Zurich is a stunning destination that is always worth a trip! In the wintertime, however, the picturesque Swiss city located at the Zurich Lake is wearing its most beautiful gown. Embrace Christmas magic against the backdrop of snow covered Swiss Alps through the rapture of Swiss way of life with cozy raclette in wooden chalets, a sparkling Swarovski Christmas tree, nostalgic tram rides and enchanting Christmas markets illuminating the secret capital of Switzerland. 8 reasons why you should make Zurich your next winter destination!

 1) The illuminated sky at “Bahnhofstrasse”

Elegant “Bahnhofstrasse” is considered the crown jewel of Zurich lining a crescendo of exclusive luxury brands towards the panorama of the Zurich Lake. During Christmas time, the main artery of the city, where trams come and go like in a piecework, showcases its most beautiful decoration: The unique installation named after the famous Beatles Hit “Lucy in the sky with diamonds” illuminates the sky above bustling “Bahnhofstrasse” with 12 000 crystals and almost twice as much lights. “Lucy” enhances the sparkle of luxury as soon as night encloses  Zurich`s main shopping street and its festively wrapped warehouses Jelmoli & Globus. The starlit spectacle can be marvelled until January 1st. (November 21st until January 6th)

“Lucy” enhances the sparkle of luxury as soon as night encloses  Zurich`s main shopping street.

2) The Swarovski Christmas with 7000 Crystals

Zurich`s main station is a junction for constant arrival & departure. The voluminous guardian angel watching over travellers all year in the gracious, vast entrance hall is glistened by one of the city`s most exclusive Christmas attractions: The glamorous Swarovski Christmas tree decorated with 7 000 Swarovski crystals worth half a Million Swiss francs, evokes a comparison to the cult status of New York City`s iconic Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center. The majestic 32 feet (10 meter) large landmark at one of Europe`s biggest indoor Christmas markets is both emotionally and financially the most expensive Christmas tree in the country, whose blinking reflections are welcoming visitors with a first glimpse of Zurich`s luxurious flair. (November 21st until December 24th)

3) Winter Magic at “Zürcher Wienachtsdorf”

Between November and December, chalet-like cottages are tucked in Christmas markets, spreading jolly Holiday spirits with the scents of mulled wine and winterly spices all over Zurich. A memorable experience is “Zürcher Wienachtsdorf” located at “Sechseläutenplatz” spread out on the elegant opera square by the shores of the Zurich Lake. Tasteful designs of Swiss craftsmen & entrepreneurs, innovative international winter delicacies and cozy wooden fireplaces (including a thoughtful winter village for kids) create a wonderland to be rejoiced by young and old! (November 21st until December 23rd)

4) A Singing Christmas Tree

Zurich`s singing Christmas Tree. (Image by Jess Waldner)

If you are shopping at “Bahnhofstrasse”, you can feed your spirits with one of Zurich`s most joyful winter attractions: “The Singing Christmas Tree” at “Werdmühleplatz” swings with joyful live music from different choirs of the region enchanting visitors at daily concerts. Join or listen to soulful Christmas songs at this small winter oasis in a side street of hectic “Bahnhofstrasse”, smoldered by hut magic and acres ski ambiance. And when the tree starts singing, you know that Christmas can`t be far! (November 21st until December 23rd)

“When the tree starts singing, you know that Christmas can`t be far.”

5) The Charming Streets of “Niederdörfli”

The old town of Zurich, extending to the left and right (“Niederdorf”) of the Limmat river, is not a secret tip. The atmospheric alleys dotted with beautiful old house facades, historic squares and rippling wells, have preserved an unrefined Swiss idyll that is exceedingly charming during Christmas time. Soak up the cozy atmosphere and take a stroll in the ancient cobble stone streets, where individual boutiques, restaurants and antique shops invoke the bliss of charming Switzerland.

6) Swiss Fondue on a Winter Tram

The beloved “tram” is an indispensable part of Zurich`s lifestyle. In the wintertime, it is even more cozy to hop on a ride in the nostalgic streetcars. The oldest warehouse of Zurich, the warehouse “Jelmoli” organizes a special Märlitram for the Christmas holidays, where Santa and his angels are taking kids on magical Christmas tours around the city departing from “Bellevue”. For adults, the Fondue Tram is a sociable & fun way to get to know Swiss culture in the cozy atmosphere of the trundling vintage restaurant, while passing some of the most important sights of the city.

“Hop on a ride in a nostalgic streetcar!”

Images by VBZ Zürich

7) Heartfelt Alpine Coziness

(Image by Instagram Widder Hotel)

Every winter, when the Chalet-Pavillon of Widder Hotel open its doors, the flair of Zermatt is brought to Zurich`s old town. Inspired by the legendary mountain restaurant Chez Vrony and its iconic views of the Matterhorn, Widder Hotel invites you to the magical Alpine world of heartfelt coziness & culinary delights with Swiss Raclette and Ruinart Champagne. From November until mid February you can savour the escape to the mountains without leaving the heart of Zurich. (October 2nd until January 25th)

(Image by The Dolder Grand)

The snow-covered silhouette of  The Dolder Grand Hotel can be recognized even from the shores of the Zurich Lake. Majestically residing above the city at the “Adlisberg” hill, the luxury hotel is a peaceful retreat from the hustle. Get ready for Christmas with one of the hotel`s special holiday packages. Enjoy the festive ambiance fine dining at the Michelin Restaurant, take time for a cozy English afternoon tea besides the fireplace or relax at the spa of the 5 star Hotel. At the Dolder ice rink, one of Europes largest open air ice rinks, you can turn pirouettes around the illuminated Christmas tree, carving memories into ice, wishing that this magical time of the year in Zurich would never end.

“Carve memories into ice, wishing that this magical time of the year in Zurich would never end.”

(Image by Zoë Jivana)