Christmas lights on trees

It’s that time of the year again.

Trees stand solitary, devoid of leaves, their spindly still branches salute in the wind, as if to acknowledge that one season has ended and a new one has just begun.

The leaves have quickly changed their hues: from forest green to dirty brown to fiery orange before breaking off and floating to the ground. Temperatures dip and everyone layers their garments, with each piece of clothing overlapping the next- from sweaters, tights, trousers to thick woollies, hats, scarves, socks, gloves and boots..making them look like living, breathing, walking and talking snow people.

Winter Wonderland in Brussels has a way of lighting up the cold, grey, bleak skies and warming everyone’s hearts. One just has to discover the Christmas atmosphere through a course running from the Place de la Monnaie to the Vismet, the Grand-Place, the Bourse and the Place Sainte Catherine. The Christmas markets set up by a variety of businesses offer delicacies such as escargots, cheese fondues, cookies, Belgian fries, hot dogs and so forth. For those who get thirsty and need to warm up, there are plenty of stalls with gluhwein (hot mulled wine) on offer.

Gluhwein

Cheeses and ham

Candy floss stall

There’s the nativity scene with a live sheep and real hay, right under the picturesque lights, music and the Star of David, giving the city an enchanted look.

The nativity scene

The Ferris Wheel

This 14th edition of the event renders homage to foreign culture, you can discover Quebec City through the art installation Boule de Neige (Snowball) and a Fir tree, gifted by the City of Riga. For the little ones there are merry-go-rounds, for the older there are rides on the Ferris Wheel or skating on the Ice Rink.

The Winter Wonderland festivities begun on the 28th of November and will continue every weekend up to the 4th of January.

The Christmas tree, a gift from the City of Riga.

Have you been to Winter wonderland or a Christmas market? What was your experience like?