While this edition of the Winter Wonders Christmas market was a great economic success for Brussels, several local traders and neighbourhood associations voiced complaints about noise pollution and traffic congestion caused by the event.
During the municipal council meeting on Monday evening, Brussels City Mayor Philippe Close (PS) responded to the neighbourhood associations' criticism, but many did not feel heard by his response.
"An appeal to the political decision-makers of the City of Brussels: please be open to dialogue and the many constructive suggestions from residents and local traders," neighbourhood committee Plan B Bruxelles posted on social media.
"Anyone who dares to ask a question about the vision of the commercial occupation of public space during the end-of-year event is treated like a crybaby who wants to spoil the fun of others," they added. "You can do better. And residents, businesses and visitors deserve better too."
'Aware of the impact'
During the meeting on Monday, however, Close stressed that the council was always available for citizens to voice any complaints they might have had, reports Bruzz. "We are aware that this has an impact on the neighbourhood," he said, adding that "regular noise level checks were carried out," especially in the area of the ice skating rink on Place de Brouckère.
Additionally, Close pointed out that annual residents' meetings have taken place for the event on 7 and 29 November. An evaluation of Winter Wonders will follow in the first quarter of 2024.
"The Christmas market is an economic added value for Brussels City and the region," he added, pointing out that an amount of €260 million was spent by Winter Wonders visitors this edition and stressing that the event drew numerous national and international tourists to Brussels. This resulted in particularly high occupancy rates of the hotels in the area.
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Municipal councillor Bianca Debaets (CD&V), however, said that Close is minimising the criticism of the neighbourhood associations, saying that "no one doubts the economic added value" of Winter Wonders.
"If [the associations] say that it is gradually becoming unliveable, then I think you should listen to them," she said. "Under your policy, the balance between entertainment, economy and the quality of life of the people who live here is lost."
