Brussels Christmas Market voted third best in Europe

Brussels’ holiday market Winterpret has been voted the third-best in Europe by visitors of the travel website Best Destination, coming in behind Dresden and Strasbourg and ahead of Lille and Cologne.

As the event closed down last week, it was announced that 1.5 million people had visited Winterpret this year – the same number as last year. The ice rink attracted 40,000, but the star attraction was the Iceberg on Muntplein, a sonic experience that makes the sound of cracking ice for those passing through it. Because of its success with the public, the Iceberg will remain in place until early 3 March, Brussels city council said.

According to tourism alderman Philippe Close, the attendance figures were helped by “extremely mild weather” during the period of the market. Residents of the centre of Brussels complained of the effects of Winterpret crowds on parking and mobility.

The city’s park-and-ride scheme, however, is being called a success. It offered return tickets on public transport to drivers who parked in one of three car parks on the outskirts of the city. According to mobility alderwoman Els Ampe, some 4,500 drivers took the opportunity – and the free hot chocolate that came with it. 

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Visit Flanders