10 Best Zurich Christmas Markets: Ultimate 2025 Guide

Visiting Zurich, Switzerland, during the festive season feels like stepping into a holiday storybook. At Christmas time, the city sparkles with lights, cozy markets, and the smell of mulled wine. In this blog, I’m sharing the best Zurich Christmas Markets to visit. You’ll find traditional places in the Old Town, magical light shows, and festive villages. This way, you can make the most of your holiday trip!

This post contains affiliate links where I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Your support helps me continue to provide valuable travel tips and recommendations. Find out more here.

Below are helpful resources to make your travel planning easier and stress-free:

🌟 Check out Best Zurich 2 Day Itinerary: How to Spend Your Days blog post!

Looking for quick Hotel suggestions? Here are the top picks:

Affordable Stay: Saint Georges Hotel
Ideal for Location: Hotel Adler Zürich
Best Luxury Hotel: Baur au Lac
Top View: Storchen Zürich – Lifestyle Boutique Hotel

Unique Experiences to book in Zurich

Where to stay in Zurich, Switzerland

10 Best Zurich Christmas Markets:

Best Zurich Christmas Markets, switzerland

Starting at the end of November, Zurich transforms into a true winter wonderland. I had the chance to visit some of its most magical Christmas markets, from large festive villages to smaller towns within the city, and each had its own charm.

The best way to experience them is to walk from one to the next. Most are close together and easy to reach.

Tip: You can use a credit card at many of the stalls, which makes things convenient.

1 – Christkindlimarkt at Zurich HB

Located inside the main train station, this is one of the largest Christmas markets in Zurich and even in all of Europe. There are more than 120 market stalls, and I could have walked around for hours.

We found everything from Swiss chocolates and handmade gifts to steaming cups of mulled wine, which I had to try, of course. The best part is that it’s all indoors, so you don’t even need to step outside into the cold; it’s perfect if the weather isn’t great.

In the center is the giant Swarovski Christmas tree. It is decorated with thousands of crystals that sparkle in the station hall. It’s honestly worth a visit just to see the tree lit up. Since it’s right in Zurich main station, it’s convenient to explore as soon as you arrive or before you catch your train out of the city.

🌟 Check out Best Things To Do in Zermatt: The Ultimate Guide blog post!

2 – Weihnachtsallee

Right next to Zurich HB train station, this market is all about the food. The stalls here serve everything from Swiss raclette and sausages to sweet holiday treats. It’s easy to stop by if you’re traveling through the station and want to grab something festive to eat on the go.

3 – Illuminarium at the National Museum

This one was my favorite! When I visited the Swiss National Museum during the holidays, the courtyard had completely transformed into a magical light show. Everywhere I looked, there were colorful projections, interactive displays, and festive music filling the space. It felt so different from the other markets.

Entry to the Illuminarium is free, and I loved browsing the food stalls and just being immersed in the atmosphere. For the full experience, you can also buy a ticket to see the special light shows inside.

🌟 Check out 25 Best Amsterdam Things to Do: Ultimate Travel Guide blog post!

4 – Münsterhof Market

Located in a historic square in the Old Town, right by the Fraumünster church, this market has such a charming feel. Most of the stalls are run by local small businesses, so you’ll find unique gifts, high-quality products, and plenty of delicious Swiss treats. I liked that it felt a little less touristy and gave me the chance to pick up something really special from Zurich.

5 – Old Town Christmas Market (Niederdorf)

Set in the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, this is Zurich’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to the 15th century. It feels like stepping into history with its cozy stalls and festive decorations.

Since it’s right in the city center, it’s very easy to visit while exploring. We actually stayed here in the Old Town, and our balcony overlooked the market. The view made it feel like Christmas magic from morning until night.

6 – Dörfli Christmas Market (Hirschenplatz)

This little market in Hirschenplatz is actually part of the bigger Niederdorf Christmas Market in the Old Town. It has such a cozy vibe, with stalls selling mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and cute handmade gifts. I stopped here for some churros and a warm drink, and loved the festive spirit.

Since it’s right in the middle of the Old Town, it’s super easy to pop by while exploring the main market streets.

🌟 Check out Best Apres Ski in Zermatt, The Amazing Party Review blog post!

