Guide to Luxembourg Christmas Market

Glittering lights, five different markets, ice skating rinks with laughter of families, couples hand in hand and mothers perusing chalets to gather gifts for visiting family members. Delicious spiced scents of mulled wine, mead, juices hits the nose and a pang of hunger hits with other smells of savory and sweet foods. This is your ultimate guide to Luxembourg Christmas Market, with tips and tricks on visiting, how to stay warm which areas hold the best Christmas offerings, and Christmas traditions in Luxembourg. It isn't just Christmas markets you can enjoy, but a rich history that makes this city a UNESCO site, and will mention other things you can see in Luxembourg while visiting the markets. 

Is Luxembourg a Good Christmas Market? 

To give you a good judgment call on this, I have been to Christmas Markets in Helsinki, Tallinn, Strasbourg, and the Christkindl Market in Utah. As far as European Christmas Markets go I do think Luxembourg Christmas Market is worthwhile to visit. 

The good: there are so many varieties of food, and not just localized to Luxembourg but pretty much all the surrounding countries, clear up to Finland. I do feel this is quite representative of what Luxembourg is made up of, lots of different nationalities contributing to one of the richest countries in Europe. 

The not so great: while there are plenty of gifts to peruse here, most of them seem to be made in China to be honest. There are the standard scarves, christmas tea light containers, belts, purses, lots of cheap childrens toys, cups, mugs, etc... I did find a few gems, like the Peruvian chalet with musical instruments, cute hand carved wooden instruments etc.. There are also some wooden windmills, nutcrackers, and Christmas trees (from German influence) that could make a beautiful gift as well. Just don't go looking to find something unique for a loved one that actually has long lasting quality. 

If you decide to attend, just know that the most unique thing you will find at this market are the type of lights, windmills, rides, and the plethora and variety of foods you can try from salmon sandwiches, bretzels, giant hot dogs, to oysters, mulled wine, and honey mead. 

Things To Know Before Visiting Luxembourg Christmas Market

You need to have cash, meaning Euros, and the ATM's are a bit hard to find near the markets so make sure to plan ahead. 

Come prepared to eat, but bring your own water if you plan to drink any wine or mead. It is super important to stay hydrated and keep up with your electrolytes because in winter it is much harder to tell when you are dehydrated til it is too late. 

During peak hours (5pm-11pm) it can get quite crowded, and there aren't a lot of places for everyone to sit down, so make sure to wear good shoes. 

It can get rather cold, especially with rain or wind and with the isles between chalets - it can get rather crowded with umbrellas and people get poked in the face and eye a lot. I would just recommend to wear a warm coat and bring a hat with a brim, and a rain poncho. It makes it SO MUCH EASIER to navigate things and dodge around people - basically I just saved you from going blind by umbrella....you're welcome, lol. 

GET A REFUND! You can purchase the collective Christmas Mug that changes each year, and continue to use it throughout all the markets in Europe you may visit. If not, then you can opt for a plastic mug, that you can return for a small refund once you return it to the chalet you got it from or the specified cup exchange locations. 

There are five different markets at the Luxembourg Christmas Market you can visit, but this can change every year depending on security and condition of the space. So make sure you always check the visitors center announcements for programs and workshops. 

All the markets are extremely walkable to get to, as the public transport is free. There are maps at each of the main stations to see what trains you are taking, and most people here speak English - or enough do that it is fairly easy to find help if you need it. They also speak Luxembourgish, German, French, English as official languages because of the proximity to so many other countries. I personally used my Apple/Google Maps and it tells you what trains/trams and buses to get on and what time. Even for me, who gets hopelessly lost in cities, this was a very easy city to navigate with the public transport. 

Christmas Market At Palace De'Armas - or Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart

This is the coziest Christmas Market with 38 chalets, and is out of the wind that can come sweeping through the park or canyon as you get with the others. Here you can find the Merry-Go-Round, a Nativity Scene set up, a modest (70 foot) Christmas Tree, and many restaurants and hotels surrounding the square. 

This is the closest market to one of the main train station stops, and can get quite crowded during peak times (when the lights come on and everyone gets off of work). 

Here you will find more of the locally handcrafted items, traditional Christmas decorations, and more unique gifts. There are also lots of chocolate stands, chocolate covered fruits, many many types of unique candies. There are also stalls for the traditional hot dogs, Bretzels and more German/French influenced Christmas snacks - so make sure to come hungry.

