Celebrate Christmas in Brussels
On this page, you'll find out how you can enjoy Belgian Christmas traditions, tour the Brussels Christmas market, ice skate outdoors and take in the Christmas cheer of the Grand Place. In Belgium, Christmas is celebrated twice: once on St. Nicholas' Day, December 6; and again on Christmas day, December 25. On St. Nicholas' day, Belgian children receive toys, chocolates and candy from Pere Noel - if they've been good! If not, their parents warn them they may receive a bunch of wooden sticks. Melissa, a friend of ours who grew up here, explains it this way: "On St. Nicholas Day, children receive their toys and candy. And on Christmas Day, they receive a more practical gift such as a sweater from their grandmother." Belgians enjoy getting in the Christmas spirit, so there's lots of shopping, parties and family gatherings. In Waterloo, where we live, the town hall is aglow with beautiful Christmas lights; the main street - Chaussee de Waterloo - is lined with Christmas lights; and if you drive through neighborhoods, you'll find the occasional house lit in colored lights or a Christmas tree shining through a window. 
Sablon By NightChristmas in Brussels begins with this three-day mini fest from November 26-November 28. This prestigious square called the 'Sablon' features art galleries and antiques shops which remain open until 11:30 pm. Explore one of the most beautiful districts in Brussels with free horse-drawn carriage rides and embark on a magical discovery of the Sablon antiques and shopping quarter. With special festive illuminations and live music. Our recommendation: get to the Sablon early early and have a hot chocolate at Wittamer's, one of Belgium's oldest chocolate shops. Take home a box of their macaroons and a sack of their speculoos (the best-tasting speculoo we've ever had!) 
Brussels Christmas MarketA centerpiece of Christmas in Brussels is the Christmas Market, whcih features 240 exhibitors from all over Europe who sell wares from wooden chalets around the Grand Place and in Place St. Catherine. You'll find all kinds of handmade crafts, Christmas ornaments and other gift items. You'll also find good things to eat including pots of moules (mussels), Belgian frites (fries) and yummy Belgian waffles, seasonal croustillons (sugar doughnuts), and Belgium's world famous chocolates and beer. Dates: November 27, 2009 through January 3, 2010. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12:00-21:00; Friday-Sunday, 11:00-22:00 December 24: 12:00-18:00 December 25: 12:00-22:00 
On the Grand PlaceOne of our favorite Christmas in Brussels traditions is a trip down to the Grand Place to enjoy the beautiful baroque facades of the guild houses and Town Hall illuminated and dressed in festive garlands. The huge Christmas tree towers in the open air with a nearby traditional nativity scene reminding visitors what the season is all about. Dates: November 27, 2009 through January 3, 2010. Winter Wonders Offers Outdoor ActivitiesIf you like a little activity in your Christmas in Brussels, you should check out 'Winter Wonders', which features a variety of outdoor winter activities including an ice skating rink, a sledding track, and roundabouts (merry-go-rounds).How To Get There By train: Central Station By metro/tram: Bourse (Stock Exchange), Ste. St. Catherine & DeBrouckere By car: direction Centre 
Outdoor Ice RinkAt the outdoor ice rink, Brussels is a winter wonderland of decorations, music and ice skaters. Professionals take to the ice displaying their talents followed by amateurs gliding along the 60-meter rink that can accommodate up toe 300 at once. Dates: November 27, 2009-January 3, 2010, daily from 11:00-22:00 December 24 and December 31: closes at 20:00 December 25: Opens at 12 noon January 1: Opens at 14:00 Adults: 6€/hour; under 12: 4€/hour and 1€ for every 15 minutes extra. Skates: 1€. Gloves obligatory. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by adults (free entry for accompanying adults who do not wish to skate). Group bookings (20 people minimum) and schools: i.maurer@brusselsinternational.be Sled Track Andrea & Magic Roundabouts: 2€ (weekdays outside of school holidays from 14:00 Return from Christmas In Brussels
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