BRUXELLES

During Advent Belgium also does not give the best preparations for the party, most notably those dedicated to the Christmas Markets. In the most magical day of the year will be a pleasure to visit the beautiful historic cities in their capacity as Belgian Christmas, full of unique suggestions for a festive and religious of intense expectation. In addition, the Belgian Christmas markets become meeting places of different cultures, as also the central role of Belgium in the EU, with Brussels which is the heart.

And it is the cultural variety to characterize particularly Flanders, the northern most province in Belgium, home to ancient and flourishing Flemish culture, the result of valuable crossover between the French-speaking (French is in fact the official language of Belgium) and Dutch (Flemish is spoken in the province in fact, that is Dutch).

Here are some of the most picturesque towns in Belgium, made even more unique by the presence of the Christmas Markets.
It is first recalled Antwerp (Antwerpen in Dutch), which from December 11 to January 2, hosts its market in the heart of the historical center, in Grote Markt, the Old Market Square, decorated for the occasion by a majestic Christmas tree and equipped with an ice skating rink. The stalls unfold in Steenplein and Suikerrui, up to the squares Koningin Astridplein and Handschoenmarkt, which are also equipped with their fir. Christmas in Antwerp, however, does not end here, but of course continues with various kinds of events, including the usual concerts.
Bruges (Brugge) is the pearl of Flanders. For its picturesque urban structure, in fact, this medieval town is nicknamed the “Venice of the Flemish” since characterize bridges and canals reminiscent of the beautiful city of Venice. In such a setting, show the charm of the Christmas Market, enhanced by the shine of illuminarie evening to waterways in the city. The stalls are concentrated from November 26 to January 2 in Simon Stevinplein and the Market Square (Grote Markt), where he also set up an ice rink and where they can admire the creations of the original festival of ice sculpture.
In Ghent (Gent) Christmas Market takes place December 10 to 30 in St. Baafsplein, home to the spectacular Cathedral of St. Bavo in with masterpieces by Rubens and Van Eyck.
From 10 to 19 December the Christmas market is held in Leuven (Leuven), formed by a Christmas village built on models of houses in Scandinavia, with a small wooden chalets filled with crafts and flavor Belgian, including the legendary chocolates. For the happiness of children, there is also the home of Santa Claus, visited inside, and a large-size nativity scene.
Always in Flanders, then recall the Christmas Markets of Malines (Mechelen) December 17 to 19, Ostend (Oostende) from December 3 to January 9, Ypres (Ieper) from November 27 to January 9, and Hasselt.

Another Belgian province is named after the capital, Brussels (Brussel), and is embedded in Flanders, although predominantly French-speaking culture. From November 26 to January 2 capital includes the most famous Christmas market in Belgium, housed in the charming city center, between the Grand Place, the Fish Market and rue Sainte Catherine.

Finally, you can not miss a visit to the south of Belgium, in the province of Wallonia.
In Liège takes place from 26 November to 30 December, the Christmas Market largest in the Belgium, consisting of more than 190 wooden chalets displaying gift ideas Christmas crafts typical valley, as well as all kinds of decorations, greeting cards, fireworks and delicious typical gastronomic products such as marzipan candies, chocolate and gingerbread. This Christmas Market, which is held in Place St. Lambert and Place du Marché, is not only the largest in Belgium, but it is also the oldest and is a real institution in the city. There is even one of the Village Council, which has the task of organizing a series of activities related to the folk tradition of the city, as well as a Director of the Village, recognizable by his costume, adorned with symbols characteristic of Liège. To complete this fair, there are also entertainment for children and adults, ranging from the rink to the Ferris wheel.

A Durbuy, small center nestled in the hills of the Ardennes, the atmosphere is magical all year round, let alone Christmas! Market stalls fill the old city, in particular, and Parc Place aux Foires Baudoin, welcoming visitors in the last weekend of November and early December 3rd, and every day from December 20 to January 9. There is also an ice skating rink is open from November 27 to January 9.
In Mons takes place “Coeur en neige”, a Christmas market unique. In fact, the Grand Place, in addition to the crib and the Christmas tree, fairies and elves during the visit to the 40 stalls, entertaining young and old alike and creating a climate of “enchanted forest.”
The town of Namur dresses up from 3 December to 2 January, hosting the Place d’Armes stalls of artisans and merchants. Also in the city center, between the Rue de Fer, Place d’Armes and the Grognon take place more Christmas events, including concerts, entertainment shows and games for children, and there are attractions such as the largest synthetic ice rink at Place du Grognon.
We then recall the Christmas Markets in Charleroi Place Charles II from 26 November to 26 December, Spa December 17 to 19, of Tournai December 10 to 31 and 17 to 26 December Dinant.

The Christmas Market in Brussels winds through a path lighted by about two kilometers from the Grand Place neighborhood Sainte-Cathérine. The Grand Place is the heart of the market and includes the crib and the Christmas tree. From here, over 200 stalls then continue around the bag and the Fish Market, to arrive in Piazza Santa Caterina. The characteristic stands offer Christmas tree and the crib, as well as local handicrafts and gastronomy, as Spéculoos biscuits (Christmas cookies characteristic of Brussels), the Dentelles (cookies fragile reminiscent of embroidery), the tartiflettes Savoy (potatoes boiled baked with bacon, onions, cream and cheese Reblochon), the Croustillos (pancakes covered with icing sugar), and finally the famous “pommes de terre frittes”, apparently the most common chips, but in fact a real institution town, served in traditional cones, crisp and cooked to perfection. But, in an international city like Brussels, can not miss articles from many different countries, such as Austria and Switzerland wreaths, soaps from Provence, the Russian matryoshkas, the Italian panettone, the Scandinavian mulled wine (the Glogg) and the rum punch of Guadalupe.

Not only Market

Along with the Christmas Market, Brussels organizes Grand Place event “Winter Wonders”, which includes performances by street artists, processions, parades, concerts and a series of other initiatives, including the show “sound & light” in which projections and light illuminate the walls of the City Hall on the background of music of various kinds. In addition, the square is a monumental installation of lights, “Electrabel Nights”, where visitors can take a true sensory journey. In the long Place Sainte-Cathérine are instead two children’s rides, an ice rink and a 45 meters long by 15 meters for the less experienced, and finally a ferris wheel 48 meters high and decorated with 18,000 lights, which boasts of a wonderful view of the city.

11/29/2013 – 01/05/2014
Brussels Christmas Market “Winter Wonderland”
Grand Place, Bag, Fish Market, Piazza Santa Caterina

Monday – Thursday from 12.00 to 21.00
Friday – Sunday from 11.00 to 22.00
24.12. 31.12 and from 11.00 to 18.00
25.12. 01:01 and from 12:00 to 2:00

Cagliari is connected to Brussels with Ryanair flight that lands in Charleroi, where you can take a shuttle bus to Brussels at a cost of € 10.
Kalariseventi for example recommend
starting December 7 Cagliari-Brussels Charleroi 9:55 -> 12:30
return on December 10 Brussels Charleroi – Cagliari 12:45 -> 15:10
the cost of the flight outward / return including tax is € 145.78 per person

Book hotels in Brussels from 183 € a double room including breakfast for 3 nights