Frosty air, the sweet aroma of mulled wine, bustling crowds swarming over baked treats and gorgeous gifts… there’s nothing quite like a Christmas market for getting in the festive spirit. After thoroughly enjoying outings to Bruges and Cologne in years gone by, I nipped over to Switzerland with friends to see how the Swiss market experience matched up! 
First stop, mulled wine. Our backpackers, City Hotel Biber, was simple but ideally situated, right outside the Hirschenplatz market. Shortly after we began wandering, a flash mob of carollers descended on the square. It was totally surreal and joyful to see them come together, sing and disperse in the space of a few minutes!
We walked up the Limmatquai, admiring the beautiful sunset and watching the city light up around us. We could not stop exclaiming over the stunning displays that appeared on virtually every building. Those in Zürich certainly know how to put on a show!
Next stop was the Zurich Central railway station, where the market was set up inside the cavernous hall. It was bubbling with merrymakers, many of whom stopped to admire this stunning Swarovski tree. I was drawn into gazing at its sparkle… before I was distracted by one of my favourite German / Austrian / Swiss foods… the humble bredtzel. Yum!
Strolling back along the Bahnhoffstrasse, we stumbled upon the Werdmühleplatz market – I think it’s safe to say that Zürich rivals Cologne for the number of markets in almost every square! We were instantly charmed by the beautiful stars and the tempting scents of raclette and glühwein. Then, like magic, school children bedecked in red assembled on the Singing Christmas Tree and began carolling – too cute!
Photo credit: Victoria Bayly
Down by the lake, the Wienachtsdorf Christmas village is one of Zürich’s largest. Filled with mouthwatering meats, pastries and of course chocolates, there’s plenty to occupy your eyes too with stalls of gorgeous gifts around every corner. And one heck of a Christmas tree!
Filled with Christmas cheer (and glühwein), we headed to the Thermalbad baths to relax in the steaming hot waters – an ideal end to a very busy (and chilly) day!
The next morning dawned sunny and clear – great work Zürich. We found a gorgeous konditorei – a patisserie and cafe – just metres from our backpackers. Cafe Schober opened over 150 years ago, which explains how they’ve perfected great service and food in a cuter than cute interior. I was utterly charmed by the overflowing Christmas decorations and lovingly crafted sweet treats – if only I’d been able to purchase them all!
Fortified, we headed across the river and up to the Lidenhof lookout, an ideal spot to take in the city.
With our time rapidly diminishing, there was just enough time to nip back down to the lakefront for one last look at the misty panorama – and one last delicious nibble in the form of apple-mousse and rosti!
I loved my fleeting visit to Zurich – the town was perfectly picturesque and the Christmas markets gave me that festive cheer I’d been slightly missing. A perfect December weekend!
Where are your favourite Christmas markets?
