What’s on this week: 6 to 12 December

The Winter Pop  programme is an offshoot of the Winter Wonders celebration that brings seasonal festivities to other corners of the city over three weekends: Place de la Chapelle (Marolles) from 6 to 8 December; Square Ambiorix (EU Quarter) from 13 to 15 December; Place E Bockstael (Laeken) from 18 to 20 December. Festooned caravans transform each square into a party place for all ages with concerts, choirs, film screenings, performances, fire shows, festive walks, face painting and association stands. Glowing braziers, bright lights, appetising edibles and warming drinks add to the atmosphere. 6-20 December, multiple locations in Brussels

The Music Chapel Festival travels to Italy, offering a cultural feast for opera lovers, chamber music enthusiasts and symphony fans. Staged at Flagey, the programme brings together prestigious orchestras and ensembles, including the Royal Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia and the Italian Strings quartet (pictured), as well as soloists from the local Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel. Until 7 December, Place Sainte-Croix (Ixelles)

Visit the Coudenberg Sound Box Fest to experience diverse sounds in Brussels’ most famous cellar. On four days, music will fill the passageways – spanning Shakespeare’s era to American minimalism. The concerts couldn’t be more different – featuring string ensembles, keyboards, saxophones and recorders. Until 15 December, Coudenberg Palace, Place des Palais 7

As women directors have historically played second fiddle to their male counterparts, it’s not just nice but imperative to play catch-up. Theatrum Mundi focuses on the work of Ulrike Ottinger, queer, feminist pioneer of New German Cinema. Her work is surreal, colourful, often non-linear and sometimes totally nuts. The New York Times once called her the “one-woman avant-garde opposition to the sulky male melodramas of Wenders, Fassbinder and Herzog.” This retrospective also includes an exhibition, cabaret and a programme of 10 films curated by Ottinger. Still active at 82, she will present the first two screenings herself. 6 December to 28 February, across Brussels

It might be focused on the future of the nocturnal partying scene in the capital, but the event Brussels Nightcall also offers daytime talks, workshops and conferences at popular clubs C12, UMI and Fuse (pictured). Topics include safety, the need for new festive spaces in Brussels, the rise in outdoor events and the urgent need to revive the city’s nightlight. At night, though, the event showcases the best of its clubbing culture, including night bars, collectives and other festive partnerships.  5-7 December, multiple locations

A dozen artists join forces to evoke the theme of cyber harassment in the group show Sexisme Pépouze, conceived by journalist and writer Myriam Leroy. A victim herself of online gender-based abuse, she anonymised some 4,300 messages and handed them over to the artists; cisgender men as well as women. Their paintings, sculpture, stained glass, poetry, comic strips, bookbinding, embroidery and performance art pay tribute to the attributes that obsessed her harassers, highlight the absurdity of the exchanges and denounce inherent sexism to create a powerful and poignant show. 6 December to 26 January, That’s what X said gallery, Rue Blaes 142

To understand a country’s culture it is often necessary to delve into its past. This is certainly true of South Korea that has transformed its rich and complex history into a thriving economy, influential tech industry and cultural powerhouse. This new exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center explores traditional painting which often favour iconic subjects. Discover symbolic motifs, folk history and floral themes in works accompanied by modern interpretations that offer key insights into the country’s fascinating culture. 6 December to 28 February, Rue de la Régence 4

Welcome to a feminist festive wonderland at The Nine Winter Market as the women’s clubhouse showcases its vendors and artisans who are all female or individuals from marginalised genders. The design market is perfect for picking up an original gift for all the family, while the oh so elegant venue is awash with seasonal cheer. For those in need of a cocoa fix, there's also a Saint Nicolas chocolate corner. 6 December 12.00-22.00, Rue Archimède 69

The big Christmas creative and sustainable market is a bonanza for artisan and designer gifts organised by the nonprofit Fais le toi-même. Around 100 stands sell local sustainable crafts and decor, while a jolly winter bar supplies mulled wine, food trucks are parked up, and fun activities are on the schedule. 6-7 December, UR Square, Avenue de la Couronne 227 (Ixelles)

The arrival of Saint Nicholas at the MIMA museum is a reason to dance thanks to a family-friendly party with DJ Saint on Saturday afternoon. Everyone is welcome to the groove event; access via a ticket to the current exhibition Multitude. 7 December 15.00-17.00, Quai du Hainaut 39-41 (Molenbeek-Saint-Jean)

Schaerbeek’s Christmas market promotes its local businesses who occupy 40 festive stands spread around Sainte-Famille church. They include tempting places for a tipple and snacks, as well as dance shows and a concert celebrating multiculturality (19.00 in the church). 7 December 14.00-21.00, Square Riga (Schaerbeek) 

