December is just around the corner and before we know it we will be celebrating Christmas and New Year. In this blogpost, we outline 10 festive things to do in Lucerne this month to help get your in the Christmas spirit.
1 – Ice Skating at Europaplatz
The festive ice rink is back at Europaplatz! It is open daily from 11:30 – 22:00 for children and families to enjoy, whilst soaking-up the festive lights and atmosphere in front of the KKL. There is a programme of events taking place at the Eiszauber which you can view here.
2 – Celebrate at the KKL
The KKL, just next to the main train station and over-looking Lake Lucerne, has plenty to offer this year. When you have tired yourself out from ice skating, you can enjoy a fondue in a cosy, winter setting at the Winter Wonderland, sip on a hot drink at Le Piaf Winter Bar, or try something new at the Seebar. On Sunday, 8th December Saint Nicholas will be visiting Le Piaf – something for the whole family to enjoy. The KKL also offers a varied programme of live entertainment throughout December – take a look online here.
3 – Take a cruise on the lake
Enjoy the magic of Christmas on Lake Lucerne by taking one of the many boat tours that run throughout winter. For something extra special, you can enjoy a cruise with a meal – from fondue, to raclette, or a winter brunch. This year, there is also boat trip to the Klausjagen event in Küssnacht. Find out more here.
4 – Stroll the many Christmas markets in Lucerne
Last week we shared a blogpost summarising the Christmas markets that are taking place in Lucerne this year. Why not select a few to wander through, view the handmade crafts on offer, and enjoy a warm drink or snack whilst soaking-up the festive atmosphere. Read the blogpost here.
5 – Enjoy some traditional Swiss cuisine at the Zum Pfistern restaurant’s Winterwald
The Zum Pfistern restaurant hosts a beautiful winter wonderland under the restaurant’s stone arches in the centre of the city. There you can sit outdoors, wrapped in a warm blanket, and enjoy one of the 100 different versions of cheese fondue. For CHF 94.- per person you can also enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour around the city whilst eating Käsefondue!
6 – Carol Sing with the Luzerner Sternsingen
On Saturday 21st December, you can experience star singing / Luzerner Sternsingen in the heart of the old town. Carol singers from Lucerne walk through the town and fill the streets with traditional Christmas songs and guided by the three kings, shepherds, sheep, and lights. It is a Christmas tradition which you don’t want to miss. Find out more online here.
7 – Enjoy a Christmas circus at PilatusMarkt
From the 2nd to 24th December, families can enjoy a free viewing of Stey’s Christmas circus at Pilatusmarkt – full of magic and entertainment for all. There are performances Monday – Saturday, and some Sundays in December with special holiday opening hours. You can see all of the details here.
8 – Take a trip up Pilatus
The views from Pilatus can be particularly spectacular this time of year, especially if we get more snow! Why not take a trip to the top of Pilatus, enjoy the incredible views over Lucerne, and treat yourself to a raclette at Restaurant Krienseregg. There are plenty of other winter activities taking place at Pilatus-Kulm too, so make sure to take a look on the website here.
9 – Watch the Küssnacht Klausjagen
On 5th December at around 20:15 in Küssnacht, just along the shores of Lake Lucerne, over 30,000 people gather to watch the Küssnacht Klausjagen. A procession of 1,500 men is steeped in Christmas tradition and is sure to be a great spectacle to watch.
10 – Pop by the LiLi Centre Christmas Party
The LiLi Centre is hosting a family friendly Christmas celebration on Saturday 14th December from 11:00 – 14:00. Activities include face painting, seasonal arts and crafts, and lots to get you into the festive mood!
