We at Taste of Belgium create a love for Belgium’s lively culture, infused with our creative, American-style take on food. Belgium is a nation of history, incorporating culture and food from every direction. Belgium’s cultural calendar is a delightful mix of humour, history, and indulgence. They are exemplified in the numerous holidays that are celebrated each year.
These Holidays are the perfect excuse to unite with friends, enjoy Belgian food, and raise a glass of crafted beer from our carefully curated list. If you’re hosting a holiday dinner or stopping by one of our places, we’ve got you set with fresh, made-from-scratch food and a welcoming atmosphere.
At Taste of Belgium, we adore sharing these joyful moments with our visitors, infusing a little Belgian flair into Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a Belgian newbie, please go ahead. These are five holidays we think you’ll adore.
From ancient traditions to modern food rituals, Belgium’s holidays are not merely calendar dates; they’re about celebrating flavour, community, and good times.
Ready to mark your calendars? Here are five of our favourite offbeat Belgian holidays, and how we celebrate them, TOB style.
#1 Feast of Saint Arnold (August 14): Patron Saint of Beer
If you’ve ever raised a glass in appreciation of a perfectly brewed Belgian beer, you’ve got Saint Arnold of Soissons to thank. Honoured each July, this holiday celebrates the patron saint of brewers who, legend has it, encouraged locals to drink beer instead of water during medieval plagues, saving countless lives.
In Louvain, pilgrims and beer lovers gather for processions and brewery blessings. At TOB, we honour Saint Arnold with a toast of our own: Duvel 6.66, La Chouffe, or a curated Belgian beer flight from our signature Belgian 201 series – think Rodenbach, St. Bernardus, and Val Dieu 800. Each sip is a nod to centuries-old brewing traditions, paired best with Belgian food like a basket of Belgian-style fries and maybe a side of chicken and waffles for good measure.
Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or a casual fan, there’s something special about sipping a brew with centuries of history behind it. And at Taste of Belgium, every pour comes with a side of story. Visit us at Rookwood or any other outlet across Cincinnati.
#2 National Day of Belgium (July 21): A Toast to Unity
On July 21, Belgium celebrates its independence and unification under King Leopold I. While the parades and fireworks are grand, the real magic lies in the flavours that bring everyone to the table: moules-frites, chocolate, and beer.
Now, we don’t serve mussels, but we’ve got plenty to offer when it comes to Belgian-inspired indulgence. How about a crispy Liège waffle drizzled with speculoos sauce or Belgian fries served alongside our house TOB IPA? If you’re feeling extra celebratory, pair it with our steak frites, made with marinated flank steak – no frozen shortcuts here, ever.
While Belgium toasts with Chimay and Trappists, we say cheers with a cold pour and a scratch-made brunch you won’t forget.
You can almost hear the brass bands and smell the chocolate in the air – it’s a celebration of Belgian pride, and we’re honoured to bring that energy to our local gatherings.
#3 Oktoberfoor (October): Belgium’s Fairground Extravaganza
While our German neighbours throw giant beer tents, Belgium keeps things delightfully nostalgic with Oktoberfoor – a month-long fair held in Ostend every October. It’s got all the trappings of an old-school carnival: twinkly lights, giant Ferris wheels, fried sweets, and of course, plenty of beer.
You won’t find us operating any rollercoasters, but we can serve up a cosy fall celebration with Cherry Chouffe in one hand and a warm Liège waffle in the other. Think cinnamon sugar, crispy edges, gooey centre. It’s the grown-up version of your funnel cake dreams with a Belgian twist.
Want to keep it savoury? Our croque monsieur with béchamel and gruyère is carnival-ready comfort food at its finest. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, grab a friend and share a waffle flight – because one just isn’t enough when it’s made from scratch and served with love.
#4 Carnival de Binche (February): Confetti, Clowns & Cheese
Let’s enjoy one of the quirkiest and most colourful celebrations Belgium has to offer. The Carnival de Binche is a living and exceptional heritage, a popular, human and social event, recognised as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.
The Carnival de Binche is held every February in the small Belgian town of Binche. The event is known for its costumed performers called Gilles. People parade through streets wearing feathered hats, wax masks, wooden clogs, and throw oranges as a symbol of good luck.
Why oranges? It’s a nod to prosperity and goodwill, though we’d argue it’s also a clever way to work on your dodgeball reflexes.
Back in Binche, celebrants snack on waffles, cheese, and Belgian fries between parades. Over here? We’ve got a savoury twist: try our ham & gruyère crêpe or go sweet with a warm Liège waffle topped with pearl sugar caramelisation. Add a chilled Bavik Super Pils, one of our independent Belgian brews, for a taste that’s both zesty and zany.
The pageantry of the Gilles, combined with traditional music and rhythmic drums, makes this holiday one of the most immersive cultural events Belgium has to offer.
#5 Saint Nicholas Day (December 6): Shoes, Sweets, and Storytelling
While Americans gear up for Santa Claus, Belgians celebrate Saint Nicholas Day, a beloved winter tradition that predates the jolly man in red. On the eve of December 6, children leave their shoes by the fireplace, hoping to find them filled with tangerines, chocolates, and speculoos cookies by morning.
The holiday is rooted in generosity, storytelling, and a touch of mystery. At Taste of Belgium, we embrace the sweet side of this tradition with rich, warm crêpes and indulgent waffles dusted with cinnamon.
Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood or starting a new tradition with your own family, Saint Nicholas Day is a cozy, comforting reminder that sometimes the best gifts are simple, shared, and sweet.
How To Celebrate Belgian Holidays: TOB Style
So, how do we bring these traditions to life on this side of the Atlantic? Easy: we throw in a little creativity, a dash of Belgian flair, and a whole lot of Belgian food and flavour. Whether you’re planning a themed brunch, a beer pairing night, or just want an excuse to eat waffles in costume (we won’t judge), Taste of Belgium has got you covered.
Here’s how to get started:
Host your holiday-inspired dinner party with Belgian food from our Order Now menu. Try our curated beer flights like Belgian 201, Rodenbach, St. Bernardus, Val Dieu 800, and many more – perfect for Saint Arnold’s Day or National Day.
Remember: we’re more than just waffles. We’re a Modern brasserie that reimagines Belgian food with American boldness – and a little humour, because why not? Whether it’s Carnival, Oktoberfest, or an impromptu waffle Wednesday, we’ll bring the party. You bring the appetite.
Let’s Celebrate Together
Belgian holidays are more than history lessons or odd traditions – they’re an invitation to gather, enjoy, and indulge. At Taste of Belgium, we celebrate with fresh, scratch-made dishes, craft brews from independent Belgian and American breweries, and a whole lot of heart.
So next time you’re wondering what to do on a random Tuesday in February or a sunny day in July, check your calendar – and your cravings. We’ll be waiting with a Liège waffle and a cold pint.
Bring your friends, bring your stories, and let’s make Belgian holidays your new favourite reason to celebrate.