There are also mini beer gardens, and lots of chalets with mulled wine - that being said, if you stay at a hotel near the market, it can save you from having to navigate back to your accomodation as it is right there :) With that - it can also get quite noisy at night, there were two girls that broke out into a fight, and a mini beer garden where there was a singing contest that broke out, lol. Don't worry though, there are plenty of cops and Christmas Market volunteers that help keep things safe. I did hear quite a bit of the cacophony though from my hotel room, so make sure to bring ear plugs if you stay near the market.

This market felt the safest, as it is the most contained and surrounded by buildings, it is the only one you can get to on foot - with no easy access to any cars nearby. 

Christmas Market at Palace de Constitution or Wantermaart 

This market has the incredible 4 story windmill/pyramid, a ferris wheel, the snowman bauble ride, two tours/shows, the oyster bar (with places to sit under heaters), this is where there are loads of food vendors from all over Europe. This one is about an 8 minute walk from Palace de'Armas Market and can get a bit windy at this one as it abuts the Pétrusse Valley where the wind tends to sweep through. I There are 40 stalls on average at this location, but it certainly felt like MANY more. 

If you don't know what something is, make sure you Google translate it.... I tried some honey distilled adult beverage that I didn't realize was mead and had a VERY strong alcohol proof to it. Luckily I didn't drink a ton of it, but man oh MAN, it hit my head SO HARD and then made my gut do flip flops the rest of the night....it was not a good time. Wanted to share that, so you could learn from my own mistake. 

There are most places to sit in this part of the Luxembourg markets, and provides an excellent view over the Pétrusse Valley and Pont Adolphe - with the beautifully lit castles, walls, trains, casemates etc... There is also a beautifully lit Christmas tree, and lots of Christmas Music playing. 

This is where the majority of the crowds seemed to hang out, and there is lots of security and cement blocks along with three layers of gates to protect patrons. It is next to a busy street in Luxembourg so make sure you stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. 

Luxembourg Christmas Market At Parc Kinnekswiss or Wanterpark 

This park is all about a family friendly ice skating rink, complete with skating walkers for the kids to get used to being on ice skates. You can check out Winter Lights On Ice Facebook page to get the latest updates, quality of the ice, and current costs. 

This isn't just any normal ice skating ring, its decorated in a way that makes you feel like you are skating through a magical Christmas Palace and Gardens. It is definitely worth a visit, but even more so if you can visit during the night when everything is lit up and really brings the Christmas Magic out in this place. Make sure to take a photo at the giant lit up heart with the family/friends. 

Beyond the ice skating ring, there are a few food chalets (about 5 of them on average), and fires between the chalets for people to warm up next to as well. There are lots of different Christmas themed shows here as well, but I would check the Visitors Center and the Christmas Market page to ensure you are there during opening times and when your favorite shows will happen. 

Niklosmaart

While I didn't get to visit this area of the Christmas Market in Luxembourg, it sounds like it is a bit less crowded that the others. It still has the classic Christmas treats like hamburgers, Gromperekichelcher, soups, sausages, waffles, churros, crêpes, pretzels and more) from the 14 chalets. Visit this one for a more intimate and short visit to get out of the house, while still being able to hold a conversation with those you are with, and still be able to take a photo with a giant beautifully let Christmas Tree.

Winterkids at Place Guillaume II

This is where you take the kiddos to burn off the energy, and catch cooking demonstrations, handicraft workshops, traditional puppet shows, sing a longs, live music, and storytelling sessions. This area is specifically geared towards kids, and has areas for them to play and really wear them out while the adults can still relax, indulge and cement those warm fuzzy memories. 

Each year they really put a lot of effort into the more than 100 workshops, 30 shows, and 14 different food chalets. Check the Visitors Center Program for Winterkids to make sure you are catching the one you want to visit. 

Drinks To Try At Luxembourg Christmas Market

Vin chaud is the same thing as mulled wine, but you can try all different kinds of flavors like pear, orange, apple and more.... I suggest using Google translate to see exactly the flavor you wish. 

