In mid-November, in Switzerland and all over Europe, as Christmas approaches and the spirit of generosity spreads, make sure to take time to visit Christmas markets and enjoy typical Swiss food and Gluhwein while the children play in reserved areas intended for them.
We have been to many Christmas markets already, so I hope this short list will help you decide which ones to go to(first).Here we list only the ones we have already visited and that we like.
1- Zurich
There is no shortage of Christmas options for the whole family in Zurich. Not one, but several Christmas markets are scattered throughout the central parts of the city.
Arriving by train at the central train station(ZürichHB), you will find yourself in the Christkindlmarkt, the largest indoor(Christmas)market in Europe.
This market, besides the 150 traditional food stalls, boasts a 15-meter tree decorated with 7,000 crystals as its main attraction.
Where: Zurich Hauptbahnhof
When: from November 22 to December 23
www.christkindlimarkt.ch
Another popular market in Zurich is the Weinachtsdorf in Bellevue, one of the largest Christmas markets in the city and the newest addition in 2015. Nearly 100 tents make up the market, including 30 restaurants and food stalls, so you don’t go hungry no matter your culinary preferences. Add to that an ice skating rink, the“Elfendörfli,”the village of elves which is located in the corner of the market, next-door to other areas where children can participate in activities, e.g., decorate a Lindt chocolate Teddy bear.
Where: Sechsläutenplatz in front of the Opera
When: from November 22 to December 23
www.wienachtsdorf.ch
A yet another market is the Dörfli Weihnachtsmarkt in the old part of the city part, Niederdorf; this is the oldest Christmas market in Zurich, with stands and stalls scattered along Niederdorfstrasse, Hirschenplatz, and Rosenhof. It’s worth checking out and stopping by for a cup of hot wine.
Where: along Niederdorfstrasse
When: from November 22 to December 23
It would not be Bahnhofstrasse if it didn’t host its own Christmas events. During the week starting at 5:30 pm you will come across a singing Christmas tree. A multi-story pyramid stage decorated with Christmas ornaments makes for an impressive sight. Choirs from various parts of the region present their Christmas repertoire, surrounded by food stands(Glühwein,garlic bread, gingerbread, hot dogs, raclette-to-go, etc.).
Where: Werdmühleplatz, just off of Bahnhofstrasse
When: from November 23 to December 23
Daily concerts
Monday to Friday at 17h30 and 18h30
Saturday and Sunday at 14h30, 15h30, 17h30 and 18h30
Last but not least, 2017 saw the courtyard of the national museum(Landesmuseum)set up unique Christmas decoration with food stands and a very relaxed atmosphere. The museum hosts Illuminarium, a light show projecting an imaginative story on the walls of the museum. The light show was just fantastic, and we loved it.
Zurich runs plenty of attractions for the whole family at this time of advent, and there is too much to do for one day. For us, it means a lot of train rides in and out of the city. The atmosphere is well worth it.
2- Bremgarten
The small, medieval town of Bremgarten has one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland. The market is home to over 300 stalls, stands, and tents scattered around the old part of the city and takes place every year on the second weekend of Advent.
Its 24th edition(2018)will take place in the city’s historical and medieval center. I took Nico last year, and Nico loved it, in particular, Samichlaus who strolled through the town with Schmutzli and gave out candy to children. You can also enjoy performances that are a part of the Swiss culture and tradition like the Alphorn(Alpinehorn) and the special Treicheln(cowbells)concert, a very beautiful if loud tradition to the winter spirit.
You will find particular areas for children scattered around the market, such as the house of the Samichlaus, pony rides, and the Winterzauber. We are already preparing for the visit this year.
Where: Bremgarten
When: December 6 to December 09
3- Basel
The Baslerweinachtsmarkt is the oldest Christmas market in Switzerland. It is a beautiful and special affair that takes place every year in the city center between Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.
There are lots of typical food stands and handicrafts and, if collecting Gluhwein cups is your thing, the Basel market will not disappoint. The Münsterplatz part of the market offers a very nice area for children, including various activities like Märchenwald(enchanted forest). Unfortunately, for some reason, the area was closed on the day we went. Still, there was plenty to do: making candles, decorating Lebkuchen, riding the vintageDrämmli tram, among others. Another highlight was a clown making huge soap bubbles between the church and the Christmas tree. Well, he was standing between the church and the tree, the bubbles weren’t between the church and the tree. 🙂
Be sure to visit the traditional Johann Wanner shop and be enchanted with the most diverse Christmas decoration for your home.
Where: Basel on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz
When: November 22 to December 23
4- Chur
Where: Chur in the old town
When: November 30 to December 1
5- Montreux
This is one of the most beautiful markets I have ever been to in Switzerland and certainly one of the most visited ones in the country; weekends bring in crowds which make it almost impossible to move around and check out the more than 160 food and handicraft stalls.
There are plenty of attractions for the family in this market, there is the village of Elves, Santa’s post office, and the Christmas village hosts several workshops.
This year they are innovating with a new attraction a light show that takes place every night between 17h and 21h of the night on the facade of the Fairmont Hotel.
Where: Grand-Rue, Montreux
When: November 22 to December 24
sure to visit every year: the Einsiedeln market which belongs to the top 20 most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland and the market located in the quaint city of Rapperswil. Include these in your list too, they are worth it!
Love,
Rita
Who writes
Meu nome é Rita, natural de São Paulo, ex-professora e agora esposa e mãe orgulhosa de um menino que estará começando a primeira série em breve.
Moro já um tempinho na Suíça e dedico os meus dias ao meu filho, ao meu marido , aos afazeres que a vida doméstica demanda e totalmente perdida com as aulas de alemão. Apesar de ser totalmente urbana, me redescobri morando aqui. Hoje em dia sou adepta totalmente de trilhas nas montanhas, de vida ao ar livre e morar na minha encantadora e bucólica cidade as margens do lago de Zurique.
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