Exploring Swiss Christmas Markets

We're finally out of the hotel and in our temporary apartment. Yay! Once we've unpacked our short-term shipment, I'll post a tour. For now, here's a bit about how we spent our first weekend as Swiss residents.

Switzerland is home to hundreds of Christmas Markets. Over the weekend we explored a few, beginning with the Uster Weihnachtsmarkt, just a ten minute walk from our hotel. Henry began the trip by walking, but soon shivered himself into his carrier. But that didn't stop us from enjoying some Gluhwein (mulled wine) and a snack.

Matt enjoying Gluhwein while Henry looks pathetic.

Although this looks like the nutbread my mom is famous for making, it actually tastes like a fig newton with a bit of anise.

 After a break at the hotel, we decided to try leaving Henry alone for a bit so that we could head downtown to explore Christmas markets there. We began at the Christkindli Markt in the Hauptbahnhof. This market is enourmous and includes dozens of shops selling hand made knit hats and scarves, ornaments, figurines and lots, and lots of food. It's famous for its enormous tree decked out entirely in Swarovski ornaments. Pictures can't do justice to the sparkle!

Even the walls of the train station were festively lit.

Stands with the Swarovski tree in the background.

Matt tries Gluhbier, which was very tasty.

After the Hauptbahnhof, we wandered Zurich and stumbled upon two more markets and the Singing Christmas Tree! I had heard about the Singing Christmas Tree, but hadn't planned to visit it that night. It was pure luck that we found it while wandering down the Bahnhofstrasse. Schools across Zurich sign up to participate and there are multiple performances a day. The students sang beautifully and their carols included both German and English songs, most of which were familiar to us.

 

Our walk around Zurich was a good reminder that it is Christmas, something we'd forgotten in the chaos of moving. Unfortunately, we've not had much time to think about our Christmas plans since then... hopefully we get to it before the day passes us by!