Singing and Shopping in Old Town, Zürich

In the heart of Old Town Werdmuhleplatz, Zurich in December you'll see and hear this singing Christmas tree. It sings carols in English so you can sing along too. How festive, how cute, how perfect with a warm cup of spiced Gluhwein.

Old Town, Zurich on the east and west side of the River Limmat hypnotizes visitors into 14th century nostalgia. It's a labyrinth of charming alleys and alcoves, colorful window displays and commercial street artists. At night, the smell of chilly mountain air hangs over lighted Christmas decorations and shiny reflective cobblestone streets. Retail shops close early but most keep their lights on to tempt you to return during the day.

I did so on Saturday with quick stops at a several department and grocery chain stores like Globus, Manor and Migros. Here you'll affordable alternatives to fancier confectionery and conditerei shops and if good enough for the locals...

Like a battery plugged into a 220 light source, I wheeled around a grocery card in a frenetic hurry to scoop up all the sales. I bought pounds of old-fashion Strollen and Lebkuchen for Mutti, boxes of Marzipan for sis, Dad, Buzz and Carol and Swiss Tirggel, honey cookies with beautiful carvings on their surface, for friends. It's going to be a feast to remember this holiday season.

FYI: By law shops must close Monday-Friday no later than 8pm and on Saturdays by 5pm. Shops may not open on Sundays or on public holidays. Typical shopping hours are from 9am to 6.30pm (except on Saturdays). Special laws allow shops within the confines of a train station to remain open seven days a week. The same applies to shops attached to gas stations.