Christmas in Belgium is quite the celebration. The season begins around the beginning of the month with the arrival of Santa Claus and continues until New Year's Day.
Folks tend to have various functions that they enjoy to celebrate the season, with the larger parties reserved for the actual holiday. The Markets are often packed with people bustling to get their shopping done.
Christmas still has a strong Christian influence in Belgium, with some participating in Advent.
St. Nicholas
Photo Credit: Amazing Belgium
Christmas in Belgium is similar to other European countries with some differences. One of those differences is who brings the presents!
Belgium has two Santa Claus figures, St. Nicholas and Pere Noel. Which one comes to visit children depends on where you live and the language you speak.
St. Nicholas visits folks who speak the Walloon language, and he arrives on December 4th. On December 4th, he evaluates which children have behaved and deserve a reward. Then, on December 5th, he gives the children that were good candy and toys.
The feast of St. Nicholas is held every year on December 6th. This is a day filled with religious services, family, and food!
Belgium separates the visit of Santa Claus from the actual holiday of Christmas.
Belgium Dishes on Christmas
Celebrations for Christmas begin on Christmas Eve with a large family meal that is prepared. This meal usually begins with a drink, some small bites, appetizers, and, eventually, a turkey for the main course.
Families wine and dine the evening away until it is time to head to bed.
On December 25, the church bells ring, and those who observe the birth of Christ will head to church for a service celebrating his birth.
The rest of the day is filled with more food and family. Folks serve special cakes, which include a Christmas log cake that is made of a sponge roll and layered with cream. This dessert is familiar as a Yule Log dessert in the United States.
Decorations and Gifts
Christmas in Belgium shares many similar decorations that can be found in the United States. In fact, since Belgium is an older country, some of the Christmas traditions have been going on since before the United States was a country!
Most families will have a Christmas Tree. The tree will be lit up and decorated with various bulbs and lights.
St. Nicholas does not come on Christmas Day in Belgium. As noted earlier, he arrives at the beginning of the month for his special feast. However, families do buy gifts and share them at Christmas. These gifts range from small or large.
It just depends on each family's traditions.
New Year's Day
Like many other countries, the Christmas holiday only starts at the beginning of the holiday season. Once Christmas is finished, the residents of Belgium begin to prepare for New Year's Day.
New Year's Day is similar to most places. They drink and toast the night away.
They remember loved ones who have passed away and celebrate their memory. Fireworks are set off as the countdown to Midnight occurs.
Children read their New Year's Letters to their loved ones.