On Thursday 19 November 2015, multiple light installations around Luxembourg City will illuminate the capital with a festive glow, marking the beginning of the 2015 Winterlights seasonal programme.
On the same day, Mayor of Luxembourg City will open the Saint Nicholas and Advent Market in Place de Paris in the capital's Gare district, before more than 100 Christmas chalets open their doors for the traditional markets in Place d'Armes and Place de la Constitution the following Friday 20 November 2015.
130 Christmas market chalets will contribute to the festive ambiance of the City this year, offering a wide range of artisanal products, decorations, jewellery and candles, as well as culinary delicacies to delight every taste, including soups, grilled sausages, Glühwein, churros and, of course, Gromperekichelcher. 4 additional chalets will also be set up on Rue Chimay, linking the two Christmas markets and providing handmade arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, jewellery and knitwear created by non-professional artisans.
A 32 metre high wheel, illuminated with 35,000 LEDs, will catch the eye in Place de la Constitution, whilst a variety of activities and attractions will capture children's attention. These will include a carrousel, Christmas ball fishing, a winter playground, a train, a two-tier 'Carrousel 1900' and a polar bear chalet.
Workshops will be provided allowing children, as in previous years, to learn how to make candles. These workshops will be reserved for school classes during the week, but open to the general public on Saturdays and Sundays. A story chalet will also be set up in Place de la Constitution, where between 3 and 13 December 2015 the 'Lieshäischen' will offer Christmas tales and other activities for all the family. Entrance and participation for this is free-of-charge. To register, contact +352 44 74 33 40.
The upcoming programme was presented today at a press conference by Luxembourg City Mayor, Lydie Polfer, and was attended by Adriano Ciolli, representative of this year's market host region, Tuscany in Italy. To this end, a Tuscan village will be set up in Place de la Constitution, providing culinary specialities of the region such as red and white wines, olives, sausages and oil, as well as leather and ceramic products. Place Guillaume II will also host a large Christmas tree, decorated in the colours of Tuscany.
Luxembourg City will be lit up from 19 November 2015 to 10 January 2016. The Christmas Markets will be open from 20 November to 24 December 2015.
Photo by Sarah Graham
