(continuer en français) – Published: December 24, 2022
Winterlights brings together several events in the centre of Luxembourg from the end of November to the beginning of January. It starts with children’s parades at the beginning of December, then several streets are beautifully decorated and illuminated in the evening during the Christmas period. While the large Place Guillaume II in front of the town hall is still occupied by construction work, the Christmas Market is spread out in different parts of the city, with chalets forming several markets.
Place d’Armes
Luxembourg’s main Christmas market takes place on the Place d’Armes during the holiday season. The large nativity scene is located in front of the Cercle Municipal. There are carousels for the youngest and the kiosk allows for several public concerts. More than thirty chalets offer a variety of stalls.
Christmas items
Traditions have a great influence on the type of goods sold in the chalets. Items related to Christmas are always present, even if they may seem a bit out of fashion in ordinary times, Christmas is a different time that makes people think differently. Wood is a material that is often found in the composition of these traditional objects.
Food
Fast-food stalls offer local specialities where sausages are often present. Sturdy food that could cope with the cold. This is where cheerful wood-burning fireplaces can be found to warm up for a moment.
During the Christmas period, the usual warnings against sweets are relaxed and several stands try to seduce the sweet tooth. Sweet treats come in many forms, again tradition returns with gingerbread and nougats, as well as chocolate.
Glühwein
The smell of cinnamon and mulled wine wafts from the big steaming pots where the waiters dip their ladles to fill the glasses. The Glühwein remains a classic, but non-alcoholic options are also becoming more widespread.
Wanterpark
In the park along the Boulevard du Prince Henri, a number of chalets are set up around a space with high tables for eating standing up. There is also a stage where musical performances are planned to attract a few people to this slightly out-of-the-way place.
Niklosmaart
Near the train station, on either side of the Avenue de la Liberté, the Place de Paris hosts the part of the Christmas market dedicated to Santa Claus. At the foot of a large decorated Christmas tree, a golden armchair awaits Santa Claus, who welcomes children who want to meet him. The parents are then happy to leave with a souvenir photo.
There are a dozen chalets around, selling food and hot drinks. It is also a popular place for those who work in the many offices in the area.
Wantermaart
A giant pyramid and especially a big wheel with lighting effects that give rhythm to the night make the Place de la Constitution a different space from the other Christmas markets in Luxembourg. At the foot of the Gëlle Fra, the golden statue symbolising Victory, about twenty chalets are installed with all the classics, from gifts to hot sandwiches to eat in the cold.
To be informed of upcoming articles, register here (it’s free!).
Articles about Western Europe
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Switzerland
To be informed of upcoming articles, register here (it’s free!).
Lookoom 
Wonderful to see the Christmas market…thank you for the share!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
Some day I would like to go to Europe to see these markets. We had a French Market Dec 2019 in NYC. They highlighted a region of France. Then Covid hit and it has not returned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find Christmas markets more authentic in Europe than in Canada, where they are more like cheap imitations without the same historical depth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The one that was in 2019 was from a region in France. French people came over to run a lot of it. They made foods from that region, sold food and products from that region. I think it as the closest we would get to one. The other ones might have local foods and craft items. I have never been to one in Europe though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had this once in Toronto but it wasn’t for Christmas, more in the summer, a group of French vendors, but nothing replaces being in France. I hope that your French market will come back one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s on my bucket list for retirement: visit a few countries in Europe and see the Christmas markets.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful pictures, this one remember, been there a couple times at Christmas! Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The presentations don’t change much from one year to the next. When I lived in Luxembourg, it was already very similar to what I saw this year. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes indeed now see it in youtube lol! Merry Christmas to you too
LikeLiked by 1 person
looks charming! Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Day
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Andy, at least these Christmas markets bring some light into the winter night.
LikeLike
What an excellent Christmas Market. Europe always does these up right. So much better than being trapped in a wasteland of a huge shopping mall. Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are absolutely right, Christmas markets seem to be more authentic in Europe where they are based on ancient traditions. For example, the one in Paris is not on the same scale as the one in Strasbourg, two different histories. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love these images of holiday shoppers at the marketplace. I would love to visit Luxembourg someday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember your connection with Luxembourg, I hope you can see it for yourself one day. During my last stay I visited an exhibition on the photographer Edward Steichen, an American of Luxembourgish origin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, my friend. I’d like to see an exhibition of Steichen’s work on prints. I see there are tons of his portrait works online.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful display of holiday lights and decorations. I love this time of the year. Hope you’re enjoying the holiday season. Cheers. Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least there is no winter storm here, instead it was 14C on Christmas Day in the streets of Paris. There are times when I am glad to be on this side of the pond.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos, great post! This is definitely a must-do on my travel bucket list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, the Luxembourg Christmas market is one of the most famous in Europe.
LikeLiked by 1 person