In December each year, the large area within the Schuman roundabout outside the European Commission is transformed by an illuminated marquee and plays host to a number of festive themed events over the course of a fortnight, aimed at connecting the European institutions and representative offices with the local community.
As part of the ‘Rond-Pont Schuman Lights Up’ programme, there is a night dedicated to a Christmas market with various national and regional offices presenting stalls to showcase their local produce. Alongside stalls from Malta, Austria and Hungary, among others, the Office enjoyed the opportunity to work with our colleagues from Scotland House and Wales House in presenting our regional delicacies to the Christmas market crowd.
Visitors to our stall were charmed by the sweet treats we had on offer – from the classic ‘Fifteens’ to moreish brownies. They also had the chance to make their own ‘mix-up’ with traditionally made sweeties and Yellowman from Northern Ireland. To wash it all down, we had some hot mulled cider from Armagh – a revelation to a continental crowd more familiar with its wine-based counterpart.
Of course, a Christmas market in Belgium wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Saint-Nicholas, and staff were lucky enough to get a picture with the big man himself!