Christmas

Christmas on 25 December celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important Christian feast days in the world. The date was established in the fourth century by the early Christian church, partly drawing on older midwinter festivals. In Belgium, Christmas carries both a religious and a strong cultural and family significance.

In Belgium, Christmas centres on family: a grand Christmas dinner, the exchange of gifts and decorating the Christmas tree are all firm traditions. Children eagerly await Father Christmas on the night of 24 to 25 December. Christmas markets in cities such as Brussels, Ghent, Liège and Bruges draw large crowds each year, creating a unique festive atmosphere in the run-up to the holiday.