The iconic Grand Place in Brussels welcomed the arrival of its beloved Christmas tree in the early hours of Thursday morning, an annual tradition that will grace the square until the 7th of

January.

Standing tall at 22 meters, the majestic Nordmann fir boasts a remarkable 50-year history. Its origins trace back to the garden of Maria, an 87-year-old resident from Lier, Antwerp, and her late husband, Jozef—a testament to decades of natural growth.

Previously rooted in the scenic town of Lier, this grand tree now finds its place of honor in the heart of Brussels, courtesy of a generous donation by its owners. "By donating it to the city of Brussels, the owners are now giving it a place worthy of its mighty appearance: on the most beautiful square in the world, where hundreds of thousands of visitors will admire it," expressed Brussels Major Events.

Discovered three years ago by Pierre Demesmaeker of the Inter Arbo tree nursery, the pine tree embarked on a special journey. Following its careful felling on Wednesday, it was ceremoniously transported in a dedicated convoy to the Grand Place, where it was artfully installed on Thursday morning.

This illustrious fir serves as a canvas for celebration, adorned with 140 ornaments representing the 11 indigenous nations of Quebec, guests of honor at Brussels' Winter Wonders event. These include a Mi'kmaq star, a snowshoe, an inukshuk, and a dreamcatcher, embellished with 50 radiant white light beads and a stunning 2-kilometer-long LED light garland. The decoration of the tree will be a spectacle, slated to occur from the 18th to the 20th of November.

The official illumination of the tree, scheduled for the 24th of November, will herald the commencement of Winter Wonders. This event will enchant various squares and streets across the city, from the Grand Place to Sainte-Catherine and De Brouckère, illuminating Brussels by Lights—an initiative encompassing 168 streets with captivating snowflakes, snowmen, and other captivating art pieces.

The festive extravaganza will span from the 24th of November to the 31st of December, offering a cornucopia of delights. A bustling Christmas market, delectable food and drink stalls, and an array of activities, including ice skating, will transform Brussels into a winter wonderland, open daily from 12:00 to 22:00. Photo by Kelvinsong, Wikimedia commons.