Christmas in Brussels between tradition, ecology and vintage

Street food – If shopping makes you hungry, the temptations of the palate are irresistible: in the world capital of praline, impossible not to linger in the hot chocolate or in the typical waffles, to be enjoyed with whipped cream, melted chocolate and a glass of mulled wine. There are also many proposals for local street food such as the mythical moules frites (French fries with mussels) and croustillons (sweet pancakes). When the sun goes down, then, the Grand Place and the other squares of the city light up with extraordinary son et lumiere shows, flanked by glittering Christmas trees.

Alternative markets – But in a multifaceted and stimulating city like Brussels, Christmas has a thousand faces. Next to the traditional markets in the center, you can visit alternative, ethical and vintage markets. The “10/12” exhibition space, for example, an association of independent non-profit artists, will host the X-MAS SHOP until December 24th, a market that brings together the proposals of emerging young designers, perfect for those in search of a refined and original gift idea. Design protagonist also at the Designer Market that will involve more than 50 artists, scheduled for Sunday 8 December in the extraordinary setting of the Halles Saint-Gery, the old covered market of the completely renovated center, which today hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

Ecology and sustainability – They are the protagonists of the gift ideas, rigorously recycled or based on recyclable material, proposed by the Christmas Market of the Ateliers des Tanneurs on 7 and 8 December, in the central Marolles district. On 13 and 14 December it will be the turn of Let it Slow Market in the Laeken area, inspired by the canons of the circular economy: it will be possible to buy the artifacts of local producers and you can participate in "zero waste" laboratories; entertainment activities are also planned for the little ones, who will learn the rules to follow in everyday life to respect the planet.

Meetings with Santa – Do not miss the Great Christmas Market organized by the farm of Nos Pilifs, one of the most surprising and bucolic places in Brussels, where animals meet and learn the secrets of life in the countryside: on December 7th and 8th the children they will be able to meet Santa Claus, taste delicious delicacies based on organic products, while their parents will be able to buy unique items, produced by local artisans.

Fair trade – Finally, in the old space of the Tricoterie in Saint-Gilles, a cultural center built inside a centuries-old industrial building, the traditional market will take place on December 8 and 15, which promotes the values ​​of fair trade and protects local producers : ceramics, embroidery, hand-sewn textile creations, natural cosmetics, decorations.

For more information: Visit Brussels