This Saturday, let yourself be carried away by the Taiwanese company B.Dance at the Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg, where martial arts and contemporary dance come together in a striking performance. Photo: Chao Sheng Ho

This Saturday, let yourself be carried away by the Taiwanese company B.Dance at the Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg, where martial arts and contemporary dance come together in a striking performance. Photo: Chao Sheng Ho

It’s the countdown to Christmas and the festive season! With its illuminations, Christmas markets and captivating shows, Luxembourg and the surrounding area are buzzing with the festive spirit. Immerse yourself in the magic of dance with Taiwanese company B.Dance, discover enchanting concerts and creative workshops to get fully into the festive spirit. Get ready for a weekend full of discoveries and celebrations!

Editor’s picks

Winterlights - Christmas Markets. Experience the magic of the Christmas markets in Luxembourg and the Greater Region. In Luxembourg, around a hundred chalets will be scattered . 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. .

“Dis-placed II”: A reflection on “home”. The exhibition explores the intimate and universal notion of ‘home,’ often threatened by conflict, disaster or social and environmental change. Through installations such as Hiwa K’s ‘One Room Apartment,’ immersive videos such as Guillaume Delaperrière’s “Lisboa Orchestra,” and powerful works by Marlene Dumas and Gregor Schneider, the artists explore the themes of displacement, belonging and memory. A captivating and engaging exhibition, combining reflection and aesthetics. .

Where? Konschthal Esch, Esch-sur-Alzette. When? Until 19 January 2025. How much? Free admission.

New pavilion for the Pétrusse casemates. The LCTO is unveiling a , marking the end of the five-year restoration of the Pétrusse casemates. The site, a Unesco World Heritage Site, offers a unique insight into Luxembourg’s military and civil history. Visitors can now explore the 17km network of corridors, either on their own or with a guide, complete with light displays, video projections and educational stations.

Where: Casemates de la Pétrusse. When? All year round. How much? €18 for adults and €9 for children aged 4 to 12.

Cirque du Lux. The Cirque du Lux is celebrating a spectacular Christmas. Discover impressive acrobatics, fascinating juggling and colourful acts performed by world-renowned artists. Under a magnificently decorated big top, let yourself be transported into a magical world where dreams and emotion meet.

Where? Champs du Glacis, Limpertsberg. When? Thursday 12 December at 7pm. How much? €30.

B.Dance: Before We Say Goodbye. Taiwanese company B.Dance blends martial arts and contemporary dance in a poignant show that explores memories and human bonds. A choreography that touches the heart. For its first visit to Luxembourg, B.Dance presents a performance inspired by the life stories of its dancers and several members of the community. Through strikingly precise movements, the company offers an emotional and captivating experience that celebrates human resilience. After the second performance, there will be a discussion with the dancers to deepen the experience.

Where? Grand Théâtre de la Ville de Luxembourg. When? Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 3 pm. How much? €20/€8 (Kulturpass).

Thursday 19 December

Lëtzebuerger Musekspräisser 2024 (Luxembourg Music Awards). The Luxembourg Music Awards celebrate the diversity of the national music scene. Three “Op der Bün” prizes will be awarded to artists in the amplified music, classical and jazz/blues categories. The highlight will be the presentation of the National Music Award for an outstanding career.

Where: Chamber Music Hall, Philharmonie. When? Thursday 19 December at 7.30pm. How much? €20.

Warm-up DJ Set: Loon. To round off the year’s ‘Préchauffage’ events, the duo Loon are offering a spellbinding selection of psychedelic sounds from the four corners of the globe. The perfect musical ambience to get the evening off to a good start.

Where? Rotondes. When? Thursday 19 December from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. How much? Free admission.

Joep Beving & Maarten Vos. Pianist Joep Beving and cellist Maarten Vos join forces to offer a minimalist and meditative concert. Their music, on the borderline between classical and electronic, creates a soothing and intimate atmosphere, ideal for an evening out of time.

Where? Den Atelier. When? Thursday 19 December at 7pm. How much? €37.80.

Friday 20 December

“Forgotten Victims” exhibition. A poignant retrospective of past and present discrimination against marginalised groups. Through moving testimonies, historical archives and personal accounts, the exhibition explores the challenges of social inclusion. An invitation to reflect on human rights and Luxembourg’s recent history.

Where? Musée national de la résistance, Esch-sur-Alzette. When? Until 23 December. How much? Free admission.

Chrëschtconcert. The Orchestre philharmonique du Luxembourg and several choirs offer a festive programme of the most beautiful Christmas melodies. A blend of tradition and novelty, this concert will delight classical music lovers and those in the festive spirit.

