Getting There

Lugano is very well-connected and easily accessible by train and car. It only takes 5 minutes to walk from the Lugano train station to reach Lugano city center.

Atmosphere

When you arrive at the Piazza della Riforma, you’ll see a big beautiful Christmas tree and also a great spectacle of artist performances.

Here, you can already see that Lugano’s Christmas culture is quite different from that of the Swiss-French and Swiss-German parts.

You have so many bars and restaurants at the Piazza where you can have mulled wine.

I quite like the setting by Lake Lugano because the Christmas market here focuses more on the Christmasy atmosphere rather than street food.

The market itself is a vibrant blend of stalls adorned with twinkling light, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

The backdrop of the lake and the surrounding mountains adds to the enchanting ambiance of the Christmas market.

The Christmas Market

The actual market is just next to the Piazza, and what I really like is that there are a lot of stalls that sell traditional handcraft products.

Local artists showcase their talents through unique, handmade items that make perfect souvenirs.

So, unlike the Zurich market, it’s not a street food festival in disguise as a Christmas market. It’s actually an authentic traditional Christmas market.

Lugano’s Christmas market is quite more convenient than those of other cities in Switzerland. Everything is reachable within walking distance. 

You’ll see plenty of local artisan stalls where you can find great Christmas gifts for your friends and family in the main section of the market.

There are many stalls that sell decorations whether specific for Christmas or for your home in general.

You can also buy handmade soaps, winter clothes, dolls for kids, and figurines in the Christmas market.

Also, you’ll find a variety of live entertainment that adds to the festive atmosphere throughout the market.

There’s always something happening to keep you entertained. So, check the event schedule for specific performances during your visit.

Explore The Market

Don’t just stay at the Piazza and the main market nearby; make sure you roam around the city. First, explore the alleys and then you’ll discover a lot of things. 

If you find the giant lighting bubble, don’t forget to take a picture with it. It’s one of the things I really like the most in this market.

When strolling around the alleys, you’ll see the beautiful lighting decorations. Also, these alleys aren’t very crowded and very enjoyable.

Don’t forget to do the fun activity, Ice skating. It is a popular activity for both locals and tourists of all ages. The rick is open daily.

Also, take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, or explore the nearby Parco Ciani, one of the most beautiful parks in Switzerland.

Necessary Information

The Lugano Christmas market typically opens from early December to early January. The stalls are generally open from mid-morning until late evening.

I suggest you visit the market during weekdays. On weekdays, there are fewer people in the market, which gives a relaxed experience.