When planning European holiday travel, consider adding the Zurich Christmas market to your list. The city’s walkability and variety of markets makes it worth the visit.
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- How to Get to Zurich Switzerland
- What to know before visiting the Zurich Christmas markets
- What to eat and drink at the Zurich Christmas Market
- Navigating the Zurich Christmas Markets
- Hotels near the Zurich Christmas Markets
- Zurich Christmas Market FAQs
How to Get to Zurich Switzerland
The easiest way to get to Zurich is by plane. There is an international airport just outside of the city center with direct flights from the US and throughout Europe. From the airport there is a train that connects to the Zurich Main Station. This runs regularly throughout the day and is less than 15 minutes from the airport to the train station. The ticket is around $8 from the airport to the central station. There are ticket machines available at the airport to purchase tickets upon arrival.
After you get to the train station, if you plan on taking public transportation make your way outside and find the correct tram stop. You can find the right stop and route using Google or Apple maps. The stops next to the train station have ticket machines where you can purchase your ticket. A 24 hour ticket is CHF 9.20 (Swiss Franc) or roughly $10.
Want to take a day trip from Zurich? Check out Zurich to Liechtenstein: How to enjoy a scenic day trip
What to know before visiting the Zurich Christmas markets
One thing to know about Zurich: is it is an expensive city. Everything you will purchase, whether it’s food, drinks, gifts or your hotel, will cost more here than even a large city like Cologne, Germany. Keep this in mind as you plan your Christmas in Zurich travels for how long you plan to visit. You can see and do a lot in just one or two days in Zurich.
Zurich Christmas market 2025 dates
The Zurich Christmas markets are open November 20 – December 23rd. However, the Münsterhof and Christkindlimarkt markets are open through December 24th.
Zurich Christmas market location
The Zurich Christmas markets are spread throughout the city center. Here you will find 7 different markets throughout the city center. All of the holiday markets are easily accessible via public transportation. Many of the markets are close enough that they are a short walk between locations.
Zurich Christmas market map
Cash vs. Credit Card at the Zurich Christmas market
If I have the choice of taking out local currency or using a credit card, I will always pick the credit card. 1) I get the benefits of earning points while using my card and 2) I don’t get stuck with random currency that I can’t use. One of the great features of Zurich, being that it’s the finance hub of Switzerland, is that credit cards are accepted everywhere, even AMEX. During my time in Zurich I took out zero Swiss Francs (because they have their own currency rather than the Euro). The busiest Zurich Christmas market, the Weihnachtsdorf, is entirely cash free. Even the deposits for mugs, plates and cutlery are all paid and refunded directly onto your credit card.
Learn more about The Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners
What to eat and drink at the Zurich Christmas Market
Since Zurich is just south of the German border, you will find a lot of similar food stalls to the ones in Germany. The larger markets have more international food options. From pho to empanadas, there’s a little bit of everything available.
Fondue
Having traditional Swiss fondue in Switzerland is a must for your Zurich Christmas market trip bucket list. Almost every single Christmas market in Zurich has a designated “fondue chalet” in, or near the market. This is a pop up restaurant that is solely focused on fondue.
The atmosphere of a fondue chalet is incredible. It’s designed to feel like a cozy ski chalet where you enjoy a meal with friends away from the cold. With the warm wood tones and blankets decorating the space, you won’t want to leave.
The chalet’s tend to be very busy on the weekend. Some take reservations, so check online or stop in early to get a table set up. If reservations are not available, try your luck at some of the smaller markets.
Most of the fondue chalets charge around CHF 32 per person for 200g. How much is 200g you ask? I have no idea, but if you love cheese, and you come with an appetite it’s possible for one person to take it down. I know this, because that’s exactly what I did as a solo traveler in Zurich. The cheapest fondue chalet is located at the Singing Christmas Tree market. This cost was CHF 25.50 ($28) per person for the basic fondue. Here, the wine was also quite reasonable at CHF 8-10 ($8.80-11) per glass.
Raclette
If you’re not up to the challenge of a full meal of fondue, then have raclette at one of the markets instead. Similar to fondue, raclette is a white swiss cheese that is melted. Unlike fondue, raclette is not heated and eaten out of a pot. Instead, the cheese is melted in an oven and poured over potatoes or other vegetables.
I had raclette at the Weihnachtsdorf market and it cost CHF 12 ($13) plus an additional deposit for the plastic plate and cutlery. The deposit is then refunded once you return the items with the designated tokens.
Sausages
A sausage or grill stand is pretty standard at a Zurich Christmas market. There will typically be different options of bratwurst from basic to spicy. These cost anywhere from CHF 8.60 to 11 ($9.40-12). Whichever type of wurst you order will also come with a roll of bread.
