How to survive the Christmas season
A new Christmas market, interactive light shows and a whole elf village: These five events are sure to get even those who like to leave their Christmas shopping until the last minute into the festive spirit.
Zurich’s 51st Candle Making Event
In 1969, the first ever public candle dipping took place in Bürkliplatz. And the tradition is still alive and well today with people from all walks of life coming along to dip wicks into molten beeswax. On the event’s website, the organisers explain how the candle-making process helps participants to forget about the stressful minutiae of daily life.
Bürkliplatz, until 22 December
Illuminarium
The ‘Light Festival for All Senses’ – as it has been dubbed by the organisers – transforms the inner courtyard of the National Museum Zurich into a modern winter fairy tale: The half-hour ‘Crunchy Christmas’ light show is performed several times every day from 5 pm onwards. If you can’t get a ticket for the show, you can still admire the light palace, enjoy the music, sip on illuminated cocktails and munch on some seasonal snacks.
National Museum Zurich, Museumstr. 2, until 30 December
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Münsterhof Christmas Market
This year marks the first ever Christmas market in Münsterhof square. The stands are primarily being run by the neighbouring boutiques. The motto of the Christmas market is ‘From Zurich for Zurich’. The shopping experience will be accompanied by concerts, readings, tours and workshops – for both children and adults.
Münsterhof Christmas Market, 21 November to 24 December
Zurich Christmas Village
Sechseläutenplatz is transforming into the epicentre of Christmas for a whole month – with food stalls that change every week, a designer market, an ice rink and even a little elf village. Here children can enjoy arts and crafts, listening to stories and yoga while their parents feast on delicious food and shop outside.
Sechseläutenplatz, 22 November to 23 December
Heiliger Bimbam Christmas Market
For ten years, this alternative Christmas Market has been a saviour for those who leave their Christmas shopping until the last minute. Across four days, more than 170 local stallholders sell clothes, jewellery, toys and other gifts that we would be delighted to put under our Christmas tree.
Halle 622, Oerlikon station, 19 to 22 December