Kir Royal made with local Crémant de Luxembourg - Crémant is a sparkling wine from France –that mimics champagne but when it hits the tongue almost seems like it is made with something creamy. It is the only country outside of France that is allowed to do this apparently so make sure to try it out while you're here! 

Eierpunsch: A creamy, spiced drink made with egg yolks, white wine, vanilla, and sometimes rum or brandy. 

Mead: This is a VERY strong adult beverage that is distilled from Honey, and warms you up immediately, but can hit the stomach and head quite a bit later - so drink with CAUTION ;)

Hot Chocolate and Warm Juices are also available for the kiddos or those who prefer not to drink alcohol. 

Unique Foods To Try at Luxembourg Christmas Market

Luxembourg is a place for foodies, as there is the highest number of Michelin Star Restaurants here per capita just beneath Japan. If you get a chance to eat at a Michelin Restaurant while visiting, I highly suggest doing so. If not, then you can find some of these classic dishes at the Christmas Market, and nearby supermarkets to grab some fresh fruit and veggies to help offset the heavy and sweet foods of the market. 

Gromperekichelcher: delicious potato pancakes with shallots and garlic

Nutella crepes: Did you even go to a Christmas Market if you don't get a Nutella Crepe....come on... For those newbies, this is a MUST, basically a delicious egg/flour/butter very think pancake filled with a hazelnut based chocolate spread that will have your endorphins raging in the deliciousness of it. 

Raclette: Try a cheese bread bowl, or a macaroni and cheese from a giant wheel of cheese that is melted under a heater in front of you and served toasty fresh. 

Bouneschlupp: This is a type of Green bean soup

Tartiflette: This is pancake of potatoes, cheese, lardons, and onion mixed in a creamy white wine sauce. 

Kniddelen – these are dumplings made from flour, eggs and milk served in a savory sauce with a flavorful meat like sausage, bacon, or ham. 

Rieslingspaschteit : A deliciously flaky pastry, beautifully spiced minced meat, and a dash of Riesling wine. Try to get it fresh or from a reputable shop so you get the crunchy goodness from the pastry you are meant to. 

Boxemännercher: This is made from sweet marzipan and designed into figures that represent an edible Christmas spirit. It is made from Almonds, so those with nut allergies, consider yourself warned. 

Judd mat Gaardebounen: This savory dish has smoked collar of pork with broad beans and on a winter day really helps fill the ravenous belly and warms you from the inside out. 

Äppelklatzen: The apple-filled pastries, are a way to satiate that sweet tooth in a cozy way. 

Wäinzoossiss: This is Bratwurst with the classic sauerkraut that is common in this area, you can find these in most of the markets throughout Luxembourg. 

Quetschentaart: Another sweet treat to try, it is a plum-filled buttery tart, not only is it delicious, but plums also help with digestion. So basically it is a healthy sweet treat ;)

Kachkéis: This is cooked cheese, is a creamy warm cheese served with bread or potatoes. Another food that happens to have no impact on your waistline whatsoever, or at least that is what people tell me when it comes to holiday food ;)

F’rell am Rèisleck: Trout in Riesling sauce, with butter, cream, and shallots

Träipen: This is Luxembourg's version of blood sausage (like you find in Scotland or the UK) it Is made of pork blood, onions, and a mixture of herbs and spices. It is often served with mashed potatoes or apple compote. 

Paschtéit: This is made of a meat pâté (from game/poultry) with a buttery pastry shell with artistic seasonings that if done wrong, could ruin the dish - so try to find somewhere reputable or a restaurant if it is your first time trying it. 

