BELGIUM
Flowertime © Wim Vanmaele & Gaston Batistini
Belgium Events Looking for something different? With so much to discover, Belgium hosts an exciting range of annual events including colourful nautical festivals, spectacular parades and flower festivals as well as traditional Christmas fairs. Match the excursions which appeal most and choose from a range of hotels and dates to suit your clients. SHORT BREAK
Menin Gate
The Menin Gate will mark 100 years. The Menin Gate Memorial restoration project (started in April 2023) has successfully been completed in order to safeguard the memorial’s structural integrity and preserve its historical significance in the lead-up to its centenary in July 2027. Details for the anniversary have not yet been released. CENTENARY OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE YPRES MEMORIAL 2027 (24TH JULY 2027)
BELGIUM AT CHRISTMAS
A perfect short break European destination to really get into the spirit of Christmas! Traditional European Christmas markets take place in several cities throughout Belgium including Ostend, Brussels, Brugge, Leuven, Ghent, Liege and Antwerp. Ostend - Winter in Ostend is a magical spectacle for all to see. It brings warmth and coziness to the cold, dark days. It’s the perfect time to enjoy culture and theatre in Ostend, or to choose a winter outfit for Christmas and New Year’s. Brussels is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 200 chalets. To add to the festive atmosphere, watch skaters take a turn around the outdoor skating rink and enjoy the spectacle of the ferris wheel. Every evening, the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Grand Place is lit up with a sound and light show Bruges is known as one of the most romantic cities in Europe with its cobbled lanes, pretty canals and walkways and colourful history. Explore the Belfry of Bruges and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride or relax on a romantic canal boat ride. At Christmas, the city comes alive with sparkling lights, beautiful gabled houses and festive markets. With a fairytale atmosphere, Christmas music, the aromas of mulled wine and winter spices fills the air. Leuven - In winter’s darkest months, what could be more magical than the enchanting sight of the centuries-old facades of the Grand Beguinage lit by candlelight or one of Belgium’s oldest Christmas markets in Ladeuzeplein. As magical as ever, stroll around the decorated stalls selling authentic souvenirs and cinnamon spiced biscuits. Ghent - In early December, Ghent’s medieval Castle of the Counts is transformed inside and outside into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, enchanting lights, and merry music. Stroll around the grounds of the castle garden or head to the Christmas market with over 150 stalls to choose from. Liege - Just an hour from Bruges is the historical city of Liege filled with must-see sights such as the Prince-Bishops’ Place, Liege-Guillemins Station and Museum of Walloon Life. In December each year, it hosts Belgium’s oldest Christmas markets selling decorations, illuminations and delicious festive treats of gingerbread, mulled wine and Christmas beer. Antwerp - In the city of diamonds, it’s no surprise that Antwerp shines brightly during wintertime! Along with a Christmas market and ice skating, Groenplaats in Antwerp keeps the Christmas spirit alive. The market stalls are spread over different squares in the historic city centre including close to the atmospheric Steen Castle.
OSTEND AT ANCHOR (27-30 MAY 2027 ESTIMATED )
A celebration of Belgium’s maritime history through to present day, this thrilling event will see more than 150 unique ships sailing into Ostend. Visitors can admire the impressive ships, enjoy tours, listen to classic sea shanties and taste delicious smoked fish as they stroll through streets around the harbour. FLOWERTIME, BRUSSELS (AUGUST 2027) The City Hall is transformed into an idyllic place to visit with the entry hall, the corridors, the offices, meeting and reception rooms all adorned with dozens of floral arrangements. Each of them unique and surprising! FLORALIA BRUSSELS (APRIL /MAY 2027) A floral adventure in the beautiful private park of Groot-Biigaarden castle in the capital city of Brussels, Floralia Brussels features a million spring bulbs of colourful tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in beautifully landscaped flower beds.
We offer a range of hotels to suit your requirements and budgets for all the events. Ask your Account Manager.for details.
Floralia Brussels
Brussels at Christmas
Ostend at Anchor ©NIck Decombel Fotografie
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