The official Advent season begins tomorrow, Thursday 24 November at 17.30, at the Europaplatz at the Culture and Convention Centre (KKL) until 18:30. The tree will shine brightly for the first time this year. Another illumination event, with the motto “something different”, begins at 18:30 at Lucerne Old Town until 20.00.
Christmas is a month away! In this time of heightened consumerism it is so much nicer to go local with your gifting, so here are some local markets for you to enjoy. Don’t forget there will be Sunday shopping in Lucerne on the following dates: 11 and 18 December. Shops are open from 8.00 to 19.00.
Christmas markets:
18 November to 23 December: Rudolf Weihnachtsmarkt
The Rudolf Christmas Market will take place at the Inseli Quai and will be mainly a food market, with a Fondue Chalet, and stands offering cured meats, crepes or gin drinks. Cozy Yurts will be places to stay warm and watch cultural events. More details here.
18 November to 23 December: Candlemaking at Vögeligärtli Luzern
The Neustadt is transformed into a tranquil winter village and is a Lucerne tradition, children have been making their own candles here for decades. It is a fun present to make and enjoy and there is glühwein and numerous stands that sell goods. The market opens daily at 11. More info here.
27 November, 4 and 11 December: Schweizerhof Hotel Christmas Market
For the next three Sundays, enjoy an indoor market in a luxurious setting. Lots of local vendors are present. Open from 10.00 to 18.30. More information here.
1 to 21 December: Lözarner Market at Franziskanerplatz
This is Lucerne’s iconic market. A place to meander through the stall buy your glass of Glühwein have a piece of garlic bread and listen to the various groups singing Christmas carols. More info here.
3 to 18 December: The Craft Market
Taking place on the 3, 8, 10, 11, 17 and 18 December, this market is filled with stands selling beautiful homemade crafted goods, from hand blown glass trinkets to embroidered presents. You will have the advantage of finding something unique and local. More details here.
3 to 23 December: LiLi Centre Pop-Up Market
Support local small businesses offering wares from local crafted beers, chutneys, spices, cookies to wooden accessories, bags and much more. More information here. Open during centre operating hours (9.00 to 13.00). Saturday, 3 December is the grand opening of the market from 12.00 to 17.00.
11 December: Bazar Pazzo Christmas Market at Bourbaki Kino/Bar
Find beautiful and quirky things at numerous stalls at the Bazar Pazzo. Open from 11.00 to 19.00. Find more info here.
15 to 18 December: Venite Market
This year will again take shape with lunchtime concerts in St Peter Chapel. The opening celebration is at 19.00 on Thursday 15 December. More details here.
17 to 23 December: The Christmas Tree Market
This market is the oldest Christmas Tree market in Switzerland and takes place in several venues: the Schweizerhofquai, the Nationalquai but also the Helvetiaplatz and the Bellerive Heights. The trees are grown locally. It is usually open from 9.00 to 19.00. More info here.
