Rally the corgi has sniffed out the best Christmas events for kids in Brussels for 2026, and here is what he found: 10 family events across Brussels and Braine-l'Alleud, 4 of them free. The magic runs from November 27 (Winter Pleasures) through January 3, with The Belle Époque of Christmas (from November 27), Saint Nicholas in Auderghem (from December 2) and Ganshoren Christmas Market (from December 11) along the way. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Belgium.
What Rally found in Brussels
- 10 Christmas events for kids in Brussels and Braine-l'Alleud
- 4 free events, including Winter Pleasures (Plaisirs d'Hiver), Ganshoren Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Ganshoren) and Christmas Wonders (Fééries de Noël)
- Meet Santa: 5 chances, including Saint Nicholas in Auderghem (Saint-Nicolas à Auderghem), from December 2 and “Food and Gifts” Christmas Market (Marché de Noël « Food and Gifts »), December 6
- Parades and tree lightings: Winter Pleasures (Plaisirs d'Hiver), from November 27 and Saint Nicholas in Auderghem (Saint-Nicolas à Auderghem), from December 2
- Also on the list: 6 Christmas shows, 1 Christmas light display, 4 Christmas markets and 1 story time
- Season: November 27 to January 3
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).
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Free Christmas events for kids in Brussels
Tree lightingFree
Winter Pleasures (Plaisirs d'Hiver)
- When: Daily, Fri, Nov 27, 2026 to Sun, Jan 3, 2027
- Where: Grand-Place and city center (Monnaie, Sainte-Catherine, Vismet, De Brouckère, Bourse, Tour Noire), 1000 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free entry to the market; rides and ice rink are paid
- Ages: Young and old
Expand to see the parent tip
For its 25th edition, Plaisirs d'Hiver takes over the center of Brussels from Nov 27, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027. The Christmas market stretches from the place de la Monnaie to the place Poelaert, passing through the Grand-Place, Sainte-Catherine, the Vismet, the Bourse, De Brouckère, the Tour Noire and the Madeleine. A big tree and a sound and light show light up the Grand-Place.
The organizers announce attractions for young and old, cultural activities and artistic creations, with this year a village devoted to Béarn, the Pyrenees and the Basque Country on the place de la Bourse. The detailed program of children's activities (workshop, rides, ice rink) is published from November 2026 on the official website: that is where to check times and prices before you go.
Parent tip: The market spreads across several squares: plan for good shoes and a compact stroller. Check the children's program published in November for ride and workshop times.
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Rally’s Christmas research
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Coming up on this page
- 6 Shows
- 5 Santa
- 4 Markets
- 2 Lights
- 4 Free
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Christmas marketFree
“Food and Gifts” Christmas Market (Marché de Noël « Food and Gifts »)
- When: Sun, Dec 6, 11 am to 6 pm (Saint Nicholas at 3 pm)
- Where: Central strip of boulevard du Souverain (across from the Cactus Club), 1160 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, outdoor market
Expand to see the parent tip
On Sunday, Dec 6, Saint Nicholas Day, the central strip of the boulevard du Souverain hosts Auderghem's “Food and Gifts” market, from 11 am to 6 pm. Local artisans and producers offer original gifts for every budget and things to snack on right there.
For children, the highlight is Saint Nicholas's visit at 3 pm. The market is reachable by public transit (bus 34, tram 8 stop Auderghem-Shopping, metro 5 stop Hermann-Debroux). By car, the Villageois parking lot and the one under the Maison communale are the closest, with a blue disc. The market is organized by the municipality's Animations service, reachable at animations@auderghem.brussels.
Parent tip: Aim for 3 pm for Saint Nicholas. Tram 8 and bus 34 stop at Auderghem-Shopping, right next door.
- Host
- Commune d'Auderghem, service Animations (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Central strip of boulevard du Souverain (across from the Cactus Club), 1160 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas marketFree
Ganshoren Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Ganshoren)
- When: Fri, Dec 11, 5 to 10 pm, Sat, Dec 12, 12 to 10 pm, Sun, Dec 13, 12 to 8 pm
- Where: Rue Zeyp and place Guido Gezelle, 1083 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, outdoor market
Expand to see the parent tip
For its second reinvented edition, the Ganshoren Christmas market sets up on rue Zeyp and place Guido Gezelle from Friday, Dec 11 to Sunday, Dec 13. Chalets of artisans and food and drink vendors offer decorations, jewelry, soaps and winter treats, and the La Villa artisans' market celebrates its 25th anniversary alongside.
