Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In the diary

Text John Sannaee

Wrap up warm and hit the streets – there are lots of Christmas events with a difference out there, from beautifully illuminated buildings to ecological forums

5-8

Lyon
Fête des Lumières/Festival of Lights

Lyon’s Fête des Lumières sees its UNESCO-listed city centre filled with the lights of thousands of candles, traditionally placed in windows to thank the Virgin Mary for sparing the city from the plague. The festival now sees huge light displays filling public spaces and illuminating the façades of Lyon’s historic buildings. www.lumieres.lyon.fr

1 December – 3 January 2010

Barcelona
International Festival of Contemporary Art

One of the most important contemporary art festivals in Spain – in fact, in Europe – this year’s festival (also known as BAC!) focuses on contemporary female artists from around the world, working in a variety of different media. www.bacfestival.com

2-13

Bruges
December Dance

It aims to put the spotlight on as wide a range of dance styles and genres as possible, giving young up-and-coming choreographers the chance to shine alongside established names. This year’s guest curator is Anne Teresa De Keersamaeker. www.decemberdance.be

4-13

Warsaw
Watch Docs Film Festival

A member of the Human Rights Film Network, Watch Docs is now in its ninth year and is growing rapidly. The festival takes place across the city, with film screenings in the Ujazdowski Castle and various other venues, as well as NGO forums and talks. www.watchdocs.pl

5 December – 24 January 2010

Venice
Christmas at the Arena, Verona

From 5 December, the great Roman arena of Verona (Venice’s westerly neighbour) is taken over by a wonderful collection of Christmas art and sculpture. Every alcove and archway becomes a display space. www.presepiarenaverona.it

20

Malaga
Migas Festival, Torrox

On the last Sunday before Christmas, the people of Torrox, outside Málaga, enjoy a communal meal of migas (literally breadcrumbs), made with olive oil and pieces of meat and served with fish salad. It’s now a huge festival with regional music and flamenco. www.andalucia.org

Until 30 December

Liège
Village de Noël

The largest event of its kind in Belgium, Liège’s Christmas Village is far more than just a festive market. This year it features an entire district devoted solely to Christmas sweets and a 10m-high sledge-slope. www.villagedenoel.be

Until 30 December

Copenhagen
Christmas in Tivoli

Copenhagen’s celebrated Tivoli Gardens are perhaps at their most magical during the festive season. The climax comes between Christmas and New Year, when a spectacular firework festival takes place every evening. www.tivoligardens.com

All month

Munich
Tollwood Winter Festival

A cultural festival with a focus on environmental and social issues, Tollwood is not your standard Christmas event. There’s theatre, art, cabaret and circus, alongside a “Market of Ideas” and the “Weltsalon”, a socioecological multimedia venue. www.tollwood.de

All month

Stockholm
Christmas Events at Skansen

Stockholm’s open-air museum becomes a Christmas wonderland in December. Highlights include the decoration of Skansen’s houses and farmsteads according to the customs of days gone by, and the traditional weekend Christmas markets. www.skansen.se

Book your tickets

Forthcoming events

19-31 January Vienna Thriller Live, Stadthalle F (www.stadthalle.com)
4 February Moscow White Lies, Glav Club (www.glavclub.com)
5 March Birmingham Lady GaGa, LG Arena (www.lgarena.co.uk)
14 March Lisbon Spandau Ballet, Pavilhão Atlântico (www.pavilhaoatlantico.pt)

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