What will the Advent markets be like in Lucerne? Program and important information in one place

Well, you are in for a treat because the Lucerne Christmas markets are just magical.

It’s got that certain something that makes you feel like walking through the pages of a Grimm fairytale.

This picturesque city can easily be one of the most beautiful in Europe at any time of the year.

But around the holidays? Pure magic.

Lucerne Advent Markets

Lucerne has become a festive market destination, blending Swiss traditions with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Christmas markets first appeared in the city during the 1980s, when a small, traditional market was held in the main square. Over the years, the popularity of these markets has grown significantly, making Lucerne a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Each year, the city hosts charming Christmas markets where visitors can purchase Swiss crafts, enjoy delicious seasonal treats, and immerse themselves in the festive ambiance.

The Most Famous Christmas Markets in Lucerne

• Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt (Lucerne Christmas Market) at Franziskanerplatz
• Rudolf’s Christmas Spectacle
• Hotel Schweizerhof Christmas Market

Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt at Franziskanerplatz

Looking for a special Christmas experience? Visit the Lucerne Christmas Market in Franziskanerplatz! The market features colorful wooden houses and festive lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

When and where will it all take place?

Set around the Franciscan church, about 70 stalls offer unique gifts and delicious holiday treats like punch, mulled wine, and fresh bread.

This year’s new mulled wine mug will be a popular collector’s item.

The giant Advent wreath sits atop the decorated Franciscan fountain.

Local brass bands and choirs perform daily, providing festive music to enhance the experience.

Highlights for 2024

• Thursday, December 5th, at 10:30 AM: Opening ceremony in the Franciscan church.
• Friday, December 6th, at 6:00 PM: Christmas singing with Marc Pircher on the Ebent stage.
• Saturday, December 14th, at 11:00 AM: Enjoy special Christmas sounds with “Les Tubas de Noël,” featuring tuba, euphonium, alto horn, baritone, and sousaphone.

Advent Opening

Saturday, November 23, 2024, 5 p.m., on the Europaplatz

• Lucerne Tourism and the ‘Christmas in Lucerne’ association open the Advent season with a festive and free event:
• Wheel of Fortune from Lucerne Tourism with great instant prizes
• Live music by Phil Dankner, ‘Santa’s Swingin’ Six’ and the Alphorn Association Pilatus-Kriens
• Christmas boat ‘Spirit of Lucerne’
• Entry of Father Christmas from Beckenried with a large entourage, Yffelen, Chlöpfer and Trychler
• Ice skating shows by the Lucerne Ice Club
• Live ice carving with Atelier Odermatt from Büren
• Dance production by the Lucerne Theatre
• Official illumination of the Lucerne Christmas lights with the Lucerne Christmas Lights Association
• Raffle organised by the Lucerne City Association

Christmas tree on Europaplatz

A spruce-fir, 50 feet high

This winter, starting at the end of November 2024, a large Christmas tree will be lit up at Europaplatz. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere with a warm drink or a winter treat.

Try ice skating on the “Ice Magic Lucerne” ice rink. Enjoy the beautiful lights of the Christmas tree and the sounds of the “Fyrobig Adväntskonzärt” in the center of Lucerne.

Rudolf’s Christmas Spectacle

Rudolfs Weihnacht is a popular Christmas market in Inselipark, running from mid-November to December 23.

It’s best enjoyed after dark, with cozy lights and fire pits creating a warm atmosphere.

Visitors can explore stands selling various merchandise, but many come for the food and drinks. Local restaurants offer street food, and there’s a fondue chalet with cheese fondue and flammkuchen. Reservations are recommended, as it fills up quickly.

The market features entertainment for all ages, including activities in the square, a children’s yurt, and live music in the Haslital Chalet. On weekends, a mini-market offers holiday gifts, and a flea market hut sells sustainable items from the past.

The following video will show you the atmosphere of the Lucerne Christmas markets.

Christmas in Switzerland 🇨🇭 Lucerne Christmas Markets 2023 Walking Tour [4K] With captions

Hotel Schweizerhof Christmas market

Last but not least, it is worth mentioning that one of the most luxurious hotels in the city organizes its own Christmas market every year. Hotel Schweizerhof hosts more than 70 stalls with a variety of goods.

Experience the magic of the Christmas market at the Hotel Schweizerhof, where you can discover a delightful array of handicrafts and exceptional local products. With its distinct originality and charm, this market invites you to stop by again and again to savor the inviting bar and restaurant.

Join vendors and visitors from across Switzerland, and you’ll see why this enchanting experience is not to be missed! It’s definitely worth a visit if only to tour the wonderful premises of this five-star hotel with more than 150 years of tradition.

Interesting places in Lucerne

Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities not only in Switzerland but in Europe. This picturesque town with a medieval center includes many attractions. The Christmas markets in Lucerne are, therefore, worth combining with a walk and enjoying all its atmosphere and charm.

Kapellbrücke

The most famous Lucerne monument is undoubtedly the Chapel Bridge, built in the 14th century to connect the old town on the north bank with the new settlement on the south bank of the Reuss River. His famous paintings depict some of the most important events in Swiss history.

This unique symbol of Lucerne is also the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. Although the water tower is original, some parts of the roof have been rebuilt, as they were unfortunately destroyed in a 1993 fire that engulfed part of the bridge. The bridge measures 170 m and is intended for pedestrians only.

Museggtürme

Musegg Towers, built between 1350 and 1408 to defend the city, are located on a hill above the city. Currently, only three of the nine towers are open to the public, but they offer one of the most impressive views of Lucerne.

Final Conclusion

The Christmas markets of Luzern light up the holiday season with a very special mixture of traditional Swiss culture and a joyful atmosphere.

From the busy stalls at Luzerner Weihnachtsmarkt to the cozier atmosphere of Hotel Schweizerhof’s Christmas market, each has something different to offer. Add that to the breathtaking natural beauty, warm Swiss treats, and lively holiday spirit—these are the things that make Luzern a perfect host for your winter vacation.

Ready to plan your trip? Pack a warm coat and bring your holiday shopping list along to be enchanted in Luzern’s Christmas Market dreamy world.