Cultural Advent calendar

If you fancy some spontaneous Christmas magic, all you have to do is go into the city. For example, take a stroll under the lights on Bahnhofstrasse. The Illuminarium in the courtyard of the National Museum puts on wonderful winter light shows to accompany a fondue and cocktails. The Christmas markets are a hive of activity with mulled wine and specialities from all over the world. The Advent concert "The Singing Christmas Tree" takes place daily on Werdmühleplatz and Bürkliplatz is the venue for the traditional candle-making event. A popular place to skate a few laps on the ice in a festive atmosphere is the Dolder artificial ice rink with a huge, lavishly decorated Christmas tree in the centre of the ice rink. We wish you a wonderful Advent!

During the entire Advent season, the opera house, together with the artists of the Philharmonia Zurich, the Orchestra Academy and the International Opera Studio, offers a 15-minute musical Advent window every day.

The magical winter story "The Snow Queen" about friendship and courage, with lots of ice and glitter.

A Sunday theatre event for the whole family! And because it's the first Advent, the classic fairy tale "Cinderella" by the Brothers Grimm will be performed.

This year, the traditional nativity scene exhibition focuses on the three kings, also known as astrologers, magi or wise men. Where do they come from, what is their role in the nativity play and what precious gifts do they bring with them?

The Zurich Fairytale Theatre traditionally performs "Night Fairytales for Adults" during Advent. Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs in a hilarious production by Erich Vock & Hubert Spiess.

It's St Nicholas' Eve and St Nicholas with his little chocolate and Santa's sack is a must!

A musical Advent evening with Jochen Schaible and his soulful Christmas melodies, songs and humorous anecdotes.

An organ concert played on the historic Kuhn organ (1914) from St Anton Zurich. Tobias Horn plays works by Max Reger and Josef Rheinberger, among others.

The Zurich Boys' Choir's big Christmas concert with music by Joseph Haydn.

As every year, Ritterhaus Bubikon organises the traditional Christmas market in the courtyard of the Ritterhaus and shines with Advent magic for the whole family.

A tragic film without dramatic contortions about a Romanian father whose affair breaks up the family idyll just before Christmas.

The Kunst Museum Winterthur's Advent event with tandem, chai and biscuits

A gift exchange in collaboration with the sellers of the Surprise street magazine, who bring the stories and memories surrounding the donated gifts to life on stage.

An exhilarating and sensual evening with a spectacular 4-course menu, acrobatics, comedy and an extremely charming service crew.

The Stöckenweid Foundation's Christmas tent is a magically decorated place! The gift items are all sustainably produced and some come from the foundation's workshops.

The Christmas marquee

Crafting fun for the whole family: folding and making stars and paper decorations

The Christmas story by Charles Dickens, read by Daniel Rohr and Klaus Hemmerle, accompanied by the contemplative, spherical sound of Sascha Bendiks.

The ballet "The Nutcracker" by Tchaikovsky is a classic among Advent events and is considered a masterpiece of ballet dance.

An opera experience for the youngest opera guests. Stories from children's books told with music and song.

The "Gospel Magic" concert by the cult choir "The Jackson Singers" literally sweeps the audience away with its overwhelming energy and joie de vivre.

A special tour of the Urania observatory on the theory and possible origin of the Christmas star, explained using astronomy.

The swinging Christmas concert for the whole family! With classics by Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett, played by the band around Raphael Jost.

A warm, welcoming place for anyone who wants to come. A celebration with fine food, music and dancing and conversations until the middle of the night.