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Christmas celebrations in Luxembourg

The aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the air, inviting locals and visitors alike to partake in the joyous celebrations. In this article, we will cover everything there is to know about the Christmas celebration in the Grand Duchy.

Last time updated
28.08.24

Christmas is a festive time in Luxembourg, with various events and traditions that bring joy and holiday spirit to the country. From enchanting Christmas markets to dazzling light displays and ice rinks, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday.

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 celebrated on the 25th of December. As it is a huge holiday, there are a variety of traditions and festivities taking place in the country.

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

As the holidays approach, we will be updating the present story with an up-to-date program.

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
Knuedler On Ice — ice-skating
Niklosmaart — meeting with Santa
Solidaritéitsmaart — for a good cause

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
Dudelange
Differdange
Mamer

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.

Children usually have school vacations from December 23-24 to January 5-7. Find more information on official dates for upcoming years, as well as which activities are available each season in our special article about school holidays in Luxembourg.

Ice Skating Rink
Ferris Wheel
Santa's Grotto in Luxembourg
Christmas concert at the Philharmonie

Winterlights Festival in 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.

Visit Luxembourg
Visit Luxembourg

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

The festival takes place in multiple locations around the country, and each one provides a unique experience. If you want to know details about the program, visit the website of the event closer to the holidays.

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.
faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best Christmas markets in Luxembourg

What is there to do in Luxembourg at Christmas

What are some popular Christmas events in the country

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We took photos from these sources: Gabor Koszegi for Unsplash, Visit Luxembourg

Authors: Asya
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