Winter Wonders in Brussels attracts more than 4.2m visitors
The 24th edition of the Winter Wonders event in Brussels, which ended on 5 January, attracted a total of 4.2 million visitors. This includes more than 1.6 million visitors from abroad, the City of Brussels and Brussels Major Events announced on Thursday.
The parties called the 4,229,235 million visitors to Winter Wonders a "remarkable increase" compared to the 4 million in 2023. The event is becoming increasingly popular, they said in a press release, and the growth can be seen as "a confirmation of the success of Winter Wonders".
The proportion of international visitors increased by 15 per cent compared to last year, accounting for 1,618,582 visitors, or 38 per cent of the total. International visitors came mainly from Spain, Italy and France. More than 2.6 million Belgians also visited the Winter Wonders, including almost 1.5 million from Brussels.
International recognition
According to Delphine Houba, councillor responsible for tourism and major events, that is partly due to Winter Wonders' recognition in the foreign press. Mentions in media such as CNN or the Washington Post "have led to a strong return of tourists", says Houba, who added that the event shows the huge attraction potential of the capital.
Despite the increase in visitors, the city centre was less crowded than in previous editions, according to the organisers. This is thanks to the "decentralisation" of Winter Wonders. The event was spread out over different areas of the city, including the Marolles, Place Ambiorix and Laeken.
"Winter Wonders is an event not to be missed"
According to Brussels mayor Philippe Close, the number of visitors confirms that "Winter Wonders is an event not to be missed" and shows "how hospitable and lively" Brussels is.
The 25th edition of the event will take place from 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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