The 21st edition of Brussels’ Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’Hiver) will take place from November 25th, 2022 to January 1st, 2023. According to the publication “Best Christmas Market in Europe”, the Brussels’ Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful in Europe. It hosts nearly 250 chalets with enchanting offers on a route of nearly 3 km in the heart of Brussels. Here’s a guide to all the upcoming activities.
1. Christmas Market
The area near the old Fish Market (Vismet) is where most of the chalets are concentrated. They offer all sorts of sweet and savory foods and gifts, each more original than the last! Between purchases, visitors can take advantage of numerous activities such as the Giant Wheel, the ride and much more. The square near the old Stock Exchange will be once again illuminated at the front and back with numerous chalets offering all kinds of dishes.
This year the Place de la Monnaie is being transformed into an après-ski village. Three artificial curling rinks are being set up here, surrounded by chalets offering typical mountain food and drink, along with a wide range of sweets and other treats to delight those with a sweet tooth.
Place De Brouckère will host the ice rink and numerous chalets and covered terraces, thus creating a warm and friendly mini-village. Here, the traders are using reusable tableware for the first time, thereby participating in a first test which augments the many existing sustainability measures.
Situated behind the Saint Catherine’s Church, the Black Tower is an unmissable stage of the Winter Wonders tour. Canada is well represented here: Quebec reconnects with fans of typical products, including the legendary Poutine, and the “Quebec First Nations” showcase their treasures. All these delights are accompanied by the bewitching voices of the choirs.
In the heart of Winter Wonders, the now must-see Stella Pavilion welcomes visitors in an attractive atmosphere and invites them to take the time to savor this local beer.
2. Brussels By Lights
Since 2013, the City of Brussels has been lighting up ever more of the capital’s streets and shopping streets. This year, the tenth edition features no less than 160 streets (including 8 new ones).
This extension is justified by the constant desire to support the commercial activities of the city’s neighborhoods – which are also involved in the decisions concerning the illuminations which concern them. The decorations are chosen in collaboration with various traders’ associations in each district.
3. Winter Pop
This winter will already be the fifth edition of WINTER POP. During three successive weekends in December (from 2 to 4, 9 to 11 and 16 to 18), colorful little caravans will stop over in three districts of the City of Brussels.
Since its launch in 2017, this small popup village has been a huge hit year after year. It reflects the City of Brussels’s ambition to get to know our communities better through local events on their doorstep.
During the festive season, the village spends the weekends in different areas and provides lots of fun creative activities for young and old: workshops, shows, demonstrations, projection mappings, concerts, brass bands, dances, choirs, storytelling sessions and even visits to architectural highlights.
4. Wonder Woods
From 2 December to 8 January, the Bois de la Cambre will resonate with a festive atmosphere in collaboration with the Bois de la Cambre skating rink, the Winter Games, Chalet Robinson, the Woodpecker, the Flore, the Kiosk, the Théâtre de Poche (Pocket Theatre) and Jardin Cambre.
Some of these operators also offer a musical program in addition to hot drinks or sweet and savory snacks. An ice rink and light decorations add another layer of magic to this already-exceptional place. XXL toys scattered around the park invite selfies, and are linked by a walk or a ride on a pedal car allowing visitors to attend the various events.
The classics
1. Christmas Tree
If there’s one thing which truly symbolizes the spirit of Winter Wonders, it has to be its famous tree. It will be enthroned alongside the traditional nativity scene at the center of the sound and light show in the Grand-Place.
Cut down on Wednesday 16 November in Raeren (in the German-speaking part of the country, in the province of Liège), the tree will be erected on Grand-Place on Thursday 17 November from 6 a.m. and will be decorated a few days later on 19 November. It will come to life for the very first time on Friday 25 November during the inauguration ceremony starting at 6 pm.
Dates : from 25.11 to 08.01
Hours : 4pm – 11pm, visible 24/24h
Location : Grand-Place
2. Sound and Light show
Music, with all its richness and diversity, unites us all. Both multicolored and multicultural, it transports us, lulls us with emotions and encourages us to share, to discover and to explore. Using this unifying spirit, Magic Monkey is creating a universal sound and light show for this edition on the theme of a great musical exploration around the world. This is a cultural discovery shared by all – a breathtaking, image-rich, sound-soaked and colorful celebration of a diversity which connects us through the music of our world.
Dates : All days from 25.11 to 01.01, except Saturday 24/31 December
Hours : 5pm – 10pm
Location : Grand-Place
3. Winter Vox
For the fifth edition, every Saturday and Sunday three professional and/or amateur choirs will offer recitals featuring Christmas songs, gospel, sacred songs or a more pop and contemporary repertoire.
Dates : Every Saturday and Sunday from 26.11 to 17.12
Hours : 3:30pm – 7pm
Location : Black Tower, behind the church of St Catherine
4. Skating Rink
The sportiest of all the Winter Wonder attractions is back on Place de Brouckère. Supervision is provided in order to ensure a safe experience. 60 m² of pure fun awaits the little ones (skates available). Wheelchair-accessible rink (with attendant).
Dates : Every day, from 25.11 to 08.01
Hours : 12 noon to 10pm, except on 24,31.12 from 12 noon to 6pm
Location : Place De Brouckère
Prices (including skate rental): adults (over 16): €10/ under 16: €5/ schools: €3/student/family (2 adults + 2 children): €25
5. Giant Wheel
From atop of one of the most spectacular attractions of Winter Wonders, the view of Brussels and the festive city center is breathtaking. With 42 cabins, the Giant Wheel caters for PRM (specially equipped cabins).
Dates : from 25.11 to 01.01
Hours : 12 noon – 10pm
Location : Vismet
Prices: adults €9 / under 12 – €6
6. Andrea’s Merry-Go-Rounds
Another classic must-see, these rides feature handmade fantastic characters from the poetic world of Jules Verne. A timeless moment!
Dates : from 25.11 to 01.01
Hours : 12 noon – 10pm
Location : Place Sainte-Catherine and Vismet
Price: €3
7. Ice Monster
This 45-meter-long dinosaur is one of only seven in the world! Guess where the only example of this prehistoric animal with a ferocious appetite can be found in all of Europe? Thrills and chills guaranteed during a terrifying walk featuring special effects.
Dates : from 25.11 to 01.01
Hours : 12 noon – 10pm
Location : Vismet
Price: €5/person – family tickets: €12/3 persons – €15/4 persons
8. Dream Space
Comfortably seated in wraparound chairs mounted on jacks, visitors to the Dream Space experience incredible virtual reality adventures. Real-life experiences for all tastes and ages!
Dates : from 25.11 to 01.01
Hours : 12 noon – 10pm
Location : Vismet
Price: €7
9. Sainte-Catherine’s Church
This year, a digital and poetic snowfall will illuminate the magnificent façade of St. Catherine’s Church.
Dates : Every day from 25.11 to 01.01
Hours : 5pm – 11pm
Location : Place Sainte-Catherine
New attractions
1. Secret Garden
A Secret Garden can be discovered in the magnificent and soothing setting of the Grand Hospice, just a stone’s throw from the Giant Wheel. From Tuesday to Saturday, this green and surprising place offers a unique atmosphere and extends the atmosphere of the Christmas market.
It features light installations, acoustic concerts, local comedians, and even a wood-fired sauna. Relaxation guaranteed in the hushed atmosphere of the holiday celebrations.
Dates : from 25.11 to 01.01
Hours : Sunday till Wednesday from 12pm till 12 am, Thursday till Saturday from 12pm till 1am
Location : Grand Hospice
2. Flip the magic on with Samsung
Magic swings create a nice surprise at the Mont des Arts, composing beautiful melodies for a memorable moment with family and friends.
Dates : from 25.11 to 08.01
Hours : 12 noon – 10pm
Location : Mont des Arts – place de l’Albertine
3. Quebec First Nations
For thousands of years, Aboriginal Quebec has been distinguished by its historical culture, combining ancestral and contemporary traditions in a rich, qualitative and authentic tourism offer, featuring art, culture, nature, adventure, and much more. It draws on the heritage of the Aboriginal peoples of Quebec to share warm and unforgettable moments in a grandiose setting.
Dates : from 25.11 to 28.11
Location : Black Tower
4. Tribute to René Magritte
To kick off the year of René Magritte’s 125th birthday, the City of Brussels has chosen to honor the famous Belgian painter with an intriguing and magical installation in the courtyard of the City Hall.
Dates : from 25.11 to 01.01
Hours : 5pm – 10pm
Location : Cour de l’Hôtel de Ville
5. Curling
Want to experience the spirit of winter sports right in the heart of Brussels? An authentic après-ski village is being set up on Place de la Monnaie with three new synthetic curling rinks. Guaranteed fun for young and old alike.
Dates : from 25.11 to 01.01
Hours : 12 noon – 10pm
Location : Place de la Monnaie
Prices: adults (over 16): €6/ under 16: €4
6. Spirit of the North
Traditional end-of-year activities and cutting-edge experiences are on the program in the Horta Gallery during an immersive exhibition (entry fee). Before entering the museum, the public can get a free taste of the attractions in place d’Espagne, illuminated by numerous magical installations.
Dates : from 25.11 to 08.01
Hours : 12 noon – 10pm
Location : Place d’Espagne
Creators Factory
It is a market of “materials transformers” where ethics and sustainability are central. It’s part of the current shift towards solidarity and (eco)responsibility. Its second edition will take place in the Halles Saint-Géry over five weekends in collaboration with three operators: Christmas designers Market, The Wild Pop-Up and Fais-le toi-même.
A hyperSPHERE reproduces a spectacular moon suspended in the magnificent Halles Saint-Géry. Brass bands help to make this a truly special experience.
Dates : from 25.11 to 24.12
Hours : Fridays from 6pm to 10pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 8pm, except Thursday 22.12 and Friday 23.12 from 12 noon to 10pm and Saturday 24.12 from 10am to 2pm
Location : Halles Saint-Géry
1. Christmas designers Market
Christmas Designers Market is the Brussels Vintage Market’s market for designers who both meet ethical criteria and are environmentally responsible.
2. Fais-le toi-même
Fais-le toi-même expounds a project for a society in which you can be a craftsperson and a creator while being proud of your profession and your situation.
3. The Wild Pop-Up
The Wild Pop-Up invites you to meet the craftspeople who offer a selection of top-of-the-range products, eschewing overconsumption.
