Christmas events and Winterlights

Luxembourg is known for its charming and festive Christmas and Advent markets. During this period, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the holiday spirit. Traditionally, Luxembourg's Christmas markets and Advent events begin at the end of November and continue until early January. And they are every bit as good as their famous neighbors.

Advent markets in Luxembourg

During the winter season, Luxembourg's towns and villages don their festive attire. The streets are lit up with countless decorations. Despite the cold and often snowy weather, the whole country is in a festive mood. People take every opportunity to get out and socialize. It's a very festive time of year and one of our favorites in Luxembourg. The municipalities or "Gemeng" organize the famous Christmas or Advent markets. There are many activities to enjoy. From the end of November, the Christmas markets or "Chrëschtmaart" appear for a month of celebrations and festivities.

Traditional wooden chalets at Luxembourg's Advent markets

Christmas markets are set up in the most important squares in towns and villages. Many small traditional wooden chalets appear for the occasion. Each market has its own special atmosphere, with music, lights, and various activities. Visitors can admire the decorations and other typical Christmas lights. The small traditional chalets offer a wide range of small handicrafts. These can be used as small Christmas gifts representative of the region. The whole population looks forward to these traditional, food-filled Advent markets. They help to give the country a warm and festive atmosphere at this time of year. Luxembourg residents take the opportunity to meet up with family and friends. Every year, they enjoy a festive and convivial time together, forgetting the cold and gray weather.

Tasting traditional Luxembourgish dishes at the Advent markets

As soon as they open, locals flock to these markets. At lunchtime or in the evening, everyone enjoys the food and drink stalls typical of this time of year. Visitors to the traditional Advent markets can sample traditional Luxembourgish dishes such as Gromperkichelcher, Spätzle, and Grillwurst, accompanied by Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot apple juice for the children.

Winterlights in Luxembourg City

Festive spirit in the Luxembourg capital

During the holiday season, the Luxembourg capital is illuminated with a multitude of decorations. Discover or rediscover Luxembourg City in a new light, decked out in its festive finery with the Winterlights event. Shops are open every Sunday afternoon. What could be better than strolling through decorated streets and window shopping in front of the most dazzling shop windows? Did you know that the city organizes an annual competition for the most beautiful Christmas window display? Each shopkeeper decorates their store and window to attract the attention of the jury, much to the delight of passersby. Feeling a little tired? Take the opportunity to visit the Christmas markets for a tasty and friendly break between shops. Even children will love Christmas shopping! You can also take the opportunity to do your Christmas shopping. Here too, the Christmas markets or "Chrëschtmaart" offer concerts, carousels, food stalls, and other entertainment for children and adults alike. It's a chance to buy unique gifts and indulge in delicious treats at the friendly local markets.

Where can you find the Chrëschtmaart in Luxembourg?

Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart on Place d'Armes

The traditional Christmas market is located on Place d'Armes in Luxembourg's Upper Town. The "Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart" has around thirty chalets. It is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Luxembourg. Place d'Armes is transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and decorations on the large trees in the square. A large Christmas tree and a giant nativity scene decorate the square. You will find crafts, Christmas decorations, and Luxembourgish culinary specialties. Visitors can browse a variety of stalls selling arts and crafts, local products, jewelry, and Christmas decorations. All the magic of Christmas is present with musical entertainment. This market is definitely our favorite, with music coming from the bandstand overlooking the Place d'Armes in front of the Cercle Cité. This year, a few chalets set up on the Grand-Rue will offer a solidarity market. The sale of items offered here will support charitable causes.

Wantermaart on Constitution Square

The other major market is the "Wantermaart" winter market on Constitution Square. Around forty wooden chalets gather each year under the statue of Gelle Frä on Constitution Square. They offer food stands. Carousels and the Ferris wheel with views of the city are also a delight for young and old alike. To mark the 400th anniversary of the Octave, the main entrance to Luxembourg Cathedral will be illuminated in color to commemorate this event.

