The Christmas spirit has returned to Lucerne, albeit with fewer Christmas lights and cancelled ice skating, but there are still enough festivities, markets, food and magic to enjoy and celebrate this festive time of the year.
Fun Activities & Food
Most Christmas markets will run until 23 December, so make sure to visit and really feel the Christmas vibe if you have not yet done so. See here for a list of local markets.
Christmas in Lucerne has to include a hot Glühwein and Heisse Marroni (hot roasted chestnuts), while taking in the beautiful city lights and admiring the lake views from the KKL.
The Zum Pfistern restaurant has a winter wonderland under the restaurant’s stone arches which looks magical. There you can sit outdoors, wrapped in a warm blanket and enjoy one of their versions of cheese fondue. Or for CHF 89.- you can go full out, starts with a Glühweinapéro and Marroni, enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour around the city whilst eating Käsefondue and end up back at the restaurant for a piece of Lebkuchen cake in the carriage (a bottle of wine, tea and Glühwein are included in the price).
The Seehotel Kastanienbaum (in Kastanienbaum) even goes so far as to offer you your own winter magic in wooden mini chalets to enjoy your fondue in, wrapped in fluffy blankets, while taking in the view of the lake.
The restaurant Moosmatt has a fondue chalet and is much closer to downtown.
The Seeburg hotel is renowned for its over-the-top Christmas light display, however, there will be less lights this year, but they still have their fondue chalets to enjoy a cosy evening.
Oh Tannenbaum – or where to get your Christmas tree.
We all seem to be in the mood to get decorating earlier than usual and the local shops have sensed this. There are many places to pick up a Christmas tree: Landi, Coop Bau & Hobby and Migros amongst others, and all have trees for sale.
But you might want to support some local producers (and maybe even rent a tree?), in which case we can recommend:
Gartnerei Niederberger in Kriens
Ottiger Baumschule in Rothenburg
Willisauer Christbaum in Willisau
Ecosapin offers several companies you can get environmentally grown trees for sale or rent.
But, of course, the big market that locals wait for is the Christmas Tree market down on the Seepromenade which runs from 17 – 23 December.
You are spoilt for choice. Just remember to regularly water your tree, check the electric lights and do not leave any lit candles unattended on the tree.
New Year’s Celebration
Don’t miss the traditional New Year’s firework display over Lucerne bay, which is expected to take place at 8.15 p.m on 1 January.
Enjoy a New Year’s cruise on the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne) and see the fireworks above the city.
Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!
