Rally the corgi has sniffed out the best Christmas events for kids in Lucerne for 2026, and here is what he found: 12 family events across Lucerne and 4 nearby towns, 7 of them free. The magic runs from November 18 (Christmas Craft Workshop) through January 3, with Schülerklausjagen (December 3), Winter Decorations (December 6) and Les lutins en cavale (December 19) along the way. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Switzerland.
What Rally found in Lucerne
- 12 Christmas events for kids in Lucerne and 4 nearby towns, including Strasbourg, Lille and Tourcoing
- 7 free events, including Schülerklausjagen (School Kids' Klausjagen), Winter Decorations (Décoration d'hiver) and Les lutins en cavale (The Elves on the Run)
- Meet Santa: Christmas Windows Launch at Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg (Lancement des vitrines de Noël des Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg), from December 5 and Winter Decorations (Décoration d'hiver), December 6
- Parades: Schülerklausjagen (School Kids' Klausjagen), December 3, Digital Snacks: Create a One-of-a-Kind Mug for the Holidays (Goûters numériques), December 5 and Les lutins en cavale (The Elves on the Run), December 19
- Also on the list: 2 Christmas shows, 2 Christmas light displays, 2 Christmas markets and 1 story time
- Season: November 18 to January 3
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).
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Free Christmas events for kids in Lucerne
Christmas marketFree
Workshop: My Letter to Santa Claus (Atelier: Ma lettre au Père Noël)
- When: Sat, Nov 14, 10 to 11:30 am
- Where: Médiathèque de Carnin, Werftsteg, 6005 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price not stated, registration required
- Ages: Für Gross und Klein
Expand to see the parent tip
The Carnin media library (médiathèque) opens the Christmas season with a workshop on the letter to Santa Claus. The magic of Christmas comes to the library on a Saturday morning from 10 to 11:30 am.
The workshop is by registration. For the price and recommended age, contact the library before coming with young children.
Parent tip: Registration is required. Ask the library about the price and age. Expect it to be in French.
- Host
- Médiathèque de Carnin (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Médiathèque de Carnin, Werftsteg, 6005 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New events in Lucerne every week
Rally looks for new Christmas events in Lucerne every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.
Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)
Rally’s Christmas research
Rally the corgi has 11 more Lucerne events researched for you.
- New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Lucerne.
- Exclusive access to free events Be first to hear about new free events in Lucerne.
- Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
- Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
- One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.
Coming up on this page
- 3 Parades
- 2 Santa
- 2 Lights
- 2 Shows
- 7 Free
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Saint Nicholas visitFree
Saint Nicholas Festival / Allumoirs Festival (Fête de la Saint-Nicolas / Fête les Allumoirs)
- When: Sat, Dec 5, 2 to 6:45 pm
- Where: La Fileuse (parvis) et jardin public, Europaplatz, 6005 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, booking recommended for the show
- Ages 3 and up for the show
Expand to see the parent tip
This big neighborhood festival combines Saint Nicholas (saint Nicolas) with the tradition of the allumoirs, the lanterns of the parade. In the afternoon, the forecourt of La Fileuse hosts Saint Nicholas's house, a photo booth, photos with Galopin the donkey, giants, a workshop to make your own allumoir, face painting, and hot chocolate and soup offered by the town.
At 3 pm, the show “Le magicien d'Oz” (The Wizard of Oz) is offered for ages 3 and up in the hall at La Fileuse. At 5 pm, the allumoir parade sets off with a brass band toward the town hall, where the list of naughty children is read in the presence of Père Fouettard, Saint Nicholas's stern companion, followed by a candy toss. The evening ends in the public garden with a fire show and fireworks.
Parent tip: Tickets for the 3 pm show are held until 10 minutes before the start, then given to others. Access to the hall closes once the show has begun. Expect the show to be in French.
- Host
- Ville de Loos (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- La Fileuse (parvis) et jardin public, Europaplatz, 6005 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa Claus paradeFree
Les lutins en cavale (The Elves on the Run)
- When: Sat, Dec 5, 12 and 19, 4:30 to 5:10 pm
- Where: Espace K, Mariahilfgasse, 6004 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Cost: €14 adult, €9 under 15
- Ages 5 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
"WANTED" posters from Santa's (Père Noël's) secret service are causing panic. Three elves are on the run. Tired of wrapping gifts on an assembly line, they fled the factory and find themselves in the spotlight, facing real humans for the first time.