Niklosmaart on Place de Paris

The traditional Saint Nicholas Market in the Gare district, the "Niklosmaart," returns to Place de Paris. A decorated Christmas tree and live music will bring festive colors to the square. Saint Nicholas will be waiting for children in his house.

Winterkids on Place Guillaume II

Winterkids returns this year to Place Guillaume II. This Christmas market is specially dedicated to children. Lots of entertainment and workshops await your children for their enjoyment: reading workshops, puppet shows, and more. An open fire and four chalets, including a gourmet chalet, will welcome visitors to the Christmas markets.

Wanterpark and heated ice rink on the Kinnekswiss

And, of course, the eagerly awaited 800 m² heated ice rink will return to Wanterpark. Located on Kinnekswiss in the Municipal Park, it will also feature a gourmet village. For more information and the full program of events, visit the City of Luxembourg's dedicated website.

Energy savings in Luxembourg for Christmas lights

This year, the Christmas markets will return to their traditional form while respecting energy savings, thanks to LED lighting. It is true that LED lighting consumes less energy. It can achieve energy savings of up to 30%. We encourage you to also use these LED decorations in your homes. Nevertheless, the festive spirit will still be there. The City of Luxembourg is expecting even more visitors. Last year, 1.2 million people visited the Christmas markets. Will this year's record be broken?

Other notable Christmas markets in Luxembourg

Esch-sur-Alzette, Escher Krëschtmaart

Another remarkable Christmas market is located in the picturesque town of Esch-sur-Alzette. The market usually takes place around the Town Hall square, creating a magical atmosphere with its festive ambiance. Visitors can find a range of food stalls offering traditional Luxembourgish specialties, as well as craft and gift stalls. The town of Esch-sur-Alzette welcomes visitors to its Advent market from November 17 to December 22. Entertainment and concerts are scheduled from Sunday to Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m.

Medieval Christmas in Dudelange

On the square in front of Dudelange Town Hall, around forty small chalets come together each year in an atmosphere worthy of the medieval era. It will start on November 25. Crafts, traditional food and drink, entertainment, and shows will be on offer, including a tavern, campfire, storyteller, and more. The medieval market will take place on Place Frantz-Kinnen around an antique carousel and campfire. Every day, a fun program is organized to bring a touch of old-world charm to this traditional Christmas market among the exhibitors.

Differdange, Luxembourg's oldest Christmas market

Differdange also offers its Christmas market with around thirty chalets open from December 1 to 21. Differdange has had its Christmas market since 1977. It is the oldest Christmas market in Luxembourg. You can find decorative items and crafts, as well as culinary specialties to enjoy accompanied by "Glühwein." Don't miss the curling activities, the carousel, and the Saint Nicholas parade. Download our Greater Region Leisure Guide for free

Christmas and New Year traditions

Luxembourg is a country with Christian traditions. During the holiday season, Luxembourg churches and parishes hold religious celebrations to commemorate the birth of the baby Jesus on the night of December 24 to 25. The holiday season and Christmas are important events for Christians, but also for the entire country. This is a very festive and joyful time in Luxembourg. From the end of November, when the Advent markets welcome visitors, the streets and shops are decked out with thousands of lights, Christmas trees, and other decorations. They also sell Advent calendars to help people wait for Christmas by opening a small numbered box each day from December 1. Families also put up magnificent Christmas trees in their living rooms and decorate them with colorful baubles and fairy lights. These trees are burned during Buergsonndeg at the end of February or beginning of March. Luxembourgish children eagerly await the arrival of Saint Nicholas, who brings gifts to good children on December 6. Depending on the culture, it may also be Santa Claus who brings gifts under the Christmas tree on the night of December 24 to 25. For some, such as Luxembourg's Belgian neighbors in the Greater Region, it is the Three Kings who bring gifts to children. The Three Kings are celebrated on January 6. Christmas is a public holiday in Luxembourg, as is Saint Stephen's Day on December 26. In addition to celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus for Christians, it is also a family holiday. Candlemas is celebrated 40 days later. Families celebrate Christmas by sharing delicious meals on December 24 and Christmas Day, December 25. Find out more about Luxembourgish holidays and traditions here.