In recent years Christmas markets have popped up all over the city of Zurich. They don't have a tradition going back centuries like in Germany, but nevertheless some of them have charm and atmosphere. All of them are outdoors - except the big Christkindlimarkt in the hall of the main train station. You’ll find a range of items from colourful scarves to wood carvings, sweet delicacies and bits and pieces from around the world. The Wienachtsdorf am Bellevue specialises in small local designers. At all the markets you can get glühwein, hot mulled red wine that keeps you warm even if a cold December wind is blowing. And of course there are food stands offering raclette, melted cheese on bread, and other delights. Check our listings below and glühwein your way around them all!

The Bahnhofstrasse, the city's main shopping street, has had an impressive set of Christmas lights since 2010. The lights feature more than 150,000 diodes, most of them white, but with a sprinkling of coloured ones, for a bit of a starry-sky effect.