Lucerne – an experience at Christmas time Celebrating Advent and Christmas in Lucerne is a great experience for old and young! Enjoy the city of lights during the most contemplative time of the year. A huge choice of events shortens the waiting time for Christmas!

Pine Boughs and Bright Lights Get caught up in the mysteries of the Christ Child and Santa Claus on our Christmas stroll through Lucerne. For groups: Duration:

CHF 230 (max. 25 persons per group), different languages available approx. 1.5 hours

In December only Reservation: Lucerne Tourism, [email protected], Tel. +41 (0)41 227 17 17

Guided City Walks (for individuals) Dates: Meeting point: Time: Duration: Languages: Price:

Every Wednesday and Saturday in December 2010 as well as on January 1, 2011 Tourist Information, Zentralstrasse 5 (at the railway station) no reservation required, limited places 9.45 am approx. 2 hours German / English CHF 18 per person

Reservation: Lucerne Tourism, [email protected], Tel. +41 (0)41 227 17 17

Lunch-Hopping - Sightseeing tour of Lucerne with lunch included 10.15 am 11.15 am 12.30 pm 2.30 pm

Start of the stroll through the town Luncheon – 1st course at the Wirtshaus Taube Main course at Hotel des Balances Dessert at the “Schiffsrestaurant Wilhelm Tell”

Two 3-course menus to choose from: Cost for the guide: Administrative charges: Duration:

From CHF 53 to CHF 59 per person CHF 340 (max. 25 persons per group) CHF 30 5 hours

Reservation: Lucerne Tourism, [email protected], Tel. +41 (0)41 227 17 17

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A city tour in horse-and-carriage Why not enjoy a leisurely drive through Lucerne as in old days in a horse-drawn carriage and thereby make acquaintance with the nostalgic alleys and streets of the town? Cost for the guide: Carriage drive:

CHF 210 (max. 25 pers. per group) CHF 330 (max. 15 persons) or CHF 24 per person (from16 persons)

1 glass mulled wine Riesling-Sylvaner 7 dl Blauburgunder 7 dl

CHF 5.50 CHF 25 CHF 25

Administrative charges

CHF 20

Reservation: Lucerne Tourism, [email protected], Tel. +41 (0)41 227 17 17

A stroll through Lucerne’s middle ages - Experience the early beginnings of Lucerne. With bells marking the daily routine, the citizens would swear an annual oath of allegiance and craftsmen ply their trade in the alleys; towers, bridges and walls were erected, religious orders established themselves and mercenaries and tradesmen shaped the city. Guided city walk Duration

CHF 260 (max. 25 persons per group) approx. 2 hours

Reservation: Lucerne Tourism, [email protected], Tel. +41 (0)41 227 17 17

Markets and Cribs Nativity Scene Lucerne November 25, 2010 – January 7, 2011 at Buobenmatt, near the Café Niederberger.

Christmas market Railcity (train station) November 27 – December 22, 2010 Monday – Friday: Saturday and Sunday: Last day: www.christkindlimarkt.ch

11am – 9pm 10am – 8pm until 6pm

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Christmas Market Lucerne December 2 - December 19, 2010, Franziskanerplatz There are plenty of stands with Christmas decorations, sweets, food and drinks - an x-mas paradise for everybody. Stalls with handcraft daily from 11am - 8pm Stalls with food daily from 11am - 9pm www.weihnachtsmarktluzern.com

First Design Christmas Market Lucerne December 3 – December 5, 2010, Kornschütte December 26, 2010: December 27 and 28, 2010: December 29, 2010:

5pm – 10pm 10am – 10pm 10am – 5pm

www.designschenken.ch

Hand Craft Market December 4/8/11/12/18/19, 2010, Mühlenplatz Saturday: 7am – 4pm, Sunday: 10.30am – 6.30pm www.handwerksmarkt.ch

Christmas Market in the Hotel Schweizerhof December 13, 2010: 10am – 6.30pm More than 50 stands and a christmas bar. www.schweizerhof-luzern.ch

Christmas Tree Market December 15 – December 24, 2010, Schweizerhofquai – Luzernerhof (Nationalquai) Monday – Wednesday / Saturday: 10am – 8pm Thursday / Friday: 10am – 9pm Sunday: 10.30am – 6.30pm Last day until 5pm

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International Christmas forum "Venite" at the Kapellplatz December 15, 2010: Intercultural Opening Ceremony December 16 – December 19, 2010, Kapellplatz Twenty stands from 20 different countries will present typical Christmas items from their homelands. There is a stage featuring Christmas productions from all over the world. Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

11am 11am 10am 10am

– 9pm – 9pm – 9pm – 7pm

www.venite.ch

Flower Market at Bahnhofplatz/Rathausquai December 23 and December 24, 2010, 6am – 5pm

Christmassy Lucerne Christmas Lights November 25, 2010 – January 2, 2011 Get in Christmas mood with the special Christmas lighting in Lucerne during Christmas time.

