It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas: Zurich

The day after Thanksgiving, Jamey had the day off from work, so we sporadically decided to book a one-way train to Zurich for the weekend and figure out logistics along the way.

We had heard that the Zurich Christmas markets would probably be open, but we hadn’t done any research. Rather, we let our love of exploration, and a friend living in Zurich, lead us through markets. After leaving Zurich, I searched the top markets to visit, and we happened to get to (and love) each one in city center! The four markets are close to the train station. You can either get to them by walking or a quick ride on the 2 tram. The best thing about the Zurich markets is that each are unique in their own ways. Here is a quick guide to the must do markets in Zurich. But first, some tips: 

• dress warm: the Christmas markets are incredible, but you’ll be able to enjoy them much more if you are dressed properly. Most markets are outside, except for the market in the train station.
• gloves and hats are super expensive at the Christmas market stands, so I would recommend bringing your own.
• bring cash, and a small wallet or coin purse for change. 
• all of the Christmas markets are especially beautiful at night-but if you’re visiting Zurich for a short time, make sure to visit the Opera House Market. You’ll see why below..

A quick guide to the Zurich Christmas markets:

1.The Train Station Market is most likely the first market you’ll see, and it’s definitely worth spending time. Here you’ll be able to remove a scarf or layer or two, and enjoy walking around without being so cold. It gets more crowded at night, as most people go to this market to see the large Swarovski crystal decorated Christmas tree right in the center! But it’s beautiful during the day as well. Either way, here you’ll find stands with traditional German foods (sausage and pretzels), Swiss-German food (fondu and melted cheese over sausage), and a hot drink other than gluhwein or mulled wine: Jack Daniel’s hot apple cider. You’ll see a variety of hand-painted and hand-made crafts such including miniature Christmas Village pieces, handmade and painted ornaments, wooden children’s toys and swiss chocolate in the shape of tools and workbench items. If you’re looking for wool items, there’s a stand just at the entrance of the market, the wool socks aren’t too expensive and definitely keep your feet warm. 

   

    
   

2. The next market we happen to find was Old Town Christmas Market because it was conveniently located in front of our hotel. Here you’ll find sweets like churros, multiple stands with gluhwein, and some home-made crafts and gifts. This is a smaller market than the rest, but keep walking down the small streets to continue Christmas stands with unique crafts and jewelry. If you’re hungry, this isn’t the market we would recommend. If you’d like to spend time here and are looking for warmth or something to eat, there’s a small nearby French bistro called Franzos which was packed at all times–and rightfully so. Their small dishes and drinks were delicious. We also loved the spiced hot wine from this bistro, tasting slightly different than the gluhwein from the Christmas market.

• Address: Niederdorfstrasse; 8001 Zürich
• OR: search hotel Adler on your phone, and you’ll see the markets right outside
• The markets are within walking distance from the train station, about 10 minutes.
• Delicious french bistro: Franzos at Limmatquai 138, 8001 Zürich

   
    
 

3. If you’re either traveling with children, or if you’re a child at heart, visit the Zurich Werdmuhleplatz. Here you’ll find something unique, a singing Christmas tree! The tree has multiple layers of stadium seating built in so that a choir can stand throughout the tree. Advent choirs will stand all around the layers of the tree and give performances. Something else that’s special about this market is that you’ll find a carousel for children, and delicious swiss delicacies and of course, gluhwein. Stand at some of the high-top tables to listen to the choir, or chat with friends. This market doesn’t seem to get as crowded as others, so changes of you finding a high-top table to stand around are pretty good. Enjoy this market at night, for the cheerful atmosphere; however, this wouldn’t be our recommendation if you’re looking to purchase gifts or souvenirs.

• Travel: This market is walking distance from a traditional Irish pub, Nelsons, or from the train station.
• Address: Werdmühleplatz, 8001 Zürich
• For choir schedule, click here!

   
    
    
 

4.Looking for an all around good time? You’ll find our favorite Christmas market, or “Christmas village” at the Zurich Opera House; Wienachtsdorf at Sechselautenplatz.

Over 100 stands are lined up making this market seem more magical than the others mentioned. There are a few reasons why this was our favorite: you’ll be able to find a variety of foods , and small trinket, you can imagine. The opera house and tree in the center of the “Christmas village” is lit up beautifully, and the food options are endless serving dishes from around the world (our favorite being the dumplings both veggie and meat, and a swiss-style burger with melted cheese). To top it off, this market is extra special, having an ice-skating rink just in front of the opera house, with seating around the side for spectators. Grab a bluewein, plate of dumplings, and set up right in front of the ice-skating rink for entertainment! Just when you are getting a bit too cold, walk over to the big Christmas Tree in the center to find high-tables next to fire-pits to keep you warm. This is a must-do!

If you’re getting too cold, walk to the end of the village, just opposite the opera house and find a small store with beautiful hand painted and made ornaments, and more nut-crackers than you can imagine. Make sure to finish your drink before entering, and be aware that the prices are a bit high. Even walking around the store to see the traditional Christmas ornaments is worth it!

• Travel: We took the 2 tram to and from the market, or type in the
• Address: Zürcher Wienachtsdorf,Weihnachtsmarkt, Sechseläutenplatz, 8001 Zürich

   
    
    
 Comments or questions? Feel free to contact me! I’d love to hear about other Christmas markets and suggestions.

We wish you a Merry Christmas season!