As the holiday season approaches, it's that time of year again—yes, the annual Christmas markets debate! While we may roll our eyes at the familiar chatter, there's no denying the charm and joy these festive gatherings bring. So, let's embrace the holiday spirit and dive into the enchanting sights, sounds, and tastes of Europe's most delightful Christmas markets. Bring on the cheer!

Magical Shows and Entertainment

Lantern Magic at 'Chateau de la Hulpe'

Take a walk through the woods leading to a magical light installation experience, illuminating the entire castle. It's a brand new immersive journey revealing sparkling light shows to create a winter fairy-tale full of wonder and mystery. Visitors can also enjoy an exceptional dinner at the castle on reservation. 

22 November 2024 - 26 January 2025

Info et reservations on  https://www.lanternamagica.be/fr

Meet the Smurfs at the Dinant Citadel

Who doesn't love the Smurfs? Within the Citadel of Dinant, in a garden of light, discover their universe through more than 40 paintings, multimedia shows and interactive tours. Come and meet Papa, Brainy, Clumsy, Smurfette et al .. These loveable little blue creatures come to life under a sparkling sky.

15 November until the end of February

Info and reservations on  https://www.gardenoflights.com

'The Gift' at the Collegiate Church of Mons

A monumental immersive show combining actors, dancers, performers and video mapping highlights the architecture and history of the city of Mons. A spectacular 360° show under the Sainte-Waudru Cathedral, with dramatic twists and turns, to delight everyone.

Experience this progressive and constantly changing journey from December 14 to 30.

Info and reservations on https://www.fantasticlabel.be

The Little Prince of Christmas

Taking place in the Cathedrals of Liège, Tournai, Arlon and Namur. this end of year family show profits from the backdrop of grandiose settings. It presents the entire troupe of artists from Luc Petit and the Nocturnals: dancers in all their glorious form - charmers, acrobats, magicians and actors… in a universe with all the beauty, poetry and enchantment of childhood innocence.

December 13 to 18 in Liège, 21 December 21 to 23 in Namur, 26 December to 30 December in Tournai, January 2 to 5 in Arlon.

Info and reservations on https://www.nocturnales.be

The Fleurus Toy Factory - channel your inner elf

Travel to the heart of a gigantic toy factory – every child's dream, where you can even become an elf in an enchanting virtual reality experience. Immersive mapping and interactive games create festive wonder for the whole family.

Until January 19. https://lafabriqueajouets.com

Mons Lights 2025 – between sky and earth

The historic centre of Mons is sublimated with art and light on a 3 km course dotted with 26 installations / animations. Accessible to all, the theme this year celebrates connection between the nourishing earth and the starry sky through trees, plants, birds, and other animals in our cities.

14 - 30 December

Info and reservations on https://www.fantasticlabel.be

Christmas Markets

Most Magical: Reinhardstein Castle. Decorated medieval castle rooms host musical poetry (gypsy jazz, harp and flute, polyphonic ensemble, hunting horn blowers, brass ensemble, etc.), choir, stories and a Christmas market.

11 December to 5 January

Most Enchanted: Pairi Daiza. More than 70 breathtaking light decorations including automata, gifts and giant animals. Millions of LED illuminate centuries-old trees, paths and facades. Lanterns, show, video mapping, automaton orchestras and a Christmas market complete the magic.

November to early January

Most “winter sporty”: In Malmedy the 'Winter Village' is an entertainment space integrated into the programme. In addition to the ice rink and Christmas market there's mountain decoration, chalet catering and three curling rinks to enhance the winter sports vibe.

29 November to 5 January

Most Folkloric: The Liège Christmas Market is the largest, with its Ferris wheel, ice rink, toboggan run and 150 stalls. It is also a village with – very serious – folklore. Led by its Mayor who is guardian of traditions and the Liège language, it's a chance for visitors to experience typical Liège folk activities.

29 November to 30 December

 'Most Original'  Ciney offers a unique take on the traditional Christmas market with its 270 chalets set in a walk of 5 m high fir trees designed for their occasion and differentiated  by their material (wood, iron, glass, rubber, etc.).

5 - 9 December 12 -16 December 

Most Spiritual: In Nivelles artisans and traders, present their most beautiful products in a friendly atmosphere, set in the cloister of the superb 11th century Sainte Gertrude collegiate church in Nivelles.

6-15 December

Most Ethereal: Annevoie Gardens accommodate 50 stalls of craftsmen and specialties in accordance with Christmas traditions, welcoming you into the castle courtyard. Concerts, hunting horn, donkey rides for the little ones complete the festive fun.

22-24 November

Most Majestic: at Modave Castle, rediscover the Christmas spirit by wandering through 25 decorated rooms for the occasion: colourful trees, elegant party tables, little elves, surprising animals, shimmering candles.... Notwithstanding the atmospheric illuminated facades.

7 December to 5 January

Most Festive: In Mons you'll find chalets, decorations, illuminations, a little train, Luna Park, a circus, and a night fire in the park. Other impressive elements include Christmas bullfights, torchlight marches, Christmas projections, concerts, carousel, ice rink, fairground attractions and many more…

2 to 31 December

For Rent:  A cosy house with the perfect fireplace for Santa

Christmas can be tricky when you're trying to juggle the needs of a blended family, extended family, or simply spending Christmas differently. 
In Wallonia the solution is simple: rent an equipped gîte.

The offer is vast, but it's time to book now!  What's on your festive wish list? A large living room for grand scale gatherings?  An open kitchen for a big cook up, or a boisterous table football competition? Perhaps a little pampering is in order: swimming pools, Nordic baths, Jacuzzi or saunas – we have plenty of gîtes to grant these desires. But remember……first things first, you'll need a beautiful fireplace to welcome Santa Claus….and your family, in the best conditions.. Did we mention the tree house?...

Look through the links below. There are countless ideas for rental residences, contemporary residences, chalets, castles, farms, drawn from our certified partner organizations (from 2 to over 70 beds):

www.ardennes-etape.be; https://gitesdewallonie.be/fr; www.accueilchampetre.be; www.ardennes-online.com; www.ardenneresidences.com; https://www.kaleo-asbl.be/fr/; https://www.lescabanesdesdolimarts.com/fr/nos-cabanes/ ; https://fr.nutchel.be/ https://www.lescabanesderensiwez.be/fr/; https://www.go-wild.be/ ; https://monlitdanslarbre.be/

Find everything you need on: VISITWallonia.be