7 – Heiliger BimBam

This market has a totally different vibe from the traditional ones. It’s family-friendly but also lively, with live DJs, fun workshops, and lots of street food. It’s close to the Old Town, so it’s easy to stop by if you’re looking for a more modern take on the Christmas market scene.

8 – Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz (Opera House Market)

Right by the opera house in the city center, this market feels like a little Christmas village. I loved walking through the wooden chalets that were full of handmade gifts. There were also lots of traditional Swiss Christmas market treats, from hot chocolate and Glühwein to fondue, raclette, and potato pancakes.

There’s also an ice-skating rink and a giant Christmas tree in the middle, which makes the whole place feel like a festive wonderland of twinkling lights.

Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz is one of Zurich’s most popular Christmas markets. Since it’s right next to Lake Zurich and the lakeside promenade, you can enjoy the market and then take a walk by the water for even more holiday magic.

9 – Singing Christmas Tree at Werdmühleplatz

This Zurich Christmas market may be small, but it truly is something special. The highlight for me was the “Singing Christmas Tree.” Local kids’ choirs performed carols from a tree-shaped stage. It created a cozy and festive atmosphere that made me stop and enjoy the holiday spirit.

🌟 Check out 4 Days Paris Itinerary: How to Spend the Perfect Time blog post!

10 – Stadelhofen Christmas Pyramid

This market is located near Stadelhofen train station. It’s easy to get to and hard to miss, thanks to a huge Christmas pyramid. At the base, there’s a cozy area with stalls serving festive drinks like mulled wine and delicious snacks like churros, raclette, and sausages. It’s a great stop if you’re in the area and want to enjoy some holiday flavors.

Final Thoughts on Zurich Christmas Markets

Exploring the Zurich Christmas Markets was a huge highlight of my holiday trip. Each market had something special, from historic charm in the Old Town to sparkling lights by Lake Zurich – even the smaller markets felt magical in their own way.

Be sure to set aside time to explore multiple markets. Visiting Zurich during the festive season is truly unforgettable. The best way to experience the city is by wandering through several markets. Take your time, enjoy the treats, and enjoy the holiday spirit that makes Christmas time in Zurich so special.

Travel Tips/Things to Know Before Visiting Zurich

How to get to Zurich

Getting to Zurich is pretty easy, whether you’re coming from other European cities or flying in from overseas.

By Airplane

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is Switzerland’s largest and busiest airport, with direct flights from major cities around the world. From the airport, it’s just a quick 10-15 minute train ride to the city center, this is very convenient and haste-free.

By Train

If you’re already in Europe, trains are a great option. Zurich’s main train station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof (HB), is one of the busiest in Europe. That said, it seamlessly connects to cities like Paris, Milan, and Munich.

The Swiss train system is known for being reliable, efficient, and incredibly scenic!

By Bus

If you’re on a budget, long-distance buses are a good option. Companies such as FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus run routes to Zurich from cities like Munich, Milan, and Vienna. These buses have WiFi, air conditioning, power outlets, and onboard restrooms for a comfortable trip.

Most buses arrive at Zürich Bus Main Station (Zürich Carparkplatz Sihlquai), which is centrally located right next to the main train station (Zürich HB). This makes it easy to get into the city center. Although buses take longer than trains, they are a more affordable way to travel.

By Car

For those coming by car, Zurich is well connected by highways, making it easy to drive in. However, parking in the city can be expensive and limited. If you’re planning to road trip through Switzerland, it might be easier to park outside the city and use public transport to get around. Zurich’s trams and trains are fast, clean, and super convenient.

Getting around Zurich

Once you arrive, getting around Zurich is easy. The public transportation system is excellent, with trams, buses, and boats. The city is best explored on foot or by public transport, which is efficient, clean, and always on time. The trams, buses, and trains are reliable and connect all the main sights. You can easily explore the city at your own pace without any hassle.

If you plan to see more of Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass is a huge benefit. It gives you unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats across the country, along with free entry to many museums. With the Swiss Travel Pass, getting around Zurich and beyond is simple, making your travels smooth and stress-free.

And don’t forget your comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking a lot—it’s the best way to see everything. Strolling through Zurich lets you take in its mix of history, charm, and modern energy. You’re going to love it!

Need inspiration for your next trip? Check out some of my other posts:

Travels with MR

Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.

More About me