Cold weather has arrived in the Greater Region. But thank goodness, the cosy Christmas markets are back. In France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg, find out which Christmas markets are the most fun. Take a stroll down the aisles alongside Father Christmas, St Nicholas or the bogeyman (for the less well-behaved among you).
In Luxembourg
In Luxembourg City
The Christmas market will be open . Around a hundred chalets will be scattered between the Ville-Haute and the central train station. On the menu: a giant Christmas tree, Ferris wheel, ice rink, musical programmes, illuminations and a plethora of creative activities for children. Of course, the gromperekichelcher will also be there.
In Differdange
Now in its 47th year, the Christmas market will take place from 29 November to 22 December. On the programme: concerts, an ice rink, merry-go-round, curling and the visit of Saint-Nicolas on 30 November. A race will be held on the afternoon of 8 December. Treat yourself to a nice mug and fill it with mulled wine to warm up.
In Dudelange
A double market for the town will be open from 6 to 15 December. More than 60 stalls await you to celebrate Christmas in a festive atmosphere. On the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, chalets will be offering gift ideas and Christmas specialities, with daily concerts and entertainment. The Place Kinnen will host a medieval market with a campfire and a period carousel for an authentic atmosphere.
In Esch-sur-Alzette
From 29 November to 22 December, the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville will be alive with shows, entertainment and around twenty chalets. If you’re feeling brave (and ready to sit in the cold), you can enjoy a film at the open-air cinema.
The Christmas tree at the Luxembourg Christmas market will be lit up from 22 November. Photo: Emilio Naud/Maison Moderne
In France
In Strasbourg
The 2024 edition of Strasbourg’s Christmas market, the oldest in France, will run from 27 November to 27 December. With more than 300 chalets set up in the historic centre, the “Christkindelsmärik” will plunge you into a magical atmosphere around the majestic illuminated cathedral. Sample Alsatian specialities such as mulled wine, bredeles and sauerkraut, while admiring the Grand Sapin on Place Kléber.
In Metz
Metz will be decked out in lights from Friday 22 November to Monday 30 December. Voted Europe’s 3rd most beautiful Christmas market in 2023, the market takes place in several of the city’s most emblematic squares. Take a ride on the big wheel or the City Skyliner, take a boat trip on Santa’s floating sleigh and taste some Christmas specialities. Don’t miss the parade on 8 December, inspired by the Commedia Dell’arte, and the Lantern Trail in Square Boufflers. A number of choirs will be performing at this enchanting event.
In Nancy
The Saint-Nicolas villages will be open from 22 November to 5 January. Comprising five gourmet hamlets and three villages, the Christmas market offers a range of festive atmospheres. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel overlooking Place Stanislas. At the foot of the Ferris wheel, you’ll find vintage merry-go-rounds, gourmet chalets and over 60 stalls offering gift ideas, surprises and seasonal treats.
In Colmar
Colmar’s Christmas markets will be held from 26 November to 29 December, transforming the town into a veritable Christmas village with six markets spread around the historic centre. Each market offers a unique atmosphere, showcasing local crafts, Alsatian culinary specialities and festive entertainment. Sample gingerbread, mulled wine and handmade products as you stroll through the illuminated streets. The various markets offer entertainment for young and old, with choirs, shows and a magical decor.
In Thionville
The Thionville Christmas market runs from 23 November to 5 January, with gourmet chalets, an ice rink, a children’s village and events such as the elf game. During certain periods, the arts and crafts market and the local craft market will also be taking place.
The capital of the Moselle region is decked out in lights for its Christmas market. Photo: Visit Metz
In Germany
In Trier
The 44th Trier Christmas Market will be taking place from 22 November to 22 December in the romantic setting of the great medieval market and in front of the cathedral. The market will feature a wide range of activities, including visits from the German mulled wine queen Louisa Kress, carols, concerts and workshops. Voted “Germany’s Best Christmas Market 2024” by the “EuropeanBestDestinations” tourism platform, the Trier Christmas Market also came 11th in a European comparison.
In Saarbrücken
The market will be open from 18 November to 23 December, with extended hours in the Bahnhofstrasse from 27 to 30 December. A skating rink, photo booth and 50-metre Ferris wheel will be set up for the occasion. Alongside them will be 80 chalets. On Wednesdays, Father Christmas will take to the skies in his reindeer sleigh. From 29 November to 1 December, the Franco-German Garden will host a medieval village, a variety of concerts and a floating Advent wreath.
In Aachen
The market will be open from 22 November to 23 December. More than 120 craftspeople, artists and restaurateurs are taking part. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample Aachen’s famous “printen,” a sweet treat similar to gingerbread. There will also be music ensembles, shows and themed workshops for everyone. Keep an eye out for the special ceremonies taking place in the cathedral.
In Fribourg
The Fribourg Christmas Market will be held from 21 November to 23 December. More than 120 stalls, spread over seven emblematic sites in the old town, will be selling culinary delights and handicrafts. Visitors can enjoy crêpes or grilled sausages while discovering the Christmas decorations.
In Koblenz
The Christmas market, located in the historic centre, will open from 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Spread over several emblematic squares, it features over 130 chalets, mulled wine and local specialities. An open-air skating rink offers fun for young and old alike, while concerts and entertainment add a touch of warmth and conviviality.
The Trier Christmas market is said to be one of the most romantic in Germany. Photo: Trierer Weihnachtsmarkt
In Belgium
In Liège
The Christmas Village takes place from 28 November to 30 December. It’s the biggest in the country in terms of size, duration and spirit. 150 craft chalets welcome over a million visitors. There will also be a skating rink, Ferris wheel and toboggan run. From 7pm onwards on certain evenings, DJs will be lighting up the open fire. Take the opportunity to drink a glass of ‘pékèt,’ the delicious local liqueur.
In Brussels
200 chalets will gather in the Belgian capital from 29 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 on the Place de Brouckère, which will host an ice rink, curling rinks and a host of catering chalets. Plaisirs d’Hiver offers a rich programme of song, dance, world music, workshops for children and families, as well as themed evenings and a variety of events. This will also be an opportunity to rediscover the Galerie Bortier, which reopens on 22 November, combining literary heritage, cultural offerings, gastronomy and sustainable ethics with events such as the Creators Factory.
In Durbuy
A small town but a big Christmas market. Around a hundred exhibitors will be there from 22 November to 5 January, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, then every day from 20 December to 5 January.
The traditional Christmas tree is set up on the Grand-Place in Brussels. Photo: Plaisirs d’Hiver
This article was originally published in .