BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
STRASBOURG, FRANCE 25th November – 31st December 2016
LUXURY LIVING TRAVEL u
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
25th November 2016- 1st January 2017
Magical Christmases have a dazzling, sparkly meaning for those in Brussels because the Christmas Markets at the Grand Place and Place St. Catherine’ s area are filled to the brim with activities for children and adults. Temporary shopping chalets and even brassieres go up at the end of November and last for the entire month of December through to New Years.
Activities include a skating rink, a Big Wheel( Ferris wheel), round-about and ice dinosaur monster. All have entrance fees, but it is an exciting time for a city during the coldest months of the year. Brass bands, free performances and ice sculptures are also on display as part of the cultural programme.
One of the highlights for Christmas shoppers are the 240 wooden Christmas chalets opened during this time. They line the streets of Bourse, Marché aux Poissons and Place St. Catherines. These stalls look like gingerbread houses, twinkling with fairy lights and covered with‘ snow-top’ roofs.
In a city famous for its cuisine, what better place to indulge your sweet tooth than in Brussels. The Christmas market acts more as a gastronomic affair, offering plump French olives, sumptuous Belgian chocolates, waffles, steaming plates of moules-frites and snails, and seasonal croustillons( sugared doughnuts).
67
STRASBOURG, FRANCE 25th November – 31st December 2016
With over 300 market chalets, Strasbourg attracts over 1.6 million visitors during the Christmas season. There is an impressive Christmas tree on Place Kléber and a skating rink on Place du Château.
Founded in 1570, Strasbourg Christmas market is without a doubt the most famous of all. Young and old stroll from chalet to chalet, enjoying the spice bread, bretzels, confectionery, pastries and mulled wine on offer.
Strasbourg Christmas markets have something for everyone, every whim is permitted and pleasant surprises are legion: a large number of events, concerts and exhibitions provide opportunities for interesting encounters.
Christkindelsmärik the oldest and most famous Christmas market is surrounded by the Notre Dame Cathedral, wooden stalls are stacked with delicate ornaments and nativity figurines as well as mid-shopping snacks and local specialties such as bredele( cookies) and Flammekeuche( thin pizza with bacon, onions, and crème fraîche) other markets can be found on Place du Château, Place d’ Austerlitz and Place du Cordeaux.
67