Brussels Christmas Market - Place St Catherine

Every year Brussels delights locals and visitors alike with its yuletide festivities and displays complete with giant Christmas tree, live animals and illuminations. Also, over a period of three weeks, shops will be remaining open all weekend, so no excuses for not buying that special Christmas present!

There will be a new sound and light show this year on the Grand Place, and the city of Tallinn will be guest of honour.

Around 240 exhibitors from all over Europe will set up their wooden chalets around the Grand Place and in Place St Catherine - selling all manner of gastronomic specialities, handicrafts and other unusual stocking-fillers.

The ice rink in the Place St Catherine is reputed to have the best ice in Europe and it is possible to book sessions in advance for groups. In between displays by professional skaters, the ice rink will be open to the general public and will accommodate up to 300 people at any one time.

The stunning baroque facades of the guild houses and Town Hall will be beautifully illuminated and dressed in festive garlands. There'll also be a huge Christmas tree, as well as a classic interpretation of the nativity scene.