Other Things To See In Winter In Luxembourg

• Museum of Modern Art: A short walk from the Palace de'Armas, the architecture itself is incredible and emphasizes open space, play of light, and colors. The exhibits often change, but range from immersive experiences, oversized pieces, contemplative, to opinion pieces. It is a great place to stop to stay out of the cold or rain. 
• Corniche Balcony - Declared the most beautiful balcony in Europe and is right next to the Casemates. There are plaques that show you the history of the balcony, how it has been used over the years. It is very common to find locals taking their morning run here, and is a great spot for photos. There are colorful 16th century homes, crawling ivy, beautiful stonework, and a peaceful reprieve from the busy markets. 
• Casemates - These underground tunnels have some great photo op spots. These tunnels were carved into the natural rocky fortifications that provide the foundation to the city and overlook the River Alzette. They were carved during Spanish rule, and allowed for 7 months of resistance to the French Siege during the French Revolutionary Wars. As you walk through these, they are lit with different colors, and the 25 cannon slots provide a great vantage point over different areas of the city - but there isn't much to them other than the views, photo ops, and reading a bit about the military history these tunnels contributed to and earned Luxembourg the nickname 'The Gibraltar of the North'. 
• Take the free elevator - Pfaffanthal Lift to the lower town, called Grund. There was an upper and lower town to Luxembourg. The nobility stayed in the upper town, and the peasants and workers stayed in the lower town. Now Grund is full of boutique shops, some great restaurants, paths along the river with cute ducks bobbing along. 
• Fe’schmaart Quarter in Old Town: This is the old fish market, where the main Roman roads met and now hosts some hearty food and restaurants. 
• Place de Constitution: This is one of the places for the Christmas Markets, but wanted to mention the monument with the Golden Lady at the top, or Gëlle Fra. This monument pays homage to those who died in the first World War. 
• Cathedrale de Notre-Dame: One of the only Roman Catholic Cathedrals in Luxembourg from the 17th Century. 
• Spanish Turret: These are the small guard stations throughout the city walls built in the 17th century.

Christmas Traditions In Luxembourg

As it is with most places in the world that celebrate Christmas, there is a Midnight Mass held for Christmas. There are some unique Christmas traditions of Luxembourg I thought were interesting. 

Children receive gifts from the Christ Child, or Chrëschtkëndchen, instead of Santa Claus on December 6. Instead of stockings the kids put their slippers outside their bedroom doors to be filled with gifts.

Instead of boxed advent calendars the tree is decorated with small containers that represent the advent calendar and contain small gifts or treats. 

Boxemännchen are glazed brioche pastries in the shape of little men are a traditional Christmas treat.

After Christmas is over, around the second week of January - the Christmas Trees are collected and the Buergbrennen celebration takes place, a giant Christmas Tree bonfire. 

Other Christmas Markets To Visit Near Luxembourg

There are several Christmas Markets near Luxembourg that are easy to visit by train. While I haven't visited all, I wanted to include them here - as it is really fun to take day trips or backpack through Christmas Markets to really maximize on your vacation time & public transport in Europe is the BEST. 

• Metz, France (1 hr, 15 minutes)
• Nancy, France (2 hours)
• Strasbourg, France (2 hrs, 45 minutes)
• Trier, Germany (1 hr)
• Saarbrucken, Germany (1 hr, 40 minutes)
• Monschau, Germany (2 hrs)

My Takeaway Of Luxembourg Christmas Market

I really enjoyed the Luxembourg Christmas Market, while the Strasbourg Christmas market is my favorite so far - this one is definitely worth a visit. The highlight of the market was the food, and being able to stay at a really posh hotel with a spa/sauna to de-thaw at night was really nice. While there aren't a ton of exciting things to see in the city itself, there is quite a bit of upper end shopping, plenty of day trips to beautiful castles and hiking - like Vianden Castle. I do think visiting in the winter is worthwhile but only if you can visit the Christmas Market. You can enjoy the water activities, park, flowers, and hiking a bit more in the summertime - but still be able to take advantage of the delicious foodie scene here. 

As always, thank you for your support, and if you have any questions leave them in the comment section below. 

Happy travels, and never stop exploring. 

Guided Tours of Luxembourg

Where to stay in Luxembourg

Hotel Francis was the hotel I stayed at overlooking the Christmas Market at Palace de'Armas. They had a DELICIOUS and varied continental breakfast, the beds were comfortable, it was clean and has an elevator if you have checked luggage. It is a bit difficult to find, but the location was phenomenal for visiting the Christmas Markets and was very close to the one of the main train station stops. 

Le Royal Hotel, this is a 5-star hotel with incredible spaces for lounging, and definitely had more high powered buisness men in the lobby than anything else. The room we got was a suite we were upgraded to, with a private elevator entrance, a shower with so many fancy nobs, a giant jetted tub, and cozy beds with expensive chocolates and a bowl of fruits and nuts waiting. I really really enjoyed staying here, even if the views of the office buildings and busy streets were a bit underwhelming. The private concierge, and 6 minute walk to the Christmas markets more than made up for it. 

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