Christmas at Castle Gravensteen | Christmas dinner | travel photography by Laura Dijkslag

During my visit to Castle Gravensteen in Ghent, Belgium, I stumbled upon this beautiful pre-holiday table set in one of the building's huge rooms. The colours in particular were stunning, the blue and green providing a nice contrast to the brown walls, floor and table.

Castle Gravensteen, located in the heart of Ghent, Belgium, is a beautiful medieval castle that takes on an extra magical atmosphere during the Christmas period. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle is festively decorated and offers visitors a unique experience full of historical charm and Christmas cheer.

During the Christmas period, the castle is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with atmospheric lighting, Christmas decorations and special events. One of the highlights of this period is the beautifully set table for Christmas dinner, offering visitors a glimpse of what Christmas celebrations looked like in days gone by.

The setting evokes images of medieval feasts, where nobility and their guests enjoyed elaborate meals and festivities. The scene is completed with traditional Christmas dishes that used to be on the menu, often represented in the form of replicas or images. This gives visitors an authentic picture of how people celebrated Christmas in the Middle Ages, including the culinary delights of the time.

Besides the set table, there are often additional activities and exhibitions during the Christmas period, such as medieval music performances, storytellers and workshops. These events add to the festive and historical atmosphere of the castle, making a visit to Gravensteen during Christmas an unforgettable experience.