In Belgium the atmosphere comes alive in the first days of December when the celebrations for Saint Nicholas – a saint much loved by children as he is traditionally the bringer of gifts – officially open the Christmas markets in Belgium. Here is a brief guide to the Christmas markets in Belgium, city by city.
In much of Europe, Saint Nicholas is the bearer of the first Christmas-related gifts: not by chance, Santa Claus is depicted wearing the robes of Father Christmas in the collective imagination. And so, the feast of Saint Nicholas kicks off the Christmas markets in Belgium, all sparkling with lights and Christmas decorations. Here are the most important Christmas markets in Belgium:
Christmas Market in Brussels
In Brussels, the Christmas Market, which takes place in the historic center, extends its boundaries to the Union countries that offer their most typical artisanal and gastronomic products.
The Brussels Christmas Market unfolds along a lit route from Place St-Jean to the Sainte-Catherine district. About 220 stalls showcase Christmas products, crafts, gastronomic specialties, items and accessories for decorating the tree, the nativity scene, and the table.
The Grand’Place is the heart of the market and hosts the Nativity scene and the Christmas tree. The “sound & light” show makes the atmosphere even more exciting and engaging: projections and light games on the Town Hall building to the extraordinary notes of famous classical music arias to the faster rhythms of rock music. At the end of the route, in the long Place Sainte-Catherine, entertainments are set up: two rides for children, a 45-meter-long skating rink and a 15-meter rink for less experienced skaters, a 48-meter-high Ferris wheel decorated with 18,000 lights.
Christmas Market in Liège
Liège, Place du Marché After Brussels, certainly the largest Christmas market in Belgium, with over 240 wooden chalets offering wonderful gift ideas, Walloon crafts, Christmas decorations, and exceptional gastronomic specialties from the oldest tradition.
The Liège Christmas Village is a real institution. There is, in fact, the Village Council responsible for organizing a series of folkloric activities linked to the city’s tradition. There is also the Village Councilor, easily recognizable in his costume adorned with the characteristic symbols of the city of Liège. There are also amusements for both adults and children: ice rink, Ferris wheel, etc.
Christmas Market in Mons
Unique of its kind, the Mons Christmas market is set in the atmosphere of the enchanted forest: on the Grand’Place, besides the Nativity scene, the Christmas tree, candles, elves, giant mushrooms, and an extraordinary lighting contribute to the charm of the market.
Christmas Market in Durbuy
Christmas Market in Durbuy: in the old town, every weekend in December, then from the 24th to January 4th every day. In the city park, another Christmas Market and the ice skating rink. Discover the emotion that the Christmas atmosphere in Durbuy offers, the smallest city in the world completely immersed in the heights of the Ardennes, where the atmosphere is magical and special throughout the year.
