The City of Luxembourg will shine with a thousand lights this winter during the “Winterlights” festival. But the event--scheduled from 20 November to 3 January--will inevitably have to adapt to the current health crisis.

In order to enjoy their mulled wine, visitors will have to sit on specially arranged terraces. The same goes for taking a bite of those delicious Gromperekichelcher as well as for tasting any of the other specialities the Christmas market has on offer. 

“It goes without saying that masks will be mandatory when walking around,” stressed Polfer (DP). 

Market will extend to Hamilius Square

As the event will need more space this year, it will extend to the Hamilius Square in front of the former Hôtel des Postes. Chalets will also be installed at the Place d’Armes, the Place du Théatre, the central train station, the corner of the Rue du Commerce as well as along the Rue de Strasbourg. In turn, given the construction work in progress, there will be no chalets at the Place de Paris.

As in previous years, a ferris wheel and other fairground trades should return to the Place de la Constitution. 

Concerning the number of stands, the City of Luxembourg does not yet have an estimate. “There will certainly be some [fairground opereators] who will not want to come because the mandatory seating arrangements will not generate the usual masses,” said Patrick Goldschmidt (DP), holiday and market alderman, adding that the city would try to make room for everyone interested. 

The plans presented on Wednesday were developed with the current health situation in mind. “We all hope that it will not get worse,” said the mayor. Polfer will specify practical arrangements one week ahead of the launch of the festivities, scheduled for 20 November. 

This article was originally published in French on Paperjam.lu and has been translated and edited by Delano.