Savory Swiss Treats at the Food Court

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Many visitors love the hearty cheese fondue served in the cozy wooden fondue chalet. You should book a table in advance to ensure you have a place to sit. Check the Illuminarium Zürich light show 2026 schedule before you make your own dinner plans. Sharing a pot of fondue with friends is a classic Swiss winter tradition for everyone.

There are also international options like gourmet burgers made with high quality local Swiss beef. These burgers often feature fresh toppings and specialty sauces for a very unique flavor. Prices for these main dishes usually range from 18 to 25 CHF per person. Vegetarian and vegan burger options are also available at several different stalls this year.

Warm Winter Drinks to Stay Cozy

Glühwein is the most popular drink found at the event during the winter season. This hot mulled wine smells like fresh cinnamon and cloves in the cold air. It costs about 7 to 9 CHF for a warm cup of this wine. You can choose between traditional red or white wine versions at most drink stalls.

For children, the non-alcoholic punch is a great choice for a sweet evening treat. It is served hot and full of fruity flavors that everyone will surely enjoy. This makes the Illuminarium worth it for families who visit the beautiful city of Zürich. It keeps the little ones warm while they watch the amazing light shows outside.

Hot chocolate is another favorite for visitors of all ages during the cold nights. You can add a large dollop of whipped cream or sweet marshmallows on top. Some stalls offer premium Swiss chocolate for a much richer and more decadent taste. It is a perfect treat to enjoy while walking through the glowing museum courtyard.

Sweet Delights and Festive Snacks

Freshly made crepes are a staple food item at the Illuminarium market every year. You can choose classic fillings like Nutella, cinnamon, or simple white powdered sugar. They are prepared right in front of you on a hot circular iron plate. A standard sweet crepe costs between 8 and 12 CHF depending on your toppings.

Warm waffles with powdered sugar are also very popular among the younger visitors here. The sweet scent of baking dough fills the entire courtyard of the National Museum. These snacks are perfect for eating between the different light show performances each night. They provide a quick energy boost for more exploring in the cold winter weather.

Look for stalls selling roasted chestnuts which are known locally as "Heissi Marroni." This is a classic snack found at many Zürich winter events 2026 this festive season. They are healthy, warm, and very easy to carry in a small paper bag. A small bag of chestnuts usually costs around 6 CHF at the food stalls.

Practical Tips for Food and Drinks Available at Illuminarium Zürich

The food court opens daily starting at 5:00 PM for all hungry festival visitors. It stays very busy until late in the evening during the peak weekend times. Arrive early to avoid the longest food lines at the most popular market stalls. This gives you plenty of time to eat before your scheduled light show starts.

Most food stalls accept major credit cards and mobile payments for your convenience here. However, carrying some cash in Swiss Francs is always a very good idea too. Small vendors might prefer coins or small bills for much quicker and easier transactions. It helps keep the lines moving faster for everyone waiting in the cold air.

You do not need a ticket to enter the food court and bar area. Entry to the culinary village is free for everyone visiting the National Museum courtyard. Be sure to buy Illuminarium Zürich tickets online to see the magical lights this winter. Dress warmly since most of the dining and drinking areas are located outdoors today.