Here comes again the most wonderful time of the year! There are so many traditional Christmas markets all over Europe, the cities are wearing holiday and festive decorations, the smell of cinnamon and mulled wine is in the air. I just love this season.
This year we visited Christmas Market in Brussels (called also Winter Wonders), which is among the most beautiful in Europe. Every year Brussels Christmas Market has a specific theme, this year Brussels became a magical place where you will discover a little bit of Scandinavian culture. The Christmas market is held during 30 November to 06 January and if it happens to visit Brussels during this period, there are over 250 chalets which offer traditional food, handmade goods and artisanal specialties, but also many things to do in order to fully enjoy the end of the year.
Things to do
- The light show in Grand Place: during the evening, every 30 minute there is an amazing show revealing the beauty of Scandinavian world through the lights show over the facades of Grand Place.
- Enjoy a cup of mulled wine while admiring the video mapping over the facade of St. Catherine Church. The time of projection: every 30 minute from 6 p.m to 10 p.m.
- Discover the culture of Finland wandering among the wooden chalets from St Catherine area.
- Escape to the magical world of Scandinavia admiring the Aurora Borealis lights from the courtyard of the Hotel de Ville. The projection time: from 17 p.m to 22 p.m.
- Enjoy the view over the Christmas Market from Ferris wheel of St. Catherine’s Place.
My favorite boutiques
- “Saveurs de Crete” offers artisanal specialties from Crete, among my favorite are the vinegar with honey flavor, olive oil and the tea. I bought from them last year and I was happy that I had another opportunity this year.
- “Les Savonneries du Soleil” besides hand made soaps and lotions with amazing fragrance, you will find fresh lavender sacks. I have some left from last year and I still feel the lavender fragrance in my room.
- Hand made leather gloves and wool scarfs are great warmers for cold winter days ahead, but also they are a great Christmas gift.
Belgian specialties to try: frites (this is the local term for fries), waffles, chocolate and beer. My favorite chocolatier is Darcis, which is located right in Grand Place. Also at Leonidas you will find many good chocolate specialties.
Belgium is well known for its amazing beer. If you like beer, try La Trappe, La Chouffe, Tripel d’Anvers which is a real Belgian triple or Tripel Karmeliet.
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