Welcome to our VOX Cultural Digest, Issue N. 44!
As November approaches, the cool autumn air brings a blend of cosy indoor relaxation and thrilling outdoor activities. This month is brimming with captivating cultural events, lively Christmas markets, and enjoyable family-friendly experiences to keep you entertained.
Why not use the darker evenings to sharpen your language skills? Our 15-minute WhatsApp lessons make practising easy, or you can deepen your knowledge with one of our friendly, small-group courses at VOX-Sprachschule. It’s the perfect time to learn something new!
VOX Quiz:
🗣️1. Which language shares some similarities with English and German due to historical influences?
a) Portuguese
b) Dutch
c) Hungarian
d) Arabic
🇨🇭2. Which Swiss mountain range is home to the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps?
a) Jura Mountains
b) Pennine Alps
c) Bernese Alps
d) Lepontine Alps
(Keep scrolling for the answer)
BUSINESS & TECH
Startup Nights 2024
Get ready for Startup Nights 2024 – a place to connect with startup enthusiasts, investors, influential figures, and students searching for career opportunities. You’ll have the chance to explore the innovative solutions of 120 startups from diverse sectors and directly engage with their founders.
WHEN > 31 October – 1 November
WHERE > Eulachhallen, Winterthur
FILM FESTIVALS
International Short Film Festival
Don’t miss Switzerland’s largest short film festival, showcasing an impressive lineup of international shorts. It’s a unique chance to discover emerging filmmakers and explore diverse storytelling techniques across genres.
WHEN > 5 – 10 November
WHERE > Winterthur
FAMILY FUN
Christmas in Montreux
Bring the whole family to experience the festive magic at Christmas in Montreux, one of Europe’s most enchanting holiday markets. With beautifully decorated chalets, delicious treats, and crafts, it’s an event for all ages.
WHEN > 21 November – 24 December
WHERE > Montreux
Zurich with Children
Explore a paradise of family adventures in Zurich, where culture, nature, and city life converge. Zurich boasts numerous cultural attractions and abundant green spaces, including public pools, parks, and the picturesque Uetliberg, making it an ideal destination for outdoor fun.
WHEN > year-round
WHERE > various locations in Zurich
HOLIDAY SEASON
Christmas Lights & Night Shopping
Kick off the holiday season in Zurich with the stunning Christmas lighting ceremony, which marks the beginning of the pre-Christmas period, followed by a festive Night Shopping experience.
WHEN > 21 November
WHERE > various locations in Zurich
Christmas Markets
Zurich’s Christmas markets create a magical atmosphere, full of festive cheer and cosy activities. Wander through beautifully lit streets and experience the delightful scents of mulled wine, cinnamon, and festive treats.
WHEN > 21 November
WHERE > various locations in Zurich
MUSEUMS
Swiss Museum of Transport
Explore the wonders of Swiss mobility history at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne. This interactive museum showcases the evolution of transport via road, rail, water, air, and space.
WHEN > open daily year-round
WHERE > Lucerne
Swissminiatur
Swissminiatur in Melide, Switzerland offers a captivating experience where language learners can explore the country’s diverse regions through meticulously crafted miniatures and practice their language skills in German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
WHEN > until 5 November 2023
WHERE > Melide
Novartis Campus Tour
Discover the innovative Novartis Campus in Basel, where cutting-edge architecture meets groundbreaking pharmaceutical research. The tour offers insights into the company’s history and global impact. Guided tours provide an exclusive look into one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical hubs.
WHEN > year-round
WHERE > Basel
Greisinger Museum
The Greisinger Museum, welcomes enthusiasts into the fantastical world of Middle-earth. Home to the world’s largest and most significant collection dedicated to Middle-earth, the Greisinger Collection features a fascinating range of art, literature, and collectables.
WHEN > open year-round
WHERE > Jenins
Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum
Ever tried living as the people did in the early days? Imagine yourself living without electricity, technology, or cars. You learn everything through experience and apprenticeship. Now you can experience that at the Ballenberg open-air museum!
WHERE > Brienz
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Pumpkin Exhibition
Celebrate the magic of the pumpkin season at this year’s exhibition is “Big Cinema“! Enjoy a fun-filled day with creative activities like pumpkin carving, indulge in delicious seasonal treats, and marvel at the pumpkin installations. It’s the perfect way to combine food, fun, and art in a beautiful autumn setting!
WHEN > 21 September – November
WHERE > Juckerhof and Bächlihof
Architecture in Zurich
Explore Zurich’s blend of historic and modern architecture that offers a fascinating mix of styles and innovations. Highlights include the Prime Tower and the University of Zurich’s Law Library. The city’s diverse architectural styles provide a unique experience for enthusiasts.
WHEN > year-round
WHERE > Zurich
ART & CULTURE
Phantom of the Opera
The world-renowned musical The Phantom of the Opera is making its much-anticipated return to Switzerland! Experience the enchanting story of love and mystery! With a stunning cast, a live orchestra, and breathtaking sets, this show promises to be a feast for the senses.
WHEN > 16 November – 22 December
WHERE > Musical Theater Basel
Digital Art Zurich
Explore the cutting edge of digital art at the DA Z festival which features exhibitions, installations and talks that explore the intersection of art, technology, and social issues, highlighting how digitalisation shapes our world.
WHEN > 31 October – 10 November
WHERE > Various locations, Zurich
MAMMA MIA!
The hit musical MAMMA MIA! is back on stage in Zurich! Featuring 22 of ABBA’s timeless classics like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia,” this lively show follows a mother, her daughter, and three possible dads on a Greek island.
WHEN > 16 October – 3 November
WHERE > Theater 11, Zurich
AUTO SHOW
Zurich Pop Con & Game Show
Experience the latest in automotive innovation at Auto Zürich 2024! This premier automotive event showcases over 63 brands, featuring more than 80 new products from the world of automobiles.
WHEN > 7 – 10 November
WHERE > Messe Zürich
WELLNESS
Relaxing Saunas
Combat the winter chill with a rejuvenating sauna experience. Sauna am See Uster, located on the beautiful shores of the Greifensee, offers a unique and relaxing getaway from the cold. Zurich also boasts a variety of saunas , each offering a serene environment to unwind and recharge during the colder months.
WHEN > October – March
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
Pixel Zoo Jungle
Dive into the depths of the jungle with Pixel Zoo Jungle and explore the wonders of biodiversity through this unique audiovisual experience by the artist collective Projektil, which takes you on an educational journey through the secrets of nature.
WHEN > until 28 November
WHERE > Kirche Auf der Egg, Zürich
VOX Quiz Answers:
🗣️1. b) Dutch is a West Germanic language, like English and German, and it has been influenced by both. All three languages share a common ancestral language, which contributes to their similarities in vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.
🇨🇭2. c) Bernese Alps. The Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, is located in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland. It is part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn region.
Thank you for taking the time to read this issue of the VOX Cultural Digest.
Have fun exploring and learning new languages