If experiencing a Christmas market in Europe is on your bucket list, then Zurich is a top choice with kids. Though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit, there are plenty of free things to do in Zurich with kids at Christmas or any time of the year. Here is how to spend 3 to 4 days in and around Zurich with kids. 🇨🇭🎄🚠
Things To Do in Zurich With Kids
Christmas Markets
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas in Zurich without exploring one of the many Christmas markets in town. All of them are free to enter, loaded with stalls to shop, pop up fondue chalets, gluhwein, and chocolate to buy. Most of the markets have at least a carousel or activity area for the kids. Cash is the primary and only way to pay for things so be sure to arrive prepared.
There are several markets to choose from or hit all 3:
Zurcher Wienachtsdorf Am Bellevue (the market by the opera house)
Located by the Zurich opera house (making it easy to find with google maps) with lots of shopping stalls, food and drinks to try. There is a decently sized ice skating rink, and a little elf village for small children to play. It’s also the best market in Zurich to find a Christmas ornament. Go into one of the two small houses that bookend the market.
Christkindlimarkt (the market in Zurich Main Station)
Christkindlimarkt is the home of the most impressive 50’ tree. It’s covered in nothing but Swarovski crystals. It’s breathtaking and daresay more impressive than the one in Rockefeller Center, NY. With loads of shopping stalls (more than the market by the opera house), the tree, and central location, it was our children’s preferred market. It’s also the only one that is indoors.
Weihnachtsmarkt Im Dorfli (Niederdorf market)
The Christmas market in Niederdorf is the oldest in Zurich and also one that isn’t concentrated in one area. Stalls line the streets and alleys as you stroll through to mix Christmas shopping with sightseeing. In fact, it’s impossible to miss this market because of its location amidst a very cool part of Zurich.
Highlights In Zurich
Singing Christmas Tree
Located not far from the Main Train Station, the singing Christmas tree hosts daily choirs at different times of the day for free. Small market stalls line the street leading up to the tree and lights sparkly from every direction. Though we missed the actual singing itself, it was still worth a visit. 🎄
Illuminarium At The National Museum
Though entrance to the National Museum for the animated light show costs money, the courtyard alone features a magical display of lights for free. In fact, the lights are so magnificent in the courtyard that we didn’t bother entering the light show. The courtyard is spectacular enough. And they even sell aluminated cotton candy!
Trinity Of Churches
One of the main sights of Zurich is its double tower landmark, Grossmunster, with Wasserkirche and Fraumunster completing its trio.
Fraumunster is known for its magnificent stained glass windows but what’s more interesting is the little archway on the outer corner of the church that women had to walk through before entering to be certain that their dress would fit.
Grossmunster offers amazing views of Zurich if you can manage the 187 narrow steps for a small admission price. The church legend is that two saints were beheaded at Wasserkirche (Water Church) and walked up to where Grossmunster stands, carrying their heads with them. The church was later founded by emperor Charlemagne in honor of them.
St. Peter
This church can’t be missed due to its massive face size on all four sides. The diameter of the clock faces is the biggest in Europe. Not far from St Peter is a great playground for kids to burn off energy. Check it just near Lindenhof.
Key To The City
With nothing more than leaving an ID, you can unlock the city of Zurich. By reserved key access only, you can explore the Roman underground at Lindenhof. Or learn about the sewer reforms in Oberdorf. Yes, a poop tour! By far the most interesting and memorable underground tours for everyone. Reserve the key to the city in advance at Neumarkt 4.
FIFA Museum
Tuesdays are 50% off. The FIFA museum is perfect for the sporty kid or family. In addition to history, there are lots of interactive digital games and an actual pinball machine for everyone to put their own football skills to the test. A family can easily spend 2 hours in the museum or longer. The museum is a great way to break up the Christmas markets and escape the cold. ⚽️
Franz Carl Weber Toy Store
Though this toy store is not near in size or magnitude as Hamley’s in London, it does offer an indoor Hotwheels slide for kids to enjoy for free.
For History Buffs
Stop in Munsterplatz to see where Winston Churchill gave his famous ‘Europe’ speech in 1946. 🇬🇧
Or stroll down Spiegelgasse to spot Lenin’s apartment where he and his wife lived in exile before the Russian Revolution. Both sites have plaques to distinguish these locations.
Highlights Not Far From Zurich
Rapperswil-Jona Christmas Market (45-minute train ride from Zurich Main Station)
For a picturesque journey to the other end of Lake Zurich, the Rapperswil-Jona Christmas market doesn’t disappoint. Though located in a smaller town, the stalls line the edge of the lake with amazing views from Rapperswil Castle. With live music, festive decorations up and down the streets, and fewer crowds, this market is a great place to spend an entire afternoon with kids. Even with all the Christmas market options in Zurich, this market offered the best chocolate drinks, wine stalls, and food choices for kids.
Lucerne (1-hour train ride from Zurich Main Station)
Although the train cost might steer you away, the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument are worth the expense. The bridges are covered in festive lights, the snowy mountain caps in the backdrop across the lake, and Christmas trees lit everywhere throughout the city. Lucerne is simply gorgeous.
The Lion Monument, free to see, in Gletschergarten Löwendenkmal is massive and unexpected. Though initially with doubts, our family of four left Lucerne grateful we made the trip.
Chocolate Frey Factory (45-minute train ride from Zurich Main Station)
A visit to Zurich wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a chocolate factory and hands-on chocolate making. Tickets can be purchased to the Chocolate Frey factory at the train station (and cheaper when combined with the train ticket). Or purchase online to include the chocolate
Where To Eat
Eating in Zurich can be tricky if you have anyone in the family that is lactose intolerant or simply can’t stand the smell. And let me tell you, the smell of a fondue restaurant or chalet is strong! Even coming from someone that loves cheese, if you’re not used to that odor it can be quite overpowering. Since we had one of these issues to deal with, we primarily ate at restaurants that offered dishes not focused on cheese.
For Non-Cheese Lovers
Zeughaus Keller – Great indoor atmosphere with a kids menu. They even serve a sausage dish on a sword!
La Pasta – The most amazing meal of our 4 days in Zurich was at La Pasta. Order the homemade truffle and potato tortelloni. Surpassed our Italian meals in Rome!
Hiltl– This restaurant is a must-experience because it’s the first vegetarian restaurant in the world.
Kantorei – If Wienerschnitzel is what you’re after, Kantorei serves a massive portion and kid basics, too.
For Fondue Experiences 🧀
Try any of the pop-up chalets all throughout the markets or town. Or make advance reservations at one of these one-of-a-kind spots:
Swiss Chuchi at Hotel Adler – The cow that marks this restaurant, along with all the Christmas string lights, made this one we really wanted to try but we didn’t book far enough in advance.
Fondue-Gondel at Walliser Keller – If feeling like you’re on the ski lifts is the ambiance you’re going after, then book at Fondue-Gondel. I thought I made the correct lunch reservation but discovered upon arrival that I booked the main restaurant instead. Be sure to make reservations on the correct Walliser Keller link.
Why You Can’t Go Wrong
With so many winter things to do and sights to see in Zurich, it’s no wonder why Zurich is a main European city to visit at Christmas time. Visiting the city makes you feel like you just wrapped up a day of skiing, with all the apres-ski stalls and popup chalets that surround you. Gluhwein and hot chocolate keep the family warm, while you shop and take in all the beauty that Zurich and Switzerland have to offer. 🇨🇭
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