Christmas Markets: Winter Lights of Luxembourg City

With the end-of-year festivities getting underway, Chronicle.lu is compiling a series of articles exploring some of the Christmas markets taking place across the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The largest of these is the collection of markets in Luxembourg City known as “Winter Lights” which this season runs from Friday 21 November 2025, to Sunday 4 January 2026. It consists of six markets spread out across the city, each with its own offerings, characteristics and ambience.

The main and most established Christmas market is the “Chrëschtmaart” on Place d’Armes. This year it features around 35 chalets offering a wide selection of gift ideas, including winterwear, jewellery, locally produced confection, cheeses and traditional wooden toys. Food offerings are wide and varied, with gromperekichelcher, pasta, burgers, waffles and churros available, along with mulled wine and various beverages for all ages. This market also features a number of amusement rides for children including a carousel and miniature train. Unsurprisingly, due ot its central location, there is a wide mix of ages and nationalities enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. However, this also means that many of the dedicated standing areas are often fully occupied, and navigating the site can be a challenge during peak hours.

A short walk from the Chrëschtmaart is “Winterkids” on Place Guillaume II, a more spacious and family-orientated offering designed specifically to cater to children and their families. In the calmer atmosphere of Place Guillaume II, visitors can enjoy fries, mettwurst, beer, mulled wine or soft drinks under the giant advent calendar chalet constructed in the centre of the square. With increased space and more seating options, parents can relax as their children enjoy the giant slide or the magic sleigh ride. Although this market does not feature any chalets selling gifts, it is a good option for families looking for a less crowded environment when visiting the city’s Christmas markets.

In comparison, the “Wantermaart” is closer in size and atmosphere to the “Chrëschtmaart”. Located on Place de la Constitution, it features approximately 40 chalets, including more restaurant-style eating options with dedicated and covered seating areas. Alongside the more traditional food available are options such as smoked fish and tater flambee. The square is surrounded by stalls offering handicrafts and seasonal specialities such as jewellery, stuffed toys, knitwear and speciality foods along with several large bars able to cater to a greater number of visitors than many of the other markets. For entertainment, the square features children’s rides, trampolines and a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the Pétrusse Valley and Pont Adolphe. The ambience here is vibrant, with options for all, whether for a family visit or a day out with friends and colleagues.

Rounding off the markets in the city centre is the newly established “Sapin Royal” on Place Émile Hamilius. This is a much smaller affair and features six chalets offering hot chocolate, crêpes, waffles, burgers and hot dogs along with a small selection of gifts and decorations. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available. The atmosphere here is less energetic than at the other markets, with more of an emphasis on being a quick stop for food and drink while moving through the city. Its location next to the Hamilius tram and bus terminus makes it an ideal meeting point or the perfect place to end one’s visit to the festivities before making use of public transport.

On Place de Paris in Luxembourg-Gare, the “Niklosmaart” market is split between either side of the square. One side features around eight chalets offering a variety of seasonal foods including crêpes, waffles, spätzle and fried sausages along with a Christmas carousel to keep children entertained. Seating options are limited, but this part of the market is open and easy to navigate, with queues for food and drink moving noticeably quicker than those at the larger markets.

The other side features around fourteen chalets offering a wider selection of food and drink, including roasted chestnuts, soups, crêpes and pretzels alongside traditional gromperekichelcher and mettwurst. With a two-storey chalet featuring a DJ booth, there is a distinct party atmosphere with a mix of modern and more traditional Christmas music playing throughout the day. For those looking to pick up a gift, there are several stalls selling advent wreaths, Christmas decorations, home textiles and traditional toys. This market offers an abundance of areas to stand and enjoy food and drink, making it a good option for groups looking to relax during the day or taking part in a night out.

Lastly, is the “Wanterpark” in Kinnekswiss municipal park. This market features a large ice-rink and is surrounded by decorative installations, including a giant illuminated heart, which guide visitors through the park towards the market. Five chalets surround the market area and offer a wide variety of food and drink options for all members of the family. A large, central seating area is easily accessible and helps to create a more family-focused atmosphere in comparison to many of the other markets. The ice-skating facilities are easily acessible with ice skates available for hire and enclosed changing facilities providing a comfortable area when entering or leaving the skating rink.

Each of the city’s six Christmas markets offers its own experience and all are easily accessible on foot or via the free public transport system. However, it is worth noting that during peak hours the markets can become very busy, making them more difficult to navigate when in a group or out as a family. It is also worth arriving with both cash and card payment methods, as many stalls and chalets only accept cash.