The Tram Museum runs its third Christmas Market with local artisans plying quality decorative objects, tasty treats and a tram ride. Mulled wine and ‘cougnous’ await at the Tram-O-Bar while a 1935 tram and historic bus take visitors on trips to Tervuren and Stockel. Free entrance for market and museum; €5 for historic rides (free under age of 6).  7-8 December 10.30-18.30, Musée du Transport Urbain Bruxellois, Avenue de Tervuren 364b (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)

A popular tradition among the international community, The Snowman - with Excerpts from The Carousel of the Animals - is great fun for all ages. The family show featuring a live orchestra is based on the classic book The Snowman, but follows its own winding, satirical path, courtesy of narrator Emma Watkinson. The orchestra is conducted by David Navarro Turres with Dmytro Sukhovienko and Mary Gow on piano. All proceeds to Ukrainian medical charities. 8 December 15.00 & 17.30, Auderghem Cultural Centre, Boulevard du Souverain 183 (Auderghem)

The glorious sound of Bach’s Mass in B minor (BWV 232) fills Bozar’s Henry le Boeuf hall on Sunday evening. The Ensemble Orchestral de Bruxelles conducted by Jacques Vahnerenthals and the Choeurs de l’Union européenne conducted by Dirk De Moor perform the sublime masterwork with a flight of top soloists. 8 December 18.00, Rue Ravenstein 23

Auderghem hosts a Christmas market dedicated to Food and Gifts, which is graced by a visit by Father Christmas at 16.00 and a light show from 17.30.  8 December 11.00-19.00, Place Communale & Maison de Repos Domitys (Auderghem)

The Christmas Stockel Village offers a heated big tent where visitors can peruse the more than 60 chalets laden with gourmet produce, decor, jewellery, cosmetics, toys and artworks. Creative workshops and entertainment are an additional attraction as are the food and drink stands set up outside. 10-15 December, Place Dumon (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Every three years, the city of Liège is transformed into a hub for international contemporary prints. The Triennale de Gravure is a reputed exhibition and competition at La Boverie that attracts emerging and established artists from around the world. This year, 480 applications were whittled down to 48 selected artists. The show is a reflection of the versatility of print techniques, from the traditional to the digital, and how artists practicing the medium contribute to art expression today. The exhibition runs parallel to a major retrospective of the 20th-century Belgian artist, The Worlds of Paul Delvaux. Until 16 March, Parc de la Boverie, Liège

Liège’s Christmas Village is a convivial feast of attractions modelled on German and Alsatian markets. It’s also one of the biggest with some 150 gift and food chalets plus 300 craft stands spread over five areas. Place Cathédrale hosts the popular light-festooned skating rink and the big wheel is conveniently located in Place Saint-Lambert for a glittering panoramic view. Liège folk have an endless appetite for cold-busting dishes such as raclette, tartiflette and fondue. Naturally, local alcohol pekèt will be flowing along with other winter-warming liquid refreshments. Until 4 January (market until 30 December), across Liège

Leading German expressionists had plenty of inspiration – artistic, social and in terms of landscape – at home. But Erich Heckel spent the better part of World War I as an orderly for the Red Cross in East and West Flanders. A founder of the famed Brücke artist association, his fascination with Flemish landscapes and cities is reflected in many striking works of art. The exhibition Erich Heckel in Flanders highlights a lesser-known but intriguing period of this influential artist. Until 26 January, MSK Ghent, Fernand Scribedreef 1, Ghent

The Art Brussels counterpart in the port city, Art Antwerp brings together thousands of works of contemporary art, from paintings to sculpture to mixed-media. There are 70 participating galleries from 11 countries, with prices starting around €1,000. There are also special large-scale installations, artist talks and an off-programme of exhibitions and concerts across the city. 12-15 December, Antwerp Expo, Jan van Rijswijcklaan 191

Antwerp offers an action-packed Winter experience. Belgium’s most sprawling Christmas market winds through streets and squares. If you start your visit from the Central Station, pretty lights will lead you to all the festive action. Don’t miss Hendrik Conscienceplein with its magical fountain, while from Operaplein to Koningen Astridplein, there’s carousels and a Ferris wheel, chalets and cosy winter bars. An entertainment programme includes musical performances and a firework display over the river Scheldt on New Year’s Eve. 6 December to 5 January, across Antwerp

It’s no surprise Bruges was with credited with staging one of the 25 best Christmas markets in Europe by Big 7 Travel in 2023. Winter Glow is a full-on festival with a light trail experience, artificial ice rink, winter bar, Christmas concerts and not one but two Christmas markets. Grote Markt hosts the biggest one and has a traditional flavour, with chalets, gifts and all the usual festive trappings. Simon Stevenplein offers more handmade crafts and artisanal delicacies – as does the Midwinterfeest, an atmospheric market for one day only (8 December) in Ball Street. Some surrounding chapels and monuments, such as St John’s House Mill, are free of charge on the day. Until 5 January, across Bruges

