The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market is a can't-miss part of the holiday season in Belgium since 1985 in the medieval-style pedestrian city center of Louvain-la-Neuve. It attracts over 250,000 visitors annually and runs from November 24th, 2023, through December 20th, 2023, filling the streets and squares with nearly 200 brightly lit wooden chalets. The center of activity is Place de l'Université, where an enormous Christmas tree towers over the square and the sound of carolers carries through the crisp air. Garlands of greenery fill the old-world buildings as the aroma of Belgian waffles, sausages and mulled wine wafts through the area. The market sells handmade glass ornaments, nativity scenes, jewelry, woolens, toys and other crafts that make for unique Christmas gifts and souvenirs, while food stalls offer Belgian delicacies like chocolate crepes, fries, meatballs in gravy and local beers to help warm up and keep visitors fueled as they explore. There is also an outdoor ice skating rink that gives both kids and adults a place to twirl beneath the twinkling lights. Merry-go-round rides, a mini train through the market and a Ferris wheel provide family-friendly amusement. Visitors may even spot Santa waving from his workshop.
What is the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market?
The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas markets in Belgium, attracting around 250,000 visitors each year. The market is famous for its medieval aesthetics, as the city center of Louvain-la-Neuve was built to resemble a historic town. It takes place in the pedestrian city center of Louvain-la-Neuve, with wooden chalets spread out across the streets and squares. The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market has been held in Louvain-la-Neuve annually since 1985 and was started by students to raise funds for charitable causes and bring festive cheer to the new town. The market sells traditional Christmas gifts, decorations, foods and drinks, with popular items including handicrafts, jewelry, toys, local beers, mulled wine, waffles and chocolate. It also features fairground rides and an ice rink, with live entertainment, concerts and activities for children offered daily.
When does the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market open?
The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market in 2023 opens on Friday, November 24th and runs through Saturday, December 20th. It is located in the historic city center of Louvain-la-Neuve, which is 30 kilometers (48 miles) southeast of Brussels, Belgium. The address is Place de l'Université 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium and the coordinates are 50.667° N and 4.613° E.
Visitors can take a direct train from Brussels to Ottignies train station, then transfer to bus number 4 to get to Louvain-la-Neuve. If preferring to drive, Louvain-la-Neuve is a 30-minute drive from Brussels via the E411 motorway, with parking areas on the perimeter of the pedestrian city center. After arriving in Louvain-la-Neuve, the Christmas market chalets and activities span out from the main Place de l'Université square.
Where is the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market taking place?
The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market is located in the pedestrian city center of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. It is located in the historic central plazas and streets of Louvain-la-Neuve, 30 kilometers (48 miles) southeast of Brussels. The main area of the market spans out from the Place de l'Université to the the Grand Rue, Rue Charlemagne, Rue des Wallons and Rue des Flamands. The address of Place de l'Université is Place de l'Université 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. The main square's coordinates are 50.667° N and 4.613° E. To get there, take the train from Brussels to Ottignies, then bus number 4 directly to Louvain-la-Neuve. If preferring to drive, it takes 30 minutes from Brussels via the E411 motorway.
Why should you visit the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market?
Listed below are the reasons why visitors should visit the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market:
- Festive atmosphere: The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market has a magical, lively ambiance with twinkling lights, festive music, entertainment and holiday cheer. It's a great place to get into the Christmas spirit.
- Location: Louvain-la-Neuve's medieval-style architecture provides a beautiful setting for meandering through the wooden chalets.
- Traditional goods: Visitors of The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market can find quality handicrafts, ornaments, decorations, specialty foods, local products, wines and beers. It's a good place to shop for unique Christmas gifts.
- Entertainment: The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market offers daily live music, dance performances, Christmas characters, carolers, rides and activities to delight visitors of all ages.
- Cuisine: Visitors of The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market can Indulge in traditional Belgian winter foods and treats like waffles, chocolate, mulled wine, sausage and baked goods at Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market.
- Family fun: The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market features from an ice skating rink to rides and games, which are family-friendly attractions and activities.
- Admission Free: No admission fee is required to stroll through the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market, making it easily accessible.
What is the cost of entering the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market?
