11 Best Christmas Markets in Zurich 2025 That Locals Love

Winter comes to Zurich, and something shifts. The business suits disappear. Twinkling lights take over the streets. You catch the smell of cinnamon and cloves everywhere you go. This is Advent season. The whole city turns into one big Christmas celebration—and honestly, it’s worth experiencing at least once.

This guide covers 11 markets you can visit. Some are huge. Others hide in quiet corners. We’ll talk about when they open, where to find them, and where you might want to stay if you’re planning a trip.

One quick tip before we start: dragging luggage through crowded Christmas markets is miserable. Consider using Qeepl luggage storage instead. They have spots all over the city. Prices start at US$4.90 per bag per day. Store your stuff, explore freely, pick it up later.

Are There Christmas Markets in Zurich?

Yes. Lots of them. These markets aren’t some new tourist thing either. They’ve been a tradition here since at least 1993. Locals look forward to them every year. So do visitors from all over Europe.

When Do Christmas Markets Start in Zurich?

Most markets open in late November—usually around the 20th or 21st. That lines up with the start of Advent. You get a full four weeks to visit before Christmas.

Most close on December 23rd. But a few stay open until Christmas Eve, including the indoor market at the main train station and the Münsterhof market. Sometimes a couple others extend their dates too. Plan for late November through December 23rd and you’ll catch everything.

Where Are the Christmas Markets in Zurich?

They’re scattered throughout the city, transforming iconic squares and neighborhoods into festive spots. Sechseläutenplatz is where you’ll find the “Wienachtsdorf” (Christmas Village). It sits right in front of the Opera House, near Lake Zurich. Probably the biggest and most scenic market in the city.

The Christkindlimarkt runs inside the main hall of Zurich’s Hauptbahnhof (main train station). It’s one of Europe’s largest indoor Christmas markets. Great when the weather’s bad. The “Dörfli” market winds through narrow cobblestone streets in the Niederdorf Quarter of the Old Town. It’s Zurich’s oldest Christmas market—very charming, very traditional.

Then there’s Münsterhof, a historic square surrounded by old guild houses and the Fraumünster church. The market here focuses on local, high-quality products. Most of these spots are close to each other. You can easily visit several in one day. Just walk or hop on a tram.

1. Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz

This is probably the market you’ll hear about most. And yeah—it lives up to the hype.

The location alone makes it special. It’s set up on Sechseläutenplatz, right in front of the Opera House. Lake Zurich is steps away. Over 100 stalls create a proper village atmosphere. You could spend hours here.

There’s a ‘Designer Market’ section where local artists sell handmade stuff. Good for finding unique gifts. No entrance fee, by the way. Food options are endless. Swiss classics, international street food, mulled wine everywhere. The fondue chalet is worth booking ahead. It’s warm, cozy, and you get a proper Swiss meal.

2. Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Station

Step inside Zurich’s Hauptbahnhof and you’ll see something ridiculous: a 10-meter-tall Christmas tree surrounded by a miniature winter village. It’s beautiful. A bit over the top. Totally worth seeing.

This is one of Europe’s largest indoor Christmas markets. Over 120 stalls selling everything from candles to jewelry. Being indoors makes it perfect for cold or rainy days.

Free to enter. Just walk in.

For 2025, they’re introducing a “Polarzauber” theme:

• Northern Lights show
• Pixel Tunnel for kids
• The usual stalls and food

Speaking of food—it’s diverse. Bratwurst, raclette, Tibetan dumplings, empanadas. There’s also the “Fondue Train,” which is exactly what it sounds like: elevated dining with a view over the market. Book ahead if you want to try it. It fills up fast.

3. Dörfli Christmas Market in the Niederdorf

Want something more traditional? Head to the Niederdorf quarter.

This is Zurich’s oldest Christmas market. It doesn’t sit in one square—it spreads through the cobblestone streets from Hirschenplatz to the Grossmünster cathedral. Historic buildings, pastel colors, beautifully decorated storefronts everywhere.

No entrance fee. Just wander.

During the day it’s quieter. Good for peaceful shopping. You’ll find handicrafts, candles, toys—all handmade stuff.

Special features:

• Small ice rink on Rosenhof
• Ski gondolas converted into tiny fondue spots (yes, really)
• The Fondue Alp chalet near Grossmünster

The gondola fondue thing is unique. It’s cozy, intimate, and kind of weird in the best way.

4. The Singing Christmas Tree & Werdmühleplatz Market

This one’s small but special.

Werdmühleplatz sits just off Bahnhofstrasse (the main shopping street). The market is tiny—just a handful of stalls. But it has the Singing Christmas Tree: a tiered stage where Swiss choirs perform daily concerts.

Listening to Christmas carols here is a Zurich tradition. It’s especially nice in the evening when all the lights are on.

Completely free. Just show up.

The market itself offers:

• Organic local products
• Hot mulled wine
• Affordable fondue (cheaper than most markets)

If you’re only visiting one small market, make it this one.

