Illustration of two skaters in red coats and knitted hats on a small ice rink beside a snowman, trees and a glowing hut (Zürcher Silvesterlauf)
Other Christmas Activities

Zürcher Silvesterlauf

Participants race through the festively decorated streets of Zurich's Old Town across diverse formats ranging from family runs and costumed fun runs to competitive and elite races. Spectators line the course along the Limmat to cheer on runners and enjoy live music, interviews, and award ceremonies at the stage on Stadthausanlage. The event village also features an expo market with sports gear, activities, food stands, and warm holiday punch.

Sun, Dec 13, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Food & Drink

Food stands and warm holiday punch are offered at the event village, and finishers receive a Powerade drink and a Migros snack.

Parking

Öffentliche Verkehrsmittel, Fahrrad oder zu Fuss werden empfohlen; Parkmöglichkeiten in Zürich sind begrenzt.

Accessibility

Athletes with disabilities can participate with a guide in almost all categories, though wheelchair users must use standard everyday wheelchairs with an accompanying guide.

Pets

Hunde sind auf der Laufstrecke nicht gestattet.

Location

Innenstadt Zürich · Zürich 8001 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and runners of all abilities

Vibe

Festive and energetic

Energy Level

High

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Register for a race category in advance; registration for the 50th Zürcher Silvesterlauf is open.
  • Collect your start number at Migros City before the run, since participants who do not collect it are not entitled to the participant gifts, presents or medals.
  • Use public transport, a bicycle or walk to the event, as parking in Zurich is limited.
  • Bring enough fluids for during and after the run, as participants are advised to stay hydrated.
  • If running with a child, agree on a marked meeting point after the finish; matching symbols appear on the child’s start number and at the meeting points.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Early registrants can get discounted starting places through September 1.
  • Run for Fun participants can win prizes for the most original costumes; the five most original participants in each category (individuals and teams) receive prizes.
  • Participants earn Cumulus points for each kilometer completed.
  • The 50th-anniversary edition features a newly composed event song that will be part of the event each year.

Links & Contact

Run by Zürich Tourismus

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What race formats are available?

The program includes family runs, a costumed Run for Fun, a Pink Ribbon Charity Run, Volkslauf categories and elite races.

Can spectators join in any activities?

Visitors are welcome to take part in the warm-up at the start area.

What should runners know about course rules?

Dogs, headphones, Nordic-walking poles and private accompaniment on foot or wheels are not allowed on the course.

Where do runners collect their start numbers?

Collect start numbers at the Migros City collection point on Löwenstrasse. Groups can have one representative pick up a group envelope at a separate counter.

What facilities and refreshments are available for participants?

Changing rooms and lockers are in the Silvesterlauf-Dörfli. After finishing, participants receive a drink and snack; mobile toilets are at the start lineup and in the village.

Browse Christmas in Zurich

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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