Where? Grand Auditorium, Philharmonie. When? Friday 20 December at 7.30pm. How much? From €26.

Ultraschall Session w/Radio Cargo. Radio Cargo, the French duo who pioneered eco-responsible sets using recycled batteries, are bringing their house and techno sounds to Luxembourg. An immersive evening, with support from local DJs to keep the party going until dawn.

Where? Den Atelier. When? Friday 20 December at 10pm. How much? €10 (early bird), €15 (regular).

Saturday 21 December

Felt workshops - Christmas wreath. Create a unique Christmas decoration in a felting workshop. Taught by Cécile Pondaven, this workshop invites young and old alike to share a moment of creativity and festive cheer.

Where? Winterwonderland. When? Saturday 21 December at 10am. How much? Free (registration required).

Escape the Naturmuseum. An immersive and fun game for children aged 11 to 13, where the museum becomes the setting for a mysterious investigation. Participants will have to solve riddles, decipher clues and uncover hidden secrets to avoid being locked in. A unique adventure that combines reflection and entertainment in a fascinating setting.

Where? Naturmusée. When? Saturday 21 December at 10 am. How much? €5.

Storytelling walk. Explore the exhibitions at the Konschthal through a poetic and interactive walk. The stories told immerse visitors in imaginary worlds while linking them to the works on display. An artistic experience that will delight young and old alike.

Where? Konschthal Esch. When? Saturday 21 December at 10am. How much? Free of charge.

Tai-chi workshop. Discover the basics of contemporary tai-chi in a workshop led by the B.Dance company. This workshop combines Chinese martial arts and contemporary dance to offer a moment of serenity and well-being. A great opportunity to discover the company’s world before their performances.

Where? Grand Théâtre. When? Saturday 21 December at 10 am. How much? €20€/€8.

Screening of “Fantoomwijk”. This poignant short film by Ravi Sandberg is part of the “Dis-placed” exhibition. Through personal accounts and striking images, the film explores the social and human consequences of gentrification in Rotterdam. A reflection on the links between collective memory and urban transformation, presented on a loop throughout the day.

Where? Konschthal Esch. When? Saturday 21 December from 11am to 6pm. How much? Free admission.

Christmas biscuit workshop. Children are invited to make and decorate Christmas biscuits under the guidance of a mediator. Each participant can personalise a box to take home with them. It's a tasty and creative way to get into the festive spirit.

Where? “A Possen” Museum. When? Saturday 21 December at 2pm. How much? €25.

Sky. Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory experience where electronic music and captivating visuals meet. This immersive evening promises bewitching rhythms and an electric atmosphere, perfect for lovers of music and technology.

Where? Again. When? Saturday 21 December at 11pm. How much? €10/€15.

Sunday 22 December

Jewellery workshops with Joy Horsmans. Take part in a creative workshop to make your own jewellery from precious steel and freshwater pearls. Guided by Joy Horsmans, participants will be able to make unique creations, perfect as gifts or to treat themselves. A great manual and artistic activity.

Where? Winterwonderland. When? Sunday 22 December at 10 am. How much? Free of charge.

Sonndesdësch: Prost! A warm and participative event where artists and visitors reinvent the Sunday meal around culinary and artistic creations. A chance to share anecdotes, recipes and memories in a convivial atmosphere.

Where? Escher Theater. When? Sunday 22 December from 11am to 3pm. How much? Free admission.

“Tönende Tiere” guided tour . Immerse yourself in the world of Matthias Garff, where animal sculptures and natural sounds transformed into electronic music coexist. An interactive tour that combines art, nature and technology, captivating visitors of all ages.

Where? MNHN, Naturmusée. When? Sunday 22 December from 4pm to 5pm. How much? Included in the admission ticket.

Guided tour - Marc Henri Reckinger. A posthumous tribute to the winner of the Lëtzebuerger Konschtpräis 2024. Discover a selection of outstanding works by this committed artist, a pioneer of pop art and conceptual art in Luxembourg, and immerse yourself in his unique creative universe.

Where? Nationalmusée. When? Sunday 22 December at 4pm. How much? Free admission.

Laureates Concert with Estro Armonico. Young talents from the Conservatoire will be performing as soloists accompanied by the Estro Armonico ensemble. Under the direction of Carlo Jans, this concert will highlight a variety of works for an exceptional musical experience.

Where? Conservatoire de la Ville de Luxembourg. When? Sunday 22 December at 7 pm. How much? Free admission with ticket.