For children, Santa (le Père Noël) welcomes the little ones for a photo, accompanied by Disney characters and the moose Zapoi. A fire show is planned on Saturday, Dec 12 at 7 pm and a magic show on Sunday, Dec 13 at 5 pm. The market is open Friday from 5 to 10 pm, Saturday from 12 to 10 pm and Sunday from 12 to 8 pm. The event is organized by the Urban Animation service with the De Zeyp and La Villa cultural centers.
Parent tip: The Sunday magic show at 5 pm suits younger children well; the Saturday fire show is at 7 pm, after dark.
- Host
- Commune de Ganshoren, Centres culturels De Zeyp et La Villa (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Rue Zeyp and place Guido Gezelle, 1083 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Braine-l'Alleud
Visit with SantaFree
Christmas Wonders (Fééries de Noël) (Braine-l'Alleud)
- When: Fri, Dec 11, 5 to 9 pm, Sat, Dec 12, 12 to 9 pm, Sun, Dec 13, 10 am to 6 pm
- Where: Place du Môle, rue du Môle and Grand-Place Baudouin Ier, 1420 Braine-l'Alleud (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free; free parking all weekend
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
Next to Waterloo, Braine-l'Alleud turns its center into a Christmas village for a weekend, from the place du Môle to the Grand-Place Baudouin Ier, passing by Saint-Étienne church. More than 70 local artisans, makers and producers sell decorations, jewelry, candles, books and food products.
For children, Santa (le Père Noël) is the guest of honor and spends time with the little ones, surrounded by other poetic characters, brass bands, choirs and street entertainment. Christmas concerts take place at Saint-Étienne church. The market is open Friday, Dec 11 from 5 to 9 pm, Saturday, Dec 12 from 12 to 9 pm and Sunday, Dec 13 from 10 am to 6 pm. The organizers describe it as a human-scale market, easy to get around with children.
Parent tip: More than 1,000 free parking spaces at the train station and on the street all weekend.
- Host
- Ville de Braine-l'Alleud (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Place du Môle, rue du Môle and Grand-Place Baudouin Ier, 1420 Braine-l'Alleud (opens in maps) (near Bruxelles)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Brussels
Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.
Event hosts: free events are listed first. The #1 spot puts your event at the top of this page.Inquire about the #1 spotAdd your event for free
Christmas lights
The Belle Époque of Christmas (La Belle Époque de Noël)
- When: Every evening from Fri, Nov 27 to Sun, Dec 6, shows at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm
- Where: Église Sainte-Croix (Sainte-Croix Church), Place Sainte-Croix, 1050 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Cost: €21 to €33 per seat depending on purchase date; free under age 4
- Ages: For young and old; free under age 4
Expand to see the parent tip
For ten evenings, Sainte-Croix Church on place Flagey is transformed into a grand setting for a Christmas tale. This 180-degree narrative show mixes performers on stage, storytelling and video mapping: Belle Époque postcards, skating on the Ixelles ponds, year-end shopping in the Galeries Saint-Hubert. The show lasts 40 minutes and is performed in French.
Three shows are offered each evening, at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm, from Nov 27 to Dec 6, 2026. Seats cost between €21 and €33 depending on when you buy, a group rate exists from 15 people and children under 4 get in free. The show is designed for young and old alike.
Parent tip: Prices rise as the dates get closer: book early. Tickets are neither taken back nor exchanged. Expect it to be in French.
- Host
- Story Heritage (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Église Sainte-Croix (Sainte-Croix Church), Place Sainte-Croix, 1050 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Saint Nicholas visit
Saint Nicholas in Auderghem (Saint-Nicolas à Auderghem)
- When: Wed, Dec 2 to Sun, Dec 6, in different neighborhoods
- Where: Several neighborhoods of Auderghem (including the Auderghem Cultural Center), Boulevard du Souverain 183, 1160 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price not specified
Expand to see the parent tip
The municipality of Auderghem organizes Saint Nicholas's tour of its neighborhoods. He stops on Wednesday, Dec 2 from 4:30 to 6 pm at the Maison du Blankedelle (Transvaal), on Friday, Dec 4 at avenue Gustave Demey (4 to 5:45 pm) and then at the Pré des Agneaux school center (6 to 7:30 pm).
Saturday, Dec 5 is the big day: L'Épi d'Or on avenue Charles Madoux from 10 am to 12 pm, the Saint-Julien neighborhood from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, then a show at the Auderghem Cultural Center, boulevard du Souverain 183, from 4 to 6 pm. On Sunday, Dec 6, he finishes on the central strip of the boulevard du Souverain, across from the Cactus Club, from 3 to 5 pm. The Animations service answers questions at 02 676 48 70.
