day. That’s the best place to sign long!
Place of business: Werdmühleplatz 8001 Zürich
Village of Weihnachtsdorf
The warm winter wonderland Weihnachtsdorf village markets on the Sechseläutenplatz square, which is close to the Zurich Opera House, are another great thing to see. There is a big food court, a 15-meter (49-foot) tall Christmas tree, and small bonfires all over the square to keep people warm while they enjoy the area. The food hall has everything, including Swiss food and food from around the world.
Sechseläutenplatz, 8001 Zürich, is the address.
Get ready to dance
Go to the patio of the Swiss National Museum to have a good time. Here, there is usually a place to dance inside with food stands and live DJs. It’s a cool spot to hang out with friends or family and drink something. I love how well the garden is lit up!
Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich is the address.
Zurich Train Station
Inside the Zurich Train Station, there is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe. It has about 140 stands.
At this Christmas market stand, you can buy a lot of handmade gifts. There are stands made of wood everywhere, even in the train station in Zurich. Some of these homemade gifts are jewelry, home decor, winter clothes, candies, gifts for pets, and more.
We also loved the food stands, which had both tasty local treats and treats from around the world. We had glühwein that was just made while we shopped.
The 10 m (32 ft) tall Christmas tree is the most impressive thing about the Christkindlimarkt at the Zurich train station. When we went there in 2023, it was a Christmas tree with less light on it. For the lights to really shine, people like us and others have to pedal the four electric bikes that are set up around the tree to make electricity. A lot of people, even kids, took part!
Main Train Station Zürich, 8001 Zürich
Stay while you visit the Christmas markets in Zurich
The Ruby Mimi Hotel & Bar is a great place to end the day. We suggest this hotel because the rooms are big and the beds are so comfortable. Great service at the hotel, and it’s a great spot for all the Christmas events in Zurich.
There is a bar area where you can sit in style. You can get warm here with a drink or a bite to eat when it gets cold in the winter. Before going out to dinner, we had a few drinks at the hotel.
That post about Zurich has our full hotel report, so go check it out!
Some more hotels in Zurich that we think you might like are
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Motel One Zurich
Enchanting Side Markets and Experiences
In addition to the Christkindlimarkt and Bahnhofstraße Market, Zurich boasts several other enchanting Christmas markets and experiences throughout the festive season:
The Old Town Christmas Market: Nestled in the charming cobblestone streets of Zurich’s Old Town, this market offers a truly authentic Swiss experience, with handcrafted goods, traditional food stalls, and live music.
The Dolder Grand Christmas Market: Situated at the iconic Dolder Grand hotel, this high-end market features exclusive premium gifts, gourmet delicacies, and stunning views of the city.
Holiday Boat Cruises on Lake Zurich: Enjoy a festive boat ride along the serene waters of Lake Zurich, taking in the twinkling lights and panoramic views of the city.
More Things to Do in Zurich
You can book these things ahead of time for your trip to Zurich. These come from Get Your Guide, a service we suggest. We used them on most of our own trips and always had a great time!
Zürich: City Tour, Cruise, and Visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate – This is a great tour for people who only have a few days to spend in Zurich. Book ahead of time because it sells out quickly!
- Ticket to enter the Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum—for chocolate fans!
- The Zürich Card is a savings card that can be used for 24 or 72 hours and saves you money on attractions, transportation, and food.
- Great for people who want to save money on a quick trip!
- A two-hour sightseeing bus tour is a great way to see the city on wheels and learn a lot at the same time.
To sum up,
Zurich is looking forward to the return of its beautiful Christmas markets as winter approaches. These markets are a great way for both locals and tourists to get into the holiday spirit.
From the famous Christkindlimarkt to the charming Bahnhofstrasse and Old Town markets, Zurich’s famous Christmas markets will turn the city into a winter wonderland full of the sights, sounds, and tastes of traditional Swiss holidays in 2024.
So, mark your calendars and make plans to visit Zurich’s beautiful Christmas markets in 2024. The trip will fill you with the holiday spirit and the joy of enjoying the magic of this amazing Swiss city.
FAQs on Christmas markets in Zurich
1. When do the Christmas markets in Zurich open?
– The main Christkindlimarkt at the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) runs from November 22 to December 24, 2024.
– The Bahnhofstrasse Market is open from November 28 to December 24, 2024.
– The Old Town Christmas Market and Dolder Grand Christmas Market have similar opening dates, running from late November to Christmas Eve.
2. What are the opening hours?
– Most markets are open daily from around 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with some variations.
– The Christkindlimarkt and Bahnhofstrasse Market typically have extended hours on weekends and in the evenings.
3. What can I find at the Christmas markets?
– The markets offer a wide variety of traditional Swiss crafts, handmade gifts, and local delicacies, such as cheese, chocolate, and baked goods.
– You can also find Christmas decorations, ornaments, and unique souvenirs.
– Warm drinks like mulled wine (Glühwein), hot chocolate, and Swiss tea are popular.
– Many markets feature live music, carolers, and other festive entertainment.
4. How do I get to the Christmas markets?
– The main markets are located in the city center, easily accessible by public transportation.
– The Christkindlimarkt is right next to the Hauptbahnhof (main train station).
– The Bahnhofstrasse Market is along the famous shopping street of the same name.
– The Old Town Christmas Market is in the historic city center, a short walk from the main train station.
– The Dolder Grand Christmas Market is located at the Dolder Grand hotel, which can be reached by public transport or taxi.
5. Are the Christmas markets wheelchair-accessible?
– Yes, the major Christmas markets in Zurich are generally accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
– The market areas have level surfaces and wide walkways to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids.
– Accessible restrooms and other facilities are available at the main market locations.
For more information, you can check the official websites of the Zurich Tourism Board and the individual Christmas markets closer to the 2024 holiday season. Kotagil Gorge
Hi, I’m Linda Milone, a travel enthusiast and safety advocate. I created Safe Travel Quest to share my passion for exploring new destinations while staying safe and informed. When I’m not planning my next adventure, you can find me researching the latest travel trends and tips. Follow safetravelquest along for practical advice and inspiring stories to help you travel with confidence.