In Zurich the Christmas tree really sings. And you want to leave!
Red capes, green branches and dozens of voices: the Singing Christmas Tree is also a tree made of people. From 19 November to 23 December 2026 a square in the heart of Zurich is once again filled with music. And the concerts are free.
Wait. Is that tree singing? You look better and a red scarf, a face, a mouth that opens with the others. Then a whole row of people. And yet another, higher. The effect is irresistible: a gigantic fir tree that, instead of just shining, begins to sing with all its voices.
The scene of the video takes us to Zurich, Switzerland, on the Werdmühleplatz, very close to Bahnhofstrasse. His name is Singing Christmas Tree. If you're already thinking about who to send the movie by writing "Can we go?" , here's what you need to know to turn that message into a little Christmas adventure.
The secret? People become the tree
The structure is a stage arranged on several levels, with the shape of a large Christmas tree and decorations of green branches. The choristers take their place on the steps: seen from the front, they seem to inhabit the fir tree from the base to the top. In the film, red hats and scarves stand out on green capes. Before even music, this image conquers you: so many people who build something beautiful together.
Then comes the song. Voices start, meet, fill the space between buildings. Walking can stop and listen. Maybe you were just planning a tour of the shops and you're there, with your phone down, waiting for the next song. This is the detail we like: an appointment able to give time to share even to those who passed by chance.
Mark dates: from 19 November to 23 December 2026
The official calendar announces the return of Singing Christmas Tree from 19 November to 23 December 2026. The square is Werdmühleplatz, in the center of Zurich, just a few minutes walk from the main station Zürich HB. Choir concerts and access to the market are free.
The video that accompanies this article tells the atmosphere of a previous edition: at the time of publication, on October 23, the Christmas season 2026 has yet to begin. The information to organize the visit comes from the website of the event and from the tourist agency of Zurich.
What time does the tree sing?
From Monday to Thursday the performances are scheduled at 17:30 and at 18:30. On Friday, an appointment is added at 19:30. On Saturdays and Sundays the choirs perform at 14:30, 15:30, 17:30 and 18:30. Each concert lasts about half an hour: enough to stop to listen and place the stop in a walk in the city.
Before leaving check on the official program the choir and appointments of the day you have chosen. If you travel with children, the afternoon shows of the weekend can be comfortable; if you dream of the evening lights, you can bet on the next performances. In both cases, it comes a little early to choose where to stop.
A place to live, between music and market
Around the tree there is the Wiehnachtsmärt, the Christmas market of Werdmühleplatz. You can combine the concert with a tour of the houses and enjoy a warm break. The programme of the area also includes a chalet dedicated to the fondue and a children's carousel: these are experiences to be evaluated apart from the concerts free of charge.
The market opens Monday to Thursday from 16 to 21, Friday from 16 to 22, Saturday from 13 to 22 and Sunday from 13 to 21. Be careful to distinguish the opening of the houses from the choir hours: finding the open market does not mean finding an ongoing performance.
How to get there without complicating the day
The reference point is Zürich HB, the central station. From there the square is reached in about five minutes on foot, heading towards the Bahnhofstrasse. The Bahnhofstrasse/HB tram stop is close to the event. It is a convenient location even if you arrive by train and want to avoid other trips for the first stop.
From Italy, check the railway connections to Zurich on the date of travel, comparing the duration, price and time of return. For a trip from Milan, above all, choose the concert you want to listen to and then build the route around that event. Coat, gloves and comfortable shoes will do the rest: listening outdoors in winter is more pleasant when you can enjoy the music without just thinking about the cold.
Christmas begins when we stop together
We are struck by the fact that it is people who give life to this tree. Everyone with his voice, his breath, his attention to others. To sing together you have to listen, find common time, leave room. And for those underneath, a melody can be enough to bring back a house, a face, a distant Christmas.
If you want to go, think about the person you want next door. A friend with whom you always send a day out. Your mom, who loves Christmas songs. Someone you want to build a new memory with. The message can be very simple: "I found a tree that sings. Will you come and listen to him with me?
