Magical light displays
In Zurich, the Christmas season hasn't started until the Christmas lighting Lucy is turned on. Every year, the crowd invades Bahnhofstrasse to discover the first light displays, this time scheduled for Thursday, November 23rd, at exactly 6pm. It must be said that the spectacle is amazing: 12,000 white, blue, and red LED crystals shine simultaneously in the heart of the shopping street, leaving the spectators in awe. The same evening, all the Christmas lights come to life throughout the city, from picturesque alleys to the most frequented squares. Zurich then becomes a true work of luminous art that everyone can admire as they please. On the left bank of the Limmat River, which runs alongside the city of Zurich, the Augustinergasse alley and Rennweg path, for example, glow with a very romantic lighting. At Rennweg, fascinating little lights reminiscent of falling snow shine. On the right bank, numerous illuminations line the historical quay of the Limmat, while in the main hall of the central station, a 10-meter-high Christmas tree, equipped with minimal lighting, will be set up: to make it shine properly, visitors will have to pedal on bicycles.cute;lectriques ! All the Christmas lights are listed on the Zurich Tourism Office website !
© Jean-Christophe Dupasquier
But that's not all ! At the National Museum, Illuminarium showcases a magnificent 3D light universe on the patio facades. The monument transforms into a realm of lights, illuminations, illusions, music, and complete magic gastronomy.
Activities for both young and old
Now that the city is adorned with its most beautiful light decorations, the festivities can begin ! The program includes workshops for both young and old, Christmas stories, all kinds of circus shows, concerts, and a race.New Year's Eve, Santa Claus parade, and much more. The full program is available here!
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Until December 20th, children can participate in candle making workshops on Bürkliplatz. Candle making has been a Zurich tradition during Advent since 1969. For those who love magical stories, the "Märlitram" tram offers a chance to explore the city while listening to fairy tales told by angels, amidst enchanting decorations. And on November 26th, Saint Nicholas will lead a procession along Bahnhofstrasse, handing out sweets to children accompanied by Father Whip.
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For the more adventurous adults, the Christmas market on Sechseläutenplatz offers ice skating, a Ferris wheel, and many delicious treats. And don't forget to visit the traditional Christmas markets in Zurich's Old Town, where you can find unique gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
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So come and experience the joy and magic of Christmas in Zurich! Don't miss out on all the wonderful activities and attractions. Whether you're young or old, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this special time of year.
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(Image credit: Zürich Tourismus)e;sième classe. Le Samichlausschwimmen, c'est une tradition annuelle où environ 300 participants plongent dans la rivière Limmat avec leur bonnet de Noël pour collecter des fonds pour une association caritative. Cette année, le rendez-vous est fixé le 3 décembre !
Et que seraient les fêtes de fin d'année sans les célèbres marchés de Noël ? Zurich en regorge pendant l'hiver ! Chacun a son caractère unique et dégage un charme indéfinissable qui fait leur diversité.
Sur la place Bellevue, par exemple, le village de Noël rassemble des produits de jeunes designers zurichois et suisses, ainsi que des food trucks qui nous régalent avec leurs spécialités du moment.The whole city turns into a Christmas wonderland, with charming decorations and festive lights. There's so much to explore, like an entire village with a gigantic fondue chalet and a children's village full of activities. The Dörfli Christmas market, the oldest in Zurich located in the heart of the historic old town, creates a warm atmosphere with its hot wine stalls and local artisans.
If you love the Middle Ages, the Rapperswil-Jona Christmas market is a medieval market located in the old town of Rapperswil and one of the largest in Switzerland. It even features a giant and lifelike Nativity scene! Other must-visit markets include Münsterhof, Zurich's central station, the city center, Winterthur, and Einsiedeln, all offering the best of Swiss and Zurich products through their stands. Looking for the complete list? It's available here. While enjoying the city's festivities and numerous Christmas markets, it's also the perfect time to shop for gifts for our loved ones! From November 23rd and throughout the Advent season, the shops in the city center stay open until 10pm during the shopping evenings, as well as on Sundays November 26th, December 3rd, and December 17th from 11am to 6pm. To welcome us properly, the stores also decorate with lights and offer a festive atmosphere with DJs and fashion shows for several weeks. From the Bahnhofstrasse and its big department stores to the local workshops in Zurich-West, as well as the small boutiques in the old town or Europaallee, there's something for everyone. Get together on the Tourist Office website! To inspire and prepare for your stay in Zurich visit here! To discover the beauty of Swiss cities in winter, click here! Getting to Zurich Mobility in ZurichA shopping paradise for Christmas
By TGV Lyria: several round trips daily Paris-Gare de Lyon - Zurich. Travel time: 4h03. More information here.
Consider the Zurich Card, a real urban passport to visititer Zurich. It can be purchased for 24 hours or 72 hours and provides free access to public transportation (tram, bus, train, boat, or funicular), as well as discounts on various activities (discounts on 41 museums, guided tours, and other events). For more information, visit their website!