Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a beautiful city that boasts brilliant architecture, iconic museums, fabulous places for eating out and shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Brussels is home to the masterpiece The Grand Place, which was voted several times as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and is the first attraction that tourists in the city visit during their trips. Moreover, Brussels is famous for its delicious Belgian waffles and its renowned savory chocolate.
The country of Belgium gave the world the best comic books and personalities, from Tintin Et Milou to The Smurfs, and Brussels has its own Belgian Comic Strip Centre. Brussels is also renowned for its handful of outdoor festivals, such as the Belgian Beer Weekend, Royal Park Music Festival, Food Truck Festival, and the Jazz Marathon.
Brussels Celebrates Christmas Like Nowhere Else In The Whole World
Brussels will undoubtedly smash with its fabulous Christmas celebrations for a city that is so keen on giving the world delicious waffles, yummy crispy fries, and unique marvelous outdoor festivals. The town hosts an annual Christmas Market with a Christmas festival called Winter Wonders. And there's a reason for its celebrations to be contacted with that name. All over Europe, different cities and capitals hold Christmas Markets during the holiday season, but it turned out that no one does it with the same sense of flair and glitz that Brussels has. The Christmas Market in the city has been held consistently every holiday season for more than 20 years.
The celebrations boast magical attractions to the point that attendees return year after year only to witness what new fascinating activities the festival is hiding for them. The Christmas Market of Brussels welcomes yearly a record-breaking number of 2.5 million visitors who flock to the city to behold the marvelousness of a unique event that they have never witnessed something like before. Filled with warmth and joy, the Winter Wonders brings together Brussels's harmonious innovation and tradition to produce a unique and legendary event that is one of the most popular Christmas celebrations in Europe and the whole world.
Things To Know When Attending Brussels Christmas Market
The Christmas Market celebrations of Brussels take place all around the city center, in areas such as La Tour Noire, La Place De Brouckère, La Bourse, and La Place De La Monnaie. People are faced with several options for accommodations that they can book during their stay in Brussels. For those who are on a budget, they can book a room in Motel One Brussels located in the city center. The central 5-star Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo will make for a superb fancy stay for people looking for something more luxurious. Visitors will not enjoy the festivities without savoring the city's delicious food, and Brussels has plenty of yummy to offer.
Visiting Neuhaus, creator of Praline chocolate, is a must during the Christmas Market in Brussels. Wittamer, Mary, Frederic Blondeel, Pierre Marcolini are other famous chocolate shops worth trying. It is also essential to taste the Vin Chaud or Mulled Wine of Belgium and the signature Belgian crispy fries mixed with sauce Andalouse. Apart from its unique Brussels and Liège Waffles, the city also boasts an International Food Street where people have the chance to taste grilled Balkan skewers, Lebanese pastries, Russian Pelmeni, and French Escargots, among other types of tasty foods. Provided that the pandemic does not hopefully hit Belgium hard again this year, the Christmas Market will take place from 26 November 2021 to 2 January 2022.
A Detailed Guide To Brussel's Winter Wonders Festival
People start their Winter Wonders celebrations at the Grand Place, where they can enjoy a fabulous free light show that takes place every single hour and every 30 minutes during weekends. The show is coupled with fantastic music where people can go into another world while enjoying the majestic view of the main Christmas tree of Brussels with the large nativity scene installed at the Grand Place. The next stop will be at Brussel's former fish market called Marché Aux Poissons, where people will behold the beauty of the festival's symbol, the giant Ferris wheel or Grand Roue. During Winter Wonders, the area becomes a marvelous street boasting a giant monster, hundreds of wooden kiosks, and plenty of party pavilions. People can choose from various Christmas gifts and treats to buy.
Another point of interest worth visiting at the Winter Wonders is the Place Saint-Catherine, located right next to the Marché Aux Poissons, which is distinguished by its magnificent INLIGHT UNITY that features fascinating light projections on the street's church. A mini Christmas village will be happening simultaneously at the La Tour Noire, where it takes visitors on a mini world trip with all the international gifts and treats it has to offer. Other streets worth visiting during the Winter Wonders in Brussels are La Bourse, Place De La Monnaie, and Place De Brouckère, with each of them offering unforgettable moments for those who have the chance to witness them.