The Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas market, held in the heart of the city, saw an astounding four million visitors during its 2023 edition.
The figures, released by Brussels Major Events, revealed the market’s immense popularity, drawing both local and international crowds.
From November 24 to December 31, 2023, an impressive 2.6 million Belgians flocked to the city centre, with a notable 1.5 million of them being Brussels residents.
The international allure of the event was evident as 1.4 million visitors descended upon Brussels from abroad, primarily hailing from France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
These numbers, however, only tell part of the story, as the event’s success prompted an extension until January 7.
The prolonged celebration further solidified the market’s reputation as a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
At a press conference, Mayor of Brussels City, Philippe Close, emphasized major events’ crucial role in the city’s economic landscape.
“Major events once again appear to be a necessity in Brussels. The economic results of Winter Wonders are vital for our companies, especially for the hotel sector, which is a significant source of employment,” Mayor Close stated.
The hotel sector indeed reaped the benefits, recording a remarkable 68.3% occupancy rate, a substantial increase from the 59.4% reported in 2022.
Additionally, the 24th edition of Winter Wonders marked a noteworthy step towards sustainability. Over 60,970 reusable plates and 636,050 reusable cups were utilized at food stands, resulting in approximately 3.15 tonnes of waste being avoided.
City councillor for Climate and Sport, Benoit Hellings, commended the progress in sustainability and expressed eagerness to expand these initiatives for the next edition.
“Winter Wonders continues to grow in popularity and sustainability. Traders, the general public, and the services of the City of Brussels have successfully completed the test with reusable tableware,” Hellings remarked.
The commitment to sustainability extended beyond reusable tableware. Many visitors heeded the city council’s advice and opted for public transport, leading to a notable increase in passengers at metro stations closest to Winter Wonders.
The City of Brussels also discouraged car travel into the city during the event.
Brussels By Lights, an integral part of Winter Wonders, contributed to the festive atmosphere by illuminating 168 shopping streets in various districts of the city.
The ‘Eikosis’ interactive light walk, a highlight of the event, drew around 2,000 people, adding a touch of magic to the city’s shopping streets.
Fabian Maingain, city councillor for Economic Affairs, highlighted the collaborative efforts with traders to enhance the overall experience for visitors.
“Together with traders, we have been working for months to develop new lighting and fun activities – such as Eikosis – to create the magic that more and more visitors are looking for when they stroll through the city’s shopping streets,” said Maintain.
The anticipation for the 25th edition of Winter Wonders is already building. Scheduled to take place from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the event promises to continue its tradition of enchanting visitors with a perfect blend of festive cheer, sustainability, and community engagement.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members