The City of Charleroi has revealed details for its upcoming Christmas village which is set to run from 24 November until 7 January 2024.
The festive event will spread across two squares: Place de la Digue, with artisan huts, and Place Verte, with a covered ice rink.
There will be various stalls selling food and drink (such as mulled wine, champagne, oysters, crêpes and waffles, among others), and hand-crafted gifts. A central chalet will house a bar area and a traditional winter restaurant. There will also be a large covered terrace.
Last year's event attracted around 600,000 visitors, and this year event organisers Colors Production are aiming to match or even surpass that figure.
The event's organisers highlighted a new addition: an 18-metre-high luminous pyramid, set to serve as a landmark. Another significant change includes covering the ice rink to reduce energy consumption.
The Christmas village will be launched by Mayor Paul Magnette and Charleroi's councillors on 24 November with a charity aperitif. All profits generated will go to Relogeas charity and its 'Rainbow Refuges' project for young LGBTQ+ individuals.
