You may already know Luxembourg is one of the smallest European countries. Even though this country may be small, it offers fewer crowds and more intimate, smaller-scale Christmas markets. My husband and I only planned a trip to Luxembourg to see the Christmas markets, and I think this was the perfect time to visit. Because of its size, there’s not much to do and see! One of the best things about visiting Luxembourg is its proximity to German and French borders, and there are quite a few wonderful day trip options, more on that later. (Confusingly, Luxembourg’s capital is also called Luxembourg–sometimes Luxembourg City–so when in doubt I mean the city!) Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to the Luxembourg Christmas markets!
Christmas Markets Luxembourg: A Comprehensive Guide
How to get to Luxembourg City
Luxembourg Airport is Luxembourg’s only international airport. Even though the airport is a bit outside the city center, it’s easily accessible by bus. Don’t worry about finding a ticket station for the bus, all public transport in Luxembourg is free! When debating how much time to spend in Luxembourg City, you only need one or two days to explore all the Luxembourg City Christmas markets.
I recommend the Trier Christmas Market if you have an extra day or even an afternoon in Luxembourg. It’s only an hour by train from the central station in Luxembourg City and is probably one of the most authentic Christmas markets in Europe!
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Where to Stay when visiting Christmas Markets Luxembourg City
Hotel Parc Beaux Arts $$: Hotel Parc Beaux Arts has the best central location in Luxembourg City. It’s close to museums, shops, and restaurants. It also has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Hotel Le Places d’Armes $$-$$$: Part of the luxury Relais & Chateaux hotel group, this is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Luxembourg City. Even though it’s considered a luxury hotel, its price tag won’t break the bank!
Park Inn by Radisson $-$$: Use your hotel points and stay close to the Luxembourg train station. If you’re exploring other cities close by including the Trier Christmas markets, I would recommend this option!
The Central City $$: A chic and modern option close to the Luxembourg train station, his property features a fitness center and a garden. It even offers one and two-bedroom apartments with a small kitchen, dishwasher, and microwave!
Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal $$: This five-star hotel is in a fantastic location close to the Grund district. Their restaurant serves gourmet cuisine but on the top floor with beautiful views.
Christmas Markets Luxembourg
Place de la Constitution: Winter Lights and Wantermaart
This is by far the biggest Christmas market in Luxembourg. It’s half Christmas market, half fair with a large Ferris wheel and other rides geared more for littles. It is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, the best view of it can be seen from Pont Aldophe across the gorge. It serves much of the same food as the nearby market at Place d’Armes but with a few different items to choose from. I found a few more dessert stalls here, and because it’s geared towards littles there are not as many alcoholic options to choose from.
Place d’Armes: Letzebuerger Chreschtmaart
This Christmas markets Luxembourg was my favorite to visit. This Christmas market closely resembles a traditional European Christmas market. It offers delicious food and drinks, souvenir stands, and a large and beautifully decorated Christmas tree opposite a carousel. We bought the prettiest hand-painted ornament here. The other advantage to visiting this market in Luxembourg at Christmas is that it’s only a short walk from the other large Christmas market in Luxembourg, Wantermaart at Place de la Constitution.
If you’re looking for more detailed information about this spot, here’s a list of foods to try: sausages, cheeseburgers, the famous potato pancakes called Gromperekichelcher, and plenty of sweet treats. You can buy alcohol, the most festive being the vin chaud which is the equivalent of mulled wine (gluhwein if you’re in Germany/Austria/Switzerland). This is always served warm and usually in a signature mug. Many of these Christmas markets Luxembourg are cash only. Similar to other Christmas markets, you can return your mugs here for your deposit back. We kept the one from this market as it was one of the cutest we had seen in Luxembourg! Keep scrolling for a photo of this Christmas mug offered here.
Parc Kinnekswiss: Winterlights on Ice
This next spot is a short walk from the Place de la Constitution area. We visited the two Luxembourg Christmas markets above and then walked to this one all in one night. This is the only Christmas market here that offers a skating rink, and more of a relaxed atmosphere. Even though it was crowded when we visited, it has a large outdoor seating area and even a few indoor seating areas for guests. This breaks up the space and the crowds and never felt too crowded. Because there’s so much outdoor seating it almost feels more like an outdoor restaurant, with the stalls surrounding the seating area. It was the only place where I saw a large bowl of pasta or potatoes cooking, and they looked delicious!
