In Luxembourg City, the arrival of the festive season is marked by the bright lights of cherry pickers and the sounds of construction. Before long, enormous gingerbread chalets spring up, accompanied by cheerful Christmas tunes. The scent of candied nuts mingles with wood smoke in the crisp winter air. Children, bundled in padded ski suits, gaze in awe at the spinning carousel, while their parents browse the various accessories and trinkets available in the main square. Above the crowd, vibrant bulbs illuminate the outline of a giant Ferris wheel, their reflections shimmering in the puddles below—all of this before December even begins. Winterlights has arrived!
Luxembourg City’s Christmas markets, part of the Winterlights Festival, are open daily from November 24th to January 7th, serving as the vibrant center of winter festivities in the area, except on rainy days. Join the St. Nicholas parade along Avenue de la Liberté to the Niklosmaart. Experience breathtaking views of the Pétrusse valley from the Ferris wheel at the Wantermaart (Winter Market) on Place de la Constitution, which rises as high as the Golden Lady statue. If you prefer something less lofty, enjoy a ride on the traditional carousel in the same square. Explore the Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart (Luxembourg Christmas Market) at Place d’Armes, where you can take photos in front of the towering Christmas tree and sing along to festive carols at the bandstand. The most enchanting time to visit is after dark when the twinkling lights strung between trees and buildings evoke the childlike wonder of Christmas.