edition: Nov 16-19, 2023.
For this upcoming weekend November 16-19, 2023, visitors to Zurich can enjoy the beginning of the winter festivities that take place in mid-November. Click on the image below for 12 activities, foods, and treats to check out this weekend. You will find more details below.
Zurich
Zurich Old Town: Take a stroll through Zurich’s old town with its charming cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and cultural heritage stops. Free walking tours are available 11am everyday. Or contact us for self-guided audio tours or customized private tour options.
Christmas Festival of Lights – Illuminarium at Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum): free entry to the Illuminarium area where you can get into the holiday mood surrounded by thousands of beautiful lights, food and drink stalls, and energizing music. Shows (for fee) do require tickets. Enjoy fondue from their chalet; reservations are highly recommended.
Lindt Chocolate Museum: It starts with a feast for the eyes with its 9-meter-tall structure consisting of 1400kg of chocolate. Enter the museum to learn about the origins of chocolate, the pioneers who shaped the history of chocolate production, and why Swiss chocolate is so yummy. And of course, there are samples to be had. Tickets do sell out so be sure to buy them online beforehand. Want to include transportation and wrap the day off with a fondue dinner? This group experience could be fun for you.
Lucerne
Lucerne Old Town: 45 minutes from Zurich, Lucerne is an easy day trip. Stroll by Lake Lucerne, walk across Chapel Bridge, and stop by Lion Monument. Free walking tours are available. Or contact us for self-guided audio guide tours or more customized private tour options.
Mount Pilatus: if the weather is not too cloudy, a visit to Mount Pilatus is a good day trip from Zurich for the stunning views. Check its webcam and that their facilities for getting up the mountain are running here.
Pilatus Christmas Market: Visit the highest Christmas market in Europe this weekend! Take the cable car up from Kriens. Be sure to check their webcam and facilities page (link above) to make sure the cable car is running. It sometimes doesn’t run because of high winds, etc.
Foods
Raclette – While fondue is the more famous export, raclette is the lesser-known dish that, in our opinion, is completely underrated. 😉 The fondue in Zurich is delicious, but there is more wine added to it than we are used to, so we find the kids don’t like the taste as much. If your kids (or you yourself) like melted cheese, then don’t miss trying raclette. You’ll find them in various food stalls around town now that we’re into November.
Grillables – for a quick bite to eat, stop by Sternen Grill for some Swiss classics like grilled bratwurst with their famous mustard and plenty of other (including vegetarian) options.
Roasted chestnuts – in Zurich and beyond, you’ll easily find roasted chestnut stands all around town. In Zurich, they will have the name “marroni” on them.
Treats
Sweet chestnut vermicelli – Chestnut lovers will enjoy a sweet version of chestnut! These treats can be found in bakeries and restaurants beginning in November through winter.
Movenpick ice cream – There’s just something about Swiss milk! It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t stop us from getting some ice cream from Movenpick by the opera house.
Luxembergli – Head to Cafe Sprungli in Paradelpatz (or any Sprungli shop) for some mini macarons, which they call Luxembergli. We think their fruit-flavored ones in particular have bursts of flavor.
Have a great time in Zurich!
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