Brussels Christmas Market 2013 

Christmas in Belgium

Christmas Traditions

There are two Santa Claus figures in Belgium – one of the perks of Belgium’s mixed culture. Saint Nicholas visits Walloon-speaking children on 4 December where he finds out who has been naughty and who has been nice! He leaves the bad children a pile of twigs, in a shoe or basket by the door. He returns with gifts on 6 December for those who have been good.

Père Noël visits the French-speaking children on 6 December too, along with his companion Père Fouettard (the whipping father!). He gives presents to the good children, whilst Père Fouettard administers whippings and gives lumps of coal to bad children.

Belgians celebrate Christmas on 6 December with the feast of Saint Nicholas. It is a religious occasion and Belgians go to church services and there are family gatherings with carol singing and storytelling. They also mark the 25 December, but it is more of a low-key affair. Gifts are exchanged, although it is between friends and family rather than having Saint Nicholas or Père Noël leaving them under the tree.

Christmas Food & Drink

Belgium is traditionally home to delicious food and you’ll find lots of tasty treats to take home as gifts! Everyone will love the rich Belgian chocolate and there are plenty of stalls selling it in beautiful packaging.

There are a host of special Christmas delicacies in Belgium. Cougnou is sweet bread baked in the shape of the baby Jesus, and you’ll find that the tempting aroma of cognou being baked lingers in the air all around the Christmas market. You’ll also be able to enjoy traditional Belgian waffles and chocolate – an extra special treat! Speculoos are seasonal spiced cookies and many stalls bake them freshly around the market.

You’ll be able to enjoy the usual Christmas drinks. It’s worth trying one of the local beers too – it might not be seasonal, but a world-famous Belgian beer goes down a treat when you’re enjoying the Brussels Christmas market.

Christmas Shopping

There’s an assortment of gifts available at Brussels Christmas market. From traditional gifts such as clothing and accessories to handmade toys and other handicrafts, you’re sure to find a great gift for someone – or why not treat yourself!

Enjoy a relaxing trip to the beautiful city of Brussels and get into the festive spirit ahead of your own Christmastime with a mini cruise to Brussels Christmas market.

3* Hotel Ibis Brussels Centre, St Catherine

Located in the heart of the city centre, this 3* hotel offers all of the modern facilities you’d expect to find in a clean and comfortable setting. As well as offering a pleasant and relaxing stay, you’ll find that the hotel is also conveniently located just 500 metres from Grand’Place.

Hotel Facilities

• Breakfast restaurant
• Car hire service
• 24 hour room service
• Air conditioning
• Private bathroom with shower
• Hair dryer
• Satellite television
• WIFI
• Safety deposit box at reception

Your time onboard

We want you to enjoy your Brussels Christmas market mini cruise from the moment you join us on board, so we have plenty of ways to make your journey a pleasant one.

 Bars

Enjoy a relaxing drink in one of our many bars, with beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks all available. The Navigator’s and Compass Bars are the best places to relax with a quiet drink, or you can head for the Columbus Lounge for live music and entertainment all night long in the fun and friendly atmosphere. There’s even a Sports Bar which shows the latest live games.

Restaurants

Tuck into a range of dining on board our ferry to Holland with a choice of three restaurants. The Explorer’s Steakhouse serves up tender steaks grilled to your liking, whilst the Blue Riband Restaurant offers premium à la carte cuisine. Our most popular restaurant is the 7 Seas restaurant where over 80 dishes are served in an all-you-can-eat buffet. We also have two cafés where you can enjoy snacks and lighter meals.

Entertainment

We have a great variety of entertainment on board so that everyone can unwind, however they feel like. We have an onboard cinema showing the latest movies, as well as a casino where adults can play blackjack and roulette. We haven’t forgotten about the kids either, with a special Kidz’ Club full of toys, games and other activities. You can even continue the Christmas shopping with the fantastic bargains on alcohol, fragrances, tobacco and fashion in our Sea Shops.

Your Trip at a Glance