SWISSBLISS
SWISS LUXURY TRAVEL BLOG
LUCERNE'S CHRISTMAS MARKET
Switzerland
A cosy, traditional festive event
Switzerland has a long-tradition of Christmas markets: most towns have a lovely outdoor market during the festive season. Basel and Montreux have the best-known and largest events, with Montreux attracting over half-a-million visitors each year. I checked out Lucerne's Christmas market for you on the day it opened, December 3rd.
Lucerne’s Christkindlimarkt is concentrated around Franziskanerplatz behind the beautiful Jesuit church. The square and sidestreets are dotted with about 70 small wooden chalet-like stalls offering a smorgasbord of festive foods and crafts for sale. From beautiful cards, to knitted hats and gloves, from pretty decorative items to homemade liqueurs, there’s something for everyone.
As a dog owner, I was quite taken by the dog-bakery stall offering all sorts of homemade nibbles for my canine companion. These included vegetarian treats, as well as treats made of beef, cheese and horsemeat, all manufactured without any salt, sugar or additives. I couldn't resist buying my dog a large biscuit shaped like a dog-bone with the words "Merry Christmas" written on it.
One stall that was clearly attracting crowds, was the one selling tools made of chocolate. This would make the perfect gift for somebody who has everything. This stall offers an incredible selection of cleverly crafted tools, mallets and hammers alike; a dream come true for any chocolate-loving handyman.
When you need a break from browsing, wander to the church square where you can enjoy a delicious sweet and spicy mug of “glühwein”, an essential component of any self-respecting Christmas market. A nativity scene has been set up here, just alongside the church. If you’re still cold after your mulled wine, you can warm up with a tasty Swiss cheese raclette whilst listening to some seasonal music performed by brass ensembles and local choirs.
No visit to Lucerne would be complete without strolling across the famous Chapel bridge which brings you to the old-town. A designer’s Christmas market has been set up here with stalls offering a wide range of handmade wares, such as jewellery, pottery, glassware and cards.
I left the market with the impression that this event is all about show-casing the work of local artisans and keeping things traditional. There is no overwhelming sense of commercialism, with such a wide range of homemade, artisanal wares on offer. This is a charming festive market that brings the beautiful city of Lucerne to life during the month of December.
8th December 2016
The market is held every day from 11am to 8pm (9pm for food stalls) from 3rd to 21st of December 2016.
