If you’re looking for a festive family outing during the holiday season, Polarzauber (formerly known as the Christkindlimarkt) at Zurich Main Station (Hauptbahnhof) is a great choice for families with children. As one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe, this Zurich Christmas market runs annually until December 24th and transforms the station into a cozy winter wonderland, with the main highlight being a large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Plan to spend at least 1–2 hours exploring this family-friendly Zurich Christmas market and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
What to expect at Polarzauber
At the heart of the market stands an iconic 10-meter (about 32-foot) Christmas tree, beautifully adorned with red Lindt chocolate balls. Kids will love watching the miniature train circling the base of the tree, carrying golden chocolate bears and creating a magical focal point for the market. With over 100 stalls, you’ll find plenty of unique gifts ranging from handmade crafts to festive decorations. This year we purchased felt unicorn and octopus ornaments made in Nepal for our kids’ Christmas tree.
Delicious food options
One of the highlights of Polarzauber is the wide range of Christmas market food options. The Greek gyros are highly recommended, as they are both tasty and filling, while churros and mini donuts are always a hit with kids. For a fun Swiss twist, try a fondue dog: a hollowed-out baguette filled with creamy fondue from Milch Manufaktur in Einsiedeln, which is also a lovely destination for a family day trip (click here for more information). For a quieter snack break, head up to the elevated seating area accessible by stairs, where you can enjoy a nice view over the bustling market. Note that seating is limited and it can be tricky for kids to stand and eat. This year there is also a festive Fondue Express wagon, where you can enjoy your meal seated while overlooking the Zurich HB Christmas market.
Family-friendly activities
Families will find several kid-friendly activities at this Zurich Christmas market. A new attraction is the Pixel Tunnel, an interactive light and sound experience for children aged 3–10 that feels like stepping into a short Christmas adventure. There is also a Kids Disco in the “Baba Noel Atelier” every Sunday from 2–4 pm in the center of the market, plus a “Polarpost” stall next to the Fondue Express where children can color and write a postcard to Santa. In previous years there was a small carousel, which was not running this year. The market can become crowded, making it challenging to navigate with a stroller, but the fact that it is indoors and offers several family-friendly activities makes it a very appealing winter outing.
Arrival and nearby Zurich Christmas markets
Because Polarzauber takes place right inside Zurich’s Hauptbahnhof, public transportation is by far the easiest way to get there, whether you arrive by train, tram, or bus. Its central location makes it easy to combine your visit with other Zurich Christmas activities, such as the Lucy Lights along Bahnhofstrasse, the Singing Christmas Tree, the Illuminarium, Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz, and the Weihnachtsmarkt at Münsterhof. Many of these Zurich Christmas markets and attractions are within walking distance or a short tram ride, so it is simple to plan a full Christmas market day in Zurich. For more detailed tips and suggested routes, you can explore additional guides on the blog.
Final thoughts
Polarzauber is a Christmas market that our family enjoys visiting every year. Its location in the main station makes it easy to access, and being indoors means you can enjoy the Zurich Christmas market experience in any weather, even on cold or rainy days. The market can get crowded and difficult to navigate, especially at peak times, but weekday afternoons are usually calmer and more manageable with kids. The large Christmas tree provides a beautiful backdrop for family photos, and each year we have fun discovering new food stalls and searching for unique gifts. With its combination of festive atmosphere, tasty food, and family-friendly activities, Polarzauber at Zurich Main Station is a memorable Christmas experience for the whole family and a must-visit stop on any Zurich Christmas markets itinerary.