Christmas Markets: 'Schlassmaart' in Bourscheid

With the end-of-year festivities getting underway, Chronicle.lu is compiling a series of articles exploring some of the Christmas markets taking place across the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

While major events such as the markets in Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette run for several weeks, many smaller yet equally charming local markets open for just one day or a single weekend.

First up is the "Schlassmaart" (castle market) in Bourscheid, held on the grounds of the medieval castle on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November 2025. This year’s edition introduced a €5 entry fee for adults (compared to free entry last year), presumably to help support the clubs and associations involved.

Around 60 exhibitors were present, including about a dozen outdoor stands serving warm winter dishes such as pumpkin, goulash and "Ierzebulli" (traditional Luxembourgish) soup, alongside grilled meat, fries (chips) and Dutch "Bitterballen" - humorously renamed "Ritterballen" (“Ritter” meaning “knight”) for the occasion. Visitors could also enjoy mulled wine or apple juice and other drinks outside and browse handmade crafts and decorations inside the castle. Children engaged in various creative activities. The programme also featured live music, including a performance by Saxitude.

Festive décor included medium-sized Christmas trees next to the outdoor stands and a traditional nativity scene at the castle entrance.

The market was organised in collaboration with various local associations and artisans, including hobby artists from Bourscheid and the surrounding area, the local parents' association, Buurschter Muséksfrënn (musical association), Buurschter Pompel Asbl, Chanterelle Buurschent, CS Buurschent, "Fireknights" Amicale CIS Bourscheid, Kehmen-Scheedel Asbl, Jeunesse Burrschent (youth organisation) and Ons Oranje Scheedel Asbl.

Cash and card/Payconiq payments were generally accepted.

A P&R shuttle service was available for visitors, with limited parking on and near the castle site.

Smaller and more intimate than the country's major urban Christmas markets, the Schlassmaart stood out for its warm, cosy atmosphere and authentically local character.

Among the special guests over the weekend were Luxembourg's Minister for Culture, Eric Thill, and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, Martine Hansen, as well as several members of parliament (MPs) and local officials.