We travelled to Zurich, Switzerland with our 5-year-old Kidsetter during Christmas time. A truly magical spectacle. Basing ourselves in Zurich’s Old Town this was a great location to access all the cities festivities. It can all be discovered on foot.
Asking our Kidsetter what he wanted to do in Zurich – he decided we would see the Conelli Christmas Circus. The Swiss Circus has been held on the tiny Bauschänzli island near Lake Zurich for over 25 years. The festively-lit red marquee is a prominent feature of the city during the Advent period and makes Zurich even more Christmassy during December.
A romantic big top with twinkling stars welcomed us to the little island in the River Limmat, in the heart of the city. The show contained traditional circus elements, as well as modern interpretations. Breathtaking acrobatics, entertaining comedy, and live music complete the Circus Conelli’s magical program. A special highlight were the infamous clown duo ‘Gaston and Roli’ whom had our Kidsetter in fits of constant laughter !
The Old Town’s cobbled streets are charming. Old alleys are like Russian dolls, opening up into each other and getting smaller as they go. The sheer number of Christmas markets in the area easily rivals any German city. Zurich’s Medieval houses, contorted, narrow lanes and guild and town halls from the Renaissance period offer an attractive backdrop.
Artists and traders from around the world sell their goods at the most traditional and oldest Christmas markets in the city, on Hirschenplatz, Nieferdorfstrasse and Rosenhof. But the most impressive of them all is the Christmas Market at the Hauptbahnhof (main railway station). It’s Europe’s biggest indoor market, with more than 150 wooden huts selling all sorts of gifts and treats. Not to mention the 50ft tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals – a truly spectacular sight to behold.
We strolled along the popular walking path at Lake Zurich called ‘Lake Promenade’. Strolling became fashionable in Zurich around 1800 when the lower basin of Lake Zurich was created, the largest continuous public park grounds at that time, and Zurich was changed from a small city along a river to a big city by the lake. The lake promenade continues to serve a wide-ranging group of people as a wonderful recreation area. In true Swiss luxury – we enjoyed eating a delicious and the most expensive burger we’ve ever eaten by the lake.
From mulled wine and chocolate treats, to impressive Christmas trees and sparkly festive lights, Christmas in Zurich is a magical occasion.
Kidsetters will find a world abounding in wonder and spectacle.
