Looking for the best Luxembourg Christmas markets?
Despite being tiny, the country celebrates the holidays on a massive scale. Marvel at the light displays and gorgeously decorated streets. Have fun ice skating, try the thrilling fairground rides, eat delicious food, and visit the fascinating Luxembourg Christmas markets.
There’s no end to all the fun you can have, especially if you visit Luxembourg with kids during the Christmas season.
Why You Should Explore the Christmas Markets in Luxembourg
Christmas markets in Luxembourg are some of the best in Western Europe. The country may not be high on the radar of many tourists, but that is because many are unaware of how stunningly beautiful it can be, especially during the holidays.
If you want to escape the more crowded Christmas fairs and markets in Europe, Luxembourg is perfect for you. Here are other reasons why you should visit Luxembourg Christmas markets.
- Everything is nearby. Luxembourg is one of the smallest European countries, with an area of 2,586 square kilometers. Fun fact: you can drive from North to South in roughly one to two hours. It means it is relatively easy to visit many places when you’re in the country. Imagine how convenient it is to move from one Luxembourg Xmas market to another.
- Holiday food is superb. From grilled sausages to potato pancakes to mulled wine crumble, Luxembourg Christmas markets have some of the tastiest treats any guest will love to eat again and again.
- Diverse shops. The bustling market stalls have everything you need – Christmas gifts, costume jewelry, wooden toys, handmade candles, unique decorations, and sweets.
- Feel the Christmas spirit everywhere. Because the country is tiny, it feels like one entire party or festival. Wherever you go, you experience the revelry.
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Christmas in Luxembourg
Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Luxembourg. It is a religious festival, with practicing Christians attending the midnight mass on Christmas Eve or the Christmas mass on the 25th. In many parts of the country, children perform the nativity play called Krëppespiller in churches.
But above all, Christmas in Luxembourg is a family celebration marked by joyous get-togethers, where family members share a hearty meal and give each other gifts. Instead of Santa bringing the presents, the Chrëschtkëndchen (baby Jesus) is the gift-giver, or so the kids are told.
Food plays a central role in the Christmas festivities. After the midnight mass, Luxembourgers used to traditionally eat Träipen (black pudding) served with mashed potatoes and apple sauce.
Nowadays, the Christmas menu often consists of turkey, civet of hare, or venison. The favorite desserts are Bûche de Noël (ice-cream cake smothered in dark chocolate) and stollen (fruit loaf laced with rum, similar to a fruit cake.)
Some classic local dishes are staples in the menus of many Luxembourg Christmas markets. These are man-shaped brioche, potato pancakes, sausages such as mettwurscht and thüringer, various soups, and crepes.
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Best Luxembourg Christmas Markets
What’s there not to love about Luxembourg Christmas markets? You’ll find wooden huts lining up in the town square, with a mishmash of different holiday goods.
The air fills with the delightful scents of sausages roasting, warm spiced wine, newly-baked bread, and freshly-cut pine boughs. Then, there’s beautiful music everywhere, from brass quartets, string trios, local bands, and choirs.
Luxembourg has a few different markets spread throughout the capital. Here are the top Christmas markets in Luxembourg in 2023.
Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart, Place d’Armes
Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart 2023 Opening Dates: 24th November – 1st January
Place d’Armes has perhaps the most traditional Luxembourg City Christmas market. Locals prefer to call it Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart or the Luxembourg Christmas Market.
The Place d’Armes market appeals mainly to more serious shoppers looking for knit wear, jewelry, handmade crafts, and rare souvenirs. But if you’re a foodie, you’ll love the plethora of foods stalls selling sausages, potato pancakes, crepes, cheeseburgers, and warm mulled wine.
Where to stay: La Pipistrelle
Housed in a historical building in central Luxembourg, La Pipistrelle Hotel offers spacious family rooms with free WiFi, comfy beds, and stunning city views.
Wantermaart, Place de la Constitution
Wantermaart, Place de la Constitution Christmas Market Opening Dates 2023: 24th November – 1st January
Quite easily the most festive among the Luxembourg City Christmas markets, Wantermaart is full of colors and cheerful music. If you’re looking for a genuine carnival vibe, this Winter Market delivers.
It has a towering Ferris wheel, a carousel, a spinning Christmas tree, a bouncy trampoline, and a German Christmas pyramid.
Wantermaart hosts more than 60 wooden chalets selling an extensive range of gifts, souvenirs, crafts, clothing, handmade glass décors, snow globes, fuzzy slippers, and sweets.
You will be impressed by the wide range of food choices – pretzels, nutcrackers, sausages, cookies, apple fritters, and flammkuchen (thin-crust pizza).
