Zurich: tradition and innovation sparkle in Christmas Lights for a unique atmosphere

Zurich’s magical Christmas season begins on November 21, and this year the city is ready to impress with a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and events, making it one of the most enchanting destinations. Thanks to the recent reopening of the Gotthard railway tunnel, the journey from Milan, Italy to Zurich now takes only three hours, making it easy to reach this iconic Christmas destination.

Zurich is well-connected and easy to reach, whether you’re traveling by air, train, or car. Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland’s largest, welcomes international flights from around the globe and is located just 10 km from the city center. A direct train from the airport takes you to Zurich’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof) in about 10 minutes, providing quick access to the heart of the city.

For travelers coming from nearby European cities, Zurich’s excellent rail network offers direct, high-speed connections, such as a three-hour train ride from Milan. If you’re traveling by car, Zurich is accessible via major highways from Germany, Austria, France, and Italy, with scenic routes that make the journey enjoyable. The city also has ample parking options and car rental services, making it convenient for those who prefer to explore by road.

In the heart of Europe and Switzerland, overlooking its namesake lake, crossed by the Limmat River, and surrounded by the Alps, Zurich offers a unique array of over 50 museums, 100 art galleries, prestigious boutiques featuring international and local designers, numerous restaurants, trendy spots in revitalized industrial neighborhoods, a vibrant nightlife, and events for both adults and children. Zurich, a city known for its high quality of life, can be reached from Milan in just over three hours by train and an hour by plane.

From the enchanting lighting of “Lucy,” the spectacular illumination along Bahnhofstrasse featuring over 11,000 light crystals that turn the city into a sparkling gem, Zurich becomes the Christmas capital of Advent as early as mid-November. Christmas markets fill every corner of the city, creating a magical atmosphere.

Among the most unique markets is the “Zürcher Wienachtsdorf” at Sechseläutenplatz, a Christmas village with over a hundred stalls offering sustainable “made in Zurich” products, design items, and local and international culinary delights. It’s the perfect spot to find unique gifts and enjoy treats like Afghan street food from Anar or traditional Biber cookies from Biber Manufaktur.

For those seeking an authentic Christmas atmosphere, the Christkindlimarkt at the Main Station—the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe—is a must. Here, a majestic Christmas tree adorned with 5,000 Swarovski crystals enchants visitors, while numerous stalls offer original gift ideas and local products.

But in Zurich, Christmas is much more than lights and markets. The famous Lichterschwimmen lights up the Limmat River with thousands of floating candles, while those who enjoy ice skating can head to Live on Ice for fun at any age, or visit the Dolder Open-Air rink, one of Europe’s largest, offering unique activities like curling and snow sculptures surrounded by breathtaking views of the city.

The iconic Singing Christmas Tree on Werdmühleplatz is another timeless attraction, where choirs perform on a tree-shaped stage surrounded by stalls offering sweets and hot drinks. Another can’t-miss event is the Illuminarium, a light and sound show at the National Museum courtyard, where the legendary creature Yuki guides visitors into an enchanted world of illusions, music, and gourmet delights. For little ones, the magical Märlitram, a special tram led by Santa Claus, takes children around the city while an angel tells fairy tales.

Zurich’s Christmas season in 2024 has even more special highlights, both traditional and innovative. In the Opera House foyer, every day from December 1 to 23 at 5:30 p.m., you can enjoy 23 short Advent Concerts, thanks to free performances by artists from the Zurich Philharmonic and Opera Choir.

On the Uetliberg, the city’s mountain, Winterzauber offers a magical winter atmosphere with mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and activities like sledding and candle-making, all surrounded by soft lights and snowy panoramas. At the end of November, Rudolph’s Holy Moly Christmas Bar, a whimsical Christmas bar, also opens, promising an offbeat experience.

From October 29, 2024, to February 1, 2025, the Fondue Chalet Helvti-Chäschtli is open, an elegant chalet offering a refined tasting experience of the Swiss classic, fondue, with a curated selection of cheeses and traditional dishes. You can also enjoy fondue around Zurich on the Fondue Tram. Or, stop by the Vermicelleria to try sweet vermicelli made with fresh chestnuts from Ticino, prepared on the spot.

For those seeking a relaxing pause between events, Zurich also offers unique wellness moments, such as lakeside walks with a cup of hot punch or floating saunas on the lake (sauna boats). The season concludes in grand style with New Year’s Eve celebrations. On December 31, Lake Zurich becomes the stage for Switzerland’s largest fireworks display, organized by the city’s hoteliers, bidding farewell to the old year with a brilliant explosion of lights and colors.