They improvise sketches, dances and songs, hoping to find a new calling. Slapstick and interactive, the show by the company Les Escadrilles Poétiques lasts 40 minutes and invites the audience to take part. It is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Parent tip: Tickets are sold online on the Espace K website. Parking near the theater is free in the evening but in high demand. Tram B (Laiterie stop) is a good option. Expect the show to be in French.
- Host
- Espace K (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Espace K, Mariahilfgasse, 6004 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Strasbourg
Visit with SantaFree
Christmas Windows Launch at Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg (Lancement des vitrines de Noël des Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg)
- When: Thu, Nov 12, 5:30 to 10 pm
- Where: Galeries Lafayette, 6010 Strasbourg (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All audiences
Expand to see the parent tip
Thursday, Nov 12 marks the official start of the year-end holidays in Strasbourg with the unveiling of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas windows. Every year, the event gathers thousands of people downtown to see magical displays.
The public is welcomed starting at 5:30 pm, with music and activities, before the official reveal of the windows. It is a free, outdoor event that children enjoy for its lights and displays.
Parent tip: It is very crowded. Arrive early and come by tram (lines A, B, C, D or F, Homme de fer stop).
- Host
- Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Galeries Lafayette, 6010 Strasbourg (opens in maps) (near Luzern)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Lille
Visit with SantaFree
Winter Decorations (Décoration d'hiver) (Lille)
- When: Wed, Dec 16 and Wed, Dec 30, 10:30 am to 12 pm
- Where: Ferme pédagogique Marcel Dhénin, 6354 Lille (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, registration required
- Ages 5 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
The Marcel Dhénin educational farm (ferme pédagogique) holds two workshops in December, on Wednesdays, Dec 16 and Dec 30, from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Participants make winter decorations from natural materials.
The workshop is open from age 5 and free, but registration is required through the City of Lille ticketing site. For any questions, you can write to fermelille@mairie-lille.fr.
Parent tip: Register at billetterie.lille.fr/event/nature2026. Dress the kids warmly. The farm is outdoors. Expect it to be in French.
- Host
- Ferme pédagogique Marcel Dhénin (educational farm), City of Lille (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Ferme pédagogique Marcel Dhénin, 6354 Lille (opens in maps) (near Luzern)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Tourcoing
Santa Claus paradeFree
Digital Snacks: Create a One-of-a-Kind Mug for the Holidays (Goûters numériques) (Tourcoing)
- When: Tue, Dec 22 and Wed, Dec 23, 2 to 4:30 pm
- Where: Numérithèque, 6353 Tourcoing (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, booking recommended
- Ages: Parent and child pairs, ages 10 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
At the Numérithèque in Tourcoing, parents and children personalize a Christmas-themed mug together, with festive patterns and winter colors. Participants learn several personalization techniques and go home with their creation, a nice idea for a gift.
The sessions are on Tuesday, Dec 22 and Wednesday, Dec 23, from 2 to 4:30 pm. Attendance is expected at all sessions: check the exact schedule with the Numérithèque.
Parent tip: Booking recommended at 03 59 63 43 00. Confirm the session dates before coming. Expect it to be in French.
- Host
- Numéritheque de Tourcoing (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Numérithèque, 6353 Tourcoing (opens in maps) (near Luzern)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Weggis
Family Christmas eventFree
Schülerklausjagen (School Kids' Klausjagen) (Weggis)
- When: Thu, Dec 3, 5 to 8 pm
- Where: Dorfplatz Weggis (village square), 6353 Weggis (opens in maps)
- Cost: Public parade
Expand to see the parent tip
In Weggis on Lake Lucerne, the Klausjagen (a noisy Saint Nicholas procession) is a fixed part of Advent. At the Schülerklausjagen on Thursday, December 3, it is the children of the whole school who march through the village. The event is organized by the St. Niklausengesellschaft Weggis together with the Weggis school.
The parade starts at the Dorfplatz and lasts from 5 to 8 pm. For families from the region, it is a good chance to experience the custom in a kid-friendly form, before the big evening Klausjagen on Saturday. Weggis can be reached from Lucerne by bus or boat. Because the kids walk along themselves, the event is especially exciting for peers: many recognize friends (Gspänli) from school.
