This year’s National Day celebrations will take on a special significance. Eight months after his accession to the throne, Grand Duke Guillaume will preside over the 23 June festivities for the first time as Head of State. With official ceremonies, a torchlight procession, free concerts and fireworks over the Pétrusse Valley, this 2026 edition marks the start of a new chapter in the history of the Luxembourg monarchy.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are the events not to be missed on 22 and 23 June.
Monday 22 June: the capital gets into the festive spirit
As every year, the festivities will begin on the eve of National Day. From the afternoon onwards, the streets of the city centre will welcome thousands of people who have come to enjoy the entertainment, concerts and festive atmosphere that gradually builds up around the Grand Ducal Palace, Place Guillaume II and Place d’Armes.
The changing of the guard in front of the Grand Ducal Palace
One of the first highlights of the day will be the ceremonial changing of the guard in front of the Grand Ducal Palace, an event enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
As the evening wears on, the cafés, restaurants and outdoor terraces in the historic centre will fill up, whilst the capital gradually transforms into an open-air stage.
The traditional Fakelzuch through the streets of the capital
Shortly after 9 pm, all eyes will be on the torchlight procession as it winds its way through the town centre.
Charities, brass bands, folk groups and local council representatives march in an atmosphere that is both festive and formal. Every year, thousands of people line the route to watch this iconic moment in the national celebrations.
For many Luxembourgers, the torchlight procession truly marks the start of the National Day celebrations.
11pm: the fireworks display above the Adolphe Bridge
This is undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited event of the weekend. At 11 pm, the traditional fireworks display will light up the capital’s sky. Fired from the Adolphe Bridge, it offers a spectacular show over the Pétrusse Valley every year.
The best vantage points are generally located around Constitution Square, Roosevelt Boulevard, the Corniche, the Saint-Esprit plateau, or at the various high points overlooking the valley.
The authorities recommend arriving in the city centre well in advance, as the most popular areas fill up quickly.
The City Sounds festival will also be returning to the Champ du Glacis on 22 and 23 June. On the programme: two evenings of free concerts featuring a mix of international artists and local talent, with Alesso, Nicky Romero and OneRepublic among this year’s headliners. (Photo: Ville de Luxembourg/Tom Jungbluth)
City Sounds: two days of free concerts at the Glacis
The Champ du Glacis will host a new edition of City Sounds, which has become one of the major music events associated with National Day.
On 22 June, the line-up will feature a strong focus on electronic music, with acts including Alesso, Nicky Romero, Nora En Pure and MATTN.
The following day, the stage will host a number of international artists as well as talented performers from Luxembourg. The event is expected to attract tens of thousands of spectators over the two days. Admission is free.
Tuesday 23 June: the day of the official ceremonies
Following the night of celebrations, 23 June will be marked by official ceremonies.
The official ceremony at the Philharmonie
At 10am, the Philharmonie Luxembourg will host the official National Day ceremony in the presence of the 
This ceremony forms the institutional highlight of the day and will be of particular interest this year, as it will be the first national celebration presided over by the new monarch.
The military parade on Liberty Avenue
Following the official ceremony, the public will be able to watch the traditional military parade and the march-past.
Avenue de la Liberté will host contingents from the Luxembourg Armed Forces, the Grand Ducal Police, the CGDIS, the Customs and Excise Agency, and several other official bodies.
As is the case every year, this event attracts several thousand spectators who come to watch one of the most iconic ceremonies on the national calendar.
The Te Deum at Notre-Dame Cathedral
In keeping with tradition, the Grand Ducal family and representatives of the institutions will attend the Te Deum service held at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg, one of the most symbolic events of 23 June. (Photo: Paperjam/Archives)
Another highlight of the day is the Te Deum, which traditionally brings together the country’s dignitaries and members of the Grand Ducal family at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg.
This religious ceremony forms an integral part of the National Day programme and brings the official proceedings to a close.
A day out for families
The celebrations are not limited to formal ceremonies. The Spillfest, held on the Kinnekswiss, will feature entertainment, shows, workshops and activities for children throughout the day. Over the years, this family-friendly event has become one of the most popular events of the National Day celebrations.
A symbolic edition
Whilst the traditions remain unchanged, the 2026 celebrations hold a special place in the country’s recent history. Following last year’s celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Grand Duke Henri’s reign, Luxembourg is preparing to celebrate its first National Day under the reign of Grand Duke Guillaume.
An event characterised by continuity, but also by renewal.
