Winter Wonders returns to Brussels with French region as guest of honour

The Winter Wonders event will take place in the centre of Brussels from 29 November to 5 January, with the French department of Var the guest of honour this year.

Winter Wonders - Winterpret in Dutch or Plaisirs d'Hiver in French - will be officially opened on 29 November at 18.00 with a sound and light show on the Grand Place, the lighting of the Christmas tree and a performance by choirs from opera house La Monnaie.

The centre of Brussels will host mulled wine, stalls, a skating rink and light shows. In addition to the Christmas tree, there will be the traditional Christmas market, a Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds and an ice rink. The streets of the city centre will be lit up by the Brussels by Lights illuminations.

New additions

There are also some new additions to the programme. The market will include Rue de la Madeleine, where artisans from the Bortier gallery, local traders and Ukrainian associations will be present.

A programme has also been drawn up for this year's guest of honour, the French department of Var. The aim is to "promote the economy, tourism and culture of the Belgian capital", according to the city council. There will be a Provençal nativity scene and tastings of Provençal specialities and delicacies.

The city hopes to surpass last year's figure of 4 million visitors.

^{© BELGA PHOTO TIMON RAMBOER}