The Delicacies and Enchanting Events of Christmas in Zurich

The allegedly dull financial city of Zürich in reality is an amazing city with great nightlife and luxurious shopping scene. In December, the Swiss city transforms into a wonderland enchanted with the fragrance of mulled wine and cinnamon. The city glows with Christmas lights and fireworks. The ringing of Christmas Carols in late night Sunday Shopping gives way to a magical ambiance. The Lichter Schwimmen candle-floating event on River Limmat or the concerts in Advent are a spectacular sight. The revelry ends with a magnificent fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

Christmas Magic
The "Lucy" Christmas lights on Bahnhofstrasse mark the onset of the winter’s first snow and Christmas magic. Millions of light bulbs illuminate the famous shopping districts in the city. A "singing Christmas tree" involving children caroling while positioned in a gigantic tree on Werdmühleplatz is pleasant to the ears and eyes. The cobbled streets of the Old Town are brimming with Christmas markets. International artists and merchants sell their crafts and goods at the oldest Christmas markets on Hirschenplatz, Rosenhof and Niederdorfstrasse. The biggest market is housed at the Hauptbahnhof where the main railway station is located. It is the largest indoor market in Europe. Over 150 wooden cabins sell all gifts, souvenirs and treats. The enormous Christmas tree which is studded with 7,000 Swarovski crystals sparkles the neighborhood while security guards it.

When the Lucy Christmas Lighting illuminates Bahnhofstrasse on third Thursday in November, special “Night Shopping” in over 150 shops is open until 10 pm.

Circus Conelli
Christmas Circus Conelli marks the beginning of the Advent season. It is erected on the small Bauschänzli Island on the Limmat River. This circus for over 30 years is a much anticipated event for Zurich inhabitants. Renowned artists showcase their unique performances with the background score of live jazz directed by Alex Maliszewski. Top acrobatics, musicians, poets and comedians perform at the stage from 21 November 2014 until 4 January 2015. The program for this year called “Brilliant Conelli” will feature inspiring music, artistic calibre and gaudy costumes. The clowns Gaston and Roli tickle your funny bones with their idiocy and clumsiness.

Lichterschwimmen – Floating candles on the Limmat River
More than 800 floating candles travel on the Limmat River from Rathausbrücke in the evening on December 18, 2014 to celebrate the pre-Christmas season.

Christmas Cribs
The National Museum of Zurich showcases the best Christmas cribs from 28 November 2014 to 4 January 2015. All 22 nativity-sets that hail from Switzerland and adjoining countries will be displayed this year. Historic hand-crafted nativity-sets scenes will be showcased with hand-carved figurines made of wood in Berner, Obwalden and Oberland. The exhibition brings a jovial ambiance with crafts activities for children. They can listen to the traditional Christmas stories while experts guide them to make Christmas gifts. In the evening, children can enjoy a thrilling expedition with Lantern tours and Nights alone at the museum.

Zurich for Foodies
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is the city’s most popular dish which is sliced veal dipped in creamy mushroom sauce. It is served with a specialty made of grate potatoes called rösti. Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten located at Limmatquai 40 serves the tastiest version of this dish. Cheese Fondue is another specialty of Switzerland and Le Dézaley located at Römergasse 7 serves one of the city’s best cheese fondues with white wine. Saint Saphorin Chasselas from Château de Glérolles is among the favorites. A delectable vegetarian Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is also served at Haus Hiltl in Sihlstrasse 28 for those who prefer vegetarian food. Market Hall located under the Viaduct aches in west of Zurich offers fresh products by bakers, farmers and butchers six days a week. Some vendors also offer organic products in this unique market under the railway viaduct.

A visit to Zurich is incomplete without indulging in a sweet treat at Sprüngli located in Bahnhofstrasse 21. Another favorite among the locals is the "Luxemburgerli" macaroon. The people who crave for chocolate must pay a visit to Läderach in Bahnhofstrasse 106 which specializes in truffles, chocolate slabs and pralines.

Péclard in Napfgasse 4 is a café established in the 19th century. It was formerly known as Café Schober. Jay-Z loves to visit this café during his visit to Zurich. The café serves the best hot chocolate with whipped cream along with homemade cakes.