<ul><li>Christmas celebrations in Belgium are gorgeous and festive. In contrast to other countries, Belgium celebrates Christmas twice.&nbsp;</li><li>The country celebrates the arrival of two guests: Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas, often known as Sinterklass.&nbsp;</li><li>There is a double celebration throughout the nation. Families give gifts, youngsters delight in Christmas unwrapping presents, and merriment is everywhere.&nbsp;</li><li>Belgium is home to a variety of diverse populations and cultures.&nbsp;</li><li>On the night of Christmas, people wish one other a Djoyeus Noyea or a Vrolijk Kerstfeest in their respective languages.&nbsp;</li><li>The holiday spirit and season arrive a week before Christmas Eve. In Belgium, Christmas celebrations are centred on love and community.&nbsp;</li><li>People arrange a festive Christmas dinner that begins with a beautiful cocktail and nibbles, then appetisers. As a speciality of Belgium, seafood is frequently served as an appetiser.&nbsp;</li><li>Belgians primarily consume meat, such as roasted turkey and pork. Complementary dishes such as salads, gravy, vegetables, and soups are made for this meal. &nbsp;</li><li>In Belgium, the Christmas cake is an intrinsic component of the holiday festivities.</li><li>St. Nicholas's Day is one of the most significant events of Belgian Christmas celebrations.&nbsp;</li><li>It is celebrated annually on December 6th. The day begins with a religious ceremony and concludes with a beautiful supper at the dining table.</li><li>On this day, baked pastries and specially prepared Belgian cuisine are presented.&nbsp;</li><li>Christmas is a significant festival in Belgium. In addition to carolling and eating, large church masses symbolise the unity of humanity.&nbsp;</li><li>There is something extra unique about the Belgian Christmas season. In addition to the spectacular Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and elsewhere, Belgium offers a variety of wintertime activities with Our Holiday Vibes are Good Vibes Only!</li></ul>

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<ul><li>Discover the most extraordinary things to do in Belgium and what you need to know about a holiday there.&nbsp;</li><li>There is something extra unique about the Belgian Christmas season.&nbsp;</li><li>In addition to the great Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and elsewhere, Belgium offers a variety of wintertime activities.&nbsp;</li><li>Our definitive guide to Christmas in Belgium breaks everything down so you can tailor your experience and obtain all the information you need to arrange a holiday break.&nbsp;</li><li>Continue reading to discover the top Christmas activities in Belgium, no matter where you are.&nbsp;</li><li>Let's begin with the fundamentals. Belgium is a small nation, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for the Christmas spirit!&nbsp;</li><li>There are Christmas markets in every town and enjoyable outdoor activities such as ice skating, skiing, and gorgeous winter hikes.&nbsp;</li><li>Due to its historically Catholic heritage, Belgium takes great pride in its extravagant Christmas celebrations.&nbsp;</li><li>Christmas may not always be white here, but the winter wonderland created with lights and decorations more than makes up for it.&nbsp;</li><li>Whether you prefer to stay home or brave the weather, we have a fantastic selection of enjoyable activities to keep you in the festive spirit throughout the winter!</li></ul>

highlight

<ul><li>Even though December is the middle of winter in Belgium, the country does not get as cold as some other countries in Northern Europe, so you may still enjoy a city break in generally comfortable conditions.&nbsp;</li><li>Visitors can enjoy shopping, eating and drinking, going on rides at fairgrounds, and looking at gorgeous decorations at Christmas markets that are set up across the country throughout December (and occasionally as early as November).&nbsp;</li><li>December marks the beginning of winter in Belgium and is one of the year's coldest months (next to January).&nbsp;</li><li>At its shortest in late December, the sun will rise at roughly 8:30 a.m. and set around 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;</li><li>Even though the short daylight hours may hinder your ability to enjoy the outdoors in Belgium in December, the cities and indoor venues are the main attractions.&nbsp;</li><li>The climate differs slightly between Belgium's coastal, interior, and mountainous regions.&nbsp;</li><li>Coastal Flanders (the Flemish-speaking northern area of Belgium) has a maritime environment that moderates temperature extremes, making it the mildest region.&nbsp;</li><li>In contrast, the southern, inland Ardennes hill and woodland region are the coldest in winter, with the most snow and fog.&nbsp;</li><li>Brussels is located inland; thus, it has a more continental climate than coastal cities like Bruges or Antwerp, but it never freezes.&nbsp;</li><li>In December, the average high in Brussels is 43°F (6°C), and the average low is 35°F (2°C).</li></ul>

seasons to travel

Winter Wonders in Brussels is an expansive event spread across Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons. Visitors can enjoy Winter Wonders, a festival with ice skating rinks, ethereal music and light shows, a massive Christmas tree, and a mile-long stretch of more than 200 snow-blanketed wooden chalets selling warm waffles, mulled wine, and Belgian beers and chocolates.

Brussels

Bruges is a stunning city at any time of year, but during the annual Winter Glow, the city in Flanders steps its aesthetic game up a notch. There are two Christmas markets in the centre of the town; one is in the main Markt square, and the other is in Simon Stevinplein. These Christmas markets shine with stalls selling Christmas gifts and food and drink, and the outdoor ice-skating rink is adorned with sparkling lights. Watch the action on the ice from the comfort of the Vorst winter bar, and then go on to the enchanting Light Experience Trail, which transforms the city's public squares and landmarks into kaleidoscopic displays of colour.

Bruges

christmas markets

Liège has hosted a spectacular Christmas Village for over three decades, bringing the ancient German tradition of holiday markets to the city. Every year, around two million people see the illuminated monuments surrounding Saint Paul Cathedral and shop at the two hundred kiosks. Choirs, musical groups, and folk dance groups provide entertainment on the main stage.&nbsp;A 30-meter-tall Ferris wheel, an ice-skating rink, and an exciting Toboggan Run offer delight to children (and big kids). Additionally, various chalets are selling Walloon and French handicrafts. At the gourmet kiosks, gourmands can sample a variety of regional delicacies, including marzipan specialities, salted delights, and black pudding. The city is the origin of the Liège waffle, Galler chocolate, and pèket (the Belgian version of gin). Therefore, you can anticipate finding them here as well.

Liège

During the winter, the old city centre of Antwerp is the place to be due to the availability of dozens of choirs, gospel groups, and classical music. The lively market extends from Groenplaats to the Grote Markt, past Suikerrui, to Steenplein. Here, over a hundred vendors provide regional and international food and merchandise. The Groenplaats is decorated with dazzling Christmas lights and live music during the festivities. The adjoining ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, and miniature golf activities provide entertainment for children. Throughout the city, numerous events and performances are held during the season.

Antwerp

During Oostende's winter celebrations, the sleepy seaside city is transformed into a magical wonderland. This is the perfect place to buy gifts while soaking up the pleasant ambience because it is overflowing with distinctive artisan booths and holiday decorations. However, the lit tunnel in the Adolf Buylstraat commercial district is the main centrepiece. Above 200,000 fairy lights form an amazing canopy over the 188-meter-long tunnel. There is also a food and beverage stand to peruse and an ice rink to keep kids entertained. And on January 4th, if you're up for it, you can participate in the New Year's Dive. Thousands of residents jump into the frigid North Sea at this time in search of thrills.

Oostende

Gentse Winterfeesten (Ghent Winter Festival) encompasses Sint-Baafsplein, Klein Turkije, and Korenmarkt and exudes a distinctly Nordic flair. Around 100 vendors sell everything from handcrafted Christmas gifts to regional and international delicacies. Visitors can sip hot glühwein against Ghent's historic setting while listening to live music under a dome of sparkling lights. A Christmas light walks, meanwhile, guides travellers through the beautifully illuminated historical centre of the city, emphasising significant landmarks. Also, in Santa's Land of Ice, little ones can get their faces painted and visit with the big guy himself. Half the fun is navigating the path of migrating polar bears, penguins, and other wildlife to get to Santa's Ice Grotto.

Ghent

Winter Months Leuven is home to one of the country's oldest Christmas markets. Additionally, it is considered one of the cosiest in Europe. Visitors can stroll the city centre's candlelit streets and indulge in various delectable delicacies from the fashionable food trucks. Around Hooverplein and Ladeuzeplein, more than 170 vendors are selling a variety of Christmas decorations, handicrafts, and local food and drink. Meanwhile, several glühwein pubs and kiosks selling knitwear keep guests warm. Intimate Christmas concerts and performers also make the crowds joyful. Due to its increasing popularity, Leuven's holiday programme has been expanded to include a Winter Garden on the Grote Markt.

Leuven

The Hasselt Christmas market, or Winterland, features the largest mobile ice-skating rinks in Belgium, measuring 1,000 square metres. The colossal Ferris wheel is another popular attraction among families travelling from afar. The festivities also feature a cosy "Aspen Lounge" serving delectable food and beverages. Moreover, there are numerous stalls selling handcrafted items. Meanwhile, young visitors can ride a classic carousel and rollercoaster, visit Santa's House, and explore an "Ice Magic" sculpture festival. On the other hand, adults can enjoy hot glühwein in one of the numerous wooden cafés while taking in the fantastic ambience.

Hasselt

Ieper (or Ypres) is renowned for its numerous cemeteries, memorials, and war museums commemorating World War I engagements in the region. During the holiday season, however, the Ieper Christmas Market transforms the mediaeval city into a spectacular Christmas setting. Even if the Christmas market is smaller than others in Belgium, it is enchanting. Dazzling fairy lights and multiple light kiosks offer holiday decorations and presents. Meanwhile, visitors ice skate on the Grote Markt and dine on delectable Belgian foods and beverages. During this season, many of the city's monuments are elegantly decorated to honour the city's history.

Ieper

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<ul><li>Because Belgium is a multilingual country, the Christmas holiday is observed in various ways and according to different customs. "</li><li>Merry Christmas" can be expressed as "Vrolijk Kerstfeest" in Dutch and Flemish, as "Joyeux Noel" in French, as "Frohe Weihnachten" in German, and as "djoyeus Noyé" in the Walloon dialect.</li><li>You may now wish people a Merry Christmas regardless of where you are in the country, thanks to this newfound knowledge!</li><li>In terms of food, you can count on sitting down to big feasts of roasted meat or fish around a communal table in Belgium.</li><li>Now we come to the most crucial meal portion: desserts!</li><li>This delicious Belgian custom calls for you to indulge in a Buche de noel, a chocolate cake with a chocolate frosting shaped like a wood log.</li><li>Or, make it a point to visit one of the neighbourhood Christmas markets and pick up some speculoos, a Christmas beer, or at the very least a waffle while you're there!</li></ul>

culture and tradition

Unbeknownst to many other continents, Belgium and the Netherlands have a second Santa Claus. St. Nicholas, also known as 'Sinterklaas,' 'visits' the Low Countries every year on December 6th from Spain, bringing with him not only gifts but also clementines and speculoos for children who have been well-behaved during the year. The emergence of shortbread cookies shaped by Saint Nicholas and his helpers in bakeries across the nation has signified the arrival of the holiday season for generations. On the eve of Sinterklaas, bakers made these crunchy pastries with brown sugar, butter, and various spices as long back as the middle of the 17th century. Speculoos, an artisanal cookie associated with many fond childhood memories, will likely be around for some time.

Spicy Speculoos

Most Belgians are captivated by traditional Christmas markets, with comfort taking precedence. Warmth is necessary to maintain the festive mood, and Brussels' thousands of booths ensure this by providing even more of the city's speciality: freshly-ironed waffles. Pancakes are prepared on the spot and slathered generously with Nutella from ginormous pots nationwide, a habit reflecting a growing European predilection. In addition to having no problems with the Italian hazelnut-chocolate spread, Belgians also have a warm spot for their local cocoa. During these winter nights, moats of high-quality hot chocolate from Belgian brands such as Leonidas and Neuhaus are offered.

Christmas Market Treats

Christmas Eve in Belgium is the equivalent of Thanksgiving in the United States, but with gifts. The evening is a family gathering during which the tables groan beneath the weight of so much food. There is frequently turkey featured in the main dish, though it is less important than the American turkey. Game and roasts are also typical. Complementing the meat – Belgian Christmases can be pretty depressing for vegetarians, let alone vegans – are typically mashed potatoes or Pommes Duchesse. Lovely small spirals of potatoes coated with egg yolk before being baked to achieve a golden-brown, crispy shell.Authentically traditional Belgian Christmas feasts feature fish fillets or shellfish, with the likelihood of this rising the closer one is to the coast. To conclude the meal, there is kersstronk or Bûche de Nol. This classic cake, known to English speakers as the Yule log, may be an authentic piece of art, with bakers using chocolate frosting and carving grooves to make it resemble a natural tree log with bark. Popular alternatives include store-bought ice cream, which reduces the day-of burden considerably.

The Ultimate Burgundian Feast

eats and treats

If there's one thing you must have at Christmas, it's lighting, and you'll find them all in Brussels. The scene is the gorgeous Grand Place, the city's central square is regarded by many as among the most beautiful in the world. As part of the city's Winter Wonders event, it is a 360-degree light and sound spectacle that illuminates the whole area and features a different theme each year. If you visit Brussels this winter, you must see this show in December, which often begins in November and continues through January. This programme typically repeats every 30 minutes at night, so you can always catch it while strolling through Brussels. Remember to bring your camera to snap the most festive Christmas postcard.

Enjoy the Grand Place's sound and light show

"Plaisirs d'Hiver" is the French term for the city's Christmas celebrations. An event with a comprehensive schedule of cultural activities, including fairs, outdoor concerts, and a rink for ice skating. This Christmas celebration in Brussels features daily events and attractions from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Except for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, when events end at 6 p.m., the activities run until midnight daily. As many of the festival's activities are arranged by the City of Brussels, they are free. Recommend that you inquire at your lodging place for a map and the official festival programme, so make sure to catch everything and know which attractions require an entrance fee and which are free.

Participate in the "Winter Wonders" festival

In addition to the stunning lights, there is a massive Christmas tree of around 18 metres on Gran Place. Annually, the municipality of Dilbeek donates one of its pine trees to the city of Brussels to decorate the square during the holiday season. Do not let the chance to take a picture at this place pass you by because it is undoubtedly the most lovely square in the world. In addition, the Belgian city plants ten new pine trees annually as part of its dedication to environmentally responsible and socially conscious purchasing.

Take a picture next to the giant tree in the central square

If you appreciate Christmas films such as "Home Alone" and others, we've watched this season; you won't miss the chance to skate on an ice rink and experience the Christmas spirit of Brussels. In addition, Christmas music will be playing in the background to set the mood. This rink is located on Place de la Monnaie, one of the most important squares in the heart of Brussels, where the Royal Theater of La Monnaie and the headquarters of the Belgian National Opera are also located.

Skate on an ice rink

At Christmas, it is imperative to adhere to the shopping schedule. This path is perfect for purchasing Christmas gifts and seeing a location whose architecture and history will capture you. Discovering businesses and terraces where you may have a warm drink while getting into the Christmas spirit was Leopold I's the intention when he inaugurated the market in the middle of the nineteenth century. This location is typically featured in the city's guided tours. Brussels must be at the top of your list of things to see. The length of the galleries is roughly 200 metres and is divided into three sections: Gallery of the King, Gallery of the Queen, and Gallery of the Princes.In addition to cafes and upscale boutiques, these galleries also include one of the city's newest museums, such as the Museum of Letters and Manuscripts, which houses more than eighty thousand manuscripts categorised by history, literature, art, and science. If your Christmas plans in Brussels involve a visit to a museum, we recommend that you include this one, as it stands out among the city's diverse selection of museums.

Stroll through the Saint-Hubert Galleries

A Christmas carol chorus evokes the Christmas spirit more than anything else. During these dates, you may attend performances in Brussels with choral groups to entertain you with the most popular Christmas carols, such as the customary "Silent Night." Annually hosted at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, the Brussels Carol Concert features a children's choir and guest musicians. This event's admission fee is around €20 for adults and €15 for children under 14. Each year, the cash raised is distributed to various philanthropic causes. The Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity in Brussels, located in the middle of the city and features a symphony orchestra, also hosts an annual Christmas carol event.

Attend a carol concert

It is a curious and supportive tradition that has crossed international boundaries and has roots in English-speaking nations. This fashion has also spread to Belgium and other countries. This entertaining tradition, promoted by Save the Children, encourages families to wear wool sweaters with Christmas motifs; the more eye-catching, the better on a Friday before Christmas Eve.The purpose is to invite people to think about human values and to promote awareness in society, particularly among children and young people, about the predicament of other children around the globe. Some schools and cultural centres offer family activities and the opportunity to make charitable contributions to disadvantaged communities.

Participate in Christmas Jumper Day

entertainments

Parties, outdoor and indoor gatherings, street parades, and special events in bars and pubs kick off the annual festival and event calendar in Belgium late on New Year's Eve. All these activities occur before midnight, triggering fireworks to welcome the New Year. Live music will always be present, and there will also be plenty of festive cuisines and massive amounts of alcohol.

New Year's Eve and Day

The lenten season in the Roman Catholic calendar coincides closely with the beginning of the February Carnival. The start of Lent begins with the adherence to religious food restrictions; this is typically a time of excessive eating, drinking, and celebration. With its vibrant street parades, local street parties, local street parties, live music events, adorned homes and residents in costume, as well as food and beer extravaganzas, Brussels is the perfect spot to experience Carnival.

Carnival

The festival is held every year in March and celebrates cinema from all over the world. Documentaries, short films, and features from Asia, Africa, and Latin America are some types of films honoured at the event. Screenings will occur throughout the ten-day event in the Lumière Art House and the Liberty blockbuster cinema.

Cinema Novo

This enormous theatre, music, and dance festival begins in April and continues until October. It is held in locations all across Brussels and all over Flanders. In public places such as ancient buildings, abbeys, churches, town halls, theatres, and even outside during the summer months, one may experience excellent performances of classical music, theatre productions of various kinds, and dance.

Festival van Vlaanderen

This breathtaking Christian pageant is considered one of Europe's most important religious festivals. It was initially conducted in Bruges, Belgium, in the year 1150. The relic of the Holy Blood is taken on a procession through the town's historic streets every year in May. The relic was given to the city in 1149 by the Count of Flanders when he returned from the Crusades. The route covers a distance of one mile, and 1,500 town residents have been selected to participate.

Procession of the Holy Blood

The Zinneke Parade takes place in Brussels when the city is transitioning into a vibrant centre of active events. Every year in May, the community celebrates the parade as Big Z-Day. It features live music, concerts, dance performances, street celebrations, and the wearing of costumes by anybody and everyone. Everybody enjoys a fantastic time at the bars and pubs since they each host their events and provide amazing deals.

Zinneka Parade

This one-of-a-kind festival takes place every year in June and is to be noticed by any tourists who happen to be in Belgium around that time. It is one of the oldest festivals in Europe and is held in the town of Mons. Its roots may be traced back to folklore passed down for many centuries. It takes town square in front of thousands of people and is based on a massive reenactment of the legend of St. George and the Dragon. The struggle between good and evil takes place in the town square. The groups scatter and dash through the night after the dragon is defeated.

Ducasse of Mons

events and fiestas

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