“Christmas forest” at the Restaurant Pfistern November 1, 2010 – January 2, 2011, daily from 6pm Enjoy an outdoor Fondue, Raclette or just a hot wine in a charming atmosphere next to the river Reuss. www.restaurant-pfistern.ch, Zunfthaus Restaurant Pfistern, Phone: +41 (0)41 410 36 50

Light art in Lucerne November 28, 2010, 6.30pm – 8pm The Advent season is the time for reflection. On November 28, 2010 the internationally renowned light artist Gerry Hofstetter decorates the Jesuit Church in an impressive display of lights: the façades of the magnificent church are lit with Christmas motifs and Holiday greetings in all languages.

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Opening hours of the shops in December Monday, December 7, 2010 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 Sunday, December 12, 2010 Thursday, December 23, 2010 Christmas Eve, December 24, 2010 Christmas Day, December 25, 2010 Boxing Day, December 26, 2010 Thursday, December 30, 2010 New Years Eve, December 30, 2010 New years Day, January 1, 2011 Sunday, December 2, 2011

9am – 5pm 9am – 5pm (Immaculate Conception) 1am – 5pm shops open until 9pm 9am – 4pm closed closed shops open until 9pm 9am – 4pm closed closed

www.city-luzern.ch

Christmas Crib Exhibition In the „Kornschütte“ Luzern (townhall) December 10 – December 24, 2010 Opening day: Thursday December 9, 2010, 6pm Monday - Friday: 10am – 6pm Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10am – 4pm

Create your own candle November 20 – December 20, 2010 Create your own candle with beeswax in the Vögeligärtli. Open daily from 10am – 6.30pm. Reservation required: Tel. +41 (0)41 340 89 68, Family Suppiger www.luzernerkerzenziehen.ch

Santa Claus December 12, 2010, from 5pm Santa Claus is in the city and has a surprise for old and young! Meet him in the old town between Kapellplatz and Kornmarkt. www.migrosluzern.ch

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73th Christmas Caroling December 19, 2010 On the last Sunday before Christmas Eve, carolers walk through the Old Town, accompanied by the Holy Family, the shepherds with their animals, and the three Magi. On New Year's Eve the Hof Church rings out the old year with music from the steeples. Departure:

5.30pm from the „Mariahilfschulhaus“, ends approx. 7pm.

1st Caroling: 2nd Caroling: 3rd Caroling:

5.50pm: Mühlenplatz 6.20pm: Kornmarkt 6.50pm: Jesuitenplatz

In case of very bad weather, one can reach Mr. Pius Inderbitzin (phone +41 (0) 76 520 09 08) after 5pm, to learn the status of the event.

Circus Royal Christmas-Dinner-Show December 10, 2010 – January 2, 2011 Enjoy a 3-course-menu in a christmassy atmosphere with an artistic circus programme. CHF 98 per person (excl. drinks). Starts daily at 7pm. Location: Mooshüsli, Mooshüslistrasse, 6032 Emmenbrücke Information and reservation: Tel. +41 (0)79 634 57 78.

Public tours at the KKL Luzern December 5, December 11, 2010 at 11am (German only). English, French, Italian and Spanish tours for groups available on request. Duration: Price:

approx. 1h Adults CHF 15, children (6-16 years) CHF 9

Reservation:

Tel. +41 (0)41 226 77 77

www.kkl-luzern.ch

Mechanical crib at the historical museum Luzern 14 pictures out of Jesus’ life Every Wednesday in December at 4pm Every Sunday in December at 2.15pm Historisches Museum Luzern Tel. +41 (0) 41 228 54 25 www.hmluzern.ch

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Music events during holiday season Grand Hotel National

