Brussels Christmas tree, Christmas tree on Grand-Place, Belgium
The Brussels Christmas tree is a large fir set up on Grand-Place in front of the Town Hall, serving as the centerpiece of the city's winter celebrations. It stands from late autumn through early January and is lit up every evening.
The tradition of placing a real Christmas tree on Grand-Place goes back several decades, with the first trees coming from the Ardennes forest. Over time, trees from other countries have also been brought to Brussels, and in 2012 the tradition was briefly replaced by an abstract installation.
The tree on Grand-Place draws visitors from all over every day during the holiday season and becomes the center of the square's social life. Its decorations change from one year to the next, reflecting themes or partnerships the city chooses for that particular season.
The tree is easy to see during the day and lit up in the evenings; Grand-Place is straightforward to reach by public transport. Several spots around the square give a good view of the tree at its full height.
When the holiday season ends, the Nordmann fir from the Rixensart area is not simply thrown away but turned into various objects. This recycling project gives the tree a second life in practical or decorative form for months afterward.
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