Parent tip: Choose the stop closest to your home; the Animations service (02 676 48 70) can give practical details. Expect it to be in French.
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Christmas show
Casse-Noisettes (The Nutcracker)
- When: Wed, Sat and Sun from Dec 5 to 16, then Dec 26 to 29, at 3 pm
- Where: Théâtre Royal du Peruchet, Avenue de la Forêt 50, 1050 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Cost: €12 per child, €14 per adult (museum visit included)
- Ages 4 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
The Peruchet, the country's only royal marionette theater, installed since 1929 in a former farm in Ixelles, stages The Nutcracker for the holidays. Based on Hoffmann's tale and set to Tchaikovsky's music, Clara discovers one Christmas Eve that a gift is moving: a toy becomes a prince and takes her in a dream to the kingdom of the Snow Fairy and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
All performances start at 3 pm (doors open at 2:30 pm) and last about an hour and a half with the visit. The show is in French but easy to follow, recommended from age 4. The ticket, €12 for a child and €14 for an adult, includes a visit to the International Puppet Museum and its roughly 4,000 puppets.
Parent tip: Arrive at 2:30 pm to enjoy the museum before the show; the holiday performances (Dec 26 to 29) go fast, so book online. Expect it to be in French.
- Host
- Théâtre Royal du Peruchet et Musée International de la Marionnette (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Théâtre Royal du Peruchet, Avenue de la Forêt 50, 1050 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Saint Nicholas visit
Family Show: Two Heroes and a Visit from Saint Nicholas (Familievoorstelling: Twee helden en bezoek van de Sint)
- When: Sat, Dec 5, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Where: GC Den Dam, Chaussée de Wavre 1741, 1160 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Cost: €5 per child; adults free
- Ages: Families
Expand to see the parent tip
The Dutch-language community center Den Dam, in Auderghem, offers a family morning on Saturday, Dec 5 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Peter Verberckmoes and Katelijne Billet tell in music the story of Ilona, a dreamy 9-year-old girl whose imaginary adventures suddenly become real, with her classmate Roy.
After the show, Saint Nicholas (the Sint) is expected at Den Dam. The show is in Dutch. Registration is required through the VGC box office: the child ticket costs €5, the adult ticket is free and a reduced rate of €2 exists with the Paspartoe card. Reservations are open until Nov 30 at noon. A limited number of seats remain, so it pays to book early.
Parent tip: Reservation required before Nov 30 at noon; the show is in Dutch.
- Host
- GC Den Dam (VGC) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- GC Den Dam, Chaussée de Wavre 1741, 1160 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas story time
Winter and Christmas Tales (Contes d'hiver et de Noël)
- When: Tue, Dec 22 and Wed, Dec 23, 10:15 to 11:15 am
- Where: Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique (Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium), Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price not specified (online ticket)
- Ages 2.5 to 5, siblings welcome if there is room
Expand to see the parent tip
During the holidays, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts welcome toddlers for a story hour among the artworks. Storyteller Chantal Denis and her “petits complices soyeux” (silky little accomplices), puppets and characters made of fabric, tell three winter stories: Le Noël du petit hérisson (The Little Hedgehog's Christmas), Le Loup et le Père Noël (The Wolf and Santa) and La moufle (The Mitten).
The session is for children ages 2.5 to 5; siblings are welcome if there is room. It takes place on Tuesday, Dec 22 and Wednesday, Dec 23, from 10:15 to 11:15 am, on rue de la Régence. The museum presents the activity as a way to develop imagination and play with words in front of the artworks.
Parent tip: Places are limited: buy the ticket in advance through the link in the events calendar. The museum accepts the Brussels Card. Expect it to be in French.
- Host
- Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique (Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium), Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas show
The Great Animals' Christmas (Le Grand Noël des Animaux), ages 4+
- When: Wed, Dec 23, 11 am to 1 pm, Thu, Dec 24, 3 to 5 pm and Thu, Dec 31, 11 am to 1 pm
- Where: Bozar, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Rue Ravenstein 23, 1000 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price not specified
- Ages 4 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Over the holidays, Bozar programs Le Grand Noël des Animaux (The Great Animals' Christmas), an animated film made up of stories by six women directors. Christmas is coming in the forest, but Santa's sleigh has to be saved: a vixen and a stork take on the job, a little chick wants to save the henhouse party and a young lynx hopes to arrive in time for the big magic show at the top of the mountain.