Where to stay: Melia Luxembourg
After an exciting time at the Winter market, unwind at the Melia Luxembourg, a trendy hotel with cozy family rooms. The property is a short walk to Place de la Constitution.
Winter Lights on Ice, Parc Kinnekswiss
Winter Lights on Ice, Parc Kinnekswiss 2023 Opening Dates: 24th November – 1st January
Among the Luxembourg Christmas markets, Kinnekswiss Park offers the best ice-skating activities. Not only is the ice rink extensive, but it’s also spectacular.
There’s a covered section where you can weave your way around numerous hanging light sculptures and admire the ceiling lit up by 20,000 LED lights.
On weekend evenings, you can catch DJ nights on ice. Kinnekswiss Park has five chalets selling food and drinks.
Where to stay:
Located in the heart of Luxembourg, this spacious, 2-bedroom flat is perfect for your family. Some amenities include a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a terrace with lovely city views.
Niklosmaart, Place de Paris
Niklosmaart Place de Paris Christmas Market 2023 Opening Dates: 18th November – 1st January
The smallest of the Luxembourg Christmas markets, Niklosmaart is home to only 12 chalets.
But this is where you go if you’re looking for handicrafts and locally-produced items such as handmade soaps, candles, leather goods, knitted crafts, and homemade goods. The 65-foot Christmas tree is a scene stealer.
For kids, there’s a chair swing ride. Santa Claus makes an appearance usually from 3 to 5 pm.
If you stay on until evening, you can enjoy the nightly concerts.
Where to stay: Le Chalet
For your home away from home, check out Le Chatelet. The property features cozy family rooms with a flat-screen TV, comfy beds, and free WiFi.
You can enjoy a buffet breakfast of pastries, fresh fruit, and homemade goods every morning.
Winterkids, Cour De L‘Ancien Athenee
Winterkids Christmas Market 2023 Opening Dates: 24th November – 1st January
Every Christmas, the courtyard of Old Athenee transforms into a winter wonderland for kids.
The focus of the market is family fun. It does not have a Ferris wheel or a carousel, but children can join creative workshops, creating arts and crafts from wax, wood, and even a forge.
In the evening, they can participate in a play or gather around an open fire for cooking.
Where to stay: CAB Ap’art
CAB Ap’art is a popular option among families looking for a place to stay while exploring the Luxembourg Christmas markets.
Each unit includes a seating area with a comfy sofa, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchenette, and a private bathroom.
Les Rennes Volants, Place Guillaume II
Les Rennes Volants, Place Guillaume II Christmas Market 2023 Opening Dates: 18th November – 1st January
A short distance from the Grand Ducal Palace, the Place Guillaume II market is a favorite destination among those seeking good food and beverages.
This 13th-century public square is a fantastic place for a memorable lunch or dinner at the open-air food court. Throughout the market, in between the stalls are small open fires where you can keep warm.
There is also an ice-skating rink and a flying reindeer carousel from which the market got its name.
Where to stay: Hotel Vauban
Hotel Vauban is an excellent option for families with its spacious and comfortable rooms, free WiFi, and complimentary breakfasts. It’s a walking distance from famous landmarks, including Place Guillaume II.
More Things to Do in Luxembourg at Christmas [Luxembourg in Winter]
Luxembourg is the perfect destination to experience the magic of Christmas with your kids. From traditional Christmas markets filled with handcrafted goods and tasty treats to ice skating, light shows, and Saint Nicholas parades, there is no shortage of festive and family-friendly activities.
Ice Skating – Knuedler on Ice
The Place Guillaume II transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink. Known as “Knuedler on Ice”, it’s a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
Light Shows
The Luxembourg Light Nights event illuminates several buildings in the Upper Town with beautiful light projections. Kids will be fascinated by the colorful lights and animations that bring the city’s historic buildings to life.
Saint Nicholas Parade
In Luxembourg, Saint Nicholas, or “De Kleeschen” in Luxembourgish, is a beloved figure. He visits the homes of children on the eve of December 6th, leaving behind gifts for the good ones and twigs for the naughty ones.
The Saint Nicholas parade is a fun event where children dress up and welcome Saint Nicholas as he arrives in the city.
Hiking
Winter is a picturesque time for hiking in Luxembourg. The snow-covered forests and countryside offer a peaceful setting for a family day out in nature. The Mullerthal Trail and the Ardennes are two popular hiking regions with trails suitable for kids.
For more inspiration on visiting Luxembourg, read our complete guide to visiting Luxembourg with Kids
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Discover More Christmas Markets in Europe
Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.