Place De Paris: Niklosmaart
This is the smallest of the Christmas markets in Luxembourg City but it packs a punch, you may even spot Santa or a live band here! The stalls serve all the traditional food like sausages and even frites, and you can buy alcoholic beverages here too. Make sure to check out this market on both of the opposite sides of the street!
Find the square Place Guillaume II
After the research we had done before visiting, there was supposed to be a sort of Christmas markets Luxembourg here. We however didn’t find one maybe because we visited too early and all that was there was a carousel.
Best Things to See in Luxembourg
Visit Luxembourg’s Fairytale District
When visiting Christmas markets Luxembourg make sure to take a stroll around Grund. A UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 14th century, you almost feel like you’re stepping back in time. Walk along Europe’s most beautiful balcony, the Chem de la Corniche. Another noteworthy spot is Rue Munster; it gives you wonderful river views.
The unique Neumunster Abbey
This is a real gem in Luxembourg, and if you’re heading to the city for the Christmas markets Luxembourg it needs to be on your list. This is a unique as the church that’s been renovated to accommodate so it can accommodate various events like concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. It’s in the heart of the Grund district, and its surrounding area is beautiful to walk around. In its historical past, it has been used not only as an abbey, but hospital, prison, and even a Nazi detention center. Here’s the perfect walking tour to take through this unique gem.
Soar to the top of the Pfaffenthal
This panoramic elevator is 230 feet high and completely free for pedestrians and cyclists. It offers beautiful views of the Alzette Valley.
Walk the Wenzel Circular Walk
If you have more time in Luxembourg, you can walk this 3.5-mile circular walk that will take you around the entirety of Grund. In addition to a few points of interest mentioned above, this will take you by a few more.
Visit the Grand Ducal Palace
Resembling a castle, this palace looks straight out of a Disney movie. This is the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and is currently used for his royal and political duties. Because this is a working palace, it’s usually only available to tourists at the beginning of the year. If you’re traveling to this country for the Christmas markets Luxembourg, you may miss the opening hours but check out their website for all the details here.
Here’s a perfect walking tour of Luxembourg to discover this city and all its gems!
Best Restaurants in Luxembourg City
Grand Cafe: This spot is quite a large restaurant in a central location known for its cuts of meat. It offers matured meat, burgers, and even rotisserie. You can check out their menu online or book a reservation here on their website.
Cafe des Artistes:Â This cafe is right in the picturesque Grund. It’s a bit hidden off a cobblestone street and offers such a vibe including live music most nights!
Kaale Kaffi: One of the coziest cafes in the city, this cafe almost resembles the Gryffindor common room. If the weather is pleasant, they have a nice outdoor seating area.
Day Trip Ideas from Luxembourg
Take the train to Trier, Germany
If you’re visiting the Luxembourg Christmas markets, you’ll also want to consider the Christmas markets in Trier, Germany. Trier offers one of the most authentic European Christmas markets, and I highly recommend spending some time there if you can. This city is the oldest in Germany if you can believe it! It’s only around an hour by train from Luxembourg city. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on how to visit!
Enjoy a wine tasting in the Moselle Valley
A short trip from Luxembourg is the Moselle Valley. Even though it may not be as picturesque in the winter, you can save this post via Pinterest if you plan to return. Here’s a tour that offers a day trip from Luxembourg even in December!
Take a day trip to Chateau de Vianden
Here’s a great day trip idea if you’re looking for other activities in addition to the Christmas markets Luxembourg. This castle is only an hour from Luxembourg City!
Drive to Boursheid Castle
Boursheid Castle is also only an hour from Luxembourg City. It’s of the best things about Luxembourg is that because it’s such a small country everything is such a short drive away! This castle is quite picturesque, check our their website for more details.
Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:
Christmas Market in Trier Germany: Avoid the crowds in 2024!
Paris in Three Days Itinerary: The only one you’ll need!
3 Days in Rome Italy: The only Itinerary you need!
Where to Stay in Rome for Three Days: Make the most of your stay!
3 Day Madrid Itinerary: A Complete Guide for First Timers
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