Winter Wonders 2016

The traditional end of year celebrations are back. With both timeless and new traditions...

The chalets of the Christmas market

There are 240 chalets waiting for you in the centre of town. Yet again this year, you will be able to stroll from stall to stall over a distance of 2.5 km. The market stretches from the Grand Place to Vismet, via the Place de la Monnaie, the Stock Exchange, Rue H.Maus , Rue Delvaux and Halles Saint-Gery.

Reusable cups

During its five weeks the Plaisirs d'Hiver generates a lot of rubbish. To try to reduce the amount, its organisers and the City of Brussels have decided to offer reusable cups (€1 deposit).

Giant swings @ La Bourse

Something new for 2016: giant, brightly lit, musical swings will be installed at the foot of the Stock Exchange. By sitting on one end, passersby can produce ephemeral music and light to illuminate the boulevards of the centre of town.

The glittering giants

On the threshold of the great transition to 2017 (30th and 31st December) the Dundus, enormous glittering puppets, will parade through the streets of the centre of town. Their gentle progress will be accompanied by the sound of the kora, an African harp..

Classic traditions

If you've got an irresistible urge to slide and twirl on the ice, then you'll be pleased to know the ice rink is back and will be on Place de La Monnaie. Just like every year, lovers will rise to the top of the sumptuous Ferris wheel to enjoy a bird's eye view of everything that has been lit up for the occasion. The youngest will love Andrea's merry-go-round and the Slalom slide. Best of all, the Ice Monster, a 45 m long dinosaur, will once again swallow visitors for a 15 minute journey punctuated by sound, lights, wind and lasers.

The Grand Place Christmas tree

When you think of Brussels' Grand Place you think of the Christmas tree. This 22 metre high conifer comes from Smolenice, a village not far from Bratislava, Slovakia.

Like last year, alongside its garlands of fir, the Grand Place's LEDs will illuminate it with a high quality son et lumière. The sound is by the famous Belgian DJ, Lost Frequencies, and Kurt Vanmeulen will bring his mix to life from 25th November 2016 to 1st January 2017. The facades of the Grand Place will be lit up every hour, Monday to Thursday, from 5.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.; and every 30 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The show lasts 15 minutes.

Japan, guest of honour

In 2016, Japan and Belgium are celebrating 150 years of diplomatic relations. To mark this anniversary, the church of St. Catherine will be adorned with the Japanese colours every night. Some Japanese merchants will also be present to tantalise your taste buds.

Christmas Parade

The last unmissable event is the Christmas Parade - it will take place on Sunday, 11th December from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.