Christmas in Belgium

"Zalig Kerstfeest"

On December 6th Saint Nicolas,  accompanied by a donkey and Père Fouettard (a black man with with a whip who punishes naughty children), brings a lot of toys to the nice children.

During the night, Père Fouetttard goes down the chimmey, and opens the house door for Saint Nicolas to get in. He leaves sweets and toys in the children shoes. To thank him and his donkey, children put out a glass of brandy and a carrot for the animal.

At Christmas there are decorated trees and shop windows with plenty of lights and music. In Rochefort, there is a Christmas stall market where you can buy gifts and nice food. In many places the local people build a crib. Father Christmas walks about in the streets and gives sweets to the children.

On Christmas Eve people used to spend the evening waiting for the midnight mass but today it is celebrated more like New Year's Eve with people eating out. It is also a time for exchanging gifts. On Christmas Day there is a big meal with the whole family or sometimes with friends.

Return to the Top