Professional Service Zurich - Allowme

Valentine’s Day with Allow Me

Valentine’s Day with Allow Me

As if you could fail to notice that it’s Valentine’s Day this weekend! While many of us want to show our loved one how much we care, it’s sometimes hard to find original and thoughtful ways to spoil that special someone while avoiding traditional clichés. Why not let Allow Me organise a unique Valentine’s day that you and your partner will never forget? Whether that be a weekend skiing in the mountains, a romantic boat trip on the lake, an unforgettable dinner at home or a night out in the city – Allow Me can organise a tailored day to suit all your needs.

Fancy a weekend away in the mountains?

Valentine’s Day with Allowme

Klosters last weekend in the sun….

With all the resorts boasting amazing snow conditions why not escape for a lovely day trip to nearby resorts such as Klosters/Davos, Andermatt or Lenzerheide? Allow Me can recommend romantic hotels, incredible restaurants, top rated ski guides and much more. With some great powder to be find almost everywhere it’s a weekend you don’t really want to miss out on (although with the snow pack being not as stable as it normally is we highly recommend that if you are skiing off piste you take a guide). In certain resorts we offer a bespoke picnic in the snow which would be an unforgettable way of spending Valentine’s Day. If the evenings are more your scene how about drinking champagne in a horse-drawn sledge being driven around the village or even en route to a tranquil restaurant with a burning log fire? Allow Me can make almost anything happen so please get in contact with us so that we can tailor your mountain break to your specific needs.

Valentine’s Day with Allowme in Zurich

Zurich is such a beautiful old city and has a wealth of hidden gems beyond the usual tourist traps. The old town is awash with romantic restaurants and amazing bars that sometimes you only find through personal recommendations. If you really want to treat your loved one why not head to the Dolder Grand where on Valentine’s Day they are offering a number of special deals including a Valentine’s Day brunch, wonderful meals in their Michelin starred restaurant or even a pampering day in their incredible spa. If you are more of a morning person you could go for a romantic brunch, check out Quai61, Café des Amis, Volkshaus or for a more healthy option, Hiltl. You could also indulge in the British tradition of afternoon tea at one of Switzerland’s most iconic, luxury hotels, the Baur au Lac. For more ideas on our favorite places to go in Zurich feel free to contact Allow Me

Valentine’s Day with Allowme

A great view walking along the Albis ridge

As well as eating out, Zurich has many attractions. One of my favourite weekend activities is  wandering through the old town, taking in the churches of Fraumünster (don’t miss the windows designed by Marc Chagall) and Grossmünster (the largest church in Zurich, where you can visit the crypt – maybe not so romantic –  and climb up the tower), then checking out the Bahnhofstrasse for window shopping (and people watching). If it’s rainy you can take shelter in one of the many museums (Kunsthaus for art and Landesmuseum for history are the most famous), or even visit the zoo including its unique covered rainforest hall and elephant viewing area. In good weather, nothing beats a  romantic boat trip on the lake to take in the breathtaking views of the snowcapped alps and maybe stop at one of the towns for lunch – top tip, nip into a supermarket on your way, and you can sneak a small bottle of champagne or prosecco and some paper cups to enjoy some bubbles on the upper deck. If you are looking for a more energetic way to spend your day in Zurich then why not take a walk up to Uetilberg and hike along the Albis ridge towards Adliswil, which takes between one and two hours. Forested trails weave between panoramic countryside, views of the lake of Zurich and the alps ahead and there are some lovely restaurants for a spot of lunch during your hike or even better, have a romantic picnic in the woods. At Adliswil, the Felsenegg cablecar will take you down, or there is a steep trail you can walk down. Five minutes beyond the cablecar station, there is a lovely restaurant with a terrace overlooking the view for some well-deserved coffee and homemade apple strudel after the walk. 

In Zurich the possibilities are endless and with a little bit of imagination, you will be able to have an unforgettable valentines day.

And finally… Instead of buying flowers for your loved one, why not order some unique cupcakes with a personal message from Oh Sweetest Thing? I often find in love it’s the smallest personal gestures that provide the most happiness.

If you have any questions or you would like Allow Me to help you organise your Valentine’s Day please get in contact. I hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day, I will be making sure that I spoil my Fiancée rotten…….

Christmas in Zurich

Christmas in Zurich with Allowme concierge service

While it does feel a bit early to be writing about Christmas,  we are now half-way through November, most of the ski resorts have opened and we can see snow on the mountains and I can definitely feel the Christmas spirit coming alive, so perhaps it’s time to divulge a few Zurich Christmas secrets.

Zurich is a beautiful city during the Christmas period with Christmas markets, Sunday sales and night shopping as well as less traditional events like light swimming and advent concerts so I though I would give you a little run down.

Allow Me concierge service can assist in your Christmas shopping whether it be for presents or food shopping for your Christmas entertaining so please get in contact to see what we can offer you. Along with helping with your shopping, catering private meals or drinks parties, we can also help organise your Christmas parties and corporate events.

