We are arriving a couple of days early in Zurich before a Riverboat Christmas Market cruise beginning in late Nov. Are there any suggestions for what we must see or where we should eat during our brief stay? Would love to also know a possible venue to hear classical or Christmas music.
The Zurich main train station has the largest indoor Xmas market in Europe. This is fun, and a great option if it's raining.
There should be great food at the Zurich Xmas markets on the plaza. I think it's more fun to eat- and drink the gluwein - in the Xmas market atmosphere.
Closer to Xmas, the Zurich markets should have a website with info. Also, check out the names of the churches around the main plaza, and check their websites for music. Again, closer to Xmas, the local TI should have that info available.
Have a magical trip.
Thanks so much for the information! I so appreciate it and am grateful to know all this.
If you're into classical music, the NY Times just released this article you may find interesting. Specifically about Zurich, they say:
The Zurich Opera House’s cycle, conducted by its general music director, Gianandrea Noseda, and directed by Andreas Homoki, its artistic leader, reaches its conclusion with the premiere of “Götterdämmerung,” starring the elegant, mighty soprano Camilla Nylund as Brünnhilde and the ethereal-voiced tenor Klaus Florian Vogt as Siegfried (Nov. 5-Dec. 3).
My wife (38F) and I (36M) are headed to Zurich specifically for the premiere of Götterdämmerung because Zurich has one of the top three opera houses in Europe (Paris and London being the other two). Also playing in November is Verdi's Macbeth. Hoping to get to see it too, but time may be short to see both.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/03/arts/music/europe-opera-season.html?searchResultPosition=1
Also make sure to check out the calendar at Ton Halle:
https://www.tonhalle-orchester.ch/en/home-tz/konzerte/kalender/
I recommend these concerts:
https://www.tonhalle-orchester.ch/en/concerts/kalender/kosmos-kammermusik-julia-fischer-quartett-1747292/tz/
https://www.tonhalle-orchester.ch/en/concerts/kalender/piotr-anderszewski-spielt-beethoven-1747253/tz/
Thanks so much for this wonderful information. I will definitely explore these music venues and your recommendations. We look forward to our time in Zurich.