Your Ultimate Guide to the Luxembourg Christmas Market
As winter casts its spell, Luxembourg City undergoes a breathtaking metamorphosis, turning into a festive haven that beckons both locals and wanderers. At the core of this yuletide magic is none other than the Luxembourg Christmas Market—a captivating experience that weaves together lights, joy, and the spirit of the season. Join us on an adventure through the enchanting wonderland, discovering the ins and outs of this festive extravaganza.
Opening Dates & Times
Picture this: late November rolls around, and Luxembourg City comes alive with the spirit of the holidays. As daylight wanes, the market illuminates, creating a fairy-tale setting that lingers well into the evening.
2024 Christmas Market Dates: Friday, 22 November 2024 to Wednesday, 1 January 2025.
Hours for the markets are Sunday to Thursday 11:00am–9:00pm and Fridays and Saturdays 11:00 to 10:00pm.
Weekdays offer a more leisurely experience, but if you crave the hustle and bustle of the season, weekends promise a lively and spirited affair.
Markets & Locations
Luxembourg offers four main markets throughout the city, each with its own special allure. They do open a fifth market mid December that is dedicated to children and families.
Wantermaart
This market is located right at Place de la Constitution. Wantermaart takes things up a notch with panoramic views of the Pétrusse Valley and the Adolphe Bridge. There were quite a few rides and activities for children, including a trampoline and large Ferris wheel.
Browse through stalls aglow with regional specialties, crafts, and gifts, all against the stunning backdrop of the cityscape.
Place de la Constitution is where you can dive into festive treats while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Don’t forget to drink your glühwein under the Christmas pyramid. Some food and drink vendors did take card in this area!
Another tip, if you’re visiting during the day as well, this is a perfect location to watch the sunset. The golden glow that shines on the market is truly remarkable.
Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart
The square hosts a majestic Christmas tree, turning the scene into a picturesque spectacle that’ll leave you breathless. Taking place at Place d’Armes, there are over 30 stalls offerings food, drink, and beautiful handmade gifts.
Right in the center, you will find the city’s traditional Christmas tree, a nativity scene, and a few rides for the children, including a carousal. This area has been the home to the Luxembourg Christmas market since 1984!
Niklosmaart
Taking place at Place de Paris, this market offers an array of sweet and savory treats, with many festive drinks while gazing at the 22 meter decorated Christmas tree.
There is also a filling musical program with over 80 concerts this Christmas season from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Plenty of shopping for hand made gifts and decor as well.
Wanterpark
This small Christmas market area offers a gourmet village of one stall dedicated to drinks, with plenty of stalls for all the delicious delicacies. While you enjoy your food and drink, listen to the musical entertainment of the DJ.
And depending on what way you enter Kinnekswiss park, you can explore the different light displays throughout the park on your way to and from the market.
In 2023, Wanterpark had an open air ice-skating rink. Entrance for the rink is €6.00, entrance and skates costs €10.00, and entry and skates per child is €9.00 for 60 minute sessions. The market and ice-skating rink is located at Kinnekswiss.
Winterkids
Catering to children and families especially, this market provides concerts, workshops, storytelling, and more throughout the Christmas season.
Activities for children include a candle-making workshop, screen print your own Christmas cards, and card stamping. The workshops are free for children, but parents will need to bring their children 15 minutes prior to starting.
Dates of this market starts December 8th until December 30th, 2023. Open from Wednesday to Friday, 5:00pm t0 8:00pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm. You can find Winterkids at Place Guillaume II.
Tips for Visiting
Although many Christmas markets are similar, there are always some tips to keep in mind while visiting the Luxembourg Christmas Market. To ensure your visit sparkles with delight and ease, consider these insider tips.
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and savor the magic by arriving early. An early start allows you to meander through the market at your own pace, soaking in the festive atmosphere before the hustle and bustle. If you arrive while it’s still light out, you can take in all the beautiful decorations and scenery, and stay for the lights at night.
Cash and Cards
I was pleasantly surprised to see many food stalls accepting cards at the Luxembourg Christmas market. Majority of the drink stalls were cash only, so make sure to always keep euro on hand when you want to purchase something at the markets.
My husband did find one drink stand at Wantermaart that accepted card and when he returned his mug, they gave him the deposit back in coins.
Christmas Mugs
If you’re new to Christmas markets, many people collect Christmas mugs throughout all the markets. While purchasing your drink, you also pay a deposit, or pfand.
If you don’t want to keep your mug, you return it back to the stall, and you receive your deposit back. Throughout each market in the city, there were quite a few different mugs.
Food & Drink
Food and drink can definitely add up with ordering different options and the different drinks with the deposits. Drinks throughout the market can range from €3.00 to €8.00, with the deposit for the mugs different at each market. At Wantermaart, the deposit was €5.00 at the pyramid stall, but at Wanterpark, the deposit was €2.00.
Quite a range in price for food as well. Many options of the usual sausages were sold and costs about €6.00. Also offered at the markets were burgers, fries, soup, tarte flambée (essentially a very thin crust pizza), chocolate covered fruit, and so much more. Almost everything offered was above €5.00, with an average cost of €8.00 or so.
Dress Appropriately
Luxemburg winters can be quite chilly, so wrap up in layers, don a cozy scarf, and slip on your gloves. Stay warm while you explore the market stalls and revel in the outdoor festivities. If you can travel with them, I also recommend hand and toe warmers!
Explore Beyond the Markets
Luxembourg City is a treasure trove of history and culture. Take a break from the markets and explore iconic landmarks such as the Grand Ducal Palace and the Bock Casemates.
While stopping to see the Palace, take a visit across to The Chocolate House to purchase some of the best chocolates. I’ve been to Luxembourg four times now and I keep coming back for them.
For more information on the city, check out my blog post about exploring the gems of Luxembourg City.
Take an evening stroll along the illuminated streets of Luxembourg City. Many neighborhoods and squares outside the main markets embrace the festive spirit, offering additional opportunities to enjoy the season’s magic.
Capture the magic by posing in front of the beautifully decorated photo opportunities spread throughout the city.
Transportation
Opt for public transportation to reach the Christmas markets, especially if you’re staying outside the city center. Save yourself the hassle of parking and fully immerse yourself in the festive ambiance without worrying about driving.
Public transportation is free in Luxembourg, which is convenient when wanting to explore more of the city. We chose to drive into the city and parked in this garage, which was a perfect location within walking distance and fairly affordable for the day.
The Luxembourg Christmas Market isn’t just an event; it’s an experience—a tapestry of tradition, joy, and communal celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a wide-eyed visitor, this guide is your key to unlocking the magic of the season. So, don your coziest attire, savor the festive treats, and let the enchantment of this magical market cast its spell on your heart and soul.
