The city center was closed to car traffic for the occasion. The central streets are completely full of walkers, tourists and people who like to browse the shops. “We see a lot of tourism during the weekend, I have the feeling that people really want to buy here and are busy with presents,” says Thomas Barbier of De Reyghere bookstore.
And indeed: everywhere we hear other languages, tourists coming to soak up the end-of-year atmosphere. Because Bruges during the Christmas period, “that is very beautiful,” says a visitor. “We are here with my parents for a few days, this city is fantastic.”
The Christmas market on various squares also exerts an irresistible attraction for the masses. Visitors are packed here and have to wait patiently to get food or drinks. And everything is being built up on ‘t Zand for the Warmest Week.