I have already mentioned a few times on the blog my love for the European Christmas markets! This year the chosen destination was Luxembourg. Besides getting to know a new city that looked even more beautiful at this time of year, we enjoyed the Christmas markets and the special company of friends who are living there. 🙂
We only stayed one weekend in Luxembourg which is enough to visit the city main attractions. Luxembourg borders France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands – so it can be the basis of other longer and more interesting trips as well.
Traveling to Luxembourgh
The flight from London to Luxembourg is super fast, around 45 minutes. Searching in advance, low fare airlines like EasyJet offer great rates!
Where to stay
We stayed at our friends’ house, Dani and Rodolfo who were the best hosts EVER!!! We spent a fab weekend together. They are Antonio and Bernardo’s parents who have the ages as Gui and our Bê, which is a perfect combination. Their travel blog is Antonio pelo Mundo – with amazing travel tips as well. Some of the photos in this post were taken from Dani. 🙂
For those looking for accommodation in Luxembourg, my tip would be to stay in a hotel right in the historical centre of the city to facilitate access. If your plans include visiting other nearby destinations and you are driving, near the airport there are also good value for money hotels.
About Luxembourgh Christmas Markets
We were very lucky with the weather, after a rainy week on Saturday we had a beautiful blue sky and on Sunday it snowed practically the whole day, that snow in beautiful flakes! This time of year is already very cold there, around 0 to 5 degrees.
That is why all those winter layers are necessary; thermal pants and blouses, very warm jumpers, covered by a good winter coat, gloves, caps and scarves. If your child loves a puddle like mine .. try wearing a sneaker or waterproof boot. This was the second time Gui almost freezes his foot! 🙁
Luxembourg’s main Christmas markets are spread over three squares in the historic city centre. One very close to the other, you can do everything on foot!
Place de la Constitution is one of the best areas to enjoy the market with children, there you can find most of the rides, little trains, Ferris wheel, just like a mini amusement park. Lots of food and drink stands and some of decorations and souvenirs.
From there you have an incredible view of the Petrusse Valley and Adolphe Bridge which are one of Luxembourg’s most famous postcards.
At Place Guillaume II is where the ice skating rink is, which is very kids friendly! Just like here in London, they provide children with seals or penguins that act as a support for those learning to ice-skate.
The boys had lots of fun and decided to practice skate without their seals, so it was the opportunity for me and Dani to enjoy the seals too! 🙂
Stuck on the skating rink is a kind of German food court. With typical food, drinks and tables surrounded by heaters – amazing! After our skating section, we stop there for some hot chocolate and mulled wine.
The third square is the Place d’Armes where is the largest concentration of Christmas ornaments and souvenir stalls.
One of the traditions in the Christmas markets is the hot drinks served in commemorative mugs that change from year to year. Usually, they cost from 3 to 5 euros. You have the option of returning them and taking the money back or bringing it home! I usually choose at least one to bring back.
Other Luxembourg tips
Chocolate House, a chocolate shops and cafe, is famous for its choco spoons – wooden chocolate spoons for dipping in hot milk and making hot chocolate. There you will find so many variations of the choco spoon and other delights. Upstairs works a very nice cafe too! With options for breakfast, lunch, snacks or even if you just want to have the famous hot chocolate.
The Chocolate House is opposite the Grand-Ducal Palace, residence of the Duke of Luxembourg that opens during summer for visitors.
Dani and Rodolfo took us to for lunch at Urban, the pub where you will find the best burger in Luxembourg! The sweet potato fries with a special sauce that comes with the burger for me was a highlight. They have a burger for children too – and it is sooo big, but this was not a problem for Guilherme. We left there rolling and happy!
It was an amazing weekend! What a good surprise was Luxembourg. 🙂
