Christmas Market Dörfli in the Niederdorf

Billed as Zürich's oldest Christmas market, the Weihnachtsdörfli fills the lanes of the Niederdorf, the old town between Central and Bellevue. Around 70 decorated huts are spread over the squares and side streets, from Häringsplatz and Hirschenplatz along Niederdorfstrasse to Stüssihofstatt, Zwingliplatz and up to the Grossmünster. More than 200 shops in the old town stay open alongside.

It's a market to wander rather than walk through. Expect crafts and gifts next to stalls selling mulled wine, punch, raclette, crêpes, sweets and food from around the world. In the courtyard of the Rosenhof, Pink Noël adds its own corner, and groups can book the terrace by the Grossmünster.

The programme goes beyond shopping: fire shows in the Dörfli, concerts and theatre in the old-town churches, Taizé evenings, a light labyrinth in the Predigerkirche at the start of December and story afternoons for children.

Getting there: walk up from Central or Bellevue, both well served by tram. There's no parking in the old town.