The screening is recommended from age 4. It is offered on Wednesday, Dec 23 from 11 am to 1 pm, Thursday, Dec 24 from 3 to 5 pm and Thursday, Dec 31 from 11 am to 1 pm, at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, rue Ravenstein. For the price, see the Bozar website.
Parent tip: A good warm outing on Christmas Eve; check the price and book on the Bozar website.
- Host
- Bozar, Palais des Beaux-Arts (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bozar, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Rue Ravenstein 23, 1000 Brussels (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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More Christmas events for kids in Belgium
- Christmas events for kids in Bruges
- Christmas events for kids in Antwerp
- Christmas events for kids in Leuven
- Christmas events for kids in Ghent
- Christmas events for kids in Liege
- Christmas events for kids in Namur
- Christmas events for kids in Belgium
A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.be (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Brussels: questions parents ask
What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Brussels?
For 2026, we confirmed 10 Christmas events for kids in Brussels, each on its host’s own page: Winter Pleasures (Plaisirs d'Hiver), Ganshoren Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Ganshoren), Christmas Wonders (Fééries de Noël) (Braine-l'Alleud) and 7 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Brussels?
Yes, 4 of the 10 events here are free: Winter Pleasures (Plaisirs d'Hiver), Ganshoren Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Ganshoren), Christmas Wonders (Fééries de Noël) (Braine-l'Alleud) and 1 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa this year in Brussels?
Where to see Santa: Ganshoren Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Ganshoren), Christmas Wonders (Fééries de Noël) (Braine-l'Alleud), Saint Nicholas in Auderghem (Saint-Nicolas à Auderghem) and 2 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Brussels?
Christmas story times on this page: Winter and Christmas Tales (Contes d'hiver et de Noël).
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
The story of Christmas in Brussels
The Christmas tree on Brussels' Grand-Place has been an annual tradition since the early 1950s, which makes it older than the Christmas market itself. For decades it came from Finland every other year. Around it grew a life-size nativity scene, an ice rink and, since 2001, the Plaisirs d'Hiver, or Winter Pleasures, the big Christmas season that spreads across the city center.
How Brussels celebrates Christmas
Brussels' Christmas season is called Plaisirs d'Hiver, or Winter Pleasures, and it takes over the historic center. In 2025, the 24th edition had 238 chalets across eight sites, an ice rink on Place De Brouckère, a Ferris wheel at the Vismet and Christmas lights in 172 streets. Every evening a light show is projected on the buildings of the Grand-Place.
It is not one market but a trail of them: the Grand-Place with its tree, Place Sainte-Catherine with a different guest country most years, and the Vismet, the old fish market, with the Ferris wheel. The market itself is free to wander, while rides and the rink cost extra.
For a visiting family, the big difference is that Brussels does Christmas in many small pockets. Beyond the center, neighborhoods and nearby towns have quieter markets of their own.
The tree, the nativity and other traditions kids will meet
The tree on the Grand-Place is about 20 meters tall. Until 2001 it came every other year from Finland, a gift from the city of Helsinki. Today it is usually cut in the Belgian Ardennes or donated by private owners. In 2025, a white spruce of about 43 years arrived from Sint-Katelijne-Waver at about 6 am on November 20, escorted by police. Its decorations were sold at auction for the Brussels food banks, and the tree is recycled after the holidays.
At the foot of the tree stands a life-size nativity scene, a display of the Christmas story with Mary, Joseph and the animals of the stable. From 1996 to 2015 it had real sheep. After an incident they were replaced by plastic sheep lit from inside. In 2025 a new nativity replaced the 40-year-old one, with life-size figures made of recycled fabric.
The sound and light show is the other must-see. Projections light up the facades of the Grand-Place, and in 2025 the 3D animation Echoes of Colours lit up the Town Hall.
Planning a Christmas visit to Brussels with kids
This season, Plaisirs d'Hiver opens on Friday, November 27, 2026 and runs daily through Sunday, January 3, 2027. This is its 25th edition. The market is free to enter.
December is Saint Nicholas season. Auderghem has Saint Nicholas visiting its neighborhoods from December 2 to 6. A Dutch-language family music show at GC Den Dam on December 5 ends with a visit from Sinterklaas, the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas. A local makers' market on Sunday, December 6 has Saint Nicholas coming at 3 pm.
