I usually let you know about the happenings at Hive when they have a fantastic dj or 2 playing for the night, but as its name suggests Hive is more than just a club and has many honeycombs of activity happening during the night. ZHArt is part of their culture corner and every month they exhibit work from a selected artist. This Thursday ZHArt has its 4th birthday and to mark the anniversary, Hive have invited back many of the artists who have displayed their work over this time to show again in what can only be called an explosion of an exhibition. I’d like to say they put the art in party but surely you expect better of me than that? No? Ok.
Thursday 6 pm, Hive

Devi’s Pearl Bar is a cool little place just a hop and a skip (and these snowy days, the occasional slip) from Wiedikon Station. Its dark interior and leather sofas always make Devi’s a good place for a snuggle, with friends or otherwise. On Friday night, Bobby Vacant and the Worn will be there playing live.  If the gleam of Zurich’s snow has been too dazzling of late, then these songs of dark travels, smoky strangers and carnival freaks all cruising in a jangly blues/folk convertible will take you on a road trip even Kerouac would be proud of.
Friday 8 pm, Devi’s Pearl Bar

Up at the Dolder Ice Rink this Saturday night, they appear to be trying to tempt fate and make me fall spectacularly on my Orp. Not only are they having an ice disco with a mystery special live guest, they’ll also try to ‘relax’ me with fondue (needs reservation) and a glühweinbar. If that wasn’t enough, they’ll also have moving images and patterns projected directly onto the ice by PANI projections, a company who have done some amazing international light and projection shows. If skating isn’t enough for you, then all of the above may give you the sensation of flying. 
Saturday from 4 pm, Dolder Kunsteisbahn

Neil Halstead has been part of the UK music scene for a while now, first as part of Slowdive in the early 90’s, then Mojave 3 and lately as a solo folk artist. This is English folk in the grand tradition of Nick Drake rather than of sea shanties, and is the type of halcyon music best listened to as you lay in the shade of a willow tree next to a babbling brook, as the summer breeze caresses your skin. It’s possible i’m missing summer too much, but until the seasons swing around again, i’m sure he’ll also sound fantastic at Papiersaal on Sunday night.
Sunday 8 pm, Papiersaal

Spoiler alert! I recently discovered that Santa Claus isn’t real. This was obviously a terrible shock to me but an even bigger shock was the realisation that I’d now have to buy people Christmas presents myself, rather than rely on the fat man in the red suit. Terrible news indeed. So you can imagine my relief when I heard that the Nacht Markt will be opening its doors again at the Kunstraum Walcheturm on Sunday, with many of Zurich’s coolest and finest stores all selling their wares under one roof. With music by Clovis and Dan Campo, and food supplied by Dr Dog, it seems Christmas shopping won’t be all bad.
Sunday 3 pm, Kunstraum Walcheturm

Brrr, it's freezing. So here's a few tips on how to stay warm. Sauna: Zurich has various saunas so it should be easy to find one that you like. Have a look at this overview and don't forget the latest addition at Volkshaus, or the sauna with the best view at the lake: Seebadi Enge. They all have one thing in common; it's really warm inside. Hammam: If a sauna is too hot for you, try a hammam - Asia Spa, Migros and Volkshaus have the facilities for a Turkish steam bath, where you can warm up your cold bones and treat your skin to a nice rub down at the same time.  Spa: Hürlimann Areal is always a nice option – with views over the city – for a spa day. 

HomemadeQualityGoods is a new label for accessories based in Zurich. With the support of StreetFiles the idea of a rucksack became real. For HQG's owners, Cevapcici and Slivovic, the deal was fixed: A rucksack (in beige, marine and olive), as well as a weekend bag (in beige and marine) was designed in Zurich and produced in a small series: simple, stylish and a good price. A hard to find combination, especially when it comes to rucksacks. Since a couple of weeks you can find their goods at their online-shop. 

Ampel Magazine is a fantastic Swiss magazine and they're looking for your talent. Ever dreamt of drawing a head with three eyeballs? Yes? Then have a look at the open call for the anniversary issue of the illustrator magazine. No? Then it might be worth getting inspired. It’ll be their tenth issue and they would like to collect a bunch of Ampel mascots: Robot zombies, alien babies, ugly neighbours – they welcome any style and idea.