2023-11-24 19:56:00
We no longer counted the umbrellas this Friday evening on the Grand-Place in Brussels, packed with people. Once night fell, the majestic 22-meter fir tree, cut down this year in the garden of a lady in Lier (province of Antwerp), lit up. Symbolic kick-off of Winter Wonders, which will make the historic center of Brussels vibrate to the sound of Christmas carols until December 31. An event which last year attracted 3.5 million people.
Cut in a garden near Antwerp, the majestic 20-meter fir tree on its way to the Grand-Place in Brussels: “one of the most beautiful in Europe” (PHOTOS)
In total, 250 traders are spread across the city center, namely around the Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, Vismet, Place de Brouckère and Place de la Monnaie. As far as the eye can see, decorations, gift ideas, but above all food. Lots of mulled wine, sausages, “raclette sandwiches”, Christmas beers, nougat… Timeless for the end of year celebrations, oysters are also there, at the bar of the emblematic fishmonger Noordzee on Place Sainte -Catherine. “Fish soup is also popular, it’s hot.”
Le stand du Noordzee. ©Ennio Cameriere250 chalets
In addition to the products present in almost all markets, we find some typically Brussels touches spread here and there. Like the famous “stoemp” at Vismet. “It’s becoming more and more successful. Even with tourists,” notes Marc, from Haren, in his chalet with his father, his son and the rest of the family. “We know the Christmas market! We have a lot of faithful who come back. The rest of the time, we go to regional fairs.”
The “Stoemp from Brussels” ©Ennio Cameriere”Where are the tipis?” Why do the Indigenous people of Quebec pitch their tent at Plaisirs d’Hiver?
But in the cabins, we find independents from almost everywhere. “We’ve been coming for more than twenty years,” smiles Véronique. This breeder from Périgord, who sells her foie gras on the pedestrian street, remembers the first editions in Brussels. “We just had tents. In the evening, everything had to be removed. It’s better now.” Vincent, a beekeeper from Charleroi, has been coming from Creuse for three years to sell his organic honey and derived products: “It really makes me happy to come back to Belgium. There is also less competition than in France.” For him, Winter Wonders is the big rush. “Here we go: every day, ten hours in the chalet.”
Véronie (61), from France ©Ennio CameriereVincent, honey seller. ©Ennio CameriereDuration, unique shows, guest of honor…: here is the program for the 23rd edition of Winter Wonders in Brussels
A renovated Stock Exchange
For this edition, the eleven indigenous nations of Quebec are honored by the City of Brussels. Another new thing this year for tourists: the Stock Exchange building is renovated and hosts the Belgian Beer World. “Finally ! It’s very positive for us,” says sommelier Tim, known for his mulled wines. “Last year it was complicated, with construction equipment, etc.”
The majestic Christmas tree on the Grand-Place in Brussels decorated… by a company from Braine-l’Alleud: “always a pleasure and an honor” (PHOTOS)
On everyone’s lips, an unknown: “the weather”. “The cold is fine. Snow too. But please, no fleet. It’s the worst,” says Marc, crossing his fingers. And already this Friday, despite the large crowds, the bad weather has cooled off quite a few curious people. “We might have had a lot more people. The weather always has a huge impact,” explains Anne from Maison du Cougnou.
Tim Vandeput, sommelier ©Ennio CameriereAnne, de la Maison du Cougnou ©Ennio Cameriere
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