It's time in Brussels: the Winter Wonders are back!

At the end of the year, the Brussels Winter Wonders are back. With its Christmas market, illuminations and festive activities, the event promises a warm and convivial atmosphere from 29 November to 5 January.

Winter Wonders is back in Brussels for its 24th edition, and it's set to be a spectacular one. ‘It's one of the most original Christmas markets in Europe,’ says Philippe Close, mayor of the City of Brussels, pointing out that it has been ranked as one of the ‘must-sees’ by CNN (the American television channel). This year, somewhere between the gourmet chalets, the traditional Christmas tree and the sound and light show on the Grand-Place, the sun of the Provence is bringing its warmth to the capital: the Var is the guest region for this year's festival. BECI explains why in Brussels we celebrate the festive season like nowhere else.

Brussels winter under the southern sun

Covering more than 2 kilometres, the 261 chalets, including 35 ‘artisan-producers’, offer an immersive escapade of tastes and colours. Aged cheeses, melt-in-the-mouth chocolates, handcrafted jewellery... Every corner of the chalet tells a story. For young and old alike, a skating rink and magical merry-go-rounds promise moments suspended in time. ‘Winter Wonders is primarily an experience to be enjoyed and shared together,’ says Philippe Close.

And then there's the Grand-Place. Every evening, it is brought to life with a sound and light show. The iconic fir tree, adorned with around a hundred decorations, watches over the festivities, but with a sustainable touch: it will be recycled as street furniture after the festivities. ‘Our aim is to consolidate this event to make it even more sustainable, and to involve as many residents of our neighbourhoods as possible,’ says the mayor.

And to top it all off, a trip to the Provence in the heart of Brussels: the Var, a popular destination for Belgians, is coming to the capital this year. On the programme: a themed village with Provençal culinary specialities, entertainment and a traditional nativity scene.

A warm boost for the local economy

Apart from the glitter and lights, Winter Wonders is a driving force behind the Brussels economy, and the figures speak for themselves: last year, 4 million people strolled through the Christmas market. Delphine Houba, former alderwoman for culture, tourism and major events at the City of Brussels, points out that the economic impact is colossal: ‘Winter Wonders generates around €260 million in revenue’, a godsend for the local economy, which attracts tourists from all over the world every year.

For this year's edition, the organisers are hoping to repeat this success while enhancing the experience for visitors. Safety and mobility measures will be put in place, including patrols and the early closure of some city-centre car parks at weekends, to ensure that traffic flows smoothly.

Want to warm up with a hot chocolate (or mulled wine) or taste the flavours of the Provence? Until 5 January 2025, Winter Wonders is wishing you a warm welcome, so put on your gloves. Brussels has never been so beautiful.