Christmas time is here again and just as Santa readies his reindeers, dons his red suit and packs his sack full of toys, I too will be avoiding real work over the next two weeks. The next newsletter you'll receive from me will be in 2015 but I've included some New Year’s parties in this one for those that will miss me.
Give my love to the city and a happy New Year to everyone, Ron

Christmas always brings out the romantic Ronster in me. After all, isn’t love the greatest gift of all? (or it would be, if it weren’t for this excellent blue Snuggie. Hint, hint Santa). Anyway, if you wander down to Stadthausquai, near Rathausbrücke, this evening you can take part in the Zürich Christmas tradition of Lichterschwimmen, where hundreds of people will be releasing little boats filled with candles into the Limmat. Hot punch and sweet treats will also be on hand as you gaze dreamily into the flickering river.
Thursday  5 pm – 7 pm, Stadthausquai, near Rathausbrücke

The Tiger Lilies have the air of a vaudeville act that could have been performing in an old pub, on a dark and foggy London street, just as Jack the Ripper was having his dastardly way in the shadows. They mix music hall and vaudeville with a punk attitude and ghoulish humour that will make you laugh, while at the same time wondering if you should be laughing at all. Their new show, The Very Worst of The Tiger Lilies, is at Theater Rigiblick on Friday.
Friday 8 pm, Theater Rigiblick

If, despite the tinsel, the glittering lights and queuing up to buy presents, you still haven’t been fully embraced by the Christmas spirit, might Dr Ron recommend a shot of his finest, Grade A, pure-cut never-fails remedy. On Saturday and Sunday, Film Podium will be showing Frank Capra’s Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life. If you’ve never seen the film before then prepare to leave the cinema with your heart all aglow and a glisten in your eye. If you have seen it, then go renew your faith in your fellow man and repeat after me, “Attaboy, Clarence!”
Saturday 8.45 pm, Sunday 2.30 pm, Film Podium

When the legends of El Dorado were first whispered, about that mysteries and lost city of gold in the Andes mountains, could they ever have thought that a bar in Zurich, coincidentally named Eldorado, would also contain a plethora of shiny riches and treasures, but would be infinitely more locatable. Probably not. Either way, the nearly unlimited number of beers (101, actually) they offer would be temptation enough for the meekest of explorers but this Sunday they are also hosting the Winter Unplugged Music Festival, where a nearly unlimited number of performers (5, actually) will be showcasing their acoustic skills from the haunting sounds of Me.Man.Machine to the poetic heartbreak of Faber.
Sunday 7 pm, Eldorado

Christmas always brings out the big softy in me, although that may also be the Glühwein working it's wily magic, so I was happy to see that Xenix are showing an open-air (yes, outside) double-bill on Christmas Eve (Wednesday). The first is the Buster Keaton classic silent comedy, The General, where our hero tries to get back the two loves of his life: his bride and his locomotive (not necessarily in that order). Blankets will be available but bring your own to guarantee one. The second movie is screened indoors: In «Barbarella» Jane Fond's sex-bomb tries to save the world, to do this she has to face some unique adventures first. First film starts at 6.30 pm, second at 9 pm.
Merry Christmas!

If you end up at one of these parties, I'm sure you're New Year starts out well:  Kinski – for those who like Saturday Night Fever: Acapulco and Mata Hari join Kinski for a special karaoke night, with 8000 songs to choose from. Make sure to bring your disco outfit along. Starts at 9 pm. Raygrodski - for those who prefer a smaller crowd: Hamburgers and cocktails with tunes by djs party with djs Leonist & Sans Talent. Starts at 10 pm, reservation possible. 25hours hotel - for those who like to dine: Join the Balagan night (Hebrew for dancing) with dinner at a large shared table and sounds by dj spruzzi. Starts at 7 pm, 75 francs excluding drinks. Reservations necessary. Stall 6 - for those who like to dance: Balkan is good for you says Stall 6, and if you agree this is your place to be that night. Starts at 11 pm, costs 35 francs.
Happy New Year!

The mission of The International is simple: to offer the widest range of European and Swiss craft beers in Zurich. The bar is new, the beers are great and host Mike Jones as well as his staff are always happy to tell you more about the brew in front of you. Or recommend one to your liking. So try it out. Mike will add more labels constantly and for the future, he also plans to arrange degustation evenings and brewery trips.
The International, Luisenstrasse 7, 8005. Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 12 pm to 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday 12 pm to 12 am

Gian has a dream. At present he is in Vietnam, where he helps kids in foster home. By the end of the year, he will return home, but before he leaves he would like to give as many children as possible a Christmas present. For this he collects money on the crowdfunding-platform 100-days.net. He has seven days left to raise the rest of the money, so give him – and the kids in Ho Chi Minh City – a boost.