During the holiday season, Luxembourg transforms into a magical holiday wonderland, filled with decorations, festivities, and holiday-themed events.  Luxembourg City’s Christmas markets are renowned for their blend of cultural traditions, artisanal crafts, live music, and delicious snacks. 

Luxembourg City has five Christmas markets that take place every year: Place d’Armes, Place de la Constitution, and Place de Paris. Each market is unique from one another, with something special to offer for all ages.

Here is the ultimate guide to Luxembourg’s Christmas Markets!

When Do Luxembourg’s Christmas Markets Take Place?

Luxembourg’s Christmas markets typically start at the end of November, and last until the first week of January. Dates vary from year to year, so make sure to do your research before visiting. Some markets may open a few days earlier or extend their dates, particularly for the two most popular markets, Place d’Armes and Place de la Constitution.

Getting to Luxembourg City

While Luxembourg isn’t the most visited European country, its prime location between France, Belgium, and Germany makes it a great place to visit during a European Christmas market tour and it is easily accessible by train, plane, and car.

By Plane: Luxembourg Airport (LUX) is about 20 minutes from the city center by car or public transport. Regular buses (Lines 16 and 29) operate between the airport and downtown, so you can easily rely on public transport to get to your accommodation.

If you are traveling from the United States or another country outside of Europe, it might be easier and cheaper to fly to a more major international airport like Brussels Airport (BRU), which is 2.5 hours from Luxembourg, Frankfurt Airport (FRA), which is 3.5 hours away, or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), which is 4.5 hours away.

By Train: Luxembourg City is well connected via train to major cities like Brussels, Paris, and Frankfurt. The central train station (Gare Centrale) is only a short walk or bus ride to the main Christmas markets!

By Car: Luxembourg City is a convenient drive from neighboring countries and you will not be required to wait in line for passport control as it is in the EU. We based ourselves in Southern Belgium and drove to Luxembourg with our rental car, and had no trouble finding parking right outside of the city center.

Why You Should Visit Luxembourg’s Christmas Markets

Luxembourg City is truly a magical place to visit during the holiday season. It has beautiful light displays adorning its beautiful buildings, as well as vibrant Christmas markets that make it a quintessential European Christmas destination, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit!

Luxembourg has an interesting cultural blend of French and German heritage, and you find influence from both cultures at its Christmas markets. At the market stalls, you will find a local serving French pastries and crêpes, right next to a stall offering German specialties like gingerbread and bratwurst. This cultural fusion creates a truly unique and memorable experience.

Luxembourg’s location is conveniently nestled between three of Europe’s most popular Christmas market destinations (France, Belgium, and Germany) making it a logical choice for anyone doing a European Christmas market tour. It’s safe, well-connected, and easily walkable, making it a no-brainer place to visit if you are in the area – especially because the Christmas markets are so good!

Tips for Visiting Luxembourg’s Christmas Markets

• Visit on Weekdays: The markets are busiest on weekends, so try visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed atmosphere and avoiding long lines at the food and drink stalls.
• Dress Warmly: Winter in Luxembourg can be chilly, so I suggest dressing in layers to keep you warm as the sun goes down. I wore a puffer jacket, wool hat, and fleeced-lined leggings, and it was very comfortable.
• Bring Cash: While some vendors accept cards, many smaller stalls may only take cash. I strongly suggest having euros on hand so you won’t miss out on anything you’d like to purchase!
• Time Your Visit for Special Events: Keep an eye out for special events like live music, performances, and Santa visits; these often take place in the evenings and can add an extra festive touch to your visit.
• Try Local Specialties: Be sure to sample traditional Luxembourgish treats, like Gromperekichelcher (potato fritters) and Glühwein (mulled wine). These seasonal favorites make the experience even more memorable!
• Take a Ferris Wheel ride at Sunset: For the best views of Luxembourg’s Christmas lights, ride the Ferris wheel at Place de la Constitution around sunset. It’s truly a magical way to take in the surrounding views and holiday ambiance from above.

Where to Stay in Luxembourg During the Holidays

• Luxury: Hotel Le Royal | Located in the city center, Le Royal is one of the best hotels in Luxembourg. It offers elegant rooms and fun holiday-themed packages during December!
• Midrange: Novotel Luxembourg Centre | Modern & trendy hotel located in the city center with clean and spacious rooms.
• Budget: Kazakiwi | Simple and basic accommodation located just a few minutes from the train station, offering a buffet breakfast and friendly atmosphere.
• Backpacker Budget: Youth Hostel Luxembourg City |  Luxembourg’s only backpacker hostel, Youth Hostel Luxembourg City offers affordable shared dormitory-style rooms and is a short walk from all the main holiday spots.

