The 24th edition of Brussels' Winter Wonders ('Plaisirs d'Hiver' in French, 'Winterpret' in Dutch) Christmas market will open on Friday 29 November and will continue until Sunday 5 January.
The market will be held in the city centre and will officially open on 29 November at 18:00, Brussels City councillor for Culture Delphine Houba (PS) confirmed. The opening will be marked with a sound and light show on the Grand Place and the Christmas tree will be lit with a performance in collaboration with choirs from La Monnaie.
Organisers called it "one of Europe's most popular Christmas markets". Visitors can look forward to mulled wine, numerous Christmas stalls and various light shows. There also will be the Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds and an ice rink.
The 'Winterpret - Plaisirs d'Hiver' Christmas Market in Brussels city centre, 2022. Credit: Belga
Guest of honour
Streets will again be illuminated for the Brussels by Lights displays and the Winter Pop Village will "spread magic and warmth in three districts of the city of Brussels" for the seventh year running.
Unlike in previous editions, this year the Christmas market will extend to Rue de la Madeleine, where artisans from the Bortier Gallery, neighbouring traders and Ukrainian associations will provide an extensive programme.
This year's guest of honour – the French department Le Var – will put on a programme "to boost its economy, tourism and culture in the Belgian capital." This should include an authentic Provençal nativity scene. Artisans and producers from the area will be located on Rue Auguste Orts to offer a tasting of Provençal specialities and delicacies.
Organisers of the fair hope to surpass the four million visitors of last year's edition.
