Hotels near Singing Christmas Tree

Every Advent, a tree-shaped stage on Werdmühleplatz becomes the Singing Christmas Tree, with school, church and community choirs standing on its tiers to sing carols to the crowd below. Several short performances usually take place each day, especially in the evenings and at weekends, and they are free to watch. With the singers lit up against the dark, it is one of Zurich's most charming December traditions.

December also brings Zurich's own festive customs. On 6 December, Samichlaus (Saint Nicholas) visits children, and bakeries sell Grittibänz, sweet bread shaped like little men, and Tirggel, thin honey biscuits pressed with pictures, a Zurich speciality for centuries. Both make good edible souvenirs to pick up on the way to the square.

Pro Tip: Check the performance schedule online and arrive 10 minutes early for a spot close to the tree, with a hot drink from a nearby stall to keep warm.