In the middle of December, Ganshoren and Braine-l'Alleud, near Waterloo, hold free neighborhood markets on December 11 to 13. Indoors, the Peruchet puppet theater stages a Nutcracker with string puppets, and Brussels museums hold story times and animated shorts for kids around Christmas.
Several events are free, and many are paid. Most are in French or Dutch, so check with the host if you need English.
A fun fact: the year the tree was a lightshow
In 2012 the Grand-Place did not have a real tree at all. In its place stood the Abies Electronicus, a lit structure about 25 meters tall, designed by the collective 1024 Architecture and built into the light show. It was taken down on December 28, 2012, and a real conifer came back the next year.
In 2002, the big tree was surrounded by 200 small ones, a little Christmas forest.
Traditions today
- The Grand-Place tree: A tree of about 20 meters, put up every year since the early 1950s and now often donated by private owners.
- The life-size nativity: Set at the foot of the tree. Since 2025 its figures are made from recycled fabric.
- The sound and light show: During Plaisirs d'Hiver, projections light up the Grand-Place facades. In 2025 it was Echoes of Colours on the Town Hall.
- The ice rink on Place De Brouckère: Born on the Grand-Place in 1996, the rink has moved around the center and settled on Place De Brouckère in 2019.
- The guest country at Place Sainte-Catherine: Most years a country or region is invited, with tents and activities, such as Japan in 2016 or Finland in 2018.
- The charity tree: The tree's decorations are auctioned for the Brussels food banks, and the tree itself is recycled after the holidays.
A fact for kids
From 1996 to 2015, real sheep lived in the Grand-Place nativity scene. Today, plastic sheep lit from the inside have taken their place.
Questions about Christmas in Brussels
Is Brussels worth visiting at Christmas with kids?
Yes. There is a lit tree and a light show on the Grand-Place, a rink, a Ferris wheel and a life-size nativity with a surprising history. Kids can also see Saint Nicholas, puppet shows and story times, and the market is free to wander.
When do the Christmas markets in Brussels open in 2026?
Plaisirs d'Hiver, the main Christmas season, opens on Friday, November 27, 2026 and runs daily until Sunday, January 3, 2027. It is in its 25th edition. In 2025, the 24th edition ran from November 28 to January 1, and the rink stayed open until January 4.
Is the Brussels Christmas market free?
Yes, access to the market is free. The rides and the ice rink are paid. In 2025 there were also 35 days of free animations.
Where are the Christmas markets in Brussels?
In the city center, across several sites. For 2026 they are listed around the Grand-Place, Place de la Monnaie, Place Sainte-Catherine, the Vismet, Place De Brouckère, the Bourse and the Tour Noire. In 2025 the market had 238 chalets across eight sites.
Where is the ice rink in Brussels at Christmas?
On Place De Brouckère since 2019. It started on the Grand-Place in 1996, moved to the Vismet from 2001 to 2013 and Place de la Monnaie from 2014, where it was covered from 2016. In 2025 it stayed open until January 4, three days after the market closed.
Where is the Ferris wheel in Brussels at Christmas?
At the Vismet, the old fish market, which was redone for the occasion. That is where the Ferris wheel turned in 2025. Nearby, the Tour Noire had a family village and free stages, and a carousel turned on Place Sainte-Catherine.
Where does the Brussels Christmas tree come from?
It changes every year. Until 2001 it came from Finland every other year, a gift from Helsinki. Since then it has mostly come from the Belgian Ardennes, and more often from private donors. In 2025 it came from Sint-Katelijne-Waver in the province of Antwerp, and in 2018 from a forest in Membach.
How does the Grand-Place tree get to Brussels?
By road, at night, under police escort. In 2025, the 20-meter white spruce arrived at about 6 am on November 20. In 2018, it took more than an hour to cut down the Membach tree, holding it carefully so the branches would not break. That tree weighed 4.7 tons and was 67 years old.
What happens to the Brussels Christmas tree after the holidays?
It is recycled. In 2025 the city announced that the tree would be recycled after January 4, 2026 and that its decorations, designed by Jean-Paul Lespagnard, would be auctioned for the Brussels food banks. It is a nice way to tell kids that the tree helps families after Christmas too.
What is the sound and light show on the Grand-Place?
A projection with music on the facades, every evening during Plaisirs d'Hiver. Artist Patrick Rimoux created it in 2003, Dan Lacksman wrote the music in 2013 and Electroson Studio ran it in 2024. In 2025, the 3D animation Echoes of Colours lit the Town Hall from opening night.
Were there really live sheep in the Brussels nativity scene?