Must-see concerts in the near future

Dive into the heart of music and discover the concerts scheduled in the country’s biggest venues!

Buy your tickets now to see your favourite artists at the , , and .

At Mudam

Xanti Schawinsky: “Play, Life, Illusion - a Retrospective” + Schawinsky Reloaded by Monster Chetwynd outside Switzerland. Inspired by the spirit of the Bauhaus and Black Mountain College, Schawinsky explored a variety of artistic fields, including stage direction, set design, photography and painting. The exhibition also includes a large-scale installation by Monster Chetwynd, created in response to Schawinsky’s work.

Where? Mudam. When? Until 5 January 2025. How much? €8 for adults, free for under-26s, students and other exceptions.

Agnieszka Kurant, an experimental and conceptual artist, uses her art to dissect contemporary phenomena such as collective, non-human and artificial intelligence, as well as the workings of exploitation in the age of digital capitalism. “” promises an immersive experience, bringing together new works and recent creations. Inspired by technologies that attempt to predict, simulate and monetise the future, the exhibition explores the notion of ‘futurity’--our ability to project ourselves into the future while considering the present. .

Where? Mudam. When will it be on? Until 5 January 2025. How much? €8 for adults, free for under-26s, students and other exceptions.

Until 2 February 2025 at Mudam. Photo: Mudam

Until 2 February 2025 at Mudam. Photo: Mudam

” explores the history of digital art from a uniquely feminist angle, highlighting women who used computers as a tool or subject in their art. More than 100 works by 50 artists from 14 countries cover three pivotal decades, from the 1960s, marked by the arrival of integrated circuits, to the microcomputer revolution of the 1980s. The exhibition highlights a period when the computer left the laboratory and entered the home, coinciding with the second wave of feminism.

Where? Mudam. When will it be on? Until 2 February 2025. How much? €8 for adults, free for under-26s, students and other exceptions.

In Metz

“Verlaine180” exhibition. To mark the 180th anniversary of the birth of Paul Verlaine, Metz is paying tribute to the Metz poet with an exceptional exhibition. “Verlaine180” highlights the poet’s timeless and daring influence on contemporary artists. Paintings, photographs, installations and performances reinterpret his work and his rebellious spirit, recalling his role as a precursor of modernity and the punk spirit. Readings of Verlaine’s poetry will be held in the exhibition on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm.

Where? Porte des Allemands, Metz. When? From 17 December to 28 January, every day from 10am to 6pm. How much? Free admission.

Our journalist Rebeca Suay’s pick of the week. Image: Paperjam

Our journalist Rebeca Suay’s pick of the week. Image: Paperjam

In Brussels

Sophie au Cabaret. Immerse yourself in the magical world of the 1920s with Sophie au Cabaret, a captivating show at Tour & Taxis’ Magic Mirror. Sophie, a life-size puppet dreaming of becoming a woman, takes you on an adventure combining song, dance, theatre, aerial acts and magic. This unique cabaret offers an unforgettable experience combining humour, emotion and fantasy, accompanied by a live accordion.

Where: Maritime Station, Tour & Taxis, Brussels. When? From 6 December to 12 January 2025. How much? From €19.50.

In Amnéville

Luminescences - Magic Indies. Amnéville Zoo lights up winter evenings with Luminescences, the biggest lantern festival in eastern France. This magical show transforms the park into a magical world thanks to more than 10,000 lanterns and garlands of light, spread out over a 1.4km route through five themed worlds. Each installation tells a unique story, combining poetry, creativity and wonder. Ideal for an outing with family or friends, this event offers an immersive experience that combines the beauty of nature and the art of light.

With over 50,000 visitors in its first month, Luminescences confirms its growing success. Visitors can take advantage of reduced rates with dated tickets, and opt to visit on Wednesdays or Fridays for a more leisurely experience.

Where? Amnéville Zoo. When? Until 29 March 2025. How much? From €20 for Luminescences only and €31 for Zoo + Luminescences (free for children under 3). To find out more, .

In Paris

The Grand Palais des Glaces 2024. In the majestic setting of the Grand Palais, come and enjoy a unique experience: a giant ice rink installed under the emblematic glass roof. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, let yourself be seduced by the magic of this enchanting winter space. In the evening, the ice rink lights up to become a festive place, where music and light create a magical atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to share an unforgettable moment with family, friends or lovers.

Where? Grand Palais, Paris. When? Until 6 January 2025. How much? See . Additional information: Reservations recommended. Evening access with light shows for an even more immersive experience.

This article was originally published in .