Zürcher Kerzenziehen am Hechtplatz
Visitors dip prepared wicks into pots of warm, fragrant beeswax to build up their own candles layer by layer. Hosted in large pagoda tents, the event provides a calm, meditative craft experience amidst the pre-Christmas bustle. Participants learn the rhythm of dipping, cooling, and shaping the warm wax so the finished candles stand straight.
What to Expect
Hand-dipping beeswax candles in festive pagoda tents on Hechtplatz.
Event Details
Duration
2 hours.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Hechtplatz
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Stiftung Zürcher Kerzenziehen
Food & Drink
For school-class visits, Punsch (CHF 2.20) and Gipfeli (CHF 1.80) can be requested in advance for the class snack.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and hands-on candle-making fans
Vibe
Calm, festive, hands-on
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: School classes: Fr. 4.60 per 100 grams (instead of Fr. 5.40).
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Book school or group mornings as early as you can by phone or email, because the reserved weekday slots are already largely booked up.
- If you bring a class, arrive on time and keep to your agreed slot, since up to four classes are introduced each morning in half-hour intervals.
- Teachers should bring a class list showing each child's candle cost, so you can pay the total at the till and collect from pupils later.
- Allow around two hours, because candle dipping has a patient rhythm of dipping and cooling, and each pass adds only one thin layer of wax.
- Dress warmly, since the event runs in tents on Hechtplatz in winter and the organizers note it can get cold there.
Special Events & Promotions
- School classes and groups can reserve weekday morning sessions before public opening, with a staff introduction to candle making.
- School classes pay a reduced rate per 100 grams of wax.
- Classes can order punch and Gipfeli for their break if they ask in advance.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can school classes or groups book a session?
Yes. Classes and groups can reserve early weekday mornings before public opening, with an introduction from staff. Most slots are already booked, so arrange a time by phone or email. Groups such as company outings can also come during regular hours by emailing info@zuercherkerzenziehen.ch, but other visitors will be in the tent then too.
How does the candle dipping work?
You dip a wick into warm, liquid beeswax and let it cool, then straighten it while it is still warm. Repeat, and each dip adds one more layer. At the end you trim off the cone that forms at the bottom and roll the cut edge on a smooth plate so the candle stands straight.
How long should we allow?
Plan about two hours in the candle pavilion.
Is there anything to eat for school groups?
Classes can order punch and Gipfeli for their morning break if they ask ahead.
Can I help out at the event?
Yes. Staff are recruited every year. Shifts are long, it can get cold on Hechtplatz, and the pay is modest, but helpers support an event that has backed social causes since it started in 1969.
More Christmas Events Near Zürich
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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.