Illuminarium light festival at the Landesmuseum

Every winter the courtyard of the Landesmuseum, right next to Zürich main station, turns into a light and music festival. Illuminarium is back for its ninth edition, and the courtyard itself is free to enter: wander the Piazza food corner for street food, warm up at the outdoor bars, or settle into the Fondue Chalet (book ahead). From 19:00 DJs play at ILLU.DANCE until midnight, and on Sundays children get their own free disco from 15:00.

The heart of the festival is three 25-minute light shows projected onto the museum, made by the artist collective PROJEKTIL. Yuki's Arctic Christmas and Yuki's Pixel Zoo Jungle, made with Zoo Zürich, are aimed at families early in the evening. From 20:00, Art x Electronica turns works by Paul Klee into digital art every half hour. The shows need a ticket and seats are limited, so book ahead; early-bird tickets are cheaper.

Good to know: payment is cashless only, dogs are welcome until 20:00, and from Thursday to Saturday after 20:00 entry is 21+. The light shows aren't suitable for people sensitive to flashing light. Closed on 24 and 25 December.

Getting there: two minutes' walk from Zürich HB, or tram to Bahnhofquai/HB.