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Louvain (Leuven), a very important university and capital of Flemish Brabant, is located less than 30 km east of Brussels. The city grew in the Middle Ages thanks to trade and the production of fabrics, and had its golden age between the 12th and 14th centuries. In 1425, its historic university was founded, the oldest, still in operation, in Belgium. Among the interesting buildings in the historic center we find: the characteristic old town hall (Stadhuis) in late Gothic style from the 15th century, the Great Beguinage (Groot Begijnhof) from the 13th century – which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as part of the Flemish beguinages) – also worth seeing is the Gothic church of San Pietro (Sint-Pieterskerk) – rich in artistic masterpieces – and various buildings within the ancient university. The Leuven Christmas Market is one of the most important events that enliven Christmas in this rich and beautiful university city in Flanders.
LEUVEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
1) Louvain Christmas Market (Leuvense Kerstmarkt). The Leuven Christmas Market is made up of a Christmas village built on the models of Scandinavian houses, with small wooden chalets of the craftsmen where you will find original objects to make a gift or where you can taste local delicacies and the ever-present Belgian chocolates. The Leuven Christmas Market usually takes place in the Ladeuzeplein and Hooverplein squares, but this year it will take place in a new location next to the Ladeuzeplein: in the Sint-Donatus city park.
In past years, for the happiness of the children, Santa Claus was also present with his house, which could be visited by observing the bedroom, the living room and the place where he prepares the gifts. Usually a large life-size nativity scene completes the Leuven Advent wonders. The events related to Christmas in Leuven as a whole are called “Wintertijd in Leuven”. Visit Leuven this year to discover what Christmas has in store for this city!