What will this year’s Advent markets be like in Zürich? Program and important information in one place

Are you attracted by the pre-Christmas atmosphere, which combines a modern city with the romantic surrounding nature?

In that case, go to the Christmas markets in Zurich.

The old town provides them with the most amazing backdrop and, despite its size, a surprisingly cozy atmosphere.

See when and where they take place.

Zurich Advent Markets

For many reasons, Zurich’s Christmas markets are among Switzerland’s most visited and well-known. Their main attraction is the magnificent light decoration, which is so exceptional that the locals even have a special nickname for it – Lucy. Lucy’s festive lighting is one of Zurich Advent’s festive highlights.

As for the Christmas markets in Zurich themselves, they are truly magical and offer a huge number of stalls spaced in the city’s most picturesque locations. Most of them are within walking distance of each other, meaning you can easily explore them all on foot.

Christmas markets at Münsterhof

When and where will it all take place?

Zurich Christmas Market Program

In this modern and elegant market, the emphasis is on local shops, Zurich brands, and high-quality products. The square is surrounded by the Fraumünster church and historic guild houses.

In the rustic wooden cottages, a wide range of unique handicrafts and tasty food await visitors. Of course, there are also many beautiful flashing lights that will enhance the experience even more and an interesting accompanying program.

Advent markets at Sechseläutenplatz

When and where will it all take place?

Zurich Christmas Village Program

Right next to the Zurich Opera House on Sechseläutenplatz in Bellevue is one of the other most popular Christmas markets in Zurich – Wienachtsdorf or Zurich Christmas Village.

Here, you will find more than a hundred stalls offering traditional refreshments, including the popular fondue. Other popular attractions include a large ice rink, curling, and other fun activities for children, such as a traditional carousel, fire juggling, street and magic arts, children’s stories, and craft demonstrations.

You can better understand ​​what the Christmas markets in Zurich look like through the following video.

Zürich Christmas Markets [Full Travel Guide]

Christmas markets at the Main Station

When and where will it all take place?

Zurich Advent Fair Program

For four weeks every year, the impressive station hall of Switzerland’s largest railway station is transformed into a unique Christkindlimarkt, which for many years attracted one of the most impressive centerpieces of all Christmas markets in Switzerland – a glittering Christmas tree covered with Swarovski crystals.

Since last year, the company Lindt & Sprüngli, the brightest tree in Switzerland, has become the chocolate tree in Switzerland.

Furthermore, more than a hundred stalls will transform the entire station into a fairytale world of Christmas scents, sweet and salty treats, original gift ideas, and the most chocolate Christmas tree ever.

Interesting places in Zurich

The city of Zurich has a great reputation. Everything is perfect, exactly as you would expect in a Swiss city. The old town stretches on both sides of Limmat, which flows into the famous lake.

A small square, alleys, balconies full of flowers, silence, and a relaxed atmosphere catapult the visitor to another time. This feeling gets even stronger during Advent. Setting aside time for a walk during your Zurich Christmas Markets visit is worth it.

Old Town (Altstadt)

Zurich’s Old Town stretches along both sides of the Limmat River and is made up of narrow streets, historic buildings, antique shops, and colorful squares. Its atmosphere is so impressive that it also fascinated personalities such as Einstein, Joice, and Wagner.

You can start your walk on Bahnhofstrasse and continue along Augustinergasse, where you will discover the Augiustinerkirche, a 13th-century Gothic church. Then visit the Peterskirche, the oldest medieval parish in the city. On this church’s tower is a clock with the largest dial in Europe.

A little further, at the foot of the Lindenhof, is Schipfe, the city’s oldest quarter. Here, gold and silk merchants were originally anchored. Today, it is a district of craft shops and a very romantic place to sit by the river.

Grossmünster Church

The oldest cathedral in the city, built in the 12th century, is one of Zurich’s symbols. According to legend, the church stands on the spot where Charlemagne found the remains of the Christian martyrs Felix and Regula, today’s patrons of the city.

This imposing Gothic building is also significant from a historical point of view because it was here in 1500 that the Swiss-German Protestant Reformation began. Today, this beautiful Romanesque church with majestic towers towers over the entire old city of Zurich. The towers were rebuilt after their collapse in 1700, offering a panoramic view of the city.

Whether you fully celebrate Christmas, simply want to enjoy the culinary specialties during Advent, or dislike all the hustle and bustle of the festive season, Zurich is the perfect Christmas city for you.

We hope that we have inspired you to visit this beautiful city, not only during Christmas time!