Zurich is simply enchanting at Christmas time. The whole city is bathed in warm light, there’s a scent of cinnamon and mulled wine in the air and Christmas melodies ring out everywhere. Sunday opening and night shopping provide the opportunity to splash out on gifts. And, what’s more, Zurich’s hoteliers throw fantastic parties on New Year’s Eve. Switzerland comes alive during the winter season, particularly in the weeks running up to Christmas. Beautiful markets spring up across the country, town center shimmer with fairy lights and even historic buildings join in the festive spirit.
List of things to do on Christmas in Zurich:
- Christmas Market
There are enough of Christmas markets to choose from across Switzerland. Montreux Noël is perhaps one of the best, and most beautiful markets that you’ll come across in the entire country as the famous Chillon Castle gets into the festive spirit. Basel also hosts a mean market and its light show turns the old town into a true winter wonderland; for good reason is it known as one of Switzerland’s prettiest Christmas events.
2. Enjoy Hot Chocolate
The chilly winter days in Switzerland always require some warming drinks to go along with them. There are plenty of family-friendly options to try, as well as some alcoholic treats just for us parents. Whether it is at a Christmas market, after a winter hike, or a long day on the piste.
Read more: https://www.afar.com/travel-tips/the-best-of-chocolate-in-zurich
3. Ice skate
During the festive season, any town or city in Switzerland that’s worth its name opens up an ice rink. Some, like Locarno’s beautiful ice rink that takes up its Piazza Grande, are definitely worth visiting. Another option is Zurich’s Christmas Village or the Dolder Ice Complex, Switzerland’s largest artificial ice rink, that’s incredibly famous.
4. Switzerland’s tallest Christmas tree
Every year, St. Gallen outdoes the rest of Switzerland with a gigantic 20 metre Christmas tree that glimmers with the glow of over 5000 fairy lights. The tree sits in front of the Abbey of St. Gallen, one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. You won’t be disappointed by the rest of the town, which has a fully pedestrianized center, the streets of which become a “city of stars” during the Festive season.
Live for travel fun 