Every January, the charming city of Lucerne, Switzerland, transforms into a glowing wonderland for the Lilu Light Festival. Historical landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge, Jesuit Church, and Lucerne Train Station come alive with colorful light installations and creative projections. In addition to the free displays scattered throughout the city, several ticketed Lilu Light Shows offer immersive art and sound experiences inside some of Lucerne’s most iconic buildings. It’s a magical time to explore the city—especially for families looking for something unique during the Swiss winter season.
Our First Visit: Spiritus Light Show
Our first visit to the Lilu Light Festival Lucerne was in 2024, when we purchased tickets for the Spiritus Light Show at Matthäuskirche in the Old Town. With our kids still quite young, we opted for one of the more affordable shows to gauge how they’d enjoy it. The 360-degree projection of lights and sound was beautiful—vivid visuals filled the church and were easy to appreciate from any seat. While our kids were fascinated at first, their attention eventually waned, so I was thankful to have packed a few snacks.
Free Light Installations Around Lucerne
This year, we focused on exploring the 30+ free light installations spread across Lucerne’s Old Town, open nightly from 6:00–10:00 p.m. Families can easily download the official festival map from the Lilu Light Festival website, which also lists guided tours available in English and German. Some of our favorites included the illuminated Chapel Bridge, Octopus at the Seebad, Jesuit Church, and a fountain light show set to music. Lucerne in January can be chilly, so be sure to dress in layers and bundle up. Most of the Old Town is stroller-friendly, though cobblestone streets and the occasional step make a sturdy stroller with good wheels a must.
Where to Eat During the Lilu Light Festival
We combined our evening stroll with dinner at Rathaus Brauerei, a family-friendly restaurant right by the river with stunning views of the Chapel Bridge. Reservations are recommended, especially during festival evenings. Visitors will also find food and drink stands near several light installations, perfect for grabbing a warm snack or drink along the way. However, expect lines—especially on weekends. For more family-friendly restaurants in Lucerne, check out our blog post.
Getting to the Lilu Light Festival Lucerne
Reaching the Lilu Light Festival is easy thanks to Lucerne’s excellent public transportation system. Most displays and shows are within a 10–15-minute walk from the Lucerne Train Station. For families arriving by car, Parkhaus Schweizerhof offers a convenient parking option near the Old Town. Keep in mind that garages fill up quickly during the festival, so arriving early or using public transit can make your visit smoother and stress-free.
Final Thoughts: A Family-Friendly Winter Highlight
The Lilu Light Festival Lucerne stands out as one of Switzerland’s most enchanting winter events. The mix of free outdoor installations and ticketed indoor shows allows families to explore at their own pace and comfort. Even though our kids found the light show a bit long, we loved the overall experience—art, light, and music blending with Lucerne’s historic charm. For more family-friendly recommendations in Lucerne, check out our blog.