Zürcher Weihnachtsallee

Right next to Zürich main station, Europaallee turns into a winter street for five weeks. Around 80 stalls line the avenue, and the line-up changes every week, so a second visit is never the same as the first: handmade crafts, design pieces and a Local Christmas Shopping corner for gifts you won't find in the shops on Bahnhofstrasse.

Come hungry. Stands serve specialties from near and far, with lunch deals at midday. At the Fondue Chalet on Gustav-Gull-Platz, cheese classics come with wine and something stronger to finish, and you can book a table ahead. The Glühstube on Europaplatz pours mulled wine late into the evening and hosts DJ nights, workshops and a decorated karaoke bar.

New this year: dip your own beeswax candles. On the four Advent weekends a Mini-Markt adds extra stalls from 11:00.

Getting there is easy: walk over from Zürich HB or take the tram to Kanonengasse. There's no parking. Payment is mostly cashless, and top-up cards are available on site.