RTL Today - St Nicholas, Christmas markets, concerts…: A guide to the 2025 Winterlights festival attractions

The 2025 Winterlights festival will once again fill Luxembourg City's main squares with Christmas markets, an ice rink, and festive entertainment from 21 November until 4 January.

The festive season will officially begin in Luxembourg City on Friday, 21 November, with the launch of the annual Winterlights festival. The event will transform the capital with festive illuminations and Christmas markets until Sunday, 4 January 2026.

The city's chalets will offer sweet treats, savoury snacks, and comforting mulled wine. Operating hours are scheduled until 9pm from Sunday to Thursday (with possible extensions to 10pm) and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays (with possible extensions to 11pm).

A visit from Saint Nicholas

A highlight of the festivities will be the traditional visit of Saint Nicholas, known locally as "Kleeschen", on Sunday, 30 November. He will tour the city from the central railway station to Place Guillaume II, distributing sweets to children with the help of his assistant.

The detailed schedule for his procession is as follows:

2.30pm – Central Railway Station: Arrival by tram; welcome by city officials with music by the "Tramsmusek".
2.45pm – Place de Paris: Distribution of "Titercher" (goodie bags filled with sweets) by the Luxembourg Guides and Scouts, accompanied by the "Bouneweger Nuechtigailercher."
4pm – Ville Haute: The procession departs Place de Paris for Ville Haute.
4.20pm – Ville Haute: The route will proceed through Rue Philippe II, Grand-Rue, Marché-aux-Herbes, and Rue de la Reine towards Place Guillaume II, featuring the "Tramsmusek" and dancers.
5pm to 6pm – Place Guillaume II: A speech by the Mayor, distribution of "Titercher", and a performance by the children's choir of the Luxembourg City Conservatory of Music.

Christmas markets

The festive atmosphere will be centered on the city's main squares, each hosting a unique market with crafts, food, and activities.

Place d'Armes: The "Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart" will feature 38 chalets. Attractions include a giant nativity scene under the bandstand, alongside a carousel and a "magic" train for children.

Place de la Constitution: The "Wantermaart," at the foot of the Gëlle Fra, will host 40 chalets. This site will offer a big wheel, a giant pyramid, a large Christmas tree, and various fairground rides.

Place Guillaume II: The "Winterkids" area will provide family-focused entertainment with a slide, a carousel, and creative workshops for children. The full programme is available here.

Place de Paris: The "Niklosmaart" will offer a more intimate setting with 14 chalets, serving warm mulled wine and Gromperekichelcher. It will also feature Saint Nicholas's house, where the jolly gift-bringer will greet children.

Place Émile Hamilius: Visitors will find the "Sapin Royal" (Royal Christmas Tree) with six gourmet food chalets.

Additionally, the "Wanterpark" on the Kinnekswiss will feature an ice rink and a programme of musical events with DJs throughout the festival. The full list of muscial events is available here.