Yes we know! Christmas markets are something typical German. There are buses full of Belgian old age pensioners driving to Cologne nowadays to feast on overpriced Glühwein, burned bratwurst and tacky knick-knacks. Are we cynical? A bit yes, but it’s all part of the Christmas spirit.

ILOVEBELGIUM

ILOVEBELGIUM

ILOVEBELGIUM

ILOVEBELGIUM

ILOVEBELGIUM

ILOVEBELGIUM

ILOVEBELGIUM

This is not a pamphlet to abandon these Christmas markets. We have them in Belgium too, don’t worry. But there are some people trying to do something different with this old tradition.

The Antwerp concept store ra for example. Until the 24th of December ra is hosting the second edition of their Christmas market with gift stalls winding through their ground floor space. From the hands and homes of artists and creatives across Antwerp they offer a selection of warm winter knitwear, second-hand objects, handcrafted christmas decorations, sculptures and home-made goodies. The hand knitted limited edition scarves of Designers Against Aids e.g. or a special Christmas selection of German knitwear designer Daniel Andresen. The ra kitchen will be filled with winter treats and there will be spiced wine for all who visits.

ILOVEBELGIUM

ILOVEBELGIUM

Another institution – in design, not in fashion – is the Pantone Hotel (maybe, you’ll remember that I Love Belgium was the first to report about the opening of this design beacon). They organize a one day-Christmas market on Thursday December 16th. They promise to have unusual designer gifts, prosecco, delicious hot chocolate and delightful cupcakes. I’m sure if you have tasted all  of those, the yuletide will be very gay.

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