Parent tip: It gets dark and cold quickly in the early evening. Find a spot along the village street and dress warmly.
- Host
- St. Niklausengesellschaft Weggis (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dorfplatz Weggis (village square), 6353 Weggis (opens in maps) (near Luzern)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Lucerne
Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.
Event hosts: free events are listed first. The #1 spot puts your event at the top of this page.Inquire about the #1 spotAdd your event for free
Christmas show
Christmas Craft Workshop
- When: Sat, Nov 21, 2:30 to 4:30 pm
- Where: Médiathèque André Malraux, Theaterstrasse 2, 6003 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, booking recommended
- Ages: All audiences, ages 10 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
As the holidays approach, the André Malraux media library (médiathèque) offers a chance to make paper Christmas decorations. The workshop takes place on Saturday, Nov 21 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, in a friendly atmosphere.
Materials are provided and everyone leaves with what they made, to keep or to give. The workshop is for everyone ages 10 and up, it is free, and booking is recommended.
Parent tip: Booking recommended with the library, at 03 59 63 42 50. Expect it to be in French.
- Host
- Médiathèques de Tourcoing (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Médiathèque André Malraux, Theaterstrasse 2, 6003 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas crafts
Christmas Party of the Portuguese Cultural Association of Strasbourg (Fête de Noël de l'Association culturelle portugaise de Strasbourg)
- When: Sun, Dec 13, 2:30 to 5 pm
- Where: Multi-accueil Bon Pasteur, Auf Weinbergli 7, 6005 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: Young and old
Expand to see the parent tip
The Portuguese Cultural Association of Strasbourg holds its Christmas party on Sunday, Dec 13, from 2:30 to 5 pm, in the Bon Pasteur hall. Young and old are welcome to share the Christmas spirit.
The program includes games for all ages, a Christmas decoration workshop for children with painting and coloring, and a gift handout for the youngest. Light food is available on site. Entry is free and the event is open to everyone.
Parent tip: Der Mittwochnachmittag passt gut nach dem Kindergarten oder der Schule; eigene Dekoration zum Kranzschmücken mitzubringen ist möglich, aber nicht nötig.
- Host
- Association culturelle portugaise de Strasbourg (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Multi-accueil Bon Pasteur, Auf Weinbergli 7, 6005 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas market
Stories: Waiting for Christmas (Histoires: En attendant Noël)
- When: Wed, Nov 18, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
- Where: Médiathèque de Carnin, Bruchstrasse, 6003 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: Für Jung bis Alt
Expand to see the parent tip
Head to the Carnin media library (médiathèque) for a reading session about waiting for Christmas. It takes place on Wednesday, Nov 18, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, and entry is free.
It is a simple way to start the holiday season, with picture books read aloud.
Parent tip: If you are unsure about the recommended age, call the library. Expect it to be in French.
- Host
- Médiathèque de Carnin (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Médiathèque de Carnin, Bruchstrasse, 6003 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas story time
Paper Lace: The Art of the Canivet (Dentelles de papier : L'art du canivet)
- When: Sat, Nov 28 and Sat, Dec 5, 2 pm or 4 pm
- Where: 5e Lieu, St. Karli Strasse 49, 6004 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Cost: €5
- Ages 12 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Beginners and experienced crafters alike discover the art of the canivet, paper cutting, with artist Michèle Wagner. Everyone creates their own Christmas decoration, a picture to hang in the window or on the tree, or a decoration for the festive table.
The workshop takes place in the workshop and meeting room on the ground floor of the 5e Lieu. There are two sessions per date, at 2 pm and 4 pm, on Saturdays Nov 28 and Dec 5, and each lasts an hour and a half. It is for ages 12 and up, at €5.
Parent tip: Tickets online. The Gutenberg and Bateliers parking garages are nearby. Expect the workshop to be in French.
- Host
- 5e Lieu (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- 5e Lieu, St. Karli Strasse 49, 6004 Lucerne (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Strasbourg
Christmas crafts
Wacken Christmas Market (Marché de Noël du Wacken) (Strasbourg)
- When: Fri, Nov 27 to Sun, Nov 29
- Where: Wacken district, Maison de la Région, Erlenstrasse 31, 6020 Strasbourg (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: Whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
For three days, the Wacken district turns into a Christmas village, run by the Association de la Cité Ungemach. On Friday, a lantern walk comes before the lighting of the big tree decorated by the children of Wacken and Branly.
