Similar to Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, the spirit of Christmas pasts in Brussels visited me – from a time when I used to be in the holiday frame of mind, unlike this year. Although is never too late.
The markets in Brussels were festive and even magical, but most important, also gourmet. After all, Belgium is the country of chocolate, waffles, bier and fries.
Every Christmas has a story
Especially in the past I used to love to visit the markets and attend different Christmas activities – the best way to prepare for the holiday season. I remember I went to my first market many winters ago, when I was an Erasmus student in Denmark. That same year I visited also the Cologne and Paris ones (wow, what a December).
After moving abroad, in the coming years I was fortunate to see some of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets, from Strasbourg and Vienna, to Bruges and Berlin.
Every traveler has a home of his own, and he learns to appreciate it the more from his wandering.”
Charles Dickens – A Christmas Carol
Plaisirs d’Hiver / Winter Wonders
The Christmas special program in the heart of Brussels was called Plaisirs d’Hiver or Winter Wonders. With decorations, lights, waffles and many events. That time of the year, with hope and lights, even in a darker period.
Firstly, I liked the big Christmas tree in Grand Place and the market in St Catherine area. In the evenings we celebrated by going to see one more time the special lights show with videos, colors and music projected on the buildings in the square and at Saint Catherine Cathedral.
Grand Place, Saint-Catherine, Sablon
On the way back home, I walked always through Sablon, took pictures in my favorite area, entered the beautiful home decor Flamand store and dreamed of my future house (which I will have one day). I admired again the pretty window displays, Pierre Marcolini creative decorations in Grand Sablon and the feative atmosphere in all chocolate shops, perfect for gifts shopping.
I bought more than usual the traditional speculoos cookies, with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. I could eat them every day for a week, something I actually did at one point, with no regrets.
One evening I went to the Grand Place to see the sound & light show (8 to 10 minutes long) and the Christmas tree for the last time. See you next year, Bruxelles ma Belle.
Winter Wonder in Brussels. This year from 25 November, 2022, to January 1, 2023.
Grateful that I got to live already so many different versions of my life / of Decembers, in Bucharest, Brussels and now in the present, in Berlin. Not a Scrooge just yet. But with many more lessons to learn.
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What a lovely post! I am currently in Brussels and will go to its Christmas market tomorrow, I love the city at this time of the year and all its festive decorations!
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Thank you! Enjoy this time in Brussels! You are visiting in the best season:)
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