All That Glitters: Christmas Sparkle in Luxembourg

My winter journey began with an enchanting start in Brussels Christmas markets. (Read the full article Plaisirs d’Hiver: Winter Wonders in Brussels)

On the second morning, I boarded a train in Brussels and watched the scenery gradually transform during the three-hour journey to Luxembourg. This small nation, cradled by greenery and history, shines like an inland pearl of Western Europe. Renowned for its prosperity, stability, and deep-rooted heritage, Luxembourg isn't just a country with one of the world's highest GDPs per capita. Its unique constitutional monarchy, its seamless trilingual environment (where Luxembourgish, French, and German intertwine), and its quiet confidence as the EU's 'third capital' give it a distinctive, understated glow.

Before my trip, many travel bloggers highlighted a wonderful perk: all public transport within the country is free. Upon arriving, I discovered another joy: the city's main attractions are pretty concentrated. I chose to explore on foot, letting my own pace sync with the gentle pulse of the city.

Luxembourg Christmas Market 2025
Locations: Place d'Armes (Hauptmarkt) — Place de la Constitution (Wantermaart) — Wanterpark (Place du Théâtre) — Niklosmaart — Differdange
Dates: 21 November 2025 — 4 January 2026
Website: www.luxembourg-city.com/en/place/tradition/christmas-market

My steps led me to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Luxembourg, a soulful landmark standing in serene grandeur. Initially built by the Jesuits in the 17th century and expanded in the 1930s, it masterfully blends the soaring lines of late Gothic architecture with Renaissance elegance. As the Grand Duchy's only cathedral, it serves not only as a spiritual heart but also as the final resting place for the Grand Ducal family.

Inside, light poured through immense stained-glass windows, as if scattering heavenly colours across the solemn stone walls and floors. My gaze travelled upward to the intricate Baroque organ loft, silently powerful, and further to the large dome, which tell century-old story of intertwined faith and sovereignty. Every carving, every sliver of light, spoke of history.

Crossing the road from the cathedral brought me to the Place de la Constitution. Here, the city's festive spirit converges around its most poignant landmark: the Gëlle Fra monument. This 21-metre-tall statue of a woman holding an olive branch is a silent tribute to Luxembourg soldiers who sacrificed their lives for freedom in the World Wars. Destroyed during conflict and later resurrected in 1984-85, she now stands watch, her dignified form a silent counterpoint to the cheerful market huts surrounding her. It is a profound coexistence of historical remembrance and festive warmth.

As dusk began to paint the sky during my walk back across the Pont Adolphe towards the train station, I turned for a final look. The Christmas market had refreshed with a new look with its lights twinkling in the space between the fading twilight and the city's emerging glow. The scene was so beautiful as if it is from a fairy-tale. The streets, lined with tram tracks, were flanked by trees and buildings meticulously adorned with lights. It was a breathtaking moment, seeing the entire city transformed into a single, shimmering spectacle of warmth against the winter night. I raised my camera trying to hold onto this breathtaking moment with a deep sense of gratitude : this mesmerising nightscape was handcrafted. Each light was strung, each scene arranged by countless people working in the winter cold. What they ignited was more than just city lights; it was the very spark of festive wonder in the heart of every passerby.