Zurich Christmas Markets Guide 2024 (+ Insider Travel Tips, Events, illuminations)

Last Updated on 25th August 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Mulled wine, twinkling lights, and even a fifty-foot tree featuring sparkling Swarovski crystals, Zurich may not be the first festive destination you imagine when you think of this landlocked country, but it’s certainly home to many a festive light display and Christmas market. Here’s your complete guide to the best of Zurich Christmas Markets, including what to see and how to visit!

2024 Zurich Christmas Markets dates: November 2st – December 24th

Why you should experience Christmas and advent in Switzerland

The pretty city of Zurich can be found in the North of Switzerland and, thanks to its many public transport links, is an easy base from which to explore the rest of the country.

From here, much of the mountainous country is no more than two hours away, with day trips to Basel (Switzerland’s art city), Lucerne (the fairytale town of Switzerland), and Chur (the oldest city in Switzerland) within easy reach.

Chur has a Christmas market, as do Basel, and Bern. If you’re looking to visit Switzerland for several days or more, then it wouldn’t be out of the question to consider making a trip to several European Christmas markets during your visit. Plan a Christmas trip to the landlocked country, and you’ll soon discover that Raclette, Swiss Chocolate, and spiced wine are never too far away…

Things to know before visiting the Christmas markets of Zürich

Planning to enjoy the best of the largest city in Switzerland’s Bavarian-style markets? Well, one of the first things to consider is that not every Christmas Market in Zurich has the exact same opening times.

Generally speaking, the earliest Christmas Markets in the Swiss city begin on the 25th November and the latest markets open until the 24th December. Unlike in other European destinations, there are no Christmas Markets after Christmas Day (25th December).

Well, you should know before you go that Switzerland is not a cheap place to visit. As such, you’ll want to plan your visit well in advance, as well as booking all of your transportation ahead of time, and of course, securing accommodation.

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience, then you’ll want to look no further than this hotel. Otherwise, more affordable (and yet still well-reviewed) options include this well-reviewed hotel and this well-known hotel.

Though I was hoping to enjoy a little bit of snow alongside the Zurich Christmas Markets, my friend said that prior to January, the weather is honestly pretty hit and miss! With this being said, the landlocked country is still ever-so-cold and you’ll want to wrap up warm. Your number one priority will be to pack a warm coat. I love and use one very similar to this one.

How many Christmas Markets are there in Zurich?

There are actually a handful of Christmas Markets dotted across Zurich. There are nine Christmas Markets in Zurich planned for 2023, each with their own distinctive style and theme. While some are more focused on food and drink, others are more focused on crafts and small gifts, meaning that there’s something for everyone when it comes to the Christmas Markets.

Best Christmas Markets in Zurich

Wienachtsdorf Christmas Market Bellevue (Zurich Opera House)

Dates: November 21st – December 23rd 2024

Location | Sechselaeutenplatz in front of the Opera House

In a rather prestigious venue (on the steps of the opera house no less!), one of Zurich’s largest Christmas markets can be found in the form of a ‘Christmas Village’ which places an emphasis on handmade and locally crafted goods.

All outdoor in terms of venue and free to visit, this event even includes a dedicated children’s area complete with a Santa Claus, Kino “cinema” chalet, and various teeny tiny wooden chalets filled with games.

In the main market, which is home to a hundred chalets, you’ll also find an ice skating rink, a fondue chalet, as well as a beautiful traditional carousel. Several of the chalets are slightly larger, incorporating indoor shopping areas (specifically for Christmas tree decorations) to the outdoor arena. Nearby, a Christmas tram operates for children, providing a magical tour of Zurich city centre.

Christkindlimarkt (Hauptbahnhof Market), Zurich Central Station / Zurich Main Station

Dates: November 21st – December 24th 2024

Location | Zurich Central Station

If you’re planning a visit to Zurich, then no doubt you’ll likely arrive via its main central station. And, if you’re visiting during the festive season, then no doubt you’ll end up experiencing the magic of the Christkindlimarkt. It’s also here where you’ll find a fifty-foot tree basking in the glow of five thousand Swarvoski crystals.

Home to various venues vending all kinds of locally produced gifts, traditional Swiss fare, and mulled wine, the entire market is set against the backdrop of the beautiful train station.

At close to a hundred and fifty stalls, this is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe (though you’ll want to wrap up warm despite its indoor location because the central station remains pretty chilly and more than a little breezy!)

Dörfli Christmas Market in the Niederdorf (Zurich Old Town)

Dates: November 21st – December 23rd 2023

Location | Zurich old town

Truth be told, the most enchanting of the Zurich Christmas Markets is that of the old town. This pedestrian-only zone is home to a maze of cobbled streets, little restaurants, and independent boutiques that make this area a must-see all year-’round.

During December, this area of the city is decorated in plenty of overhead Christmas lights and the scent of cinnamon and freshly simmered Glühwein (glowing wine- find my mulled wine recipe here) is ever-present. Many shops in the area also have special Christmastime prices.

The Dörfli is the oldest Christmas market in Zurich and places a particular focus on handmade crafts and locally produced wares, as well as vendors selling hand-made goods from across the world. Locations for the Dörfli Christmas Market include Hirschenplatz, Niederdofstrasse, and Rosenhof.

City Christmas Market, Werdmühleplatz Market

Dates: November 21st – December 23rd 2024

Location | Close to Bahnhofstrasse, in Werdmühleplatz

If you’re looking for that festive feeling but prefer your Christmas markets to be smaller in size, then you simply must head to Werdmühleplatz. Close to the River Limmat, this cosy festivity is centred around a giant Christmas tree.

The festive pine is known locally as the ‘singing Christmas tree’ thanks to the ninety performances or so that are to be performed during advent, often by choirs of children standing beneath the great fir. Other highlights of this market include fondue and Glühwein stalls.

If you’re looking for even more information and inspiration, then be sure to check out our guide to the best-kept secrets of Switzerland. For an idea on where to go and how long to spend there, be sure to check out our guide on ‘how to spend three days in Switzerland‘ and ‘how to spend one week in Switzerland’.

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