Culture beat: 20 November

Two of the top headline acts of the UK comedy circuit are in town at Théâtre 140 on Saturday evening. Stand Up Brussels has invited English comedian Bob Mills and Canadian Pete Johansson for two extended sets. Mills is a prolific stand-up, game-show host, writer and producer with In Bed with Medinner, The Show, Stan the Man, Northern Lights and various other cult dramas to his credit. Johansson, originally from Vancouver, moved to the UK after forays on the American comedy scene. He now headlines comedy clubs around the world.

Fans of French wines are spoilt at the Salon du Vin at the Hôtel de la Poste at Tour & Taxis this weekend. The sixth edition, organised by La Revue du Vin de France, welcomes 50 stands from the country’s major vineyards.

Spice up your wardrobe at the Dressing Room, a new event organised by Brussels Vintage Market at BIP (Brussels Information Place) on Sunday. More than 40 vendors will be selling off their wardrobe treasures in the upmarket second-hand sale. Combine the event with Sunday brunch: there’s a refreshment space for fairtrade teas, coffees and sweet and savoury snacks.

The first-ever Brussels International Film Festival continues until tomorrow evening (Saturday), showing Belgian and international films plus a focus on the current wave of French film directors. Catch the final films of the festival before the closing ceremony at UGC de Brouckère on Saturday evening. Screenings are also at Bozar and Cinéma Galéries.

With the temperature finally taking a wintery downturn, get ready to enjoy the arrival of seasonal festivities. Christmas lights are switched on in Place Agora Stores on 25 November at 16.00. For a tour with a difference, visit the illuminations by Cyclolight, light bikes that take you on a 6km ride through the festive streets of the city (16.00-22.00, 25 Nov to 3 Jan). Price €12 for 20-minute ride, room for two adults and one child up to six years.

Next weekend sees the arrival of Saint Nicolas/Sinterklaas in various guises. The red-gowned, bearded-one is scheduled to make his traditional appearance at Porte de Hal on 29 November between 13.00 and 16.30. In addition to his habitual handing out of gourmet treats, there will be an exhibition of first world war toy soldiers. He returns the following day (Saturday, 30 November) for his annual arrival at Brussels Port for a special appointment with city school kids (reservation necessary). He earns a brief respite before a city centre parade on 5 December accompanied by the Order of Friends of the Manneken-Pis. He’ll wave to crowds from the balcony of the City Hall in the Grand‘Place at 16.30. On the big day itself, Sunday, 6 December, Saint Nicolas is heading to the Marolles district for another procession. It leaves from Rue des Tanneurs at 9.00 before heading through Rue du Lavoir and Rue Saint-Ghislain... If that’s too early for some, join a speculoos workshop at the Brussels Museum of the Mill and Food in Evere at 15.00, specially reserved for children up to 12. Reservation necessary via the museum. Naturally, the busy man can also be found in shopping centres and certain stores around the country over the next few weeks.