The Luxembourg Christmas Market and Winterlights Festival will be held from November 24, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
As you can see from my previous Christmas Market post here, Europeans love their Christmas Markets. In December 2018, I traveled to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, to experience their market. It did not disappoint.
Getting There
Located in Western Europe, the tiny country is landlocked between Germany, France, and Belgium. The drive to Luxembourg from my home near Kaiserslautern was short and sweet, with only rain dampening the mood (pun intended). Most of the ride was on the autobahn, meaning Luxembourg City is easily accessible from many areas.
When I got to Luxembourg City, I could see where the market was located almost immediately. It was dark upon arrival, but the lights lit up the sky. I found parking (free on Sundays!) in a lot about a half-mile from the city center. During my walk to the market, I passed through a park with a fountain and was able to get a glimpse of how beautiful the city must be in the daytime and without rain!
Different But The Same
The market was different from the market I attended in The Netherlands. The Luxembourg Christmas Market was more similar to a traditional market. From the market, you can see the Fortress that once surrounded the city and is now named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There were SO many vendors located around the main square. They had everything you could think of: food, wine, beer, gifts. The vendors were friendly and eager to show you their goods.
The Sights
The decorations were beautiful and perfect for the season. A Ferris wheel, bungee jump area, and other rides were available for children young and old to indulge in. There were several beer and wine tents on hand to quench thirsts obtained while wandering the gift stands. We enjoyed some fresh glühwein and decided to keep one of the souvenir cups. A unique element about Christmas Market vendors is that you pay a deposit for your cup (let’s say 2€) with the price for the drink. Once you drink the beverage within, you can return the cup to get your deposit back, or you can keep your glass as a simple reminder of your trip!
Yums For Days
If you worked up an appetite, which you definitely would have wanted to, there were various options to fill up! I had two different meals. The first was raclette, a cheese that is melted and served atop potatoes, meat (usually ham), and some pickles and pickled onions. This dish was so incredibly fresh that the cheese was actually warmed and placed on the plate right before my eyes. Delish! My snack before the drive home was a hot dog, but not a simple dog with ketchup and mustard. Oh no, this hot dog was covered with thin potato chips and onions. It was also delish!
If raclette or hot dogs aren’t your thing, don’t fret. There were plenty of sandwich stands, fresh pretzels, and even freshly smoked salmon sandwiches. The salmon was smoked on-site, and the smell was to die for! *drool*
Other Attractions
Luxembourg City is a great walking city. We visited on a Sunday night, so many shops were closed, but that did not upset us. We were able to walk through the cobblestone streets and experience a new country and its capital. It looked like the residents of Luxembourg City are well off and enjoy lavish lives.
We did not explore the city entirely, so I hope to return and experience more of what it has to offer. Additional points of interest in Luxembourg City are Grand Ducal Palace, the home of the Grand Duke; Adolphe Bridge; Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Casemates du Bock, and the Luxembourg American Cemetery and World War II Memorial.
2024 Visiting Information
If you’re visiting in 2024, there are more than 100 vendors ready for you to stop by. The market runs from November 24, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The Luxembourg Christmas Market is something you don’t want to miss. Head to the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Until my next adventure,
Robyn ♥