The city of Brussels hosts major conferences and events throughout the year, although many of these are related to the European Union, and not necessarily of interest to the traveller. The Fireworks displays at Mini Europe are great for oohing and ahhing at weekends for a month from mid July, and the Flower Carpet in August is another great sight, when various coloured begonias are laid out into patterns along Grand Place, and attract many tourists.
During December, Grand Place is home to the Christmas market, where you can buy plenty of festive goodies.