What's on this week: 2 December

As a guitarist, Tom Vanstiphout is a well-respected session player who has performed with several successful Flemish pop/rock acts, including Clouseau and Milow. But Vanstiphout can also write and sing a tune. His own work is influenced less by the rock tradition and more by classic American songwriters like James Taylor. The result can be heard on Vanstiphout’s fourth solo album, Playing Guitar Helps, recorded between Antwerp and Nashville. The disc’s release is celebrated with a series of club shows across Flanders. Other dates include Brussels (11 December) and Antwerp (12 December).
6 December, 20.00 at Het Depot, Leuven

Veteran Flemish artist Jan Fabre is a true Renaissance man, having not just dabbled in but seriously explored the entire spectrum of artistic forms. This exhibition surveys his career as a visual artist, from the early Bic drawings that brought him international accolades to his latest anatomical sculptures, inspired by cutting-edge medical research in cognition. The out-of-the-way venue is an important part of the Fabre story, too. Gallerist Mark Deweer was an early champion of the then up-and-coming artist. Their collaboration goes back ... 30 years.
Until 20 December at Deweer Gallery, Otegem

Brussels’ holiday market has become one of Belgium’s top seasonal attractions. The party stretches from the Grote Markt past the Beurs and De Munt, across Anspachlaan and the Sint-Katelijneplein, all the way to the towering, 55-metre Ferris wheel at the far end of the Vismarkt. In between you’ll find some 200 chalets overflowing with souvenirs, art, food and drink. There are carousels and an ice-skating rink. Grote Markt hosts a giant Christmas tree and nightly light show. At the heart of the market is a Tunisian village, erected in honour of that country’s recent turn toward democracy.
Until 3 January in Brussels city centre

Music Chapel Festival: The annual Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel event is this year devoted to the masterpieces of Russian music. 8-12 December, Flagey, Heilig-Kruisplein, Brussels

Als je maar hard genoeg rent, weet niemand meer waar je bent (If You Just Run Fast Enough, No-one Will Know Where You Are): Flemish stage director Jetse Batelaan and his Theater Artemis present a performance for children (8+) that’s all about movement: running, stumbling and falling (in Dutch). 6 December 15.00, Bronks, Varkensmarkt 15, Brussels

Film cycle: Martin Scorsese: Series of films by the legendary American director, including Goodfellas, After Hours, The Aviator, Shine a Light and The Wolf of Wall Street. Until 21 December, Flagey, Heilig-Kruisplein, Brussels

Mediterranean Film Festival: 15th anniversary edition of the festival celebrating films from the area around the Mediterranean, including Africa, Europe and the Middle East, in addition to live music and a world food market. 4-11 December, Botanique, Bozar and Cinéma Aventure, Brussels

Forest Creative Market: Local artisans’ market featuring handmade jewellery, knitwear, sculpture, decor items, chocolate and other unique gifts, plus storytelling for kids, a tearoom and a massage corner. 4-6 December, Vorst Abbey, Sint-Delijsplein 9, Brussels

BBT Online goes Fairtrade: The online magazine and Oxfam team up to host this market featuring fairtrade products, including wine, chocolate and lifestyle gifts, plus the chance to have your picture taken by award-winning photographers. 8 December 16.00-23.00, Brasserie Midi Station, Victor Hortaplein 26, Brussels