From dazzling Christmas lights and riverside markets to circus shows, hot chocolate stops and a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate, Zurich offers everything you need for a magical winter getaway.
Streets illuminated with twinkling lights, festive food markets, a Christmas circus and a singing Christmas tree — this merry Swiss city is ideal for an unforgettable, last-minute winter weekend.
Here’s how you can make the most of a weekend filled with Christmas cheer in Switzerland’s largest city.
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Day one
Morning: explore Zurich Old Town and its oldest Christmas market
Check in to the contemporary and stylish Hotel Seidenhof in Zurich’s city centre — just a short walk or tram ride from Zurich Main Station — which has cosy rooms overlooking a private courtyard decorated with sparkling lights and Christmas trees.
Start your first day in Zurich with a substantial breakfast at inviting patisserie Café & Conditorei 1842 in the Old Town — try the Swiss complet (breakfast), which is a warm butter croissant, jam, bread and traditional Birchermüesli with sliced apple.
Spend the rest of the morning exploring the attractive Old Town and its tinsel-draped shops and charming Christmas market stalls — including Zurich’s oldest Christmas market in the heart of the Niederdorf quarter.
Afternoon: visit Wienachtsdorf & Switzerland’s first Christmas circus
Take a short stroll along the Limmat River to Sechseläutenplatz, where the jovial Wienachtsdorf (Christmas village) is sprawled out in front of the grand Zurich Opera House, its tall red-and-gold-decorated tree standing sentinel in the centre.
Grab a hot glühwein (mulled wine) and peruse the many market stalls selling artisan gifts, festive treats and a wide range of food options from rösti (potato fritter) topped with raclette to tacos and burgers.
Then, head across the water to Circus Conelli, which sits on the artificial island of Bauschänzli at the edge of the river. The Christmas-themed show is a thrilling presentation of acrobatic skills, comedy and live music, with daily performances running from late November through December.
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Evening: see the famous Lucy Lights and dine at a festive restaurant
After the show, warm up with a rich hot chocolate with gooey marshmallows from Bear St Bakery — grab a freshly-baked cookie while you’re there.
Wander along the Bahnhofstrasse, under the shining Lucy Lights, which illuminate the street from Bahnhofplatz to Bürkliplatz. Made up of 11,150 glass crystals and 23,100 LED lights, the lights take their name from The Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and locals flood the city centre each year to celebrate their official switch on and the start of the Advent season.
Browse the shops for those last-minute presents — many are open late in the lead up to Christmas — before sitting down for dinner at the wonderfully Christmassy Coco Grill & Bar. The restaurant specialises in grilled meat and fish, but the Coco fried chicken is also a must-try.
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Day two
Morning: Lindt Home of Chocolate and a scenic Lake Zurich cruise
Wake up with a breakfast bagel or eggs your way at Milchbar, complemented by a hot chocolate (of course) or a glass of champagne. Sit outside to admire the glittering Christmas decorations in the courtyard.
From nearby Bürkliplatz, hop aboard a short cruise across the glassy Lake Zurich to Kilchberg, where the extravagant Lindt Home of Chocolate sits next to the company’s historical factory, which has been producing chocolate since 1899. Step inside the grand, white atrium to see the towering chocolate fountain — bookings are essential for a visit to the chocolate museum, and tickets include tastings and a selection of Lindt chocolate truffles to take home.
Afternoon: Lindenhof viewpoint and the Singing Christmas Tree
Make your way back to the city centre and take a walk up to the Lindenhof viewpoint, which offers a picturesque panoramic view of the Limmat River and the historic buildings in Zurich’s Old Town.
If you’re not full-up on chocolate, enjoy a relaxed lunch at Hotel Seidenhof’s Enja. Try Lake Zurich fish with grilled winter vegetables and roast potatoes and die schokolade for dessert — a chocolate sponge cake filled with homemade chocolate mousse and caramelised pears.
Wander to nearby Werdmühleplatz to see the festive spectacle of The Singing Christmas Tree. Each day during Advent, different local choirs climb the vertical tree-shaped podium to perform Christmas carols and cheerful sing-along songs.
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Evening: explore Zurich’s newest Christmas market, Polarzauber
Head to Zurich Main Station to explore the city’s newest Christmas market, Polarzauber. Inside, handcrafted gift stalls and food outlets surround an enormous Christmas tree decorated with giant versions of Lindt’s iconic red truffles.
Climb aboard the Parsennbahn Fondue-Express for dinner — overlooking the bustling market below, the fondue train serves piping hot, creamy cheese fondue with bread, boiled potatoes and pickles.
Finish your evening next door at the Swiss National Museum, where the colourful Illuminarium lights up the courtyard. Watch a digital art show projected on the side of the historic buildings or party the night away at the dance club.
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How to get to Zurich
SWISS operates more than 160 weekly flights from London Heathrow, London City, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Zurich. One-way fares start from £76 (including all taxes, fees and surcharges), with one piece of checked luggage weighing up to 23kg and one piece of hand luggage.
Download the Zurich City Guide app to purchase a Zurich Card, which includes unlimited use of public transport in Zurich, various lake cruises, free entry to popular museums, discounts on selected city tours and other exclusive offers.
For more information, visit zuerich.com
Feature image: Zürich Tourismus