5. Münsterhof Christmas Market

Münsterhof is elegant. It sits in a historic square framed by the Fraumünster church and old guild houses. The motto here is “From Zurich for Zurich”—they focus on local businesses and Zurich-made products.

Free to visit. Beyond shopping, there’s often a culture tent with concerts, readings, and workshops. The market also uses green electricity and reusable tableware. They’re big on sustainability.

The mulled wine here comes from a local producer. It’s good. Actually—scratch that—it’s really good.

6. Heiliger Bimbam! Christmas Market

Not into traditional markets? Try this one.

Heiliger Bimbam! is Zurich’s creative alternative. It’s a pop-up market held over specific December weekends at Halle 550 in Oerlikon. You’ll need to take a short train ride from the city center.

Over 150 stalls from local artists, young designers, and small businesses. Handmade jewelry, ceramics, flavored moonshine (they give samples). It’s very different from the classic markets.If you want unique gifts and don’t mind paying to get in, come here. There is an entrance fee. It supports the artists.

7. Illuminarium at the Swiss National Museum

This isn’t really a Christmas market. It’s a light festival.

The Swiss National Museum’s courtyard transforms into an illuminated wonderland every evening. The building’s facades become projection screens for light shows and displays.

Free to enter the courtyard. You’ll find food stalls, a fondue chalet, and bars serving festive drinks.

For the main light shows, you need tickets. There are usually two different shows: one is family-friendly with a narrative storyline, while the later show is more abstract and artistic, often set to music from artists like Pink Floyd and The Weeknd. Some nights have DJs, and the whole courtyard turns into a festive open-air lounge. It’s worth checking the schedule before you go.

8. Winterthur Christmas Market

Take a 20-minute train ride from Zurich and you’ll reach Winterthur. The “Wiehnachts Märt” here is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful Christmas markets.

The market fills the car-free Old Town with nearly 100 stalls. It’s dense and cozy, with festive decorations everywhere. Traditional Swiss treats, handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, unique gifts—it all has a very traditional, family-run feel.

Free to explore. Just wander through the picturesque streets.

There’s a fondue chalet with a fireplace, which is perfect for a meal with friends or family. The market also features entertainment from national and international artists throughout the season. You’ll find all the usual culinary highlights too: mulled wine, hot chocolate, fondue, raclette. The atmosphere here is different from Zurich—smaller city, more intimate, just as festive.

9. Rapperswil-Jona Christkindlimärt

Rapperswil-Jona sits along Lake Zurich—the train ride there offers great lake views. During Advent, the town transforms for the Christkindlimärt (Christ Child Market). Known as the “city of roses,” the medieval setting makes this market genuinely romantic.

The market stretches from the main square through the old town down to the lakeside. Over 200 stalls during peak weekends make it one of the bigger regional markets. The medieval castle provides a stunning backdrop.

No entrance fee. Events run on weekends from early to mid-December.

You can spend hours browsing handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and culinary specialties. There’s often a carousel for children. Food options are extensive, from grilled sausages and mulled wine to sweet treats. The “Hüttenzauber” fondue hut on Fischmarktplatz is particularly popular. The market’s scale changes depending on the weekend—some feature a smaller “Advent Village” by the harbor, while others expand to fill the entire Old Town.

10. Einsiedeln Christmas Market

About an hour from Zurich sits Einsiedeln, home to a massive Benedictine monastery. The Christmas market here is set on the sprawling abbey square right in front of this stunning baroque building.

The setting alone makes the trip worthwhile. The market is extensive, with numerous stalls creating a festive village atmosphere. The smell of gingerbread and mulled wine fills the air. At night, the whole square glows with lights against the monastery backdrop.

Free to enter. The market typically runs for about ten days from late November to early December—shorter than Zurich’s markets.

What you’ll find:

• Giant Christmas tree in the center of the square
• Large nativity scene
• Religious crafts and hand-carved wooden toys
• Local “Schafböcke” honey gingerbread (a regional specialty)
• Festive concerts and performances throughout the run

The monastery itself is open to visitors, so you can combine your market visit with a tour of this important cultural and spiritual site.

11. Uetliberg Winter Magic

Want a Christmas market with a view? Head up to Uetliberg, Zurich’s mountain.

Take the train up and you’ll find a winter wonderland high above the city. The panoramic views are incredible—Zurich, the lake, and the snow-capped Alps in the distance. It’s peaceful up here, away from the bustle of the city center. The “Winter Magic” event often runs from mid-November through February, giving you an extended season to visit.

Access is free. You’ll find market stalls, twinkling lights, and festive food options.

You can take a romantic stroll through the illuminated forest, try candle making, or give curling a shot. Several food and drink stalls serve warming mulled wine and snacks. The views while you sip hot wine are unbeatable. For a full meal, the mountaintop hotel and restaurant, Uto Kulm, offers traditional Swiss cuisine with that unparalleled vista.

Where to Stay in Zurich for Christmas Markets?

Location matters when you’re market hopping. Staying in or near the Old Town (Altstadt) or close to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) puts you within walking distance of multiple markets. You can roll out of bed and be at a market in minutes.

Here are some hotels worth considering, organized by price: