Aficionados of mulled wine will have a new attraction in their sights on Leuven's Christmas market this year: a Christmas tower rising some 20 metres high is planned for the Ladeuzeplein. ‘Leuven is the first of all Belgian Christmas markets with such a tower. So it’s a real first,’ says organiser Marc Pinte.
Halloween, All Saints and Saint Nicholas are still ahead, but the organisers of Leuven Christmas market are already keen to announce this year’s brand-new attraction. ‘The Christmas tower will be about 20 metres high and 15 metres wide. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy a drink on 2 different platforms along the way,’ explains organiser Marc Pinte.
‘We saw the first Christmas tower in Germany, but not on a Christmas market. After some negotiating and reaching out to our contacts, we were able to arrange for one for Leuven Christmas market. We are very happy with the new attraction,’ Mr Pinte says.
For practical reasons, the tower will be built first of all attractions. ‘The good folk of Leuven can come and admire the Christmas tower from the very start of the construction process,’ says Mr Pinte.
Regular attractions also return
A lot of popular attractions and sights are also returning this year. ‘Brasserie Rudolf will be very big and Santa's Cottage will also return.’ Pinte says.
‘Santa’s mailbox too is planned, so children can send their letters to Santa. By the way, Santa’s Cottage is not only a hit with the little ones. Adults too like to take a look at Santa's rooms,’ says Mr Pinte.
Many Christmas trees and endless strings of Christmas lights will also decorate Leuven this year. ‘The Christmas tower will not be there to replace the Christmas tree. And, as always, the Christmas decorations will be kilometres long and will probably stay up for ages. Or at least during the Christmas period,’ laughs Mr Pinte.