Yes, real sheep, for twenty years, from 1996 to 2015. After an incident in 2015 the city ended the tradition. Plastic sheep lit from the inside have taken their place, and kids tend to love hearing that animals once lived there.
What can I tell a 4-year-old about the Grand-Place nativity?
It is the scene of the birth of Jesus, shown very large, with Mary, Joseph and the animals of the stable. In Brussels the figures are as tall as adults and made from old fabric. Challenge your child to look for the glowing sheep, since real sheep once lived there.
Why was there no real Christmas tree on the Grand-Place in 2012?
It had been replaced by the Abies Electronicus, a lit installation of about 25 meters by the collective 1024 Architecture, built into the sound and light show. It was taken down on December 28, 2012, and a real conifer returned the next year.
When was the first Christmas market in Brussels?
A "European market of traditions" was held at the Grand Sablon square from 1983, in early December, for just three days. The Christmas market only came down into the lower city with the first Plaisirs d'Hiver in 2001.
Which country is the guest at the Brussels Christmas market?
It changes almost every year, at Place Sainte-Catherine. Past guests include Wallonia in 2008, Mongolia in 2009, Morocco in 2010, Greece in 2011, Quebec in 2014, Tunisia in 2015, Japan in 2016 and Finland in 2018. That year the Grand-Place tree was even decorated in Finnish colors.
Where can kids meet Saint Nicholas in Brussels?
In Auderghem, Saint Nicholas tours different neighborhoods from December 2 to 6, with a show at the cultural center on Saturday. On Sunday, December 6, he visits the free Food and Gifts market on the boulevard du Souverain at 3 pm. On December 5, a Dutch-language family show at GC Den Dam ends with a visit from Sinterklaas.
Where can kids meet Santa in Brussels?
The Ganshoren Christmas market, December 11 to 13, has Santa photos, Disney characters, a fire show on Saturday and a magic show on Sunday. The Braine-l'Alleud market near Waterloo, on the same dates, also has Santa and street entertainers, brass bands and choirs. Both are free.
Are there free Christmas events in Brussels?
Yes, quite a few. The Plaisirs d'Hiver market is free to enter, as are the Food and Gifts market in Auderghem on December 6, the Ganshoren market on December 11 to 13 and the Braine-l'Alleud market on the same weekend. Rides, the rink, puppet shows and the immersive tale are paid.
What are the neighborhood Christmas markets around Brussels?
The Brussels communes hold quieter markets of their own. This season there is the Food and Gifts market in Auderghem on Sunday, December 6, from 11 am to 6 pm, and the Ganshoren market on Rue Zeyp and Place Guido Gezelle from December 11 to 13. Braine-l'Alleud, near Waterloo, has one on the same weekend.
Where can kids see a Nutcracker puppet show in Brussels?
At the Théâtre Royal du Peruchet, a puppet theater, which stages The Nutcracker with string puppets at 3 pm. It runs on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 5 to 16 and from December 26 to 29, for ages 4 and up. Tickets are 12 euros per child and 14 euros per adult, and a museum visit is included.
What indoor Christmas activities are there for kids in Brussels?
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts hold story times with fabric puppets for ages 2.5 to 5 on December 22 and 23, from 10:15 to 11:15 am. Bozar shows Christmas animated shorts for ages 4 and up on December 23, 24 and 31.
What is The Christmas Belle Époque in Brussels?
An immersive 40-minute Christmas tale with performers and video mapping, held in Ixelles every evening from November 27 to December 6, with sessions at 6, 7 and 8 pm. Tickets run from 21 to 33 euros depending on when you buy, and children under 4 are free.
Are Christmas events in Brussels in English?
Most events are in French or Dutch. There is a Dutch-language family show on December 5, and the markets and light show do not depend on language. If you need English for a show, check with the host.
How many chalets are there at the Brussels Christmas market?
In 2025, there were 238 chalets across eight sites, close to the recent average of about 240. The record was 270 stalls in 2017. In 2002, the first edition spread through the city had 130.
Sources
- Plaisirs d'hiver, Wikipédia
- Coup d'envoi de la 24e édition des Plaisirs d'hiver sous le signe de la solidarité, BX1
- Christmas tree arrives at Brussels' Grand-Place this morning, The Brussels Times
- Plaisirs d'Hiver 2025 : Bruxelles tisse un hiver chaleureux et créatif, Bruxelles J
- Bruxelles dit adieu à son sapin, La Libre Belgique
- Le sapin de Noël a été coupé à Baelen, il trônera sur la Grand-Place de Bruxelles demain, BX1
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