Food & Drinks to Try at Luxembourg City’s Christmas Markets

• Glühwein (Mulled Wine): A European Christmas classic, Glühwein is a sweet, warm, and spiced red wine drink that is perfect for warming up on chilly winter evenings.
• Gromperekichelcher (Potato Fritters): A traditional Luxembourgish snack, these crispy, seasoned potato pancakes are a must-try when in Luxembourg! They’re often served hot and crispy, making them the perfect street food treat to warm up with!
• Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate is available at most stalls and is an ideal option for a cozy, non-alcoholic drink to warm up with while strolling the markets.
• Kniddelen (Luxembourgish Dumplings): Hearty dumplings that are often served with bacon and cream sauce. They’re delicious and filling, and are a great option for a quick dinner.
• Sausages (Bratwurst & Mettwurst): One of Luxembourg’s German influences, you’ll find stalls serving an array of grilled sausages, including bratwurst and smoked meat sausages, served with mustard, grilled onions, or sauerkraut.
• Roasted Chestnuts: Classic and warming, these fragrant, freshly roasted chestnuts are a holiday staple and a great snack to munch on as you explore.
• Fondue Bread Bowls: Some stalls serve gooey cheese fondue in crusty bread bowls—a tasty and warming treat that combines the best of comfort food and traditional flavors.
• Kichelchen (Small Cookies): These light and crispy cookies, often flavored with anise, are a Luxembourg holiday favorite and make for a perfect sweet treat to enjoy with a hot drink (these are great dipped in hot chocolate).
• Crêpes: One of Luxembourg’s French influences, you’ll find lots of stalls serving crêpes that you can customize with various fillings like Nutella, fruits, or jam. 
• Gingerbread (Lebkuchen): You’ll find lots of stalls selling adorable and delicious gingerbread cookies, some made fresh and some packaged so you can bring them home with you as a holiday gift.

Overview of Luxembourg City’s Five Christmas Markets

Each of the five Christmas markets in Luxembourg has something unique to offer, so I highly recommend paying a visit to all five, which can be done in a day or two. Place d’Armes is the heart of the festivities, with lively stalls, traditional Luxembourgish treats, and holiday music filling the air. Place de la Constitution offers stunning views over the Pétrusse Valley and has lots of fun holiday-themed rides, including a magical Ferris wheel, and plenty of handcrafted goods and holiday foods. For a quieter experience, Place de Paris is a smaller, cozy market with a small ice-skating rink, Place Guillaume II offers live music, delicious food & beverages, and Kinnekswiss, Parc Municipal is located in a lovely park setting with plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the greenery.

Here are more details about each of the five Christmas markets in Luxembourg City:

1. Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart Christmas Market at Place d’Armes

Place d’Armes is a bustling square that is transformed into a Christmas village each winter. It’s the most iconic and central of Luxembourg’s Christmas markets, making it the most popular.

Here, you’ll encounter rows of charming wooden stalls selling artisanal crafts, seasonal decorations, and holiday gifts. There are plenty of fun food and drink options, and overall the Place d’Armes Christmas Market has a fun and cheerful vibe.

2. Wantermaart Christmas Market at Place de la Constitution

Located at the scenic Place de la Constitution, this market is known as the Wantermaart Market, or the “Winterlights Market”, and offers beautiful views over the Pétrusse Valley. It has the atmosphere of a Christmas-themed carnival, with holiday-themed rides (the Ferris wheel is a must for the best views!!) and games. You’ll also find typical market stalls here selling crafts and serving typical food and drinks. Many local artisans set up here, making it a great spot to find unique and personal gifts! It has a vibrant atmosphere and truly has something to offer for all ages.

3. Nikloosmaart Christmas Market at Place de Paris:

For a more intimate Christmas market experience, head to Nikloosmaart at  Place de Paris. It offers a cozier alternative to Luxembourg’s larger markets and is a local favorite. Located near the Gare (train station), the Christmas market at Place de Paris is a hidden gem and its laid-back vibe makes it perfect for those who want to escape the bustling crowds of the city center. Like the bigger Christmas markets in Luxembourg, you’ll find vendors selling handcrafted gifts, holiday decorations, and artisan products. There is also a small Ice skating rink at the Place de Paris Christmas Market where you can rent skates and enjoy gliding on the ice!

4. Wanterpark at Kinnekswiss, Parc Municipal

Located in Luxembourg’s city park, Kinnekswiss, the Wanterpark Christmas Market is beautifully decorated with winter lights, a variety of food stalls, and a skating rink. It’s surrounded by beautiful greenery, which becomes illuminated with colorful lights as the sun goes down. The market is pretty low-key and offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the markets in the city center.

It’s also the perfect market for foodies, as most of the stalls serve food and beverages. Here you will find stalls selling quality foods like gourmet cheeses, fresh baked goods, local cuisine, and festive cocktails served in holiday-themed mugs. This is a great place to end your day of Christmas market hopping in Luxembourg, with a hearty meal and a hot drink. There is also a small stage where local musicians play live Christmas music, giving it a really nice festive and relaxing atmosphere.

5. Winterkids Christmas Market at Place Guillaume II

The Winterkids Christmas Market is located in the center of Luxembourg City at Place Guillaume II, and as the name suggests, it is a market specifically dedicated to children. Here you will find fun Christmas-themed activities for kids, including rides, games, and other winter-themed activities kids are sure to love. If you will be visiting as a family, the Winterkids Christmas Market is definitely a must-visit. If you don’t have kids like me, feel free to skip this one and spend more time at one of the more adult-friendly markets like the Wanterpark market.

Conclusion

Luxembourg is undeniably a magical destination during the Christmas season. Each of Luxembourg’s five main markets, Place d’Armes, Place de la Constitution,Kinnekswiss, Place de Paris, and Place Guillaume II, offers something unique from one another, making it the perfect city to go Christmas market hopping!

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