So, let’s paint a picture. Let’s say it has been a busy year so far and now that it’s almost finished, you’ve decided to take some time off and enjoy a very relaxed couple of weeks. You’ve done everything you wanted to do around the house for such a long time already, you’ve made a few walks, seen your best friends and waiting for Christmas day to finally arrive. Yet you’re itching a little bit because you want to get out of the house and explore Belgium, and, if possible, get to know a few new local businesses while doing so. But how to proceed?
Well, you couldn’t have picked a better time to do so. Around Christmas, many local brands tend to try and reach new customers by organizing a pop-up. Most of us tend to do some last-minute Christmas shopping and we’re always on the lookout for a surprising, original, local gift anyway, so there’s a lot of potential new customers out there.
That’s why in most cities you’ll find at least one or two pop-ups during December. Places where you can go to marvel at all the local talent and where, if you’re in luck, you can warm up after a stroll through the city. Whether you love plants, interior design, food or second hand: there’s something out there for everyone. Yet even though most pop-ups tend to make some noise on social media, finding them can still be a bit of a struggle, especially if you don’t want to lose two hours of your precious time off by scrolling through Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Luckily for you, we did all of the hard work for you already and we’ve selected 5 pop-ups in Belgium you can’t miss these days. But hurry up, because they won’t be around forever!
1. A Better Blend, Antwerp
For the seventh year in a row, A Better Blend is taking over the first floor of the Grand Bazar in the center of Antwerp. Here, you’ll find some of Belgium’s finest foods, design and clothes all in one place. If you still need to buy some presents, you’re guaranteed to find everything in one place when visiting A Better Blend – including a little treat for yourself of course. They’re open until December 31st so you’ve still got a little bit of time to stop by!
2. .édition limitée, Liège
On the other side of the country, you’ll be able to find .édition limitée. The woman behind the store, Isabelle Noupré, invited her favorite brands to the party and asked some of her most talented friends to display their works as well. The result is a carefully curated selection of goodies and a store from which it’s hard to walk away with empty hands. Open until January 14th.
3. Arche, Brussels
You’ll have to be quick to be able to pop by this one as it closes on December 24th but it’ll definitely be worth the effort. From beautiful jewelry over stunning pottery to classy clothes: Eve Houbar and Isaline Tala have selected the very best Belgian talents in their pop-up store.
4. Secondhand, first Choice, Ghent
If you’re a fan of everything vintage, you better hurry up and get your butt over to Ghent. Hoarderlife, a vintage furniture and decoration shop known for their eclectic taste, and Just Waldo, specialized in vintage clothes, joined forces to open a pop-up during the festive season and the result is stunning. Or how to prove that secondhand gifts are even better than new ones. You can go and have a look at the shop until January 8th.
5. Pop-up Brussels’ Kitchen, Brussels
Again, you better hurry up for this one as it closes just before Christmas! But my oh my, if you’re a foodie or buying for one, you can’t miss out on the Brussels’ Kitchen pop-up. As the name suggests, it is organized by the women behind the famous Brussels’ Kitchen guide and you’ll find both food and kitchen accessories at the shop. Don’t walk in hungry!
