Christmas events and Winterlights

Luxembourg is known for its charming and festive Christmas and Advent markets. During this time, locals and visitors alike can soak up the holiday spirit. Traditionally, Luxembourg’s Christmas markets and Advent events begin in late November and continue through early January. And they’re every bit as good as their famous neighbors.

Advent Markets in Luxembourg

During this winter season, Luxembourg’s towns and villages don their festive attire. The streets are illuminated with a variety of decorations. Despite the cold and often the snow, the whole country is in a festive mood. People take every opportunity to get out and socialize. This is a very festive time of year—one of our favorites in Luxembourg. The municipalities, or "Gemeng," organize the famous Christmas or Advent markets. There are plenty of activities to enjoy. Starting at the end of November, the Christmas markets, or "Chrëschtmaart," appear for a month of festivities and merriment.

The traditional wooden chalets of Luxembourg’s Advent markets

The Christmas markets are set up in the main squares of towns and villages. Many small traditional wooden chalets appear for the occasion. Each market offers a unique atmosphere, filled with music, lights, and various activities. You can admire the decorations and other typical Christmas lights. The small , traditional chalets offer a wide variety of handmade crafts. These can make for small Christmas gifts that are representative of the region. The entire population looks forward to these traditional and food-filled Advent markets. They help give the country a warm and festive atmosphere during this time of year . Luxembourg residents take the opportunity to gather there with family or friends. Each year, they enjoy a festive and convivial time, making them forget the cold and gray weather.

Tasting traditional Luxembourgish dishes at the Advent markets

As soon as they open, locals flock to these markets. Whether at noon 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, or Grillwurst, ... Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot apple juice for the children accompany the tasting.

The Winterlights of Luxembourg City

Festive spirit in Luxembourg City

During the holiday season, Luxembourg City is illuminated with a multitude of decorations. Discover or rediscover Luxembourg City in a new light, decked out in its festive lights with the Winterlights event. Shops open their doors every Sunday afternoon. What could be better than strolling through decorated streets and wandering past shops with the most dazzling window displays? Did you know that the city organizes an annual contest for the most beautiful Christmas window display? Each shopkeeper showcases their store and window displays to catch the jury’s eye, 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 the kids will love Christmas shopping! You can also take this opportunity to do your Christmas shopping . Here too, the Christmas markets, or “Chrëschtmaart,” feature concerts, carousels, food stalls, and other entertainment for children and adults alike . It’s the perfect chance to buy unique gifts and treat yourself to delicious treats at these lively 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” features 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 square’s tall trees. A large Christmas tree and a giant nativity scene decorate the square. You’ll find crafts, Christmas decorations, and Luxembourgish culinary specialties there. Visitors can browse a variety of stalls selling arts and crafts, local products, jewelry, and Christmas decorations. All the magic of Christmas is in the air with live musical performances. This market is definitely our favorite, with music from the bandstand overlooking Place d’Armes across from the Cercle Cité. This year, several chalets set up on Grand-Rue will host a charity market. Proceeds from the items sold here will support charitable causes.

Wantermaart on Place de la Constitution

The other major market is the "Wantermaart" winter market on Place de la Constitution. About forty wooden chalets gather each year beneath the statue of Gelle Frä on Place de la Constitution. They feature food stalls. Carousels and the Ferris wheel with a view of the city also delight 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 St. Nicholas Market in the Gare district, the “Niklosmaart,” returns to Place de Paris. A decorated Christmas tree and live music will bring festive cheer to the square. St. Nicholas awaits the children in his house there.

Winterkids on Place Guillaume II

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

Wanterpark and heated ice rink on Kinnekswiss

And of course, the highly anticipated 800 m² heated ice rink will return to the "Wanterpark." Located on Kinnekswiss in the Municipal Park, the food village will also be back. More information and the full program of events are available on the City of Luxembourg’s dedicated website.

Energy savings in Luxembourg for Christmas lights

This year, the Christmas markets will return in their traditional form while prioritizing energy savings, thanks to LED lighting. It’s true that LED lights consume less energy . They can achieve energy savings of up to 30%. We encourage you to opt for these LED decorations at home as well. Nevertheless, the festive spirit will remain. The City of Luxembourg is expecting even more visitors. Last year, 1.2 million of us visited the 2022 Christmas markets. Will the record be broken this year?

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 is typically held around the Town Hall square, creating a magical atmosphere thanks to its festive ambiance. Visitors can find a variety of food stalls offering traditional Luxembourgish specialties, as well as craft and gift stalls. The city of Esch-sur-Alzette welcomes visitors to its Advent market from November 17 through December 22. Entertainment and concerts are scheduled Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Medieval Christmas in Dudelange

On the square in front of Dudelange City Hall, some forty small chalets gather each year in an atmosphere worthy of the medieval era. It begins on November 25. Crafts, traditional drinks and dishes, entertainment, and performances will be on offer: a tavern, a bonfire, a storyteller, and more. The medieval market will take place on Place Frantz-Kinnen around an antique carousel and a bonfire. Every day, a delightful program is organized to bring a touch of old-world charm to this traditional Christmas market amidst the vendors.

Differdange, Luxembourg’s oldest Christmas market

Differdange also hosts 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’ll find decorative items and crafts, as well as culinary specialties to enjoy with a glass of “Glühwein.” Don’t miss the curling activities, the carousel, and the Saint Nicholas parade. Download our Greater Region Leisure Guide for free

Christmas and Holiday Traditions

Luxembourg is a country with Christian traditions. During the end-of-year holidays, Luxembourg’s churches and parishes hold religious services to celebrate the birth of the Baby Jesus on the night of December 24–25. The end-of-year and Christmas holidays are an important event for Christians, but also for the entire country. This is a very festive and joyful time in Luxembourg. Starting in late November, as Advent markets welcome visitors, the streets and shops are adorned with thousands of lights, Christmas trees, and other decorations. They also offer Advent calendars to help pass the time until Christmas, with a small numbered window to open each day starting December 1. Families also set up magnificent Christmas trees in their living rooms and decorate them with colorful ornaments and string lights. These trees will be burned during the Buergsonndeg in late February or early March. Meanwhile, Luxembourgish children eagerly await the arrival of Saint Nicholas, who brings gifts to well-behaved children on December 6. Depending on the culture, it may also be Santa Claus who brings the gifts under the Christmas tree on the night of December 24–25. For some, such as the Belgian neighbors in the Greater Region, it is the Three Wise Men who bring gifts to the children. The Three Wise Men are celebrated on January 6. Christmas is a public holiday in Luxembourg, as is Saint Stephen’s Day the following day, 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 on Christmas Day, December 25. Discover Luxembourg’s holidays and traditions here.