Is everything closed in Zurich on Christmas?

Almost everything is closed in Zurich on Christmas Day (Dec 25) and Boxing Day (Dec 26), including shops, supermarkets, and museums, as these are public holidays. The city becomes very quiet, with some restaurants open but requiring reservations. Public transport operates on a Sunday/holiday schedule.

Is Zurich a good place to visit for Christmas?

Zurich is one of the best places to be in Switzerland for Christmas! In this video, let me take you around the city and show you some of the most magical things to do in Zurich at Christmas time, from stunning Lucy lights, epic lighting displays, the best christmas markets to visit in the city, to where to eat and stay.

Is everything closed on Christmas Day in Switzerland?

Shops are closed only for the actual Christmas days 25-26, and the new year (1st). The rest of the days most things operate normally. Most restaurants are open during Christmas but most likely require reservations beforehand.

Are shops closed on 24 December?

Restaurants, pubs and more to visit in the capital. London will be eerily silent on Christmas Day because most shops, restaurants and transportation services will be closed. Planning is therefore essential if you need to buy something or eat in the capital.

What do Swiss people do on Christmas Day?

Weihnachten—Christmas Day in Switzerland

With mountain snowfall in abundance, Christmas Day begins the winter sports season. Many head for ski resorts and or mountain chalets to try their hand at tobogganing, skiing, ice skating, Nordic skiing and bobsledding. Many chilly evenings conclude with delicious fondue.

Christmas Markets in Zurich: All You Need To Know

Is Christmas a big deal in Switzerland?

Sparkling lights, enticing scents, Christmas music, and a fairytale atmosphere: Christmas in Switzerland is truly magical. Stroll through Christmas markets, enjoy mulled wine or fondue, and be enchanted by festive lights – holiday experiences that delight both young and old.

What to do on Christmas Day in Switzerland?

Our most recommended Switzerland Christmas activities

• From Colmar: Christmas Markets Across 3 Borders. ...
• Ticket for the FLOW light show in Zurich. ...
• Zurich Christmas Market Tour. ...
• Interlaken: Night Sledding & Fondue Dinner with Guide. ...
• Montreux: Snowshoe Trek with Fondue and Wine. ...
• Switzerland: Private Sledging Day Tour.

Is everything closed on December 26th?

You should check your local store's opening hours, but in general you should assume: almost all stores will be shut on Christmas Day. Aldi, Lidl, M&S and most Waitrose shops will also close on Boxing Day. Other chains have reduced hours.

What is allowed to open on Christmas Day?

On Christmas Day, small shops (under 280 sq meters), petrol stations, pharmacies, and businesses in airports/rail stations/motorway services, plus hospitality venues (restaurants, pubs, takeaways), are generally allowed to open in the UK, while large supermarkets and high-street stores (over 280 sq meters) must remain closed in England and Wales due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004. However, many smaller businesses and hospitality venues choose to close to give staff the holiday, so checking local times is always best. 

Is 25 and 26 December a public holiday?

UK bank holidays between 2025 and 2026

There are two remaining bank holiday dates in 2025: 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day. 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day.

What is the most Christmassy town in Switzerland?

Montreux is one of the ultimate Christmas villages in Switzerland. It's set in a gorgeous location, on the shores of Lake Geneva at the foot of the snowy Alps. Plus, the city holds the biggest Christmas Market in the country.

Is 26 December a holiday in Switzerland?

Yes, Christmas in Switzerland—celebrated on December 25—is a public holiday in all cantons. Many cantons also observe St. Stephen's Day (December 26) as an additional day off.

Is Zurich Christmas Market worth it?

Zurich is wonderfully festive in the Advent season. Lights shine all around, while the delightful scents of mulled wine, melting raclette, sweet waffles, and other treats drift from the market stalls.

Is anything open in Zurich on Christmas Day?

On the 24th many shops are still open, but close a bit earlier than usual (around 4 or 5 PM). On the 25th and the 26th, shops are closed aside from the shops at the airport and at train stations.

Is 3 days in Zurich enough?

From hidden graffiti art in the picturesque Old Town to Swiss delicacies in authentic restaurants, to a chocolate tour at the Lindt Home of Chocolate – 3 days in Zurich offer the ideal opportunity to experience the city in all its diversity.

How cold is Zurich at Christmas?

Zurich in December at a glance

Average temperatures range from around 32°F to 41°F (0°C to 5°C). December is cold and festive, with the city often adorned with holiday lights and decorations. Snowfall is possible, adding to the magical winter atmosphere that envelops Zurich during this time.

Will any shops be open on Christmas Day?

No, almost all major shops and supermarkets in the UK are closed on Christmas Day due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004, which mandates closures for large retailers, but smaller convenience stores, petrol station shops, and some pharmacies (like CVS in the US) may have limited hours or stay open, so checking locally is key. 

What can I do on Christmas Day?

Christmas Day activities range from relaxing at home with movies, games, baking, and gift opening to getting out for winter walks, attending services, enjoying festive city tours (like London's lights), visiting historic homes decorated for the season, or catching a ballet like The Nutcracker. Volunteering, like helping at a community meal for the elderly, offers a meaningful alternative.
 

What is normally open on Christmas Day?

Several national restaurant chains usually operate on Christmas Day, though hours vary by location. Commonly open options include Starbucks, McDonald's, IHOP, Waffle House, Dunkin', Denny's, Krispy Kreme and select fast-food chains. Many locations run shorter hours, so checking online before heading out is key.

Are shops closed on 25th December?

Christmas Day in London FAQs

London stores on London Oxford Street are generally closed on Christmas Day due to legal reasons. However, you might find some smaller independent shops that are open as well as some convenience shops.

Is December 26 a working holiday?

Dec. 26 declared special non-working day | Philippine News Agency.

What shops are allowed to open on Christmas Day?

Shops are responsible for determining if they meet the criteria to trade. Businesses permitted to trade include dairies, petrol stations, pharmacies, restaurants or cafes, hairdressers, and barbers. Farmers and crafts markets also fall into this category, provided they meet certain conditions.

Where is the most Christmassy place in Switzerland?

Montreux, another lovely city on Lake Geneva, hosts one of the most popular, and largest, Switzerland Christmas markets. Over 160 stalls are set up along the lakeside promenade, selling typical dishes and handcrafted gifts. Elves' Square is a must-visit for those with children.

Does Zurich have Xmas markets?

Zurich, Switzerland

The sweet aromas of roasted chestnuts float around the plazas, leading to one of Zurich's many Christmas markets. Perfect for Christmas shopping, each market offers a variety of handcrafted goods to browse and glühwein and delicious cuisine to combat the winter chill.

Do Swiss trains run on Christmas Day?

Swiss public transport operates normally on Christmas, so you shouldn't face issues traveling then. Check the specific public holiday schedules for the cantons you are visiting to stay informed about any closures.