10 Best Swiss Christmas Market Foods to Try in Lucerne
Ready to eat your way through the Lucerne Christmas Market, but don’t know what to try first?
With so many awesome options to choose from, it can get a little daunting!
During our trip to Lucerne, we had a fabulous time strolling through the Christmas markets and sampling everything from the Glühwein to the raclette, the Lebkuchen, and of course, the chocolate.
While we all had our favourites, there were definitely some stand-out dishes that you need to add to your must-try list.
Want to learn more? Let’s dig in!
When Do Lucerne Christmas Markets Open in 2024?
In general, Christmas markets in Lucerne will run from the end of November until a few days before Christmas.
This year, the main Christmas Markets in Lucerne will open from Thursday, December 5th until Sunday, December 22nd, 2024.
Best Christmas Market Foods to Try in Lucerne
While there are so many delicious dishes to try at Lucerne’s Christmas Market, we have done the incredibly difficult job of narrowing it down to the top 10!
Here are the top festive foods you won’t want to miss:
1. Raclette
Raclette is a must-try Swiss food if you’re exploring the Lucerne Christmas Market.
This traditional Swiss dish consists of deliciously melted cheese scraped right off the wheel onto a plate of boiled potatoes, or in our case, housemade bread.
Perfect for warming up on a chilly day, raclette is a real treat for cheese lovers at the market. We even saw it being served on flatbread with toppings of your choice.
And I have to say, this cheesy dish was a family favourite. Our youngest preferred his on bread with a generous sprinkling of green onions and bacon.
Deeeelish!
2. Glühwein
Glühwein, or mulled wine, is a staple at any Swiss Christmas market, including Lucerne.
This iconic beverage is made by heating red wine with various spices like cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and citrus.
In Switzerland, you might find variations that include white wine or even a blueberry wine base for a unique twist. I loved the addition of honey for Honigwein!
Some stalls even offer a “Schuss” version—Glühwein with a shot of rum or another spirit to warm you up even more.
In case you have never visited a European Christmas Market before, I should explain about the festive mugs.
At Christmas markets, Glühwein is traditionally served in gorgeous mugs that are collectibles in their own right.
When you buy your first drink, you pay a small deposit (known as “Pfand”) for the mug.
Then, you can either keep the mug as a souvenir or return it to get your deposit back.
This system not only makes a fun keepsake but also helps reduce waste, making the merry sipping experience a bit more eco-friendly.
3. Bratwurst
In Lucerne, you’ll find several types of Bratwurst that are usually quite popular among locals and visitors alike at the Christmas Market.
The traditional Swiss version, the St. Galler Bratwurst, is made with veal and pork and is a favourite at the market.
These sausages are typically grilled until golden and juicy then served up in a crusty roll.
You may find them served alongside Rosti (similar to a hashbrown), but we preferred ours the traditional way.
4. Basler Läckerli
Basler Läckerli is a traditional Swiss biscuit that originates from Basel and dates back to the 15th century.
Today, Läckerli has become a favourite treat across Switzerland, including at the Lucerne Christmas Market.
These spiced biscuits are made from a blend of honey, almonds, candied peel, and Kirsch, topped off with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon.
The result is a chewy yet slightly crunchy texture that’s bursting with flavour. They are absolutely delicious!
Often packaged in beautiful, decorative boxes, these biscuits make excellent gifts.
We actually just enjoyed ours as a snack while strolling the markets.
5. Lebkuchen
Lebkuchen is a traditional German gingerbread that is popular throughout most European Christmas Markets.
This sweet, slightly spicy treat is made from a mixture of honey, and spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, and often includes nuts and candied fruit.
The dough is baked to a soft, cake-like texture and is sometimes coated in a thin layer of sugar glaze or dark chocolate.
There are several different ways to enjoy Lebkuchen at the market. Most stalls will carry the iconic colourful Lebkuchen Hearts which are hung as decoration.
This version is a little more crisp. Each piece is beautifully designed, making it as much a feast for your eyes as it is for the palate.
For a more cake-like texture, look for smaller cookies that are often just lightly glazed or covered in chocolate.
My favourite is the chocolate-covered Lebkuchen that is filled with apricot jam. Yum!! 😋😋
6. Marrons
Marrons, or roasted chestnuts, are a popular winter treat at the Lucerne Christmas Market.
These chestnuts are roasted on-site, filling the air with a warm, nutty aroma that’s irresistible on a cold day.
The chestnuts are scored and then heated over a special roasting pan, allowing them to cook evenly and develop a sweet, tender interior.
Eating roasted chestnuts as you stroll through the market is not easy! We would recommend finding a spot where you can sit, enjoy their deliciousness and just people-watch!
7. Öpfelchüchli
Öpfelchüchli is an awesome and unique treat you’ll find at most Swiss Christmas Markets.
