Easter in the City
3 – 6 April 2026
City Centre, Lugano
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To animate the city centre, its streets and squares during the Easter period, a programme with entertainment and activities. An occasion to celebrate Easter and the arrival of spring together.
Once again this year, Easter in the City will transform the centre of Lugano into a cheerful stage with its numerous stalls where you can buy traditional articles and products, while the pedestrian area will be enlivened by various street entertainments suitable for young and old.
Programme
Activities for children and families
Easter treasure hunt
03.04 – 06.04 | 10:00 – 17:00
Departure: Piazza Manzoni
Arrival: Darsena, Parco Ciani
Join us from Friday to Monday in Piazza Manzoni, where a special Easter treasure hunt for children of all ages will begin. The route, divided into several stops, will reward participants with small and delicious surprises offered by Lindt – a fun opportunity to test your skills.
Useful information:
Last departure at 16:30 – while supplies last.
Payment in cash or via TWINT.
The cost is CHF 2.– per child to receive the game kit.
CHF/EUR exchange rate 1:1.
EUR 5 or 10 banknotes are accepted; change will be given in CHF.
Duck Fishing
03.04 – 06.04 | 10:00 – 17:00 Piazza Manzoni Fountain
Are you ready to fish for ducks and discover hidden treasures? Young participants, accompanied by their parents, will have the chance to catch as many ducks as possible within a set time. Some of them may hide special prizes. USEFUL INFORMATION: Last chance to play: 4:45 pm Payment accepted in cash and via TWINT. The cost per turn is CHF 2. CHF/EURO exchange rate: 1:1. EUR 5 or 10 banknotes accepted; change will be given in CHF.
Desy Truccabimbi
04.04 | 13:30 – 17:30 06.04 | 13:30 – 17:30 Piazza Manzoni
Desirée Molnar, make-up artist known as Desy Truccabimbi, will be ready to add a touch of magic for the little ones. With sparkling colours and plenty of imagination, she will transform children into sweet princesses, lively butterflies, brave superheroes or cute Easter bunnies.
I’d Like to Know Why…
03.04 – 17.04 | Open at all times Rivetta Tell
Write or draw the “why” you would like to find an answer to, and together we will create an artwork dedicated to our desire to learn and discover! For those taking part in the treasure hunt, the installation will be an integral part of this great adventure. In collaboration with the Università della Svizzera italiana.
Giant Sandpit
03.04 – 06.04 | 10:00 – 17:00 Piazza Manzoni
In the heart of Lugano, in Piazza Manzoni, a large sandpit welcomes young visitors with an original and engaging play area. Here, children can try their hand at mini excavators, build and shape their imagination with complete freedom. A fun and unique experience that transforms the city centre into a space for play and discovery.
Markets and Live Music
Easter Market
03.04 – 06.04 | 10:00 – 19:00 City Centre
The traditional Easter market in the streets of the city centre. A great opportunity to discover and purchase handcrafted items, local specialities, sweet treats and gift ideas.
Filarmonica di Castagnola Concert
04.04 | 17:00 Municipal Courtyard
“Musical Spring Wishes”. A programme full of musical surprises to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Folk Music
03.04 – 06.04 | 10:00 – 19:00 City Centre
Roaming musical entertainment throughout the city centre with Duo Nostranello, Duo Lorenza e Francesco, I Tacalà and the Bandella di Bedano.
Amici Corno delle Alpi
06.04 | 10:00 – 15:00 Parco Ciani and City Centre
Enjoy entertainment featuring the magical sound of the "Alphorns" in the charming setting of Parco Ciani and the city centre. The Amici Corno delle Alpi will begin their performance in Parco Ciani and will then gradually move towards the city centre.
Experiences and Guided Tours
Lindt Pop-Up
03.04 – 06.04 | 10:00 – 17:00 Rivetta Tell
Experience the magic of Easter with a fun activity for the whole family! You’ll be welcomed by a Gold Bunny Smart, the adorable giant Gold Bunny, and a sweet surprise for everyone. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive spirit and capture unforgettable memories.
Easter Picnic – Brunch Edition! By Sambì!
03.04, 04.04, 06.04 from 10:00 onwards Boschetto Entrance, Parco Ciani
From 10:00 am onwards you can collect your Mystery Picnic Box in the Boschetto area of Parco Ciani in Lugano, where a communal table and a special drinks station will be set up for the occasion. The Mystery Boxes, prepared by Grotto Grassi in Tremona, offer a refined selection of sweet and savoury items designed for an open-air Easter brunch. Boxes are available in adult and children’s versions. During the event, it will also be possible to purchase organic wines from Azienda Agricola Bianchi and other local beverages. Booking is required, indicating whether you would like a vegetarian or omnivorous box, and any allergies or intolerances.
Places are limited.
The event will take place only in good weather (confirmation 48 hours in advance). Price per box: CHF 27.– adults | CHF 18.– children Bookings: by email at [email protected] or by phone +41 76 273 20 50.
Lugano – Guided City Walk (Free Tour)
04.04 | 10:00 – 12:00 Info Point Lugano Region, Via Magatti 6, Lugano
A pleasant walk through the historic centre, discovering interesting anecdotes and hidden corners, will allow you to experience Lugano through the eyes of those who live here. The tour will be conducted mainly in two languages. In case of bad weather, the excursion may be cancelled.
Walking difficulty level: easy.
Family Tour by Lugano Region
04.04 | 14:30 Info Point Lugano Region, Via Magatti 6, Lugano – Booking required
A walking tour of Lugano specially designed to discover the history and secrets of the city, while children enjoy games and engaging activities along the way. The guided tour will be conducted mainly in two languages. In case of bad weather, the excursion may be cancelled.
Walking difficulty level: easy.
Easter celebrations
03.04 | 15:00
Cattedrale San Lorenzo, Venerdì Santo
03.04 | 20.00
Dalla Cattedrale S. Lorenzo alla Chiesa Santa Maria degli Angioli
Processione Via Crucis del Venerdì Santo
04.04 | 21:00
Cattedrale San Lorenzo
Veglia Pasquale
05.04 | 10:00
Cattedrale San Lorenzo
Santa Messa di Pasqua
Useful Information
Kids for Free Offer
From 28.03 to 03.05.2026 (or while availability lasts)
With the “Kids for Free” offer, if you book a family holiday of at least 2 nights in the Lugano region, children stay free of charge. In addition, you will also receive:
- 1 free “Family” attraction of your choice for the whole family
- 1 free “Family Tour” organised by Lugano Region for the whole family (04.04 / 11.04 / 18.04 / 25.04 / 02.05.2026)
- 1 free “Guided City Walk” for the whole family (28.03 / 04.04 / 11.04 / 18.04 / 25.04 / 02.05.2026)
- 1 free entry to Museo in Erba for the whole family
Discover all the details of the offer here.
Publibike
Do you prefer to leave your car in the Park&Ride stations outside the city and reach the center by bike?
Check out the map of the stations in Lugano.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel or B&B? Check out all the accommodations in the city and beyond.
In collaboration with
Partners
