Christmas speech 2025 by HRH the Grand Duke

When I ascended the throne on 3rd October, I spoke of values such as solidarity, openness, tolerance and cohesion. These are not just words on paper. They are values we live by every day; and values that build bridges between people in our society.

My tour through the country on 4th October showed me just how deeply we live by these values here in Luxembourg. I want to thank you again for the warmth you showed us during the succession – but most of all for the trust you have placed in me. I will do my utmost to honour that trust.

Together with my wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie, we will strive to be present throughout Luxembourg society. And indeed next year we will have another opportunity to meet you: the Joyeuses Entrées is a tradition that follows every succession to the throne. And as per this tradition, we will visit five regions across the country. We look forward to celebrating with you the values that define us as a nation.

But now, Christmas is upon us. Christmas is an invitation to come together and to live our values.

For some, it is a festive pause from the rhythm of everyday life.

For others, it is a moment of deep faith.

For many, it is simply a time to be with loved ones.

Whatever our traditions or beliefs, Christmas invites us to reflect on how we express our connection to one another.

The symbols of this season that we see all around us remind us of the enduring values of Christmas.

The lights that brighten our streets and homes shine most beautifully when the winter nights are darkest. They are symbols of hope in uncertain times.

The war in Ukraine has shaken the peace and security we thought secure in Europe. And this is true as well for our own country, which lies at the very heart of the European Union - the greatest peace project of our age. And yet we also see resilience - in Ukraine; across Europe; in the gestures of solidarity that remind us that unity matters most in times of crisis.

The lights that drive away the darkness give us warmth and show us the way forward.

And it's also traditional for lights to hang from one of the most cherished symbols of Christmas – the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree, with its evergreen branches, defies winter. It reminds us of our responsibility to the environment and to future generations. Its roots symbolise the strength of our institutions and the stability that guides us, especially in times when we seek support.

Under the tree, we place gifts for those we love; gifts that children have been eagerly waiting for for days – that is if the Kleeschen hasn't already delivered them on 6th December. But these gifts should also remind us that not everyone enjoys the prosperity with which Luxembourg is blessed.

Poverty and hardship exist here too. Not everyone has a roof over their head – and the high living costs weigh heavily on many, especially single parents and young people starting out in life.

Christmas calls on us to remember that joy is only complete when it is shared. Together, we must strive to build a society where every family can share the gifts of dignity and fairness.

Christmas also brings with it the sweet smell of cookies, a reminder of all our many traditions here in Luxembourg. And these traditions are part of an identity we must preserve and strengthen - through our openness and innovation, which allow our country to flourish.

Every year at this time, we listen to and discover Christmas songs and carols anew – some of which we may just as quickly forget again in January. Yet the music we sing and hear together connects us with others - even with those who may not speak our language.

Just as voices rise and harmonise in a Christmas carol, our differences can form a luminous symphony when we take the time to listen and give life to dialogue. The diversity of our opinions and our origins is not an obstacle, but a mosaic that enriches our society.

If we cultivate patience, respect and the will to build bridges, then our contrasts will become the colours of a single painting, and the distances that sometimes separate us will be transformed into paths that draw us closer together.

And then there is another Christmas symbol that is particularly important to me. It is the star at the top of the tree. More than a decoration, it is the light that brings hearts together. Christmas is the moment when paths cross, and when friends, families and colleagues gather together. We share meals, exchange gifts and give each other hope. Of course, differences of opinion exist - in families, as in society. But if we seek dialogue instead of division, we can live together more harmoniously.

By doing good for others, we ourselves receive joy and strength in return. The joy, the gratitude and the light we see in another's eyes bring us happiness and renew our strength.

For believers, Christmas is a particularly special time of year. Faith gives us hope and reminds us that light is present even in the most difficult times. The star that shone over Bethlehem was a sign: it pointed the way and invites us to look to the future with hope and confidence.

But whatever our beliefs, values such as compassion, solidarity and peace unite us. This season calls on us to think of others; to care for those in need; and to ensure that no one is left behind - that the warmth of solidarity embraces us all.

In a small country, we are not merely neighbours - we are a family; a family where everyone has a place, a voice and a responsibility. It gives us strength, for it is built on trust, solidarity and unity.

That is Luxembourg's strength: small in size - but great in unity.

Let me end with a word of thanks to those whose work holds together the very fabric of our society: the many volunteers who dedicate their time throughout the year, and those who serve society during the festive season and beyond - in hospitals – including cross-border workers - emergency services, the police, the army and other essential services. Your tireless commitment is felt and appreciated by us all. Thank you.

May the year ahead bring us closer together. May we build a future that reflects the best of who we are. I wish you all a peaceful Christmas, joyful holidays, and a happy New Year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year — in every language we share: Joyeux Noël, Frohe Weihnachten, Feliz Natal.

Together with my wife, our children, and our whole family, I wish you a happy Christmas and all the very best for the year to come.