Monday, November 24, 2008

Christmas Markets and Events In and Around Zurich

This list was originally posted on the Expats in Switzerland Yahoo Groups Forum, and I thought I would republish it here in case anyone else was looking for something fun to do this Christmas! Thanks to rameixner for the original posting.
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For further information on these events an other seasonal celebrations – www.zuerich.com and www.MySwitzerland.com.


World’s Largest Timepiece – Christmas Lighting at the Bahnhofstrasse Thursday, November 20 – Friday, January 2
As Christmas draws nearer, the lighting moods cast by the illuminations alter constantly. At the beginning of the Advent season, a gentle, calm light – resembling clouds drifting by prevails. Each night, the light get more intense and finally, on New Year’s Eve, the band of light will emit effervescing sparks of light – almost like a fireworks display.

The Conelli Christmas Circus - Thursday, November 20 – Sunday, January 4
Zurich’s traditional Conelli Christmas Circus has been pitching its tent at the Bauschanzli for a quarter of a century. This year’s anniversary show is a travel through time, bridging the gap from classic to contemporary circus acts.

Live on Ice – Ice Skating Rink at Lake Zurich Saturday, November 22 – Sunday, January 4
As in the past, there will be an ice-skating rink to transform Zurich into a winter wonderland. However, this year the location is new: put your skates on at the Lake Side Casino Zurichhorn. The entrance is free and skates can be rented.

Zurich Christmas Fair in Zurich Hauptebahnhof - Friday, November 28 – Wednesday, December 24 (I am definately going to this one!)
The Zurich Hauptebahnhof is Switzerland’s biggest indoor market with more than 160 wooden chalets and a Christmas tree which is 50 feet tall and is decorated with over 5,000 Swarovski crystal ornaments.

Jelmoli Marchentram (Fairytale Tram) - Sunday, November 20 – Tuesday December 23
Children aged four to ten travel from Bellevue throughout the illuminated city of Zurich on the Fairytale Tram as Santa Claus drives and two angels who read fairytales.

Christmas Procession - Sunday, November 30
Starting at 17.00, the parade begins at Globus on the Bahnhofstrasse and proceeds to Burkliplatz.

Baden Christmas Market - Thursday, November 25 – Tuesday, December 23
At Christmas time, the square in front of the Baden train station turns into a uniquely charming winter dream. An ice skating rink is installed with free skating near a attractive market with stands of beautiful items for sale. A special Christmas program with many surprise appearances and shows adds weekly highlights to the scene.(I am definately going to this one, too!)

Singing Christmas Tree & Christmas Market - Werdmuhleplatz Sunday, November 30 – Tuesday, December 23 (Why not!? Going to this, too!!)
A one-minute walk from the Bahnhofstrasse, old and young will delight in the voices that make up the Singing Christmas Tree. A small Christmas market will be held alongside with 12 stands and a mobile bakery operated by the Belvoirpark Hotel School.

Einsiedler Weihnachtmarket - Saturday, November 29 – Monday, December 8
Einseideln hosts the biggest Christmas market in central Switzerland in the square surrounding the beautiful medieval monastery.(I have received lots of recommendations about this one, I think I have to go!)

Zurcher Samichlaus Schwimmen ( Christmas Swimming) - Sunday, December 7 at 14.00 (I told Jace we were going to this and he said it would be too cold... I told him he didn't have to swim if he didn't want to. :) )
Winter swimming enthusiasts will be taking the plunge into the Limmat River and cover a 111 meter-long stretch of water from the Pier 7 Restaurant at Schifflande to the women’s open-air bathing area at the Stadtquai.

Winterthur Christmas Market - Tuesday, December 2 – Tuesday, December 23
One hundred wooden huts illuminate the streets of the Old Town with their golden glow. Sweet smells from cinnamon, hot wine and other seasonal delicacies are in the air. Come and experience Winterthur in a Christmas mood.

Christmas Collector’s Fair Messe Zurich - Thursday, December 11 – Sunday, December 14
Every year the Christmas Collector’s Fair is held in the halls of the Messe Zurich trade fair. Search for the perfect Christmas gift among the antiques, collector’s items and flea market stands.

Zurich New Year’s Eve Run Sunday, December 14
Over 15,000 runners are expected to race through the brightly decorated car-free Old Town and Bahnhofstrasse.

The Christkindl Market Rappersville - Friday, November 29 – Monday, December 9
A pre-yuletide mood takes hold of this historic town when the traditional Christkindl market offers guests a variety of goods to fulfill every heart’s desire.

Christmas Market in the Old Town Zurich - Monday, December 8 – Tuesday, December 23 (I am sure I will run into this one eventually...)
The oldest traditional Christmas market in Zurich is set against the backdrop of the narrow, winding streets of Zurich’s Old Town where artisans and market sellers offer their wares.

Lichterschwimmen - Thursday, December 18 (I wish I could go to this!)
Eight hundred little floating candles are launched from the Stadthausquai on an atmospheric journey on the Limmat River. At Weinplatz, Zuich Tourism offers its guests warm punch and something sweet.

Light of Peace - Sunday, December 21
On Sunday, December 21, a candle, which was lit at Christ’s birthplace in Bethlehem, will reach Zurich as part of its journey around the world.

Sternsingen – Singing to the Stars - Sunday, December 21
When the clock strikes six on the evening of the fourth Sunday of Advent, the parade of Rapperswil star singers begins. There are angels, stargazers, Mary and Joseph, the herdsman and the holy kings accompanied by sheep, horses, donkeys and camels. The colorful group makes its way from the Capuchin Monastery through the dark alleyways of the Old Town to the main square where they perform a 30-minute long Nativity play.

Zurich New Year’s Magic Firework Display - Wednesday, December 31
On New Year’s Eve, Lake Zurich and the upper part of the Limmatt River are the venue for the largest New Year Eve’s party in Switzerland, which culminates in a spectacular fireworks show over the Lake at midnight. (I think this is also a definite!!!)

3 comments:

N said...

I would love to visit Christmas market in Zurich.

JuanitaTortilla said...

I knew I could count on you for recommendations!

And yes! I think we might end up going for the same Zurich-and-around Christmas markets! Something to bring my visiting parents to. Yay! Will I run into you though?

Jessica said...

At the moment things are going to be tight with the trip we have coming up and my MIL visiting... I was thinking of going to the Einsiedler Weihnachtmarket this weekend, but I think you are already amongst visitors, right? Perhaps we will have to set something up not for the New Year! We are just so busy and important, you see. :)

 

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