50th Zürcher Weihnachtsopen 2026 takes place from December 26 – 30, 2026, at Hotel Crowne Plaza Zürich in Zurich, Switzerland. The traditional Christmas chess tournament offers two classical sections: Meisterturnier and Allgemeines Turnier.

This is a chess tournament in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2026. Players will compete in 7-round Swiss-system tournaments with FIDE, Swiss national, and DWZ rating calculation.

The festival offers a strong post-Christmas chess setting, a central Zurich hotel venue, and a published prize fund of more than CHF 18,500 / approx. over $23,500. In addition, players can join side events such as the blitz tournament and hobby rapid tournament.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Players receive 90 minutes for the first 40 moves. After that, they receive 30 minutes for the rest of the game, plus a 30-second increment from move one.

Both main sections use a 7-round Swiss system. In addition, both tournaments count for FIDE, Swiss national, and DWZ rating.

Players should complete attendance control at the information desk by 13:15 on December 26. Therefore, early arrival matters, especially for players traveling to Zurich on the first tournament day.

💰 Prize Fund

The tournament offers a published prize fund of more than CHF 18,500 / approx. over $23,500.

Prize Fund Overview

Meisterturnier Main Prizes

Allgemeines Turnier Main Prizes

Special prizes apply in both main sections for the best female player, best player over 60, best U20 player, and best U16 player. The Allgemeines Turnier also includes CHF 200 prizes for the best players under 1800 Elo and under 1600 Elo.

In the Meisterturnier, the best player under 2200 Elo receives CHF 200. Moreover, the best Swiss player receives CHF 300.

The organizer applies the Hort system. If participation is too low, the organizer may adjust the prizes downward.

🧩 Sections / Groups

The event has two main classical sections.

Meisterturnier is for players rated at least 2000 Elo. It offers the strongest field, the largest first prize, and the main competitive focus of the festival.

Allgemeines Turnier is for players up to 2050 Swiss Elo. This section gives club players a suitable 7-round classical tournament with FIDE, Swiss, and DWZ rating calculation.

This two-section structure gives players a clear choice. As a result, higher-rated players can enter the master field, while a broad range of club players can compete in the general open.

📅 Schedule

Players should plan carefully for the double-round days on December 27 and 29. In addition, they should keep Monday evening free if they want to join the blitz tournament.

📝 Registration

Players should register in advance through the website or by email. After that, they should complete attendance control at the venue before the first round.

The entry fee for adult players includes the banquet. However, junior entry fees cover tournament entry only.

👥 Organizer

The Zürcher Weihnachtsopen organizing committee runs the 50th edition of this traditional Christmas chess tournament in Zurich. The event brings together rated chess, a hotel-based playing venue, side tournaments, and a festive year-end chess atmosphere.

Email: zuercherweihnachtsopen@gmx.ch

🏛️ Venue

Hotel Crowne Plaza Zürich – Badenerstrasse 420, 8040 Zürich, Switzerland

The tournament takes place at Hotel Crowne Plaza Zürich. The hotel venue gives players one convenient location for games, accommodation, meals, and the final banquet.

The playing site sits on Badenerstrasse in Zurich. Therefore, players can use local public transport, taxi services, or nearby hotel options when planning their tournament stay.

🛏️ Accommodation

Players can contact Hotel Crowne Plaza Zürich directly for accommodation.

Hotel Phone: +41 44 404 44 44

Since the event takes place during the Christmas holiday period, early booking is strongly recommended. In addition, players should confirm hotel availability and room conditions before finalizing travel plans.

🚆 How to Get There

Players should travel to Hotel Crowne Plaza Zürich – Badenerstrasse 420, 8040 Zürich, Switzerland.

Zurich has strong rail connections within Switzerland and from nearby European countries. From Zurich main station, players can continue by tram, taxi, or other local transport toward the hotel.

Players arriving by air can use Zurich Airport and then continue to the city by train, taxi, or public transport. Since Round 1 starts at 14:30 on December 26, players should avoid tight same-day travel plans.

ℹ️ Other Information

The blitz tournament takes place on December 28 at 20:00. It has 9 rounds, an entry fee of CHF 20, and a junior entry fee of CHF 10. The first prize is CHF 300, with additional cash prizes.

The hobby tournament also takes place on December 28, starting at 12:00 in the Patio room. It has 7 rapid rounds, a time control of 15 minutes plus 5 seconds per move, and a maximum rating limit of 1800 Elo. The entry fee is CHF 40, and the first prize is CHF 300.

Players can register for the side events online or on site before the published deadline. Therefore, the festival gives participants extra playing options beyond the two main classical sections.

50th Zürcher Weihnachtsopen 2026 offers a strong year-end chess tournament in Zurich, with classical rated play, generous prizes, and a festive hotel-based setting.