1; December 6, Saint Nicholas
The first of the Belgian Christmas traditions comes in early December. For the Belgians the figures of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus are completely different.
The night of December 5-6 is especially important for children, because before going to bed they sing a folk song “Sinterklaas Kapoentje, gooi wat in m'n schoentje, gooi wat in m'n laarsje. Dank u, Sinterklaasje” and leave a shoe in which they receive gifts or oranges depending on their behavior throughout the year.
It is also tradition to leave carrots for Saint Nicholas's horse, Amerigo, and a pint of beer for the saint himself and his helper Zwarte Piet.
2; Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
It is customary to gather around the table with the family.
The traditional Belgian menu usually consists of 3 starters and a main course, such as pheasant, turkey or shellfish; and to finish, a buttercream and chocolate cake in the shape of a Christmas tree.
At the end of dinner, the gifts that Santa Claus has previously left under the Christmas tree are opened.
3; New Year
Family and friends gather in the main squares of cities and towns to enjoy the fireworks and wish each other a "happy new year" with 3 kisses on the cheek.
The children read a letter decorated in the form of poetry to their grandparents or their godparents with their best wishes for the new year, and in exchange for the letter they receive a small bonus.
4; The cougnou (or cougnole)
It is a typical sweet from the Hainaut (Hainaut) region that is consumed throughout Belgium and part of northern France from the beginning of December until the end of the Christmas holidays.
It has the shape of a wrapped Jesus and is sometimes presented with a small figure of Jesus in pink marzipan.
5; You will bring them to Andenne
It is a typical card game in Walloon bakeries, pastry shops and taverns at Christmas.
With 32 cards, 10 participants and as a prize 5 "cougnou" of different sizes. The rules of the game are simple, whoever draws the highest card wins.
Each one receives a name in Walloon dialect:
Li Prumi, the largest
Li Deyin-me
Lo Trwezin-me
Li Quatrin-me
Li-Troye, the smallest
6; Boukètes and sauerkraut in Liège
On Christmas day the inhabitants of the city of Liège enjoy a particular meal, the “boukétes”. These are buckwheat crepes stuffed with apple and raisins sprinkled with sugar and accompanied by mulled wine.
And on New Years it is a tradition that families get together to eat sauerkraut, putting a coin under each plate to attract good luck and abundance for the rest of the year.
7; Eentje mee suiker ( in Ghent )
In the city of Ghent it is traditional to receive the New Year by wishing people "Eentje mee suiker!" or "Eentje mee zeem" (a slice of bread with sugar or honey).
It has to do with an old Ghent tradition of offering all guests a slice of gingerbread covered with sugar or honey to celebrate the first day of the year.
8; The dringuelle in Wallonia
This is the bonus also known in Belgium under the name of "drinkgeld" in Flemish or "trinkgeld" in German, literally "money to drink something". It is customary for children and young people to receive this money from the oldest members of the family, and it is usually accompanied by cake or "Galette des Rois".
9; The galette des Rois
To celebrate the Epiphany or the arrival of the Three Wise Men, on January 6, it is a tradition to finish the main meal with the "cake of the Kings".
Formerly the cake was divided between the number of diners or cohabitants, plus a piece. This was the so-called "poor man's share" and was offered to anyone in need who knocked on the door.
At present, the "part of the poor" has been suppressed and it is the smallest of the house who decide the distribution, a crucial task, since a bean is hidden in the cake, and whoever is the winner becomes the winner. king or queen for a day.
10; Places to see in Brussels at Christmas
Grand Place
There you will find the large Christmas tree over 20 meters high that is placed every year along with a life-size nativity scene. In addition, you can enjoy the light and music show that takes place every night approximately every 30 minutes.
The Saint-Hubert Galleries
You cannot leave Brussels without having walked among the first commercial galleries in Europe. These picturesque corridors are filled with lights and colors during Christmas. You can take advantage and dine at one of the fantastic restaurants in the area.
Place Sainte-Catherines
This place is probably the hub of Belgian Christmas, as it is the place where the most activity takes place. In this square, a light show is projected every night on the façade of the Sainte-Catherine church.
The Christmas Market
Every year the famous Christmas market, better known as the Plaisirs d'Hiver, is installed in the old town of Brussels. These are a lot of stalls scattered around the busiest streets of the city full of food, Christmas decorations, crafts and endless gifts that you can't help but take a look at.
end of year partys
On New Year's Eve there are many parties that are organized in the capital. Every corner is preparing to leave behind a whole year and welcome a new one. Some of the most famous celebrations are:
11; Plaza del Atomium:
do not forget to visit the Atomium, there a massive party is held every year to inaugurate the beginning of the year in the best possible way.
12; Place de Brouckère:
during the night from December 31 to January 1, dj's, music, rockets, fireworks and a countdown will welcome the new year in the most lively way.
13; Grand Place:
as one of the most important squares in Brussels, this place hosts endless activities every New Year's Eve to celebrate the end of the year. And although there is no countdown here, the atmosphere is totally worth it to start a new stage surrounded by energy and overflowing with joy.
14; Brujas
Bruges is a city full of charm during the rest of the year, in December it becomes a true Christmas paradise. Its streets are filled with markets and the most important squares host an endless number of choirs that sing their best Christmas carols. And since it couldn't be missing, an ice rink and a Ferris wheel decorate the center just like in the capital.
The advantage over Brussels is that because it's a small city, you won't be too cramped. You can walk through the streets and have a drink in one of the most Christmas-like terraces without any problem.
15; traditions
Breaking with the tradition of the American Santa Claus, it is Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) who, from Spain, arrives laden with gifts for children on the night of December 4-5. One of the most typical gifts of this character are oranges, a fruit that in the past was highly appreciated and rare in the country.
It is also characteristic of Christmas in Brussels to dress the Manneken Pis in their best costumes. Take advantage and take some photos of their Christmas finery while you have a laugh with this picaresque character.
Lastly, another tradition, also related to this pissing boy, is the December 27 Manneken Pis race. It is a 7-kilometre night race through the city center visiting the most outstanding points of interest. If you are a fan of running, you will feel at home and you will be able to discover the capital from a very different perspective.
