Christmas celebrations in Luxembourg

When is Christmas celebrated

The majority of the Luxembourgish population is catholic, so on Christmas Eve, many practicing Christians attend midnight mass — a special religious service that is held in churches on the 24th of December.

Christmas is a family holiday in Luxembourg. It is a time to come together, share love and joy, and create lasting memories. Preparations for the festive season usually begin weeks in advance. On Christmas Eve, families gather for a delicious dinner, often featuring local delicacies and traditional dishes.

As people come together to share joy during the Christmas season, the entire country comes alive, filled with community festivities. The most beloved traditions in Luxembourg are Christmas markets, the Winterlights festival, tree-lightning ceremonies, and holiday concerts.

Program for Christmas of 2024 in Luxembourg

In 2024, the Christmas celebrations in Luxembourg are set to be more magical than ever. These events promise to brighten up the chilly winter days and nights, making the city a must-visit destination during the holiday season.

The Winterlights festival, a cherished tradition of the city, will cast a spellbinding ambiance, turning Luxembourg City into a festive paradise. When: November 24, 2023 — January 1, 2024

Christmas markets in Luxembourg

The arrival of Christmas markets is a sight that warms the hearts of Luxembourgers and visitors. Every year in late November Christmas markets pop up on every corner, transforming Luxembourg into a winter wonderland.

These markets offer a delightful variety of arts, crafts, handcrafted gifts, seasonal decorations, and delicacies for everyone to enjoy. Let’s take a stroll through the charming wooden chalets with twinkling lights, and discover the unique festive spirit of the Grand Duchy.

Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart — main market

The Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart, or Luxembourg Christmas Market, is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe. It is held in the heart of Luxembourg City, on the Place d'Armes, usually from November 24 to January 1.

The market features over 50 chalets selling festive decorations, spiced mulled wine, gourmet specialties, and local arts and crafts. There are also light shows, two carousels for children, and a magnificent Christmas tree.

Knuedler On Ice — ice-skating

Knuedler On Ice (or Winterlights On Ice) is a Christmas ice rink located in the Parc Kinnekswiss. From November 24 to January 1, people of all ages can spend magical quality time there together skating.

Admission is 6 euros per person. If needed you can rent ice skates for 1-2 euros. There are over 500 pairs of skates in all sizes available. And right next door you can find traditional meals and beverages to try: mulled wine, tartiflette, sausages, and potato pancakes.

Niklosmaart — meeting with Santa

Niklosmaart is a Christmas market in Luxembourg, which is held in the Place de Paris, a large square in the city center. Usually, this market takes place from November 24 to January 1.

Niklosmaart features a magnificent Christmas tree, decorated in shades of red and gold, as well as Santa’s grotto, where children can meet and take pictures with Santa Claus himself. There are also numerous stands selling festive decorations and mulled wine, live music performances, and a traditional carousel.

NOTE: Kids can visit Santa every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Solidaritéitsmaart — for a good cause

Solidaritéitsmaart or the Solidarity Christmas market is held in the Grand Rue, a pedestrian street in the city center, from late November to just before Christmas Day. The market is run by non-governmental organizations, and all of the profits from the market are donated to charity.

Visiting this market, you can find unique festive decorations, crafts, and delicacies. There is also the opportunity to learn more about the work of the various organizations involved, plus a traditional carousel for children.

More Christmas markets in different communes

As December approaches, Luxembourg transforms into a winter wonderland, with each commune creating its unique, charming market, offering a delightful blend of artisanal crafts, treats, and heartwarming festivities. Let’s take a look at the most popular ones.

☃️ Esch-Sur-Alzette

This Christmas market tends to open the earliest of all markets in the country, usually around the 18th of November, on Place de L’Hotel de Ville. Being the second-largest in the Grand Duchy, it features a great variety of local crafts, foods, and decorations. There you can also enjoy concerts and other entertainment in the evenings on Sundays to Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

☃️ Dudelange

Every year Dudelange organizes a Medieval Christmas market, which is held on l’Hôtel-de-Ville square from the beginning to the middle of December. The market features stalls selling medieval-themed goods, as well as entertainment such as jousting tournaments, falconry displays, and storytelling. There are also lots of activities for children, with a different program of events each day.

