As winter is drawing closer and preparations for the festive season are in tow, Flanders is once more gearing up for yet another spectacular display of Christmas cheer. Visitors flocking to Flanders for unique gift ideas will be spoilt for choice as market squares will be brimming with stalls offering original handicrafts, decorative items, seasonal food and drink as well as a special yuletide atmosphere.

As usual, the cities of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, Mechelen, Ypres and Ostend will be hosting respective Christmas markets but will add something extra special to the festivities by providing activities such as ice rinks, amusements, firework displays, concerts and special winter festivals for all ages to enjoy over the whole period. Just some of the special highlights this year in Bruges include the Snow and Ice Sculpture (20 Nov 09-10 Jan 10). Winter woollies are a must to venture around the incredulous ice characters created by a team of 40 experts from around the world. Or if you are looking for something decorative to adorn this year�s Christmas tree, visit the Christmas Happening market (27 Nov- 6 Dec) for a quaint continental touch. Take advantage of Bruges� 3 for 2 night hotel deals, during winter for excellent savings.

Brussels bound visitors who fancy a spot of dancing on ice, couldn�t hope for a better venue than the 1000 metre square Ice Rink in picturesque Grote Markt. There�s even a dedicated mini rink for children. As well as the excellent markets, visitors can take advantage of great travel, restaurant and museum savings during the festive period by purchasing the Brussels Card which offers discounts over different periods of travel.

The city of Ghent, will be hosting a musical extravaganza with some toe-tapping live jazz, folk and rock performances. For the first time, New Year�s Eve revellers will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display along the beautiful Graslei, on the banks of the river Lys.

Dawn Page, director of Tourism Flanders-Brussels UK commented: �The Christmas markets in Flanders have always represented the best of festive food, culture and entertainment and are becoming increasingly more popular with British visitors. This year, there really is something for everybody.�

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Notes for Editors: City guide to Christmas Events Brussels 27 November 2009 � 03 January 2010 Winter Wonders (www.winterwonders.be) Brussels Christmas market will be located on two sites at the Bourse and Vismarkt. Electrabel Nights on Grote Markt -Illuminations, street artists, brass bands, choirs and processions dominate this event. Bruges 20 November 2009 � 10 January 2010 Winter in Bruges (www.winterinbrugge.be) The Christmas market in Bruges will be held in three different city locations. Stalls will offer waffles, pancakes, jenever, gluhwein as well as regional specialities, Belgian beers and some original clothing and handicraft stalls on offer too. There is also an ice rink in the Grote Markt just outside the famous Belfry Tower. Christmas Happening 27 November � 6 December 2009. Sample the best in home and garden decoration with light, foliage and floral demonstrations plus workshops to offer inspiration for your very own Christmas event. www.happenings.be. The Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival takes place at Stationplein. www.ijssculptuur.be Ghent 11-30 December 2009 Ghent�s Christmas on Sint-Baafsplein offers a good alternative destination for those who have already sampled some of the other Flemish markets. Live jazz, folk and rock performances as well as Christmas carols add to the ambience created around the city�s ice Rink. The Christmas market takes place this year between the Cathedral and Belfry and includes 55 stalls selling pancakes, gluhwein, festive Christmas decorations and handicrafts. Antwerp 09 � 27 December 2009 www.antwerpen.be Located on Groenplaats, there will be 90 stalls this year. An ice rink will be erected in the Steeplein and will be open for the public from 9 December 2009 � 3 January 2010. A spectacular fireworks display will illuminate the sky over the River Scheldt on New Year�s Eve. Leuven 11-20 December 2009 www.leuvensekerstmarkt.com/english/english.htm The Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein and the Herbert Hooverplein in Leuven will again be the fairytale backdrop of the Leuven Christmas market. Tasting stalls will be located next to those selling traditional Christmas items and gifts. A life size crib scene will be located next to the Town hall and shops will be open on Sunday 13 and 20 December 2009. Mechelen 18-19-20 December 2009 Mechelen�s market will only be held for 3 days on the Grote Markt. Its market features 80 stalls selling gifts alongside fairground attractions, choir concerts and speciality food and beverages. Ostend 27 November 2009 � 3 January 2010 Ostend�s market is located at Wapenplein from 27 November 2009 to 03 January 2010. Opening hours are daily from 10.00 to 18.00, although some of the �bar� chalets stay open until 22.00. Its ice rink will be open during the week until 18.00 and 20.00 on weekends. Illuminations on Leopoldspark and street performances will add to the ambience. Ypres 5 December 2009 - January 4 2010 www.kerstmarkt-ieper.be Ypres will have 36 Swiss-style chalets selling gifts alongside fairground attractions, choir concerts and various performances. The ice rink on the Grote Markt is an important part of the festive celebrations and is open until 22.00 except for Christmas week when it closes at 17.00.

For further information, please contact: Anita Rampall: anita@visitflanders.co.uk or 020 7307 7741 Camilla Whittet: camilla@visitflanders.co.uk or 020 7307 7742