Zurich Christmas Markets

Concierge service-Zurich

Zurich Christmas Markets

Christmas market in the Niederdorf : The oldest Christmas market in Zurich is held every year in the “lower village” in old town. The market stalls are located next to central Niederdorfstrasse.  The Zurich Christmas market during advent season is a must in this picture perfect location of cobbled streets, even if it’s just a stroll to see all the market stands and to taste the mulled wine.

Opening times: 28th November  – 23rd December
Monday to Saturday: 11.00 to 20.00
Sunday: 11.00 to 18.00

Address: Niederdorfstrasse, 8001 Zurich

Christkindlimarkt in Central StationThis is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. Over 150 stalls, mulled wine and a 15 meter high Christmas tree decorated in Swarovski crystals transform Zurich main station to a winter wonderland.

Opening times: 20th November – 24th December
Sunday to Wednesday: 11.00 to 21.00
Thursday to Saturday: 11.00 to 22.00

Address: Hauptbahnhof  Zurich, 8001 Zurich

Christmas Carols and market: The market at Werdmuhleplatz is the youngest market in the city. On a beautifully decorated stage in the form of a Christmas tree daily evening concerts from choirs from the region make it feel like Christmas every day. Again this is a market not to be missed.

Opening times: 20th November – 23rd December
Monday to Friday: 16.00 to 21.00
Saturday and Sunday: 13.00 to 21.00

Address: Werdmuhleplatz, 8001 Zurich

Christmas Market Europe Allee: With around 40 decorated cabins, fondue hut, pyramid bar and Christmas tree sales this is a very good starting point for your advent evening. The market is located adjacent to the main station Zurich and along the avenue Europe and the Europe Allee passage.

Opening times: 24th November – 24th December
Monday to Friday: 11.00 to 19.00
Saturday: 11.00 to 18.00
Sunday: Open November 30th, December 7th and December 21st – 11.00 to 18.00

Christmas Shopping

Christmas lights and Night Shopping: On the 20th November the pre-Christmas shopping starts with the switching on of the Christmas lights at Bahnhofstrasse at 18.00 and then night shopping till 22.00.  Night shopping should not be missed on the 20th as many shops have festive events either inside or outside which include free mulled wine, concerts and other festive events.

To find out what shops are open please click on this link: http://shopping-in-the-city.ch/weristdabei

Sunday sales in Advent: On 3 Sundays many shops in the centre of Zurich are open. The dates for these are:

Sunday, 30th November – 11.00 to 18.00
Sunday 7th December – 11.00 to 18.00
Sunday 21st December – 11.00 to 18.00

To find out what shops are open please click on this link: http://shopping-in-the-city.ch/sunday/weristdabei

New Year Shopping: Even though the 2nd of January is a holiday in Zurich many of the shops are open in the city.  The shops will close at 20.00 on the 2nd.

To find out what shops are open please click on this link: http://shopping-in-the-city.ch/newyear/weristdabei

Events

Unique events make Christmas magical in Zurich. There are Christmas events on almost every day from the 20th November till the New Year.

Christmas Circus Conelli: 21th November – 4th January

Top acrobatics, poetry, comedy and musical delights make this a must visit event with the family, friends and loved ones.

http://www.circus-conelli.ch/

Christmas Procession: 30th November at 17.00

The procession travels from Werdmuhleplatz to Buerkliplatz. The parade celebrates the arrival of “Santa Claus”. The parade is led by a bishop with many children dressed up as Santa’s helpers.

Zurich Silvesterlauf: 14th December at 12.00

For those who like to keep fit (and stave off the effects of the mince pies) before the festive season really starts this is the perfect event. A traditional fun run though the old town of Zurich. Various distances ranging from 1.4 to 8.6 km are available. http://www.silvesterlauf.ch/

Floating Candles: 18th December at 18.00

Floating candles are sent from Stadthausquai on a Christmas journey. At Weinplatz, Zurich tourism offers guests warm punch and something sweet between 17.00 and 19.00.

Christmas Nativity: 28th November to 4th January.
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday – 10.00 to 17.00

The national museum in Zurich presents a selection of nativity scenes. This is very popular with parents as its great entertainment for the kids.  The event happens at the Swiss National Museum, Museum Street 2, 8001 Zurich.

Santa Claus swim: 7th December – 14.00 to 15.00 at Zurich Schiffslande

This is the 2nd largest winter swim in Switzerland and is limited to 350 entries so book early to get your place. hallo@limmatschwimmen.ch

Heaven on Earth: 19th November – 31st December
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 20.00 to 22.30

The show offers a unique spectacle in a beautiful atmosphere. You will experience a spectacle of music, acrobatics, sex appeal and humour.  The show takes place on the open racetrack in Zurich Oerlikon. Thurgauerstrasse 2, 8050 Zurich.

The Ten Tenors Christmas Tour: 18th December – 21st December.
18th, 19th, 20th – 19.30 to 21.30
21st – 17.00 to 19.00

Christmas in the style of The Ten Tenors – an experience that one should not miss. The concert takes part at: Theater 11, Thurgauerstrasse 7, 8050 Zurich

I hope that gives you a good insight into the goings on in Zurich during the Christmas break, particularly if you have friends and family to entertain.

If Allow Me “concierge service in Zurich” can help you in any way during the busy festive Christmas period then please get in touch. Have a great week and thanks for reading.