On Saturday there is a tree contest, children's songs and the arrival of Santa (Père Noël). On Sunday, activities and performances follow one another all day. You can eat tarte flambée, pretzels and crêpes on site and drink hot chocolate. The event is free.
Parent tip: Open Friday from 6 to 9 pm and Saturday from 2 to 9 pm; check the Sunday hours before you come.
- Host
- Association de la Cité Ungemach (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wacken district, Maison de la Région, Erlenstrasse 31, 6020 Strasbourg (opens in maps) (near Luzern)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New events in Lucerne every week
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More Christmas events for kids in Switzerland
- Christmas events for kids in Zurich
- Christmas events for kids in Bern
- Christmas events for kids in Basel
- Christmas events for kids in St. Gallen
- Christmas events for kids in Lausanne
- Christmas events for kids in Geneva
- Christmas events for kids in Switzerland
A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.de (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Lucerne: questions parents ask
What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Lucerne?
For 2026, we confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Lucerne, each on its host’s own page: Saint Nicholas Festival / Allumoirs Festival (Fête de la Saint-Nicolas / Fête les Allumoirs), Schülerklausjagen (School Kids' Klausjagen) (Weggis), Paper Lace: The Art of the Canivet (Dentelles de papier : L'art du canivet) and 9 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Lucerne?
Yes, 7 of the 12 events here are free: Saint Nicholas Festival / Allumoirs Festival (Fête de la Saint-Nicolas / Fête les Allumoirs), Schülerklausjagen (School Kids' Klausjagen) (Weggis), Les lutins en cavale (The Elves on the Run) and 4 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa this year in Lucerne?
Where to see Santa: Saint Nicholas Festival / Allumoirs Festival (Fête de la Saint-Nicolas / Fête les Allumoirs), Christmas Windows Launch at Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg (Lancement des vitrines de Noël des Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg) (Strasbourg) and Winter Decorations (Décoration d'hiver) (Lille). Check the listings above for times and booking.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Lucerne?
Christmas story times on this page: Paper Lace: The Art of the Canivet (Dentelles de papier : L'art du canivet).
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
The story of Christmas in Lucerne
Lucerne's Christmas is lit by lanterns and stars. On the fourth Advent weekend, children dressed as star angels lead a procession through the old town, and since 1938 the Lucerne Spielleute have kept the tradition going. Across the lake in Weggis, glowing paper bishop hats and cowbells announce the arrival of Samichlaus. Here is how a visiting family can enjoy it.
How Lucerne celebrates Christmas, and what makes it special for visitors
Advent in Lucerne starts together as a city. In 2025 the opening evening was on November 22, when the Christmas lights went on, and in 2026 the Advent opening is on Saturday, November 21, on Europaplatz by the KKL building. It is free, with ice and fire shows and the lighting of the big tree.
The highlight for children comes on the fourth Advent weekend. Since 1938, the Lucerne Spielleute, a local group, have led a Star Singing procession through the old town. About 100 people walk with lanterns. At the front, children dressed as star angels carry a big star, followed by a choir, the Three Kings with their followers and the Holy Family with shepherds and sheep. The procession stops on three squares, where a simple nativity play is performed, and at the end everyone sings "Silent Night" together.
Traditions your child will meet: Samichlaus, Klausjagen and the Star Singers
Samichlaus is the Swiss name for Saint Nicholas, and he comes on December 6 with his helper Schmutzli. He brings Grittibänz, which are bread men, along with nuts, chocolate and mandarins. In 2026, the parish Samichlaus visits families at home in Kriens and Obernau from December 5 to 7.
Around Lake Lucerne there is also the Klausjagen, a loud and lively evening parade. In Weggis, Klaus walks with Schmutzli, cowbell ringers, whip crackers and people carrying Iffelen. These are huge paper bishop hats lit from inside by candles, and in nearby Küssnacht they grow to more than two meters high. Whip cracking only happens in certain weeks in Advent; in 2025 it was allowed from November 3 to December 8.
The Star Singers explained above are a second tradition, on December 19, 2026.
Planning a Christmas visit to Lucerne with kids
The 2026 season starts with the free Advent opening on November 21. Rudolf's Christmas, a lakeside market in the Inseli park with a children's yurt, runs from November 20 to December 23. There is also a neighborhood Christmas weekend in the Bruch quarter from November 26 to 28 with a program for children.
Samichlaus season follows: the schoolchildren's Klausjagen in Weggis on December 3, the big evening Klausjagen on December 5 and a forest fire evening in Vitznau on December 6. The Star Singers come on December 19. In between, there are candle dipping in Emmenbrücke, Advent crafts and a Christmas play at the Lucerne Theater, aimed at children from age 8.
Many events are free, and several take place outdoors in the evening, so pack warm clothes. Most programs are in German.
A few stories about Lucerne at Christmas
In 2021, the big tree on Europaplatz did not appear, and in 2022 three companies from Lucerne and Horw stepped in to secure it for five years. In 2025 the Franziskanerplatz market had about 70 wooden huts and an Advent wreath three meters wide hanging over the fountain. Next to it stood a nativity scene with life-size figures.
Traditions today
- The Star Singing procession: About 100 singers and walkers carry lanterns from Mariahilfgasse through the old town and perform a nativity play on three squares. It is free and happens on December 19, 2026.
- The Advent opening: Lucerne begins Advent together at Europaplatz by the KKL and in the old town, with music and lights. In 2026 it is on November 21.
- The Franziskanerplatz Christmas market: About 70 wooden huts stand in the little old-town square, with a three-meter Advent wreath over the fountain and a nativity scene with life-size figures.
- Klausjagen in Weggis: Klaus walks with Schmutzli, cowbell ringers, whip crackers and glowing Iffelen through the village by the lake. The schoolchildren's parade is on December 3 and the main one on December 5, 2026.
- Samichlaus on December 6: Samichlaus brings Grittibänz, nuts, chocolate and mandarins. In Kriens and Obernau the parish Samichlaus visits families at home from December 5 to 7, 2026.
A fact for kids
At the Star Singing in Lucerne, children dressed as star angels walk at the very front with a big star, and real sheep follow with the Holy Family.
Questions about Christmas in Lucerne
Is Lucerne worth visiting at Christmas with kids?
Yes, and it is a nice fit for families who like lanterns and traditions. Highlights include the Star Singing procession through the old town, the Advent opening with ice and fire shows, a lakeside market with a children's yurt and the Klausjagen parades in Weggis. Many of these are free.
When is the Advent opening in Lucerne in 2026?
On Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 5 pm on Europaplatz. It is free and includes ice and fire shows, the arrival of the Samichlaus society and the switch-on of the Christmas lights and the big tree. In 2025 it took place on November 22.
When is the Lucerne Star Singing in 2026?
On Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 5:30 pm. The procession leaves from Mariahilfgasse and goes through the old town. It is free to watch, and about 100 people take part with lanterns, sheep and a choir.
What is the Star Singing in Lucerne?
It is a procession that tells the Christmas story as it moves through the old town. Children as star angels lead, followed by a choir, the Three Kings, the Holy Family and shepherds with sheep. On three squares, the group performs a simple nativity play, and at the end everyone sings Silent Night.
How long has the Star Singing been held in Lucerne?
Since 1938, when the Lucerne Spielleute took up the old custom again. Since then it has been held every December. It runs as a procession through the old town, not from door to door.
Where is the best place to watch the Star Singing with small kids?
Pick one of the three squares where the play is performed: Mühleplatz, Kornmarkt or Jesuitenplatz. The procession stops there to act out the nativity scene, so children can see the story up close. Dress warmly, because it takes place in the evening outdoors.
How do I explain the Star Singing to young children?
Describe it as a Christmas story that walks through the city. The star shows the way, the Three Kings follow it, and at the end come Mary, Joseph, the baby and the shepherds with their sheep. At each square the group stops and acts the story out.
Are there free Christmas events in Lucerne?
Yes. The Advent opening, the Star Singing, the Klausjagen parades in Weggis and the Kriens Samichlaus visits are free, as is entry to the Rudolf's Christmas market, where you pay only for food and drinks. The Chlaus evening in Vitznau is free as well, though the children's Samichlaus visits there require registration.
Are Christmas events in Lucerne in English?
Most events are in German. The Christmas Train in 2025 ran in German or English, but other programs do not list English. Parades, lights and markets work without much language, and for anything else check with the host.
What is Klausjagen?
It is a lively evening parade before Saint Nicholas Day around Lake Lucerne. Klaus walks with Schmutzli, cowbell ringers, whip crackers and people carrying lit Iffelen. In Weggis the main parade is on December 5, 2026, and the schoolchildren's parade is on December 3.
What are Iffelen?
Iffelen are huge hats made of paper that look like a mix of a bishop's mitre and a church window. Candles inside make them glow in color at night. In Küssnacht they grow to more than two meters high.
Is Klausjagen suitable for little kids?
The loud evening parades can be late and noisy. The big Küssnacht one in 2025 began at 8:15 pm and went into the early morning. In Weggis the schoolchildren's parade on December 3, 2026 from 5 to 8 pm is an earlier, gentler option, and the main parade begins at 8:15 pm on December 5.
Where did Klausjagen come from?
It is an old custom in the Lake Lucerne region. The sources say it was banned in Küssnacht in 1732 but could not be stopped, that bishop hats were added at the end of the 19th century and that a local society has looked after it since 1928.
When is whip cracking allowed in Lucerne?
Whip cracking has fixed times in Advent. In the Lucerne area in 2025 it was allowed from November 3 to December 8. It goes with the Klausjagen, where whip crackers walk with Klaus.
What does Samichlaus bring to children in Lucerne?
On December 6, Samichlaus and Schmutzli bring Grittibänz, nuts, chocolate and mandarins. In 2026 the Kriens parish Samichlaus visits families at home in Kriens and Obernau from December 5 to 7, by registration and free, with donations welcome.
What is the Christmas market at Franziskanerplatz like?
It is a small market in the old town with about 70 wooden huts. A three-meter Advent wreath hangs over the fountain, and a nativity scene with life-size figures stands beside it. In 2025 it ran from December 4 to 21.
What is Rudolf's Christmas?
It is a lakeside Christmas market in the Inseli park from November 20 to December 23, 2026. It has stalls, a fondue chalet, music and a children's yurt. Entry is free, and food and drinks cost extra.
Is there a Christmas play for kids in Lucerne?
The Lucerne Theater shows a musical version of A Christmas Carol by Dickens from November 18, 2026 to January 3, 2027, recommended from age 8. Many shows are on weekend afternoons and holidays, and tickets cost CHF 20 to 65. The play is in German.
Did Lucerne ever have a Christmas without a big tree?
Yes, in 2021 there was no tree on Europaplatz. In 2022 a local association found three companies from Lucerne and Horw that secured the tree for five years, and it lit up on November 24, 2022 at the Advent opening.
Is there a Christmas train in Lucerne?
In 2025 a new Christmas Train ran from November 23 at 6 pm for about 75 minutes. It told, in German or English, how Lucerne celebrated Christmas in the past. We could not confirm whether it runs in 2026, so check before you go.
What else can kids do in Lucerne in Advent?
There is candle dipping at the Gerliswil church in Emmenbrücke from November 23 to 28, an Advent craft afternoon on November 25 and an Advent window evening with a Christmas story on December 1. The Bruch quarter holds a Christmas weekend from November 26 to 28 with a children's program.
Sources
- Sternsingen in Luzern: Aus der Zeit gefallen oder schlichtweg Tradition?, SRF
- Sternsingen der Luzerner Spielleute, Luzern Tourismus
- Lozärner Adväntseröffnig am 24. November: gemeinsamer Start in den Advent, Luzern Tourismus
- Weihnachtsbaum auf dem Europaplatz wird in diesem Jahr wieder erstrahlen, Luzern Tourismus
- Der neue Christmas Train Luzern führt durch die vielfältige Luzerner Weihnachtswelt, Luzern Tourismus
- Lichterfroh und rüüdig romantisch: Weihnachten in Luzern 2025, Blick
- Advent season: in and around Luzern 2025, LivingIn.swiss
- Klausjagen Weggis, Luzern Tourismus
- Klausjagen, Wikipedia
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