Glühwein
Glühwein is a staple at the holidays in and around European Christmas markets. This is a hot mulled wine with added spices.
Unlike Germany, the glühwein mugs are not standard everywhere. Some markets offer their glühwein in paper to go cups rather than the specialty mugs. The stalls and markets that do have specially designed mugs, have different designs for the different markets. The mugs have a deposit, which means when you return them they will refund your money, or you keep them for a low cost souvenir. The glühwein in Zurich is typically around CHF 7-8 ($7.70-8.80) per cup or mug.
Hot chocolate
Zurich is home to Lindt chocolate, which means there are plenty of shops that sell swiss chocolate and lots of stalls for hot chocolate. You can get your cocoa classic, or spruce it up with a shot of Baileys or other spirits. Some stalls also have a topping station where you can add in sprinkles or other candy to your beverage.
At the Weihnachtsdorf market, a regular hot cocoa was CHF 7.60 ($8.40) while an “adult” hot chocolate was CHF 9.60 ($10.50).
Navigating the Zurich Christmas Markets
It is quite easy to hop from one market to another in Zurich either on foot or by tram. As they are all located in close proximity, you can make it to every market in a single day. Or, spend an entire afternoon exploring a single market. Either way, plan to wear comfortable walking shoes as there is limited seating at the markets. Bring appropriate layers for being outside for hours, and make sure to bring a bag to collect your glühwein mugs and market purchases.
Zürich Weihnachtsdorf (opera house)
The most popular of all the Christmas markets in Zurich is the Weihnachtsdorf market. Sitting right alongside Lake Zurich, and in front of the Zurich Opera House, this is easily the most scenic Christmas market in Zurich.
The Weihnachtsdorf market can feel like a maze, because it is set up to have different “alleys” throughout, to wind through over 100 stalls. From the north entrance through the center of the market (the Christmas tree) are mostly gift shop vendors. Then from the center of the tree south towards the Opera house is where the majority of the food stands are located. Just west of the tree is the fondue chalet which has a rooftop with a bar and outdoor seating.
One of the unique features of this market is its dedication to sustainability. All glassware, plates and cutlery are reusable. Here you will pay a deposit for each (fork, knife, plate, etc.) and get a corresponding token. Once you are finished, take your items to the “depot” to return. As this market is 100% cashless, everything is paid and returned directly to your card. Aside from finding the depot and waiting in line, the whole process is very seamless.
Just opposite the Opera House at the south entrance there is a carousel and small rides for children. Next to the Opera House, walk up the steps to have a view of the full market beyond.
Stadelhofen Christmas pyramid
It is pretty standard to see a large Christmas pyramid in European Christmas markets. The Zurich Christmas pyramid is just across the street from the Weihnachtsdorf market, in Park Stadelhofen. At the base of the pyramid is a food and drink stand.
Weihnachtsmarkt (old town)
The Weihnachtsmarkt is very different from any other Zurich Christmas market because it is not in one location. This market is in the Old Town portion of Zurich. It sprawls along Niederdorfstrasse ending at the plaza in front of the Grossmünster church, overlooking the river. In front of the church is mostly food, glühwein and fondue, but alongside the church walking towards the Niederdorfstrasse are many gift stalls. When walking along the Niederdorfstrasse, there is a mix of gift stands and food, but the food stalls outnumber the gift stands.
The area around the Hirschenplatz has a number of covered tables to congregate with friends over food and drinks. Because this market spans such a long distance and is not as crowded as some of the larger markets, it makes for a very leisurely and enjoyable walk.
Zurich Münsterhof (church)
The Münsterhof market is one of the smallest Christmas markets in Zurich. It is also the most contemporary in appearance. This market is in the square next to the Fraumünster church. The Münsterhof market is worth visiting for the view of the belltower and the beautiful clock. Being a smaller Zurich Christmas Market, this is also less crowded and feels very local. There is a giant sleigh and Christmas tree for photos. Instead of lots of food vendors, you’ll find most of the stands are for local shops and artists, making it a great market for gifts. This market also features a large tent with a full bar (if the glühwein does not suit your needs).
The Münsterhof market is open through Christmas Eve.
Singing Christmas Tree
I lowkey love this market. While on a side quest for a power converter, I came upon a small square with a small group of Christmas shops and food stalls set up. I could hear music in the distance, but just thought it was a speaker blasting holiday tunes. After having successfully completed my shopping mission, I went back to that same area to figure out where the music was located, and I was so surprised by what I found.
