Winter Wonders 2024 invites South of France region Var as guest of honour

Brussels’ traditional end-of-year holiday festivities Winter Wonders is preparing to adopt a Provencal flair this season.

The city is welcoming the French department of Var to its annual Christmas celebration from 29 November to 5 January.

Market traders from the region in the South of France are due to set up their chalets in the Place de la Bourse. Among their specialities are sweet treats and other culinary delights. Chestnuts, olives, wine, honey and figs are all regional favourites. The stallholders are also happy to share their expertise of the produce they grow in this beautiful area that boasts natural parks and glistening coastline.

The region and its Tourist Development Agency (ADT) launched a new marketing campaign in 2022 called Le Var, L’Unique. “Belgium is a key market for Le Var with more than two million Belgian overnight stays recorded each year at our destination,” said Var Tourism president Guillaume Decard.

“Le Var invites its Belgian friends and visitors to the Christmas market to discover our end-of-year traditions. Olive oil, truffles, wines, Var perfumes, Provençal nativity scene and more await you,” he added.

Each year, the City of Brussels invites a country or region to join Winter Wonders via a tourism, economic and cultural partnership. In 2023, it welcomed the 11 Indigenous Nations of Quebec.

More information about the 2024 edition of the festivities will be unveiled in November. Brussels’ Winter Wonders is the biggest Christmas market in the country and is accompanied by an extensive seasonal entertainment programme. Last year, it attracted more than 4m visitors.

Photos: Winter Wonders in the Grand Place ©City of Brussels; ©Var region in France