4 - 21 December 2025
Open til late! Shopping til 8pm, food stalls til 9pm
Lucerne
has several Christmas Markets throughout the charming Old Town - a magical
celebration of festive tradition. Think traditional wooden toys, beautifully
crafted decorations and sweet seasonal treats. The scent of mulled wine fills
the air, while crêpes and other delights tempt you as you browse in the glow of
dazzling Christmas illuminations. For an extra dose of winter magic, visit
Rudolf’s Fondue Chalet for a cheesy feast, and don’t miss the lakeside Ice
Magic skating rink: with snow-dusted mountains in the background it’s a perfect
pre-Christmas treat.
Fly from your local airport to Zurich or to Basel:
- Edinburgh | Manchester | Birmingham
- Heathrow | Gatwick | London City
- Luton | Stansted | Bristol
Zurich airport has its own railway station, providing scenic connections to Lucerne in 70 minutes. From Basel airport there is a shuttle bus to the centre and then rail to Lucerne, the whole journey being under 2 hours. We’ll give you a step-by-step itinerary, including which platform to head for - so you can travel with ease from touchdown to hotel check-in.
We include a generous 23kg of hold luggage with easyJet, British Airways and SWISS - plenty of room to fill up with your shopping!
Our expert team will help you find the perfect break from your local airport.
"Lucerne’s Christmas Market sparkles with festive charm - twinkling lights, wooden stalls, mulled wine, and handmade gifts create a magical atmosphere in the heart of the historic Old Town. The Ice Magic skating rink is set beside the lake and has a unbeatable mountain backdrop. Enjoy!"
Get your holiday quotation today
Contact us to book your holiday
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
Day 1 - Arrive and explore Lucerne
Lucerne in winter takes on a magical atmosphere. Twinkling lights line the charming Old Town, where medieval architecture meets a backdrop of alpine beauty. Lake Lucerne shimmers with mist rising gently from its surface. Stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge and take in the fantastic views. Cafés and riverside restaurants offer a warm refuge with rich hot chocolate and local pastries.
As the afternoon daylight fades you'll have the excitement of exploring the Lucerne's Christmas Markets. Open late into the evening, the markets glow beneath
Lucerne’s dazzling Christmas illuminations, creating an unforgettable
atmosphere. Alongside the main market on Franziskanerplatz, don’t miss the weekend handicrafts
market (6–21 December), the smaller market outside the Hotel Schweizerhof (23
November–7 December), and live festive music and a giant Christmas tree on
Europaplatz.
To complete your festive first day, head to Lucerne's 'Ice Magic' - a winter wonderland ice rink set beside Lake Lucerne and with a unique mountain panorama. There are plenty of opportunities for warming snacks and drinks around the rink.
Day 2 - Snowy mountains and frosty lake scenery
Why not treat yourself to a day out amongst the fantastic Swiss scenery? Lucerne's nearby mountains - Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus - are easily reached and a journey to either of their snow-blanketed summits will be a adventure to remember. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and embark on a winter walking trail (paths are well tended to; bring appropriate footwear). Another suggestion is a cruise on one of the boats which cross the lake - join from Lucerne and take in the unforgettable views as you glide across the water. You can disembark in a village (Weggis is charming) or in Brunnen for a look around the town before taking the train back to Lucerne.
If a scenic rail journey appeals, you can hop on the Luzern-Interlaken Express for a 2 hour trip crossing the Brünig Pass - the views are outstanding. Enjoy lunch in Interlaken before your return.
After your day out, there's more shopping to be done back in Lucerne, maybe followed by a meal in one of the town's many fine restaurants.
Day 3 - Last day to make the most of Lucerne
If you have an afternoon flight home, you can make the most of the morning with a lakeside stroll or a delicious brunch. Visit the Lion Monument (tribute to the fallen Swiss Guard in the French Revolution) and the fascinating Glacier Garden or browse around Lucerne's boutique chocolateries which are the perfect place to pick up treats for loved ones.
2025 pricing
2 nights in Lucerne
Guide prices from £621 per person staying in a 3 star hotel
Adapt your holiday:
- Add extra nights
- Upgrade to a superior room or a 4 star hotel
- Upgrade to 1st class rail travel in Switzerland
- Choose a different UK airport
All holidays are tailor-made and airline prices fluctuate constantly. This guide price is indicative only for holidays with flights to Zurich and will vary by departure point and travel date.
Your holiday price includes
Booking Conditions
- Scheduled return flights to Zurich including taxes and hold baggage (flights available from around the UK and also to Basel)
- Return rail travel between Zurich airport and Lucerne (2nd class)
- 2 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation as described based on two people sharing
- FREE Half Fare Card which entitles you to half or reduced price travel
- FREE Montreux Riviera Card
- Personalised itinerary sent with all tickets
- Financial protection (ATOL 3148)
The Half Fare Card is valid on trains, scenic trains, PostBuses and most boats, mountain railways and cable cars. Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com. All holidays are tailor-made and airline prices fluctuate constantly. Guide price shown is indicative only, for holidays with flights to Zurich and will vary by departure point and travel date. Photos (c) Luzern Tourismus
Request your holiday quotation
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com