These are essentially apple slices that are dipped in a light batter, and then fried until golden and crispy.
Once cooked, they’re typically sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served hot, often accompanied by a dollop of vanilla ice cream or some warm vanilla sauce.
The combination of the crispy exterior with the soft, warm apple inside makes Öpfelchüchli a hit, especially on chilly market evenings.
While these smelled absolutely divine, this is one of the only treats my family indulged in without me. Sadly, I am allergic to apples! 🤯
I did help myself to a taste of the vanilla sauce and it was delicious!
8. Grittibänz
The kids found this particular treat to be hilarious. Grittibänz is a sweet Swiss bread that is shaped into the form of a little man.
The dough men are often adorned with raisins for eyes and a mouth, and sometimes a piped sugar or almond paste decoration.
Traditionally eaten on December 6th for Saint Nicholas Day, Grittibänz has become a popular treat throughout the Christmas season.
I loved the soft, brioche-like texture and subtly sweet flavour, and so did the kids (once they got over laughing at the ridiculous faces on the Grittibänz they chose).
We enjoyed Grittibänz while wandering through the market stalls, as it was one of the few foods that was easy to eat without needing to stop.
9. Biberli
Biberli is a traditional Swiss cookie that’s a must-try at the Lucerne Christmas Market.
Basically the Swiss version of gingerbread cookies, these mouth-watering cookies are filled with a sweet, spicy almond paste.
The outer layer is subtly flavoured with honey and spices such as anise, clove, and cinnamon, making it rich and pleasantly aromatic.
We found many iterations of this treat as we walked around the markets.
Some Biberli were simple with just a glaze and sprinkled with nuts, while others had these gorgeous designs making them almost too beautiful to eat.
10. Gebrannte Mandeln
Gebrannte Mandeln, or candied roasted almonds, are a classic treat at the Lucerne Christmas Market.
And I won’t lie, I am a sucker for them!
These almonds are roasted right at the stalls in large copper kettles, then coated in a crispy caramelized sugar shell, often with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon.
However, nowadays you can find so many different flavours.
The sweet, nutty aroma of the roasted almonds is unmistakable. And it’s one of those smells that always remind me of Christmas Markets.
In fact, I’m pretty sure that these stands are strategically placed to draw more people into the market! 🤔
Christmas Market Foods – Our Best Tips When Heading to a Market
Before you head to the Lucerne Christmas Market, here are a couple of handy tips to make the most out of your foodie adventure:
☑️ Bring Cash
Cash is King! We found that many food vendors at the Christmas market only take cash, so it’s a good idea to have some on hand.
And while we didn’t really like having a lot of cash with us, it definitely made purchasing our food quicker and easier.
☑️ There is a Ton of Food to Try
The variety of food at the Christmas market goes well beyond what we’ve listed. To be honest, there were just too many to list (or remember).
Keep in mind that the dishes tend to be quite hearty and filling, so as you make your way through the stalls, you may want to pace yourself!
☑️ Plan to Share
As we mentioned above, there are sooooo many foods to try at the Christmas market, that you will definitely need to be strategic about it.
What we did, was do a lap around the market, decide what we wanted to try, and then we bought one of each.
Since there were four of us, we each had enough to get a good taste, while not filling up on just one food.
It also helped with saving a bit of money, because eating at the markets can get expensive.
☑️ Long Lines = Must Try!
We learned this trick pretty quickly! If you see a long line at a food stall, it’s usually a sign that something delicious awaits.
While it may not sound like fun to wait in a long line, trust me when I tell you, it will usually lead you to some of the best treats the market has to offer.
After all, the locals usually know where to find the tastiest bites!
☑️ Definitely Try the Local Specialties
One piece of advice I can’t emphasize more is don’t miss out on the local specialties at the market.
Not only does trying dishes that are unique to the area give you a real taste of local culture, but more often than not, they are flavours that you won’t find anywhere else.
Lucerne Christmas Market – FAQs
No, entry to the Lucerne Christmas Market is typically free, allowing you to explore the various stalls and attractions without an entrance charge.
Yes, many stalls offer vegetarian options like the vegetarian Bratwurst and various sweet treats that are meat-free.
Gluten-free options might be a bit limited, but you can usually find some like roasted chestnuts, which are naturally gluten-free and very popular.
Pets are generally allowed at the market, but it can get very crowded, so it might not be the most comfortable environment for them.
Yes, many Christmas markets, including Lucerne, feature activities and areas dedicated to children, such as merry-go-rounds and sometimes puppet shows.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to eating your way through the Lucerne Christmas Market!
Hopefully, we have given you enough tips and ideas to “chew on” (Sorry! Couldn’t resist!) before you venture out.
In fact, my stomach is rumbling just remembering all the fantastic treats that we tried.
So, in all honesty, you really can’t go wrong. If it catches your fancy, TRY IT!
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