A big Christmas tree was erected on Brussels’ historic market square this morning. Transporting the tree that stands some 18 metres tall went smoothly. However, a few attempts were needed to get it in place.
The transport of the Christmas tree to Brussels' market square went smoothly. It took place last night under police escort, before the start of the rush hour. The snow did not hamper proceedings.
Putting the tree in place went a little less smoothly. ‘At first, it was not so easy to place the tree, because the hole was full of water,’ explains Pierre Demesmaeker. ‘City workers then arrived to remove the water. When we then tried to plant the tree, we didn't succeed immediately.’
‘It turned out there were still cobblestones at the bottom of the hole. I then crawled into it myself. My shoes were full of water. It still took us two or three attempts to place the tree. That's life, I guess. But now fortunately it is standing upright.’
Brussels' Christmas tree is not the only tree Pierre is putting up. There are many other towns and cities that want one. ‘I think we are placing 20 to 25 trees this year. That always leads to some stress.’ Pierre laughs.
Tree from a front garden in Rixensart (Walloon Brabant)
The tree was felled in Anita and Féli’s front garden in Rixensart, where it had stood for 35 years. ‘It is with pain in our hearts that we are having our beloved tree cut down,’ Anita said yesterday. ‘For the last 3 years we were afraid it would blow down in strong winds. It is a great honour that it now ends up on Brussels' market square. We are definitely going to visit and admire the tree together with the whole family.’
Even early this morning, admirers had already arrived to look at the Christmas tree. One woman told VRT: ‘Very beautiful! It smells lovely too. I come to look at the Christmas tree every year. This year it is a very beautiful tree. Merry Christmas everyone!’
The tree will be decorated on 26 and 27 November. Professionals will use some 300 red baubles in three different sizes as well as 180 decorations carved in 2D in the form of an elephant. On Friday 29 November at 6pm, the lights will go on for the first time. That will also mark the official opening of the 24th edition of Brussels' Christmas festival Winter Wonders.