Winterland in Hasselt is one of the biggest, loudest and most jovial holiday events in Belgium. For its 16th edition, not only is there a Christmas market, indoor ice skating rink and fun fair – complete with a giant wooden slide and Grand Carrousel for children – there’s a giant Ferris wheel and several cosy winter bistros and bars waiting to welcome you. Dance in the mirror tent or pretend you’re on ski holiday in the Aspen Lounge. Family activities include the Christmas Hotel, Santa’s Labyrinth and Santa’s Ghost Village. Check the full programme of DJs, concerts and club nights, including events on the ice. Until 5 January, across central Hasselt

Ghent’s Christmas market features holiday-themed fun fair attractions. Step into a human-sized ornament on the Christmas tree merry-go-round, soar above the Corn Market in a Ferris wheel and whizz around a roller-skating rink that’s the largest mobile facility of its kind in the country. There are winter bars among countless other stalls with plenty of seasonal specialities and a smaller, cosier market over on Veerleplein. There’s also lots of free activities. Check out the full programme. 5-31 December, across central Ghent

The popular Ardennes tourist destination is a perfect backdrop for winter festivities with Durbuy Christmas Market specialising in artisan goodies and decorative crib scenes. Among its popular gourmet treats, and not for the faint-hearted, are hot potatoes served with melting foie gras. For the holiday season, a covered ice skating rink is set up in Roi Baudouin park. The narrow cobbled streets of Belgium’s smallest town are also peppered with tempting restaurants offering plenty of Ardennes specialities. Until 5 January, Place aux Foires & Parc Roi Baudouin, Durbuy (Luxembourg province)

Walloon capital Namur sparkles with festivities and illuminations across the city. Its traditional Christmas market occupies three areas: Place d’Armes (with a large Swiss chalet surrounded by gourmet and gift stands), Place de l’Ange (home to the ice-skating rink) and Place du Théâtre, where a big wheel is set up this year. A free interactive light trail with surprise elements has magical installations dotted around the city. Its starting point is La Nef in Rue Saint Nicolas (6 December to 5 January). Christmas market until 31 December, Namur city centre

Hainaut capital Mons celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Cœur en Neige. The medley of festive hotspots is spread across five zones in the historic city (Grand-Place, Place du Marché, Croix-Place, Carré des Arts, the Anciens Abattoirs and Place Louise). Around 50 chalets occupy the Grand Place with winter culinary specialities as well as gifts. The surrounding cobbled shopping streets are all illuminated and a covered ice-skating rink graces the Marché aux Herbes, which also hosts DJ evenings under its twinkly sky installation. Place Léopold hosts fairground rides for children as well as Christmas tree and twinkling lights. 7 December to 5 January, across Mons

Les Féeries du Parc is a magical event that draws crowds to the castle domain of Parc Saint-Roch, near the market town of Ciney. The idyllic park comes alive at night with glowing trees, illuminated chalets and fairy lights lining winding paths and grand facades. For the seventh edition, 80% of the 280 stalls are devoted to artisan gifts, from jewellery and candles to Christmas decorations, textiles and gourmet specialities. One favourite is mulled wine pimped with flambéed apple brandy! Entertainment includes colourful parades. 5-9 & 12-16 December, Ciney (Namur province)

Gembloux restaurant Hors-Champs loves green activities, including its three-day creative and sustainable Christmas market. Staged in a grange, the event is a platform for some 35 local designers and artisans, offering decor, tableware, slow fashion, wine and produce. On the culinary front, you’ll need to reserve in advance for wood-fire cooked flammekueche: info@hors-champs.be. 6-8 December, Chaussée de Wavre 170, Gembloux (Namur province)

Get tickets now: Salome  Oscar Wilde’s one-act tragedy that gives the biblical Salome more agency in her choice to demand the head of John the Baptist became legendary in the hands of German composer Richard Strauss. Nearly 120 years later, Strauss compatriot Ersan Mondtag has created a new production for Opera Ballet Vlaanderen. In Mondtag’s typical flamboyant style, he exposes the political thriller beneath the morbid love story. 18 December to 18 January, Antwerp and Ghent Opera

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page and don’t miss our bumper guide to Christmas markets in Belgium and family shows, music and light festivals.

Photos: (main image)  Séxisme Pépouze ©Elyse Galiano; Exposition Triennale 2024 ©Ville De Liege/Gerald Micheels; Erich Heckel ©VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn, SABAM Belgium 2024; Art Antwerp ©Pascal Bernier, courtesy Belgian Gallery; Bruges kerstmarkt wintergloed markt ©jandarthet: Mons Christmas market ©Ville de Mons/Oswald Tlr