‘Modern’ nativity scene leads to outrage in Belