The Belgian capital is officially the backdrop of this festive season as 'Winter Wonders' opens its stalls for the Christmas period starting today.
To mark the opening, the Grand Place's Christmas tree will be illuminated for the first time at 18.00.
Until 5 January, Brussels will welcome "one of Europe's most popular" Christmas markets. The event will host around 260 stalls with a variety of options for those looking for handmade gifts, jewellery, art, food, or even drinks. In addition, throughout and around the market, there will also be a series of festive activities and attractions.
From light shows, to Christmas tours, here is the overview of what to not miss the next five weeks in Brussels.
Light shows
Credit: Belga.
Christmas tree
While the long-awaited 20 meter Christmas tree arrived at Grand-Place last week, it will only be animated with light at 18:00 on Friday (29 November) during an inauguration ceremony.
The tree's decoration this year includes a solidarity partnership with Make-A-Wish, an association which grants wishes to terminally or severely ill children. Decorations will be signed by famous Belgians and auctioned off. The proceeds will got to Make-A-Wish.
Sound and light show
Between 29 November and 4 January, from 17:00-22:00, the Grand Place will be the backdrop to the 'Echoes of Colours' light show. The five-minute show will be projected onto the tower of the City Hall. It promises to transport visitors to a "dreamlike universe."
There will be no light shows on the 24 and 31 December.
Icy and Wintery fun
Winter Wonders Ice Rink in 2017. Credit: Belga.
Skating Rink & Curling
The Place De Brockère will be the go-to spot for Brussels' ice rinks this year.
Prices for skating sessions -including the skate rental- are set at €5 for those under 16, €10 for over 16, and €25 for families (2 adults and 2 children).
Three ice rinks will be reserved for curling. Tickets for over 16 year olds cost €8, while for those under 16 it's €4.
Winter popup village
For the 7th year, a winter pop up will be set up in three neighbourhood in Brussels: Marolles, Square Ambiorix and in Laeken.
Over three consecutive weekends, the 'Winter Pop' will welcome locals to partake in festive activities and enjoy artistic performances.
Festive attractions
Credit: Belga.
Merry-go-rounds
Every day of the market, between 12:00 and 22:00, two merry-go-rounds will be available in Brussels. The rides, which tend to be a big hit with younger visitors can be found at Place De Brockère (€5 per ride) and Place Sainte-Catherine (€3 per ride).
Ferris Wheel
Until 5 January, between 12:00 and 22:00, visitors can visit one of the "most spectacular" attractions of Winter Wonders. Standing at 55 meters tall, the ferris wheel is the perfect sport to get view of Brussels during the festive season.
Tickets are set at €10 for those over 12 years old and €6 for those under 12.
Christmas bus tour
Between 19:00 and 20:30, from Thursday to Monday, you can take immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit with a tour through the city on a 100% electric panoramic bus.
Wonderful Tunes
Credit: Winter Wonders.
Winter Tunes
At 14:00 on every Sunday in December, Winter Wonders will stage secular music concerts at the Saints Michel and Gudule Cathedral. From organs, to bellringing and choirs, the musical performances will bring a calm and festive soundtrack to your wintery weekends.
Two additional concerts will take place on Tuesday 24 December and 31 December at 14:00.
Acoustic Thursdays
Between 18:00 and 20:00 every Thursday night, small music groups will perform an acoustic set at Tour Noire. As a new addition to the Winter Wonders, the sessions promise to bring a relaxed and fun atmosphere to the heart of the Christmas market.
Endless festivities
Credit: Belga.
The list of activities, light displays and attractions is endless! More information about what products that will be on sale, attractions, tours, and shows can be found here.
An online interactive map of the market is available to help you not get lost in the Christmas cheer.
The Christmas market will be open from the 29 November until the 5 January. The market is open everyday between 12:00 and 22:00, except on the 24 and 31 December and 5 January, when it closes at 18:00.
