Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Kate Noble
Photography: ZauberPark
Switzerland is amazing year-round, but it’s extra special at Christmas! And we are spoilt with so many incredible festive events on offer that it’s difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of our favourite family-friendly Christmas activities and festive events in Zurich and beyond. We know it’s early, but we think it’s never too early to get excited about Christmas!
Note. We’ll be updating this list regularly as and when new events get announced – got an event or favourite festive activity to share? Let us know!
The best Christmas Events for Kids in Zurich 2025
The Singing Christmas Tree
This is a must on your Zurich festive outings list. The Singing Christmas Tree is so unique and really puts the whole family in the festive mood. It’s essentially a larger-than-life Christmas tree in human (singing) form. The full program is usually launched in mid-November, with the performances available every evening lasting around 30 minutes. Over 40 choirs will perform with everything, from traditional Christmas to a Disney special week!
- Where: Werdmühleplatz (a few minutes walk from the main station in Zurich)
- Cost: Free
- When: 20 November – 23 December 2025. Mon – Thurs at 5.30pm and 6.30pm. Friday has an additional 7.30pm performance. Saturday and Sunday: 2.30pm, 3.30pm. 5.30pm and 6.30pm.
Illuminarium – lights and kids’ disco
Photography: Illuminarium
One of the earliest events in the year that will get you feeling festive – Illuminarium is a magical Christmas Festival of Lights at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich. There’s a lot going on beyond the lights, too, from a Fondue Chalet to a Digital Art Show. The kids will love the children’s disco every Sunday from 3pm – 5pm. It’s free and indoors, so it’s win-win!
- Where: Swiss National Museum in Zurich
- Cost: Free (with additional charges for add-on activities and special events)
- When: From 6 November. Daily from 5pm. Kids Disco every Sunday from 3-5pm
Zürcher Wienachtsdorf
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to Christmas Markets in Zurich. One to have on your list is the Wienachtsdorf. This huge Christmas Market has something for all the family with more than 100 market huts and weekly changing stalls. We also love that it has a dedicated program of events from puppet shows to family opera, and even children’s yoga to enjoy!
- Where: Bellevue
- Cost: Free entry (add-on charges may apply for additional activities)
- When: From 20 November – 23 December. Daily from 11am – 10pm (and 8pm on a Sunday).
St. Annahof Märlitram
Photography: zuerich.com
Have you spotted the St. Annahof Märlitram during the festive season in Zurich? It’s a huge hit with kids who get to listen to Christmas stories in a festive-filled fairy tale Zurich tram. What makes it extra special? Santa Claus himself is the tram driver! The tour is 20 minutes long and starts and ends at Bellevue. Tickets must be purchased in advance from 13 November onwards, and the stories are told in German.
- Where: Bellevue
- Cost: Suitable for 4 – 9-year-olds. Tickets available online from 13 November 2025
- When: From 20 November 2025
Santa Claus Parade
Make sure you’re in Central Zurich on 30 November to see the Santa Claus Parade. An annual tradition which takes place on the last Sunday in November, St. Nicholas follows the fairytale tram, floats and brass band through the city. The route starts at Werdmühleplatz before passing through Bahnhofstrasse to Bürkliplatz. This is the perfect activity to start the festive season.
- Where: Werdmühleplatz
- Cost: Free
- When: 30 November 2025 at 5pm
Zauberpark
Don’t just head to the airport for a flight this Christmas; make a special trip to check out the light festival, Zauberpark. It’s a great option for an early festive treat because it opens in mid-November until early December. There is a 30-45-minute circular route to explore, featuring beautiful light art installations. It’s not just super pretty; there is also an extensive kids’ program and a whole host of artists to check out. The kid-friendly acts are from 5-8pm, and then it’s the parents’ turn with additional music events taking place in the evening. There is also food and drink available in the culinary village, so you can make a night of it!
- Where: Zurich Flughafen
- Cost: Various ticket options starting from 9.60 for 4-15 year olds and 25.90 for over 16s.
- When: From 19 November – 7 December 2025
