Brussels Christmas tree

Traditional trees

Traditionally, the Grand-Place/Grote Markt in the centre of Brussels hosts a real Christmas tree each year, taken from the Ardennes forest. The normal height for these trees is around 20 m high. The Grand-Place itself dates from the Middle Ages (though most of the buildings around the square date from the 17th century and were rebuilt during subsequent years), and it has played host to a Christmas market each year since 2000.

2012 tree

On 30 November 2012, a 25 m abstract-style tree was erected on the Grand-Place instead of a usual real Christmas tree. It was designed to work with an overall theme of light installations on the Grand-Place, and allowed visitors to climb to the top of the "tree". It cost €40,000 ($52,000) to construct, which was described as about a third of the price of a real tree.

The Belgian press reacted negatively to the installation of the tree, with some suggesting that it was erected to avoid offending Muslims.

Due to concerns over vandalism during New Year's celebrations on the Grand-Place, it was announced in early December that the tree would be taken down on 28 December, instead of early January, as was the case with the real trees in the past.

References

References

1. (1 December 2012). "Abstract Christmas tree sparks protests in Brussels". BBC News.
2. "Electronic Christmas tree at the Grand-Place". City of Brussels.
3. Waldie, Paul. (14 December 2012). "Brussels' modern-art Christmas 'tree' triggers outcry, tensions, petition". The Globe and Mail.