Official figures from the City of Brussels and Brussels Major Events announced on Thursday 9 January show that the European capital’s 24th Winter Wonders event attracted over 4.2 million people in the 2024 season.
While Dresden, Germany, claims to have the oldest Christmas market anywhere, dating back to 1434, the Belgian capital has been ranked as having the best Christmas market in the world.
15% more international visitors
The Brussels event is branded Winter Wonders and is a yuletide takeover of many parts of the city centre. It is marked by festive lighting displays in most streets and squares, a large Christmas tree and nativity scene in the Baroque masterpiece that is the Grand Place (Grote Markt), a Christmas market of course, and a special guest region (this year, the Var from French Provence), as well as steampunk carousels, a big wheel, and an ice rink.
The visitor numbers were 229,235 more than during the 2023 festivities, an increase of 5.7% dubbed “remarkable” by the authorities in a press release which said the event’s increasing popularity could be taken as “a confirmation of the success of Winter Wonders”.
Over half the visitors (2.6 million) were Belgian and 1.6 million of those hailed from Brussels itself. That means that 1.6 million came from abroad – a boost of 15% over the previous year, achieved partly by mentions in international media, according to Delphine Houba, the local councillor responsible for tourism and major events. Traction gained on CNN and in the Washington Post resulted in “a strong return of tourists”, she said.
Improved crowd management
Another sign of success claimed by officials, amid a worldwide travel and tourism sector beset by complaints of overcrowding, was a greater feeling of ease of movement in the city’s cobbled streets and quaint squares, despite the higher footfall. That was the result, authorities claimed, of spreading the attractions further and wider around districts such as the antique-dealing Marolles, the Art Nouveau gem Ambiorix and the Royal Quarter Laeken.
Brussels mayor Philippe Close told press the number of visitors and the relaxed, convivial atmosphere confirms that “Winter Wonders is an event not to be missed” and shows “how hospitable and lively” Brussels is.
Those planning ahead for next winter and thinking of checking out the Christmas tidings of comfort and joy in Brussels should note it will be an even more special season in 2025, with the 25th edition of Winter Wonders set to take place from 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 and bound to bring an extra celebratory atmosphere.