Christmas Markets: 'Chrëschtmaart' in Steinfort

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.

Next up is the "Chrëschtmaart" (Christmas market) in Steinfort on the western border with Belgium, held at the park between the municipal building and the Villa Collart.

For many years the Steinfort Christmas market used to be held directly in front of the municipal building; however, its popularity demanded a larger venue. Luckily they did not have to move far, as the riverside park became the perfect venue to accommodate more than 30 chalets.

The market was open from Friday to Sunday two weekends in a row, with Sunday 14 December the final day. Opening ours were 18:00 - 23:00 on Fridays, 16:00 - 23:00 on Saturdays, and 15:00 - 21:00 on Sundays.

It was noticeable that the layout of the market ensured that the handcraft stalls were kept separate from those offering food and drink, the latter offering grilled sausages, chips, chili con carne, etc., with gluhwein (like mulled wine), crémant, wine, beer and soft drinks the drinks on offer.

Of the non food and drink stalls, some offered gourmet ham and cheese (to eat at home) as well as honey, run and more; but most offered quality handcrafts ranging from wooden ornaments and figurines, other handmade ornaments, knitwear and jewellery, as well as candles, etc.

Over the bridge and across the river was the music stage which had hosted numerous performances across different local groups and musical genres, ranging from the Harmonie Klengbetten (which had performed at the official opening), the Spectrum Big Band, Ethan Carey, Jazzonanz, Joel Marques, Kevin Heinen, Wa-Ta Touille, Aischdall Alphornbleiser, Stengeforter Musek, FunBrass Band, David Sundorn, Rozeen, Serge Tonnar & Band, Stengeforter Schoulensembel, with Rey & the Soulcat closing out the market on the last evening.

The Christmas Market also organised fire shows on both Saturdays and torchlit parades on both Sundays.

That part of the market also had a number of additional offerings, including a open campfire, children's rides and games, and a "Little Cinema".

There was also a large marquee erected when one could eat a sit-down meal which was available to pre-order, similar to the one available for many years at the nearby Easter Market (Éimaischen) in Nospelt.

Like many events in Luxembourg, a lot of planning had gone into this event, including placing many rubbish bins around (particularly close to the food and drink stalls) and portable toilets at two separate locations.

The local community was very much evident in this market, not only because of who attended, but mainly because of the various local organisations (scouts, sports clubs, etc.) that had organised the different stalls offering food and drink (to raise money for their organisations), together with local small businesses that had rented some chalets to showcase their wares.