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Heiliger Bimbam design market. Photo: © Montagsmarkt
Wiehnachtsmarkt. Photo: © Eddymotion
W I N T E R D E S T I N AT I O N S W I T Z E R L A N D
Far from the shopping crowd
Wienachtsdorf – a place for Christmas romantics
Taking place in Zurich’s Old Town for the third time, the innovative concept of the Wienachtsdorf at Bellevue square opens its doors again this year. A musical Advent calendar, graceful ice princesses, enchanting storytellers and inventive culinary delights bring multiple joys for guests small and tall. TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI
On the artificial ice rink, winter fans happily draw their rounds while the mythical characters and magicians at the Villa Zaubernuss (magic nut villa) draw the attention of the small visitors and enchant them with fairy tales, humour and costumes. The Wienachtsdorf with its accompanying events is designed for tourists as well as Zurich citizens. From 23 November to 23 December, the Wienachtsdorf Christmas market in front 64 | Issue 57 | December 2017
of the Zurich opera house will assemble more than 100 huts to form a cozy village, complete with named corners and alleyways. Open to all, an after work ‘glöggli’ mulled wine, a special fondue dinner or a simple stroll through enchanted alleyways and illuminated huts with special treats can be enjoyed far from the shopping crowd. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, an artfully clothed person on stilts may cross your path, offering a heartwarming “welcome!”.
The special magnetism of this market lies within its concept of being not only a place to look for and buy Christmas presents but also to experience a unique signature atmosphere, also found at connected Christmas events such as the ILLUMINARIUM light and sound festival, the eclectic ‘Heiliger Bimbam!’ design market, and the ‘Fräulein Holle Fondue Chalet’. Opening its huts, chalets, ice rink and carousel all at the same time, at 5pm on 23 November, this year’s Wienachtsdorf event will even feature a special for the kids: The ‘Elfs’ village’ is a pocket-sized Christmas market, established on the opera house terrace, especially designed for children to play and create their own version of a Weihnachtsmarkt.