New Year’s Day in Luxembourg
New Year’s Day, or Neijoerschdag, falls on 1 January and is one of Luxembourg’s legal public holidays. The day is commonly marked with family visits and New Year greetings after celebrations on New Year’s Eve.[1][2]
Legal status and time off
Luxembourg’s legal public holidays were fixed by the law of 25 April 2019, and New Year’s Day is on the official list. Salaried workers and apprentices in private-sector companies are generally entitled to the day off; employers may require work only under special conditions, and public-holiday work has specific pay rules.[2][3]
There is no separate substitute date listed for New Year’s Day. If a public holiday falls on a day when an employee would not normally work, the employer must grant compensatory leave, generally within three months. This is an individual leave entitlement, not a different nationwide observance date.[3]
How people mark the day
New Year’s Eve gatherings often take place at home with family or friends. The official Luxembourg guide describes meals ranging from fondue or another shared dish to a multi-course dinner, followed by a toast at midnight. People exchange greetings such as “Vill Gléck am neie Joer” or “Alles Guddes am neie Joer.”[1]
On 1 January, many people sleep in and visit relatives, including aunts, uncles and extended family. A government publication also describes the custom of grandparents or godparents giving children a neit Jäerchen, or “little new year”: a small gift such as sweets or money. It notes that tipping some service providers in early January is a tradition that is gradually fading.[1][2]
Shops and getting around
Under the current retail rules, most businesses must close on 1 January. Butchers, bakeries, patisseries, caterers and tearooms may open, and collective or interprofessional agreements can provide exceptions. Check a particular shop before setting out; the rules do not mean every food outlet will be open.[4]
Public transport timetables depend on the route and travel date. Use Mobiliteit.lu’s official timetable and line service to check a planned journey. Confirm individual connections in advance.[5]
New Year’s Day in Luxembourg: FAQs
When is New Year’s Day in Luxembourg?
It is observed on 1 January each year and is listed as a legal public holiday.[2]
Is New Year’s Day a day off work?
In principle, salaried workers and apprentices in private-sector companies do not work on public holidays. Work may be required in special circumstances, with public-holiday pay rules applying.[3]
Are shops open on 1 January?
Most businesses must close. Butchers, bakeries, patisseries, caterers and tearooms may open, and some agreements can allow exceptions; check the business directly.[4]
Does public transport run on New Year’s Day?
Check your route and travel date in Mobiliteit.lu’s official timetable service for current connections.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Luxembourg:
- New Year's Celebrations: join us!- Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- About… Festivals and Traditions in Luxembourg- Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Information and Press Service
- Working on public holidays- Guichet.lu, Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Opening hours for craft and retail businesses- Guichet.lu, Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Timetables and lines- Mobiliteit.lu, Public Transport Administration