Christmas Train Lucerne: Festive ride through lit streets

The train itself is the decoration, and the city becomes the show.

The Christmas Train is a one-hour decorated train ride through Lucerne's festively lit streets, squares and landmarks, with an onboard audio guide in English or German that pairs atmospheric music with stories about the Advent season. The route loops through the KKL, the Hofkirche, Schweizerhofquai, and the narrow alleys of the old town (Grendelstrasse, Pfistergasse, Löwengraben) all strung with holiday lights. Infant seats are available. The train runs in most weather, though heavy snow or ice may force cancellation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Christmas train ride through Lucerne

• Board decorated Christmas train
• Enjoy festive lights and music
• Listen to Christmas stories onboard
• Pass by KKL/Europaplatz
• Pass by Church of St. Leodegar
• Pass by Schweizerhofquai
• Pass by Schwanenplatz
• Pass by Grendelstrasse
• Pass by Löwengraben
• Pass by Mühleplatz
• Pass by Reussbrücke
• Pass by Hirschengraben
• Pass by Bruchstrasse
• Pass by Pfistergasse

The experience

The train departs from KKL/Europaplatz and rolls through the heart of Lucerne on a fixed route that hits the major squares and the quieter streets where the decorations pool in the corners. You sit back in a seat on a moving platform while the city passes: no walking, no navigation, no deciding which alley to turn down. The audio guide in your chosen language (English or German) plays stories and music timed to what you're passing, so the Hofkirche arrives with its own narration, and the narrow medieval streets of the old town come with their own soundtrack instead of silence.

The ride takes an hour, which is long enough to loop the whole festive circuit without feeling rushed, but short enough that families with younger children stay comfortable. Infant seats are on board if you're traveling with a baby. The train runs most days through the season, though the operator will cancel if snow or ice makes the streets unsafe. If that happens, your ticket gets refunded or rebooked.

What’s included

• Cosy ride through the festively lit streets and squares of Lucerne.
• onboard audio guide with atmospheric music and Christmas stories in English or German.
• access to all stops on the fixed route including the Hofkirche, KKL and old town squares.

Options for this experience

2 options

Christmas Train EnglishAvailable from 24 Nov · 18:30 and 19:15

Christmas Train DeutschAvailable from 22 Nov · 18:00 and 18:30

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 18:00, 18:30 and 19:15

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 40

Audio guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Luzern Tourismus AG

Is this one for you?Pick English for storytelling during the ride or German if that's your language. The fixed one-hour loop covers Lucerne's full festive circuit without requiring you to decide where to stop.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring a baby on the Christmas Train Lucerne?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available on the train, so you can bring a baby along for the ride without needing to hold them the whole time.

What language is the audio guide on the Christmas Train?

The Christmas Train offers audio guides in English and German. You choose which one when you book.

How long does the Christmas Train ride take?

The ride lasts one hour and covers the full loop through Lucerne's festive streets, squares and landmarks.

What happens if it snows while I'm booked on the Christmas Train?

Heavy snowfall or icy roads can force cancellation: the operator decides based on safety. If the train doesn't run, your ticket will be refunded or rebooked.

Which parts of Lucerne does the Christmas Train pass through?

The train departs from KKL/Europaplatz and loops through the Hofkirche, Schweizerhofquai, Schwanenplatz, and the narrow lit alleys of the old town including Grendelstrasse, Pfistergasse and Löwengraben.