The Leuven Christmas market is usually held in mid-December. Unlike many other European Christmas markets that last for a month or even more, it is only open for about 10 days. One of the largest events of its kind in Belgium, it attracts more than 800,000 visitors from all over the country and abroad. At the market, local merchants and artisans offer a variety of handicrafts and Christmas souvenirs, as well as traditional Belgian dishes. Here you can buy beautiful Christmas decorations, antiques, vintage items, handmade jewelry, knitwear (socks, hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, etc), toys, and more.
Food stalls offer traditional Christmas treats and Belgian specialties including famous Belgian waffles, incomparable Belgian chocolate, Christmas cookies, various pies and pastries, fries with a variety of sauces, Christmas bread (cougnou), hot soups and stews, fish and seafood dishes, and more. As far as drinks are concerned, there’s plenty of mulled wine, coffee beverages, jenever (the national spirit of Belgium from which gin evolved), and seasonal Christmas beers.
To keep its guests entertained, the Leuven Christmas market hosts a plethora of attractions for visitors of all ages, children and grown-up alike. Its entertainment program features live performances by singers, dancers and musicians, games and contests, fairground rides, a magical Santa Village where kids can meet Santa Claus and his helpers, and more. One of the market’s main attractions is the Broil King Barbecue Battle. 16 teams, consisting of 2 persons each, are given 30 minutes to cook a BBQ using ingredients from a mystery box. The winner of the competition is determined by the jury.
