It seems like Winter has officially arrived, if this torrential downpour is anything to go by. Mariah Carey will soon be on the radio, if she isn't already, and we're counting down the days until the Christmas Markets open (which, if you've never been to, are not to be missed). And for this week i've got a short list of Christmassy pop-ups for you to check out. Because you know, it's never too late to start planning your presents! (Looking at you, people who wait until the last minute.)

Anyways, we've got a music filled week for you ahead, as well as some parties. All indoors so you can stay nice and dry this week.

And as always, give my best to the city.

Soooooo...what's in store for this week? Soul legend Macy Gray and a couple of other gigs, comic books, tattoos and books and even a sober party. Stay dry this week, try not to get swept away and have fun with this weekend heavy agenda.

Thursday: The Christmas pop-ups are popping up
Friday: One of the greatest: A Tribute to Bob Dylan
Saturday: Throw a party but make it sober
Saturday: Both kinds of ink: Tattoos and books
Saturday: Party it up at Photobastei
Sunday: Comic exchange at Volkshaus
Sunday: The Dead Brothers at El Lokal
Tuesday: R&B with Macy Gray at Kaufleuten

With Christmas around the corner: A membership is the perfect gift for art lovers. The magnificent collection and a thrilling exhibition programme 2024 await. Find out more

Yeah, you read that right. American R&B and soul queen Macy Gray is coming to Zurich. On Tuesday, Kaufleuten will host the fashionable icon, so practice those smooth dance moves i know you have. Just don't stumble as you try to walk away.

Unconventional, special, authentic! No, i’m not talking about myself but the Blickfang design exhibition which opens its doors this Friday. Furniture, fashion, accessories which is definitely not mass produced and unique. They’re open from Friday to Sunday so plenty of time to get those Christmas presents in early!

Christmas is close on the horizon and even if you haven’t started thinking about presents you can still get in the Christmas mood with a glass of Glühwein or…well..whatever else tickles your fancy. This week we have two Christmassy locations opening. Click on the buttons to find out more.

This week i have a little film tip for you. A few evenings ago i sat down to watch «Nyad», the extraordinary story of marathon swimmer Diana Nyad. Diana Nyad completed a few amazing feats including crossing the English channel and swimming around Manhattan in record time. At age 28 she attempted to swim across the Florida straights from Cuba to Key West but ultimately failed after covering, (a still pretty impressive,) 122 km.

The film starts with the disquiet of 60 year old Diana, wonderfully portrayed by Annette Benning, at her inability to complete her life goal of crossing from Havana to Florida. Subsequently she enrols the help of her best friend Bonnie, played by Jodie Foster, to have another crack at the straights. Obviously i can say no more as i don’t want to spoil the movie but i did get, to quote the film, «some sand in my eye,» and a little bit choked up at this amazing tale. A wonderful story and well worth checking out on Netflix!