☃️ Differdange

The Differdange Christmas market is one of the oldest markets in Luxembourg. It was founded in 1977, and since then held place every year on the Place du Marché. It usually runs from early December until just before Christmas Day. This market is ideal for all ages as it offers a variety of stalls filled with crafts, gifts, and delicious food. Also, children are guaranteed to have a great time there and enjoy carousels, games, and ice skating.

☃️ Mamer

Christmas market in Mamer is held in the town center, on Place de l'Indépendance, and features different chalets selling traditional Christmas goods. There are also live music performances, animation programs, and an inline-skate line for everyone to enjoy. The market is usually open on December 24 and 25, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Christmas family-friendly activities in Luxembourg

The holiday season is a very special time, as families come together to create joyful memories together. In Luxembourg, there are plenty of unique and fun-filled things to do that will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these activities will make your Christmas extra special.

Ice Skating Rink

The ice rink is located in the heart of Luxembourg City in the Parc Kinnekswiss. Surrounded by Christmas markets, it's a festive and magical place to skate. The entrance fee for the rink is 6 euros, and skates can be rented for 2 euros for adults.

Ferris Wheel

The Christmas Ferris Wheel in Luxembourg is a 45-meter tall wheel set up in Place de la Constitution during the Christmas season. It offers stunning views of the city filled with festive decorations and twinkling lights. A great attraction for any age.

Santa's Grotto in Luxembourg

Children can visit Santa Claus himself at his enchanting grotto which is located at the Place de Paris in Luxembourg City. The grotto is open from late November to early January daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Children can visit Santa, tell him their Christmas wishes, and receive a small gift. There are also other activities available at the grotto, such as a photo booth, a toy train, and a Christmas tree.

Christmas concert at the Philharmonie

During the Christmas holidays, prominent Philharmonie organizes several Chrëschtconcert, a traditional Christmas concert that features a performance by the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, along with guest soloists.

The concert is held in the Grand Auditorium of the Philharmonie, which is a beautiful and acoustically excellent venue. Tickets start at 25 euros, but for younger audiences, the prices start at 15 euros.

Winterlights Festival in Luxembourg

Visit Luxembourg

The Winterlights Festival is an annual winter festival that will take place in Luxembourg City from 24 November to 1 January. This unique festival features a variety of magical light displays, Christmas markets, concerts, and other events.

The breathtaking light displays are the highlight of the festival. They are spread throughout the city, and they transform Luxembourg City into a whimsical winter wonderland. Beyond the visual spectacle, a great variety of cultural events take place. You can attend

cinema screenings,

reading sessions,

concerts,

performances.

Decorating a Christmas tree and house in Luxembourg

The art of decorating for Christmas is more than just a seasonal activity, it is a cherished cultural practice. Many Luxembourgers not only decorate the interior but also put some figures and place garlands on the front yard (or a balcony). You can put a special wreath on your door, decorate the porch or go the extra mile and add lights to the roof.

Where to buy a Christmas tree in Luxembourg

The Christmas tree is one of the most important parts of the holiday. When choosing a perfect tree, you should consider:

Renting

Yes, it’s an option. You can use Bamschoul Becker services to order a tree, which will be collected after the holidays. The price varies from 35 to 100 euros.

Buying a fake tree

You can find artificial Christmas trees of different sizes and colors at any local supermarket. The price will vary from the seller and type of tree, usually, it is around 100 euros.

Buying a real tree

If you are a fan of natural products and the smell of fresh pine. It is best to visit your local plant shop, tree farm, or Christmas market in your commune to find the perfect tree for you. The price will vary from the seller and type of tree, usually, it is around 100 euros.

Where to find decorations for Christmas

Buying a tree is only half of the deal, you cannot celebrate this jolly holiday without proper decorations. There are several places, where you can find everything you might need:

Christmas markets: they all sell a variety of unique and often hand-crafted Christmas decorations. Some of the most popular markets include the Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart, the Niklosmaart, and the Christmas market in Esch-Sur-Alzette.

Department stores: some of the most popular department stores which offer a great variety of Christmas decorations include the Royal Hamilius, the Galeries Lafayette, and the City Concorde.