Chalet au Lac
Zurich’s historic Baur au Lac celebrates its 175th birthday this year with the lighting of the tallest Christmas tree in the city — which is in the hotel’s private park. The hotel, which boasts views of a lake and the Alps, opens its cozy pop-up, Chalet au Lac, in December. Guests can warm themselves in this mountain-styled cabin with fondues, hot punch, cocktails and raclette (a cheese made on both sides of the French and Swiss Alps). From Baur au Lac, meet locals selling artisanal goods and traditional winter foods at Weihnachtsdorf, one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. Also nearby: a smaller Christmas market, known as the “Singing Christmas Tree and Market,” in Werdmuhleplatz.
