Winter Wonders festival, also known as Plaisirs d’Hiver or Winterpret, is back in Brussels from Friday 29 November until 5 January 2025! With its Christmas market spread across the city, the Christmas tree on the Grand-Place, the ferris wheel, ice rink, fairground rides, exhibitions, choirs, the wood chalets with delicious food and plenty of exciting activities, this annual event brings lots of fun and joy to both locals and visitors of all ages.
The opening ceremony with the illumination of the Christmas tree in Grand-Place will happen this Friday 29 at 18h with a live performance by La Monnaie Choir. ‘Echoes of Colors’ is the title of this year’s lights and sound show, a five-minute video mapping show celebrating all colors, created by Camille Gross and Olivier Magermans. From Saturday 30, the show will take place every day between 17h and 22h.
Winter Wonders makes Brussels an unmissable destination for city trips and holiday activities. With nearly 4 million visitors last year, this event continues to charm both residents and tourists from Belgium and beyond.
Delphine Houba, Alderwoman of Culture, Tourism and Major Events for the City of Brussels
Winter Wonders combines tradition and innovation to spark curiosity throughout the five weeks of festivities. Visitors will be able to enjoy the ferris wheel, ice rink, fairground rides, exhibitions, choirs, the wood chalets with delicious food and original gift ideas. We can also expect some big new additions this year: an immersive programme put together by Le Var region, the guest of honour, the Echinodermus art installation at Mont des Arts, the Christmas market extended up to Rue de la Madeleine, new offer in the Bortier Gallery and much more.
Traditionally, Winter Wonders will feature a giant tree and life-size Nativity scene on the Grand Place, accompanied by a sound and light show. The spectacle continues within City Hall, as Heritage in Motion show returns this winter and its courtyard moves to the music of Lucia, the French-Canadian art installation that took up residence in the Marolles this summer.
Novelties and our favourites this year:
The Christmas market extended up to Rue de la Madeleine! On Rue de la Madeleine, artisans from Galerie Bortier, neighbouring shopping streets and a Ukrainian NGO are filling the Winter Wonders chalets to present a range of products.
Reopening of Galerie Bortier is also something that will be a welcoming addition of this year’s Winter Wonders. This galerie is an architectural jewel and iconic passageway in Brussels, and it just recently opened its doors on 22 November following a meticulous renovation. This new hotspot now features several food & drink establishments, a bookstore, a cafe and other interesting initiatives.
The dazzling Brussels by Lights illuminations still shine bright in the city centre’s streets and shopping districts as well as surrounding areas of Brussels to support the local tourism industry and economy. And for the seventh year, the Winter Pop popup village is taking magical moments to three communities of the City of Brussels over as many consecutive weekends.
If you want to access an exclusive view of the lights show, you can book your evening City Hall Tower experience and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Brussels. Get your tickets.
The 2024 edition takes you on a journey to the South: this year’s guest is the French département of Le Var, displaying some sweet treats in Place de la Bourse and sharing the know-how from this Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Artisans and producers from Le Var will await you on Auguste Orts street with tempting products from their region.
The special guest this year is Le Var. By including this French department in the festivities, we continue our ambition to be a unique cultural, eventful, and tourist crossroads where North meets South, and where Provençal traditions blend with Brussels heritage.
More than 200 chalets, located as usual in Place de Sainte-Catherine, Place de la Monnaie, Place de Brouckère and Rue de la Madeleine, will be open every day between 12h and 22h offering gastronomy and the best gift ideas for your loved ones.
The Stella Artois tent is a new spot on the Christmas market map. In the very heart of Winter Wonders, the Stella Artois Tent at Vismet promises a warm welcome for visitors who want to take some time out to enjoy the quintessentially Belgian beer at this unmissable stop-off.
Ice Rink (Pl. De Brouckère, 12h to 22h): The skating rink is back with a dedicated area for toddlers, and skates placed over shoes will also available this year. The large ice rink is completely covered by a transparent roof so you do not need to worry about the weather outside!
Ferris Wheel (Place Sainte-Catherine, 12h to 22h): Observe the magic of the Christmas market from 55 metres above in one of its 42 cosy viewing cabins.
Curling (Pl. De Brouckère, 12h to 22h): Experience this Nordic sport in the centre of Brussels with 3 ice curling rinks.
Dream Space (Pl. De Brouckère, 12h to 22h): Enjoy virtual reality experiences, navigating from haunted houses to the outer space, available for all ages.
Andréa’s Merry-Go-Round (Pl. Sainte-Catherine, 12h to 22h): The world of Jules Verne is represented in this special and poetic ride.
Santa’s Reindeer Merry-Go-Round (Pl. De Brouckère, 12h to 22h): A huge attraction for kids with 8 reindeer and sleigh-shaped gondolas and a high peak of 10 metres.
Echinodermus (Mont des Arts, 13h to 1h): Discover this shiny prickly 11-metres moving plant installation representing a suspended firework.
Music and workshops:
On Mondays, Simon Codin from Quebec, will play contemporary music from 18h to 21h30 in the Black Tower, behind Sainte-Catherine’s Church.
Every Tuesday from 18h to 20h, World Music brings Place De Brouckère to life. Each week, musical parades in different styles will be featured: From Latino to Arabic to European…
Wednesday is children’s day, with activities and shows between 15h and 19h: Enjoy stories, mascots, street art and many other surprises on stage and in Santa’s Workshop.
The Black Tower will also host acoustic performances on Thursdays between 18h and 20h in a warm and friendly environment.
On Fridays, the guest of honour Le Var will take over the Bourse with local music from the French region.
Sing along every Saturday with the Winter Vox choir, that will delight attendees with Christmas carols, gospel and some contemporary music also at the Black Tower.
Every Sunday, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays during the 2 weekends following Christmas, the Black Tower hosts Santa’s creative workshops.
If you are looking for something special, the Cathedral of St Michel and St Gudula hosts a special Christmas concert by Christmas Oratorio on 27 December at 17h00. Tickets.
The little ones can also enjoy the 7th edition of Winter Pop, set up in 3 Brussels neighbourhoods: Marolles, Square Ambiorix and Laeken. A multitude of festive and playful activities will welcome residents and visitors over 3 consecutive weekends, in collaboration with local associations and countless artists with diverse talents.
All events are open every day from 12h to 22h, except on 24 & 31 December and 5 January, that will be closing at 18h00. More info here.
We can only commend the efforts that make this event a sustainable and responsible experience. As every year, a series of actions will be taken to ensure a virtuous event for everyone, including efforts against harassment, reusable tableware, LED lighting, and dry toilets.
The Brussels Christmas market will last from 29 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. To find out more details, full programme and all the latest news, check the official website of the Winter Wonders.
