Mulled Wine, Markets and Monet: A weekend of culture and charm in Luxembourg

Mulled Wine, Markets and Monet: 

A weekend of culture and charm in Luxembourg

• Luxembourg City lights up for the Winterlights festival from 20th November to 3rd January, with five Christmas markets spread across the UNESCO-listed old town
• The capital also welcomes Impressionist masterpieces by Monet and Renoir at the Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart and MUDAM opens the first European retrospective of post-war Japanese women artists this winter
• High-resolution imagery available to download here

26th October 2026 - With cosy season underway and the festive fever beginning to creep in, thoughts turn to Christmas-market getaways across the continent. 

But while crowds flock to the usual favourites, Luxembourg remains one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Traditional markets are found across every corner, while lights crown a clifftop capital, and castles, vineyards and snow-dusted valleys are all connected by the world’s first free nationwide public transport system. Best of all, it’s easily reached from London by Eurostar, with a quick connection via Paris or Brussels. 

Luxembourg’s five regions may be dotted with storybook villages, but at Christmas, all eyes turn to its fairytale capital. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with must-see sights, from the late-Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral to the arches of the Adolphe Bridge and the Bock Casemates, a series of underground tunnels dating back to 1644. These landmarks take on an extra sparkle as the Winterlights festival spreads across five squares and parks in the city, creating a walking route for all the family. 

Market stalls pour Glühcider from Ramborn, Luxembourg’s cider producer in the Mullerthal region, bakery windows fill with Boxemännchen brioche figures, and the Chocolate House tempts with the famous homemade chocolate spoons.

Paired with Monet masterpieces at the Nationalmusée and a landmark retrospective at MUDAM, Luxembourg City guarantees festive magic and world-class culture this season. 

Where to go when the lights come on 

Taking place from the 20th November through to 3rd January, here are the markets not to miss …

Place de la Constitution , Wantermaart:

Set against the iconic Gëlle Fra monument, the Wantermaart is the festival’s most spectacular stage. More than 40 wooden chalets encircle the golden memorial, joined by a towering Christmas pyramid, a Ferris wheel and carnival rides that light up the night sky. As darkness falls and the lights come on, it becomes the most photogenic spot in the city, with sweeping views over the Pétrusse valley below. 

Place d’Armes, Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart:

In the heart of the old town, Place d’Armes is the traditional home of Christmas in Luxembourg. Stalls brim with local crafts and festive treats, from Gromperekichelcher, the nation’s beloved crispy potato fritters, to steaming cups of Glühwäin. With live music filling the square every evening, it’s the place to soak up the season’s authentically local soul. 

Place de Paris, Niklosmaart: 

Just a short stroll from the central station, the Niklosmaart offers a local, neighbourhood feel that makes a charming contrast to the city’s larger squares. Here, the focus is on handmade crafts and artisan products, with local musicians setting a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere. It’s the perfect first stop for travellers arriving by train, or a quieter spot to browse for one-of-a-kind gifts. 

Place Guillaume II, Winterkids:

Known locally as the Knuedler, Place Guillaume II becomes the festival’s family favourite each winter. Little ones can get creative at hands-on workshops, enjoy live shows and take a spin on the carousel, while a giant Advent calendar adds a daily dose of festive excitement in the run-up to Christmas.  

Kinnekswiss, Wanterpark:

Tucked within the city’s municipal park, the Wanterpark invites visitors to lace up their skates on a sparkling open-air ice rink. After a few laps, a large wooden chalet offers the perfect place to warm up, with seasonal food and hot drinks served in a cosy, rustic setting. 

Winter’s hottest tickets 

Here’s where to get a culture fix … 

MUDAM: Musée d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean

Housed in a striking building by architect I.M. Pei, MUDAM is worth the visit for its architecture alone. This winter it presents Japanese Women Artists after 1945, the first European retrospective dedicated to the pivotal role of Japanese women artists in the post-war era and the decades of transformation that followed.

Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart

When? 09.10.2026 – 04.04.2027 

From October 2026, the Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart showcases masterpieces from the Rau Collection for UNICEF, with works by Monet, Renoir, Cassatt and many more. Assembled over four decades by philanthropist Dr Gustav Rau and entrusted to UNICEF, it is one of Europe’s most significant private art collections. Paired with highlights from the museum’s own holdings, the exhibition offers visitors a rare chance to get up close with the very best of Impressionism in Luxembourg until 4th April 2027. 

Lëtzebuerg City Museum

The Lëtzebuerg City Museum brings the capital’s more than one thousand years of history to life: “The Luxembourg Story” is a permanent exhibition that shows the development of the city through countless original artefacts and models. The new temporary exhibition “Fundatio” takes visitors back to the 12th century and the origins of the County of Luxembourg, a turning point in the country’s history. 

With the LuxembourgPass, visitors can enjoy these museums and many more attractions for free or at a reduced rate, the perfect companion for a culture-rich winter weekend.

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Editors notes

Luxembourg for Tourism (LFT) is the national agency for tourism development and destination marketing. LFT follows a national marketing strategy that aims to position Luxembourg as a travel destination abroad.

Luxembourg is a European destination where medieval charm meets contemporary sophistication. Travellers can enjoy exploring the unique blend of historic fortresses, lush landscapes, and cosmopolitan elegance, all found in close proximity.

Dive into UNESCO World Heritage in Luxembourg City and tour the country’s five unique regions for heart-pounding hikes and bike trails or simply relaxing in nature. And getting around within the country is easy thanks to free public transport.