Gospelbrunch with Richard Broadnax December 12, 2010 from 11am to 3pm CHF 85 per person including coffee, tea and prosecco Grand Hotel National, phone: +41 (0)41 419 09 09, www.national-luzern.ch

KKL (Culture and Convention Centre)

Carol-singing For parents and children December 15, 2010, 6pm at the concert hall Traditional carol-singing with the choir “Luzerner Kantorei” December 15, 2010, 7.30pm at the concert hall Ticket sale: www.sinfonieorchester.ch The Lucerne Christmas Concert Lucerne Marching Band & Friends December 18 2010, 7pm, December 19, 2010 5pm at the concert hall „Luzerner Saal“ Queen Esther Marrow & The Harlem Gospel Singers December 21, 2010, 7.30pm at the concert hall Ticket sale: www.kkl-luzern.ch, Tel. +41 (0)41 226 77 77

Paulus Church Lucerne

Christmas concert “Luzerner Chor” December 20, 2010, 5pm

Christmas Services Hofkirche Phone: +41 (0)41 418 20 20

Family Service December 24, 2010, 5.15pm with Christmas play Midnight Service December 24, 2010, 11pm Christmas Day services December 25, 2010, 8.30 am 11am and 6pm Church Service December 31, 2010, 5.15pm and 11.15pm with Turmmusik and New Years blessing New Year Service January 1, 2011, 8.30am, 11am and 6pm Special event: 1 Million stars on the stairs leading to the Hofkirche on December 18, 2010, starting from 4pm

Jesuit Church Phone: +41 (0)41 210 07 56

Christmette December 24, 2010, 10pm with the „Knabenkantorei Luzern“and instrumentalists from the „Collegium Musicum Luzern“, Conducted by Eberhard Rex Music: Dietrich Buxtehude, cantata

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Mass Dezember 25, 2010, 7am, 10am, 3pm and 5pm 10am: Music: Immanuel Richter, trumpet, Elisabeth Zawadke 5pm: Music: Otto Nicolai, Mass in D major Soloists, choir and orchestra by the “Collegium Musicum Luzern”, conducted by Pascal Mayer, organ: Elisabeth Zawadke Final Annual Service December 31 2010, 5.30 pm, organ: Elisabeth Zawadke 6.30pm: „Jubilare 2010 – 2011“, works by Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, Jehan Alain a.o., organ: Elisabeth Zawadke New Years Day January 1, 2011, 7am, 10am, 3pm and 5pm (church service), 5pm: Music: Otto Nicolai, Mass in D major Soloists, choir and orchestra by the “Collegium Musicum Luzern”, conducted by Pascal Mayer, organ: Elisabeth Zawadke

Franciscan Church Phone +41 (0)41 226 00 80

Christmas Service December 24, 2010, 3pm Family Service December 24, 2010, 5pm Midnight Service December 24, 2010 10.30pm music, 11pm Church Service Christmas Day Service December 25, 2010, 9am and 11am, Franciscan-Choir: instrumentalists, soloists, conducted by Ulrike Grosch; organ: Franz Schaffner Boxing Day December 26, 2010, 9am and 11am: Eucharist celebration, music: Alexandre Guilmant; Noels for organ Church Service January 31, 2010, 4pm with festive baroque music Church Service January 1, 2011 9am and 11am with festive baroque music

Opening hours of the museums in Lucerne during the holidays Bourbaki Panorama

Friday, December 24, 2010: Saturday, December 25, 2010: Sunday, December 26, 2010: Saturday, January 1, 2011:

Gletschergarten

Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm

Historisches Museum

Friday, December 24, 2010: Saturday, December 25, 2010: Sunday, December 26, 2010: Monday, December 27, 2010: Friday, December 31, 2010: Saturday, January 1, 2010: Sunday, January 2, 2011: Monday, January 3, 2011:

closed from 4 pm closed open from 10 am to 5 pm closed

open from closed open from closed open from closed open from closed

10 am to 4 pm 10 am to 5 pm 10 am to 5 pm 10 am to 5 pm

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Kunstmuseum Luzern

Open daily except for Mondays. December 24, 25 and 31, 2010 from 10am to 4pm

Natur-Museum

Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm Closed on Mondays (except for holidays) Closed on December 25, 2010 and on January 1, 2011

