What to eat in Zurich in December: Seasonal delicacies
What to eat in Zurich in December: Seasonal delicacies
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Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is a classic Zurich style dish of sliced veal in a creamy sauce, often paired with Rösti. It reflects local restaurant cooking more than market stalls. Look for it on menus in traditional eateries around the Altstadt and central districts.
Where to get: Restauranger i Gamla stan i Zürich
Rösti
Rösti is a pan fried grated potato cake associated with Swiss German regions. In Zurich it often appears as a side to meat dishes or eggs. It is naturally gluten free and widely available in city centre restaurants and simple diners.
Where to get: Matställen i centrala Zürich
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Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is a classic Zurich style dish of sliced veal in a creamy sauce, often paired with Rösti. It reflects local restaurant cooking more than market stalls. Look for it on menus in traditional eateries around the Altstadt and central districts.
Where to get: Restauranger i Gamla stan i Zürich
Rösti
Rösti is a pan fried grated potato cake associated with Swiss German regions. In Zurich it often appears as a side to meat dishes or eggs. It is naturally gluten free and widely available in city centre restaurants and simple diners.
Where to get: Matställen i centrala Zürich
December is Zurich’s most festive month, with highs around 6°C (43°F) and lows near 0°C (32°F). The city glows with Christmas markets, children’s tram rides, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Crowds peak near the holidays, and the air is crisp and invigorating. Short daylight hours are offset by twinkling lights and the aroma of mulled wine. Book accommodation early and dress warmly to embrace Zurich’s winter magic.
Zurich in December at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 6°C
Minimum temperature: 0°C
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Daylight
Around 8 hours 29 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 8:09am
Sunset: 4:38pm
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Key events
Zurich Christmas markets, Samichlausschwimmen, Märlitram children’s tram, Zurich Opera performances December
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Crowds
Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.
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What to pack
Thermal layers, gloves, hat, waterproof boots, festive attire
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Seasonal treats
Mulled wine at markets, gingerbread cookies, roasted chestnuts, holiday pastries
Multiple Christmas markets open across Zurich from late November to just before Christmas Eve. Evenings and weekends are busiest. Weekday afternoons often feel calmer and can be better for families and slower browsing.
Samichlausschwimmen
Dates:December 6, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Floden Limmat i centrala Zürich
Cold water swim in the Limmat river, usually for registered participants in Santa outfits. Spectators line the banks briefly. If watching, bring serious winter layers and allow for short, intense crowding on the riverfront.
A reduced winter version of the lakeside flea market, with fewer stalls and shorter opening windows. Dress warmly and treat it as a brief stop between Christmas market visits rather than a full morning activity.
Märlitram children’s tram
Dates:December 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Event type:Events & programmes
Location:Märlitram avgång stopp
Seasonal children’s tram running through central Zurich in December (exact schedule TBC). Seats are limited and often require advance tickets. It is primarily oriented to families, so other travellers may simply watch departures at key stops.
December at Zurich Opera House features holiday season programming. Performances around Christmas and New Year’s Eve are especially popular. Booking long in advance gives you the widest choice of dates and seating categories.
Pre Christmas city run that weaves through central streets on a December Sunday. Road closures and spectator crowds affect movement for several hours. Runners and supporters should plan meeting points and clothing for cold, possibly damp weather.
Zurich’s New Year’s Eve celebrations centre on the lakefront with organised festivities and fireworks. Large crowds gather, and police plus transport controls are common. Arrive early, dress warmly and check the latest public transport schedules home.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Zurich in December
