Stroll through Lucerne this winter and experience the city transformed by festive lights, lively stalls and the comforting scent of seasonal treats. Visit for the local delicacies and unique handcrafted gifts, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Read on for details to plan your 2024 visit, including confirmed dates and a list of events.
Lucerne Christmas Market 2024 in December
Dates and Location – Confirmed
Lucerne dates: 5th to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Franziskanerplatz.
Opening times:
Market Stalls – 11am to 8pm.
Food Stalls – 11am to 9pm.
22nd December: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lights: No switch-on date announced.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Kongresszentrum.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Traditional Swiss products and gourmet food.
Recommended tour: This popular cruise on the lake towards Meggenhorn Castle.
Specialities: Raclette, nusstorte, Swiss bratwurst, artisan chocolates, traditional cheese fondue.
Where to stay: Hotel des Balances is an excellent hotel 3-minutes from the event.
Convenient Hotel
The Altstadt (Old Town) area in Lucerne is the ideal area to stay, particularly around Franziskanerplatz.
In this area, I recommend Hotel des Balances as it’s highly rated and reasonably priced.
Recommended Tours
If you’re happy to get on the water, this lake tour in Lucerne is a good introductory tour.
But if food is more your thing, this food tour includes tastings of 5 different types of Swiss chocolate, 3 types of Alpine cheese and a glass of Swiss wine. It also includes visits to some of the city’s main attractions, so it’s a great tour overall.
Read our Switzerland Christmas Markets List that can help you plan a festive trip.
Event Location
Other Events
Rudolf’s Spectacle: 16th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Inseli Park.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
Saturday: 11am to 8pm.
Craft Market: 7th to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Weinmarkt.
Venite International Forum: 12th to 15th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Kappelplatz.
Mount Pilatus: 15th to 17th November 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Pilatus Kulm.
What to Expect
Regional Specialties
- Zürcher Eintopf: A one-pot dish originating from Zurich, it contains a mix of vegetables, bacon and sausage.
- Raclette: Melted cheese scraped onto potatoes, pickles, onions and (sometimes) bacon.
- Fondue: One of the most well-known Swiss dishes. It consists of a pot of melted cheese where you can dip pieces of bread. Of course, there is a chocolate version, too.
- Lebkuchen: A type of soft spiced gingerbread cookie.
- Grittibänz: This is a sweet bread person traditionally baked for St. Nicholas’ Day in early December. It is often decorated with raisins for the eyes, mouth and buttons.
- Swiss Plum Pie (Zwetschgenwähe): This classic autumn dish sometimes appears on winter menus. It features ripe plums baked into a flaky, buttery pie crust.
At the Food Stalls
- Glühwein: The traditional festive drink steeped with spices and orange peel.
- Bratwurst: An enduring favourite in Swiss street food.
- Roasted Chestnuts: Street vendors sell these warm.
- Swiss Pastries: Nusstorte is one of the most popular at this time of year. Also, look out for mailänderli, a lemon-flavoured shortbread biscuit often made into festive shapes.
- Churros: Originally from Spain, churros have become a staple at international festivals.
Souvenirs and Gifts
- Chocolate: Swiss chocolate is world-renowned. Look out for beautifully packaged assortments, ideal for gifting or treating yourself.
- Ornaments: They range from intricately carved wooden decorations to delicate glass baubles.
- Local Art: Artists from around Lucerne and the wider region exhibit their work at the market.
- Swiss Cheese: Gruyère and Emmental are some of the most widely known, but hundreds of others exist.
- Wooden Items: Reflecting the Swiss tradition of woodcraft, you can find puzzles, toys and decorative items.
Sustainability Tips
- Accommodation: Lucerne has several hotels that operate using renewable energy sources.
- Food Waste: Be mindful not to over-order.
- Ethical Consumption: Avoid impulse buys and support local producers and makers.
- Food: Choosing vegetarian options can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
- Transport: Lucerne has an excellent public transport system, including buses and boats. You might also consider walking or hiring a bike, as many of Lucerne’s attractions are within a short distance of each other.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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