Sammlung und Picasso Donation Rosengart

During holiday season open daily from 10am to 5pm

Swiss Museum of Transport

During holiday season open daily from 10am to 5pm

Sporty activities for everyone Hallenbad (Indoor swimming pool) Christmas swimming from November 28 until December 27, 2010 with contemplative music and atmospheric lights. December 24, 2010 December 25 / 26, 2010 December 31, 2010 January 1, 2011 January 2, 2011

9am – 12pm closed 9am – 12pm closed 9am – 5.30pm

Information: www.hallenbadluzern.ch

SwissLifeArena – Regionales Eiszentrum Luzern (Ice Skating Rink) Public ice skating from October 10, 2010 – March 27, 2011. Daily 9am – 6pm, Wednesday and Friday until 9pm Special opening hours during Christmas time: December 24, 2010 December 25, 2010 December 31, 2010 January 1, 2011

9am – 5pm closed 9am – 3pm 10am – 6pm

www.swisslifearena.ch

Night Sledging Engelberg Titlis What about a night sledge? The toboggan run from Gerschnialp to Engelberg is illuminated with flambeaus and lamps. The ride is 3,5km long. Night sledding possible on the following dates: December 17 / 18 / 25 / 28 / 29, 2010, January 1, 2011. Friday and Saturday 7.30pm – 9.30pm.

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Sledges can be rented on spot. Information: Tel. +41 (0)41 639 50 61 or www.titlis.ch

Rigi Every Friday from December 31, 2010 until February 25, 2011. On Friday nights, the toboggan run from Rigi Kulm to Staffel and the toboggan run and ski slope at Gratalp (Rigi Kaltbad) are romantically illuminated. Information: +41 (0)41 399 87 87; Weather: +41 (0)41 399 87 70 or www.rigi.ch

Enjoy Lucerne from its lakeside Christmas boat November 16, 2010 – January 6, 2011 Discover the Christmas hotel Seeburg with its Christmas lights also from the boat. The decorated boat is floating near the wonderfully illuminated hotel with more than 250’000 lights. You will also see the skyline of Lucerne. Departure from the boat pier SNG near the Schwanenplatz Tuesday – Saturday: Sunday:

departure 7pm, arrival 8.30pm. Extension until 10pm. departure 5pm, arrival 6.30pm. Extension until 8pm

Price per person: Reservation:

CHF 49 incl. cruise and menu (Fondue or Raclette) SNG, Tel. +41 (0)41 368 08 08 or [email protected], www.sng.ch

Chlausjagen, ancient custom (parade of enormous candle-light mitres), Küssnacht am Rigi December 3, 2010 With the rolling of thunder, the streetlights go out. Pitch black is the night when the St.Nicolas parade starts to move. Prior to that, some local chaps have cracked their whips to the great delight of the public. And already, the first ones of the up to 180 "Iffelen" (village people wearing giant lighted miters) noiselessly scurry by. Slowly, the triad blown by the musicians picks up volume. Now, dignified St.Nicolas evolves between the Iffelen and the musicians, accompanied by his assistants and some torchbearers. After the musicians follows the group of St.Nicolas hunters, all in all about 900 lads. They ring their bells in rhythmic unison, producing a sound to make you shiver down your spine. The parade ends with about 200 people blowing their horns. Extra boats from Lucerne departing 6.30pm and 6.50pm, reservation required. Lake Lucerne Boat Company, Tel. +41 (0)41 367 67 67 or [email protected] www.klausjagen.ch www.lakelucerne.com

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Festivity cruises onboard the steamer “Uri” December 25, 2010 – January 2, 2011 More information www.lakelucerne.ch Reservation required. Tel. +41 (0)41 367 67 67 or [email protected]

New Year ’s Day fireworks January 1, 2011, 8pm Start with fireworks and lights in a happy 2011! Let yourself enchant by fireworks and music, organized by different hotels, the KKL Luzern and the Grand Casino Luzern. Lucerne city centre, best views from the “Seebrücke” and the lake promenade. Main partner: Hotel Palace Luzern, Tel. +41 (0)41 416 16 16, www.palace-luzern.ch

Culinary highlights In Lucerne you have a wide choice of national and international cuisines. Enjoy the typical friendliness of a Lucerne guesthouse or a cultivated, evening-filling Tête-à-Tête. More information on the culinary offer is available on our lists “Culinary Christmas” and “Culinary New Years eve”.

The staff of the Tourist Information wishes you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Information subject to change. Editorial deadline: December 2nd, 2010/fg

More information: www.luzern.com