In the small Werdmühleplatz park, a structure is set up to fit an entire choir (or band), and is designed in the shape of a Christmas tree. All through the holiday season there is a rotating schedule of choirs and bands that take over the tree providing concerts for the community. This market is almost entirely made up of food and drink stalls (see note above re: fondue chalet) which makes it a great place to have some food and hang out while listening to live music.
Zürcher Weihnachtsallee (Europaalee)
The easiest way to access the Zürcher Weihnachtsallee market is to exit the southside of the Zurich main train station towards Europaalee (large walking street). From this exit you will enter directly into the market. This Zurich christmas market is one of the few that has designated seating areas. At the main entrance you will find a number of large picnic tables for shared eating and drinking. This area is surrounded by food and drink stands. There are also small seating vignettes built in beside the food and gift stands throughout the market to provide more private (and warm) places to sit and hang out.
The largest concentration of food is at the entrance near the train station. As you walk west along Europaalee, the majority of stalls are for gift vendors. What I loved about this market is that at around 3 blocks long, it has a lot to see, but once you start walking, it is not as crowded as other markets in the city.
At the west end of the market is a large Christmas tree outside the fondue chalet. This gorgeous chalet does accept reservations, which I highly recommend, especially for large groups.
Zurich Christkindlimarkt (Zurich Train Station)
Located in Zurich’s central train station is the Christkindlimarkt. Beware, there are two different markets happening in the train station. One is in the lower level, which has fresh produce, a few food stalls and a couple of gift vendors. This might also be open year round, and just decorated for the holiday. This is not the Christkindlimarkt. The Christkindlimarkt is located on the street level with entry from the north, east and south entrances.
As this market is inside the train station, it is the only Zurich Christmas market that is indoors. This is also one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. This is perfect for any cold and snowy winter days. The challenge with it being indoors however is there are 120 market stalls in a relatively small area, so it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.
This market is pretty evenly split as far as stalls for gifts versus food and drinks. There are a wide range of international cuisine options amongst the food vendors.
The main attraction of this market is the giant 30’ christmas tree near the east entrance. In recent years the tree has been sponsored by local chocolatier, Lindt. At the base of the tree is a beautiful Christmas village with a working model train. There is also a large sleigh which is perfect for a photo to capture the festive holiday season.
There are two elevated platform areas in this market which provide great views of the tree and market below, as well as a respite from the crowds.
The Christkindlimarkt is open through Christmas Eve.
Illuminarium (Landesmuseum)
This final stop is more like a mini-market, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in decorations. The Illuminarium is set up in the courtyard of the Landesmuseum (National Museum of Zurich). Within the courtyard there are only food stalls (no shopping) and a fondue chalet that does accept reservations. There is a special digital light show that you can purchase tickets to watch. For children, they have a free kids disco with a DJ set up inside. The courtyard itself is free and worth visiting. The entire building is covered in holiday lights that are best viewed after dark.
The museum is located across the street from the train station, on the north side of the building. You can easily walk between here, the Christkindlimarkt and the Weihnachtsallee markets.
Hotels near the Zurich Christmas Markets
As stated earlier, Zurich is expensive. At the holidays you can expect to spend around $200/night (or more) for a mid-range hotel. If you have your dates in mind, look early and shop around different sites to make sure you find the best rate.
Hotel Adler
I stayed at the Hotel Adler while visiting Zurich. This hotel is centrally located in the Old Town, right next to the Hirschenplatz and a block off the river. It also has an incredible continental breakfast.
Hotel Marta
This hotel offers a more “budget” experience for Zurich. The rooms are fairly basic, but the hotel comes with free breakfast and is highly rated. It’s also conveniently located across the river from the train station.
Hotel Seidenhof
The Hotel Seidenhof is a high end boutique hotel in the center of Zurich. It is a few short blocks away from the Singing Christmas Tree. It is one of the highest rated hotels in Zurich, and as is standard with most hotels in the area, breakfast is included in the nightly rate.
Zurich Christmas Market FAQs
Does Zurich have a good Christmas market?
Yes, Zurich has a number of great Christmas markets throughout the city.
Is Zurich a good place for Christmas?
Zurich is an expensive city compared to other locations in Europe. However, the city has a lot of wonderful Christmas markets and decorations throughout the city. When there is fresh snowfall, with the crisp alpine air, Zurich at Christmas feels very special.
Does Switzerland have Christmas markets?
Yes, you’ll find Christmas markets throughout Switzerland, especially along the German and French borders.
When do Zurich Christmas markets start?
The Zurich Christmas market dates are November 21 through December 23rd.
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