• The Heart of Brussels at Christmas: La Grand Place
• Time to Spin La Danseuse
• Tintin, A Belgian Legend to Discover
• A Taste of Belgian Christmas Treats
• Crispy Belgian Fries: A Must-Have Snack
• La Bourse: A Historic Building in Brussels
• A Quirky Belgian Landmark: Manneken Pis
• Christmas Market in Brussels
• End of the Journey

The Heart of Brussels at Christmas: La Grand Place

Our journey begins at the iconic Grand Place, a medieval architectural marvel with buildings dating back to the 17th century.

It is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, famous for its baroque and gothic buildings, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998 due to its historical and architectural significance.

Historically known as the “Grote Markt,” it has served as a hub for trade and politics since the early 13th century.

Today, it is one of the best places to visit in Brussels during the Christmas season.

Time to Spin La Danseuse!

While walking around La Grand Place, we had to make a stop to see “La Danseuse,” an interactive ballerina statue that lets visitors spin it using a hand crank.

Our little Lia needed a bit of help to make it spin, as she’s so tiny that it was a little too much for her!

Tintin, a Belgian Legend to Discover

While walking through Brussels, we encountered a Tintin mural. If you haven’t yet discovered Tintin, the famous comic character created by Hergé, you’re missing out on one of the greatest treasures of Belgian culture! It’s a must-read for any adventure lover or fan of Belgian heritage.

Tintin and his loyal dog, Snowy, have accompanied generations of Belgians on their thrilling adventures around the world. And if you haven’t ventured into their world yet, as Captain Haddock would say, “Blistering barnacles!” Now it’s your time to catch up!

A Taste of Belgian Christmas Treats

As you can see in the video, the streets are lined with shops selling local products, all of them decorated with festive Christmas motifs. Lia wanted to take her time to see them all, but we told her we still had more to show!

During Christmas in Brussels, you can find a variety of Belgian Christmas foods and treats, such as the famous cinnamon cookies depicting Saint Nicholas, also known as “Sinterklaas Speculoos”.

Crispy Belgian Fries: A Must-Have Snack

How could we resist refueling with a delicious serving of Belgian fries, topped with a variety of tasty sauces? Each one is different!

Watch the video and see how delicious they look, doesn’t it make your mouth water? Lia couldn’t resist trying them all, and despite being so small, she wanted even more!

La Bourse: A Historic Building in Brussels

With our stomachs full of delicious Belgian cuisine, we came across one of the most iconic historic buildings in Brussels: The Brussels Stock Exchange, known as “La Bourse”.

For more than a century, this building served as the trading center of the Brussels Stock Exchange, until it ceased operations as a stock exchange in 2015. Since then, it stood vacant until its renovation in 2023.

Today, La Bourse is an event space that hosts a variety of activities. Among its current attractions are Bruxella 1238 and The Belgian Beer World.

A Quirky Belgian Landmark: Manneken Pis

One of Brussels’ most beloved symbols, The Manneken Pis, stands proudly near the Grand Place. This small statue of a boy urinating into a fountain has become an iconic landmark, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Over the years, it has been dressed in over 1,000 costumes, many of which were donated by visitors and even heads of state. Lia couldn’t resist capturing her own adorable moment with this quirky statue!

Did you know you could be the next designer of a costume for the Manneken Pis? If you feel artistic enough, you should definitely try it!

Several legends have surrounded the Manneken Pis statue over time:

• One story claims that the boy put out a fire with his pee, saving the city from destruction.
• Another legend tells of a noble child who, during a battle, urinated on enemy troops, leading to their unexpected defeat.
• Finally, there’s a tale of a mischievous boy who was turned into a statue by a witch, after he urinated on her house.

Quite unusual stories, huh? What do you think?

Nearby, you can also spot Jeanneke Pis, the female version of the statue, and the Zinneke Pis, which are just as charming but less famous. These statues capture the playful spirit of Brussels, making them a must-see during your visit!

Christmas Market in Brussels

Our last stop was the Christmas market. The markets are located in the area between the Grand Place, Rue de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons (Vismet). We first visited the Sainte-Catherine market, and later in the evening we explored the one near La Bourse.

As you can see in the video, the Christmas markets in Brussels are extensive. The streets come alive with wooden stalls selling everything from cozy woolen socks and handmade home decorations to delicious food and drinks.

Experiencing Christmas in Brussels is the perfect way to get lost in the holiday magic. Lia couldn’t help but smile at all the festive lights and colors around her!

If you’ve never experienced these markets, we highly recommend trying the German mulled wine, or “Glühwein“, while tasting some warm Belgian waffles. They’re the perfect treat to enjoy while walking through this winter wonderland.

But it’s not all about food and drinks. The Brussels Christmas markets offer so much more!

Among the Christmas holiday attractions in Brussels, you can take a ride on the wheel, go ice skating, or enjoy one of the many public events prepared during Christmas time in Brussels.

Lia seemed to be dreaming of taking a ride on the wheel one day… Don’t lose hope, you tiny little thing, maybe we can fulfill your wish next year!