Winter Wonders set to dazzle Brussels with a show of solidarity

The 25th edition of Winter Wonders will light up the streets of Brussels with a magical array of activities and events reflecting the spirit of festive solidarity from 28 November to 1 January.

This year’s theme “Weaving Winter” draws together culture, creation and encounters emphasising the importance of solidarity and connectivity during the festive season.

“This edition honours our neighbourhoods, residents, artists and artisans,” declared Brussels city mayor Philippe Close at a presentation of the programme at Le Chalet d’Altitude winter bar.

Winter Wonders highlights

Created by Brussels designer Jean-Paul Lespagnard, the annual spectacular Christmas tree in the Grand Place has been reinvented to connect tradition, creativity and civic engagement. A celebration of Brussels’ diversity is expressed through its magnificent decorations, while the tree’s afterlife will showcase the importance of sustainability to the City of Brussels. After the end of the festivities, the tree will be recycled and its decorations auctioned to benefit food banks.

For the first time, the City Hall View Tower Experience bridges the gap between the light of Brussels and the light of the sky. Available only by reservation, visitors can climb the tower and experience the immersive mystical passageway combining light and music before enjoying a dazzling 360° panoramic view of the Grand Place and city centre.

The Grand Place is also the setting of a new nativity scene by Victoria-Maria, a Brussels interior designer. “Les Étoffes de la Nativité” pays tribute to the traditional textile expertise of Belgium with a collection of life-size rag dolls made from end-of-line stocks or recycled materials. The beautiful nativity scene is designed to celebrate sustainability and craftsmanship.

Place Poelaert joins the festivities with a miniature Christmas village tucked underneath its famous Ferris wheel. Combining gastronomy and civic engagement, the festive haven joins this year’s focus on sharing, harbouring a collection area for toys for sick or disadvantaged children.

Housing gourmet food and craft chalets, Place de la Monnaie also hosts eight participatory workshops to help decorate the square’s Christmas trees. In addition, a glass container offers a glimpse into La Monnaie’s theatrical workshops and scenography. Meanwhile, winter sports enliven Place de Brouckère with curling and ice skating; the square continues its festivities until 4 January.

Illuminating the City Hall courtyard, the immersive Morphosis light installation invites visitors to dwell on the encounter of nature and society. Metamorphosis will be expressed through hybrid figures and fluctuating avatars, merging sound and light to create a striking sensory experience.

Christmas market

Named the world’s best Christmas market in 2022 by Big 7 Travel, the City of Brussels’ beloved Christmas market is the beating heart of Winter Wonders. In 2025, it will stretch across seven locations in Brussels, including Place Sainte-Catherine, Place de la Bourse, Place de Brouckère, Vismet (the Fish Market), Rue de la Madeleine, Place de la Monnaie and Place Poelaert.

“Our Christmas market will link everyone in a collective and festive experience,” Didier Waters, alderman for economic affairs, said proudly.

Visitors are recommended to look out for the Artisan Quality Label, displayed on 35 of the 238 chalets, and offering authentic quality artisan gifts and specialties.

Sustainability, transport, and accessibility

A compostable tableware system is set to return to augment Winter Wonders’ sustainability. Some 65 chalets will work with 100% compostable tables made with sugar cane pulp, using a collection system for ease of distribution.

Compostable plates and bowls will be converted into green energy for fertiliser, and reusable cups make a comeback this winter. All festive illuminations around the city employ LED lights.

The city emphasises the importance of using public transport in getting to Winter Wonders. Details of how to travel to the festival are shared on the website and via Waze, and the city is working with public transport network Stib and Interparking to create accessible transit for everyone.

All floors and cable crossings have been designed for accessibility purposes, allowing smooth movement for everyone, point out organisers. Toilets across the Christmas market have adapted ramps to accommodate people with reduced mobility.

“Accessibility, diversity, and inclusion remain at the heart of our work,” highlighted Delphine Houba, alderwoman for tourism and major events.

Winter Wonders
28 November to 1 January
Place Brouckère: 28 November to 4 January
Brussels

Photos: ©City of Brussels