The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market does not charge an entrance fee, however, some specific activities and items require payment. The market features carnival rides like a carousel, Ferris wheel and train ride, each with individual ticket fees that cost 3€ ($2.81, £2.45) to 5€ ($4.68, £4.09) per person. There is also Ice skating at the outdoor rink, which costs 5€ ($4.68, £4.09), including skate rental. Some musical and dance performances on the main stage require tickets, usually from 10€ ($9.36, £8.18) to 15€ ($14.04, £12.27) per person, while the food and beverage items like waffles, sausages, chocolate, mulled wine and beer costs 3€ ($2.81, £2.45) to 10€ ($9.36, £8.18) per food or drink item.
What are the attractions close to the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market?
Listed below are the attractions close to the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market:
- The Louvain-la-Neuve Pedestrian City Center: The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market is located in the medieval-style pedestrian zone, with its cobblestone streets, plazas and Gothic architecture.
- The Aula Magna: The Aula Magna is an iconic auditorium that was the first building constructed in Louvain-la-Neuve in the 1960s. Its striking modernist design stands out and offers tours.
- The Hergé Museum: The Hergé Museum, located 2 kilometers (3 miles) from The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market, is an interactive museum dedicated to the Belgian cartoonist and creator of Tintin.
- The Belval Brewery: The Belval Brewery is Belgium's oldest working brewery from 1262. It is 11 kilometers (18 miles) away from The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market and offers tours explaining traditional brewing methods.
Is there an alternative name for Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market?
Yes, the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market is known by a few other alternative names, such as “Marché de Noël de Louvain-la-Neuve” in French or “Kerstmarkt van Louvain-la-Neuve” in Dutch.
What food can visitors eat at Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market?
Listed below are the foods to eat at the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market:
- Waffles: Waffles are a signature Belgian food found at the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market. They are made fresh on site and served warm, often topped with sweet things like whipped cream, chocolate sauce and fruit.
- Fries: Belgian-style fries are another popular food in the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market , which are fried to be crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, then served hot in paper cones.
- Churros: Churros are popular as well in the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market and these are fried dough pastries rolled in cinnamon sugar or chocolate sauce.
- Chocolate: Belgium is famous for its chocolate. The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market offers hot chocolate, truffles, pralines and chocolate-dipped treats. It is the perfect place to sample some of Belgium's amazing chocolates.
- Sausages: Grilled and fried sausages are available throughout the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market.
What to drink in the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market?
Listed below are the best drinks at the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market:
- Mulled Wine: Mulled wine is red wine simmered with spices and served hot. It is a classic Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas market drink for warming up on chilly days, as the aroma and flavor create a seasonal treat.
- Beer: Belgian beers are offered on tap in unique collectible mugs in Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas market and savoring Belgium's world-famous beers is a standard part of the experience.
- Hot Chocolate: Velvety Belgian-style hot chocolate topped with whipped cream provides a comforting, indulgent drink when walking around the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market.
- Cider: Festive ciders in holiday flavors like spiced apple or cranberry cider provide a refreshing, fruity alternative to mulled wine in Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas market.
- Coffee: Coffee stands serve up piping hot caffeinated drinks like cappuccinos to help visitors stay energized while exploring the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market.
What can people buy in the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market?
Listed below are the best things people can buy in Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market:
- Handicrafts: Visitors can buy intricately carved wooden toys, hand-knit wool scarves and hats, ceramic tableware, decorated glass baubles and more one-of-a-kind crafts made by talented local artisans in Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market
- Jewelry: Visitors to Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market can buy necklaces with gold-foiled Belgian chocolate truffles, Swarovski crystal bracelets, rings decorated with Belgian lace patterns and hand-stamped pendants. These make special gifts.
- Food: In Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market, there are rich chocolate and caramel drizzled Speculoos cookies, jars of artisanal jams like fig and honey, gift baskets of Belgian beers, vacuum-sealed sausages and ornate boxes of assorted pralines make tasty edible gifts.
- Holiday gifts: The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market offers intricate nutcracker-themed nativity scenes, smoked glass drinkware with a contemporary twist on tradition, musical jewelry boxes playing folk tunes and gift sets of floral soaps that are perfect gifts for the holidays.
How to get to Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market?
Visitors can take a direct train from Brussels to Ottignies train station, then transfer to bus number 4 to get to Louvain-la-Neuve. If preferring to drive, Louvain-la-Neuve is a 30-minute drive from Brussels via the E411 motorway, with parking areas on the perimeter of the pedestrian city center. After arriving in Louvain-la-Neuve, the Christmas market chalets and activities span out from the main Place de l'Université square.
Where to stay in Louvain-la-Neuve during the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market?
Listed below are the best hotels to stay in Louvain-la-Neuve:
- Martin's Louvain-la-Neuve: Martin's Louvain-la-Neuve is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city, within walking distance from the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market and other attractions. It offers cozy rooms with modern amenities, a terrace, a restaurant and a garden. The price for a double room is 128 € ($145, £106) per night.
- Gîte Mozaïk: Gîte Mozaïk is a guesthouse located 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) from the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market. It offers comfortable rooms with free Wifi, a bar, a terrace and a shared lounge. The price for a double room is 68 € ($77, £56) per night.
- Martin's Château du Lac: Martin's Château du Lac is a 5-star hotel located in Genval, about 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) from the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market. It offers luxurious rooms with lake views, a spa, a fitness center, an indoor pool and a gourmet restaurant. The price for a double room is 169 € ($192, £140) per night.
- Martin's All Suites: Martin's All Suites is a 4-star hotel located next to Martin's Louvain-la-Neuve, sharing the same facilities and services. It offers spacious suites with kitchenettes, living areas and balconies. The price for a suite is 139 € ($158, £115) per night
- Novotel Wavre Brussels East: Novotel Wavre Brussels East is a 4-star hotel located in Wavre, 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) from the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market. It offers modern rooms with free Wifi, a seasonal outdoor pool, a playground and a restaurant. The price for a double room is 89 € ($101, £74) per night.
What are the best restaurants to eat in Louvain-la-Neuve?
Listed below are the best restaurants to eat in Louvain-la-Neuve:
- EXKi: EXKi is a fast food restaurant that offers healthy and natural dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, soups and pastries. It is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market and other attractions. The price for a meal is 10 € ($11.5, £8.3) per person.
- Le Coup de Théâtre: Le Coup de Théâtre is a brasserie restaurant in Louvain-la-Neuve that serves French and Belgian cuisine, such as steak, mussels and fries. It is also located in the center of the city. The price for a meal is 20 € ($23, £16.6) per person.
- La Crêperie Bretonne La Mère Filloux: La Crêperie Bretonne La Mère Filloux is a creperie restaurant that specializes in sweet crepes, salads and ice cream. It is located 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) from the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market. The price for a meal is 15 € ($17.2, £12.5) per person.
- Brasserie de L'Esplanade: Brasserie de L'Esplanade is a brasserie restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, such as pasta, pizza, burgers and salads. It is located in the shopping center of L'Esplanade, which is also a popular attraction in the city near Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas market. The price for a meal is 18 € ($20.6, £14.9) per person.
- Hawaiian Poké Bowl – Louvain-la-Neuve: Hawaiian Poké Bowl – Louvain-la-Neuve is a Hawaiian restaurant that serves poké bowls, which are bowls of rice, raw fish, vegetables and sauces. It is located on the lower floor of the shopping center of L'Esplanade. The price for a meal is 12 € ($13.7, £9.9) per person.
How does the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas market impact the Local Economy and Tourism?
The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas market impacts the local economy and tourism. The market attracts a large number of visitors each year, with an estimated average of 200,000 people attending the event. These visitors contribute to the local economy by spending money on various goods and services offered at the market, such as food, drinks, crafts and gifts. The economic impact of the market is substantial, with an estimated total expenditure of 4 million euros ($4.5 million, £3.4 million). The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas market boosts tourism in the region, attracting visitors from both within Belgium and neighboring countries. The event is a key attraction during the holiday season, increasing visitor numbers and promoting the local tourism industry.
Is Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market better than Brussels Christmas Market?
No, the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market is not better than the Brussels Christmas Market. Brussels Christmas Market attracts more visitors and offers a greater variety of attractions and amenities. Brussels Christmas Market receives a higher number of visitors than Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market. In terms of size and diversity, Brussels Christmas Market surpasses Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market, providing a wider range of stalls, food options and entertainment activities. It features a larger ice-skating rink and more prominent festive decorations.
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