Christmas Market In Lugano: City Centre Festivities

For your next Christmassy location, it’s time to head to the South of Switzerland to visit the Christmas Market in Lugano! Lugano is a great place to visit during the winter, but for the Christmas season it’s extra special. With pretty Christmas decorations, festive live music, warm food and drink, Lugano Christmas market stands and more. Curious what you can see in more detail? Read on!

Christmas Market

With over 60 traditional Christmas wooden chalets, the Christmas market in Lugano is the festive highlight of the city centre. The stands include all the festive Christmassy things you can think of, with homemade items being the most popular. It’s the perfect place to buy some new decorations for your home, to buy a gift for loved ones or to treat yourself to something new.

The market is held at Piazza Manzoni, Via Nassa, Piazzetta Maraini, Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Dante all in the city centre. The large Christmas tree can be found also at the Piazza della Riforma.

Live Music

Throughout the opening times of the market, there are a few live bands that usually play at the market square Piazza della Riforma. For example, you can stroll the streets while listening to a gospel ensemble, jazz orchestras, Christmas carol singers and even a festive DJ. Even if it’s raining, the city will have dry shelter for those that will be on stage, so you can still visit and enjoy the music.

Tip: Visit one of the piazza restaurants for a drink or bite to eat while listening, so that you also stay dry during any rain showers.

Hotel Tips: For a pretty place to stay the night in Lugano, see our full local hotel recommendations here!

Wintery Delicacies and Glühwein

Once the live music starts, don’t forget to enjoy a bite to eat on one of the warm treats being served. The surrounding chalets near the main Christmas tree all serves local wintery delicacies as well as the typical, but popular Christmas festive food choices. Of course a local favourite during Christmas is to enjoy a glühwein too, but there is also hot chocolate and other warm drinks.

Tip: Glühwein in Lugano is called ‘Vin Brule’, which you can find on all the advertisements at each food and drink stand.

Our favourite bite to eat was actually the freshly made pancake at one of the little wooden stands. They provide lots of toppings, but the brown sugar and cinnamon pancake was the best in our opinion!

Parco Ciani Enchanted Forest

Walk the park pathways through the beautifully lit enchanted forest. Here you will find the magical lit up creatures, such as a bear and a reindeer. It’s great for those wanting a pretty Christmas walk with children just after dark, else also pretty for adults to stroll. Take your time walking through the lit up pathways for the illuminations.

Here below is the 2022 polar bear located at the start of the park. It was one of many wintery animals to spot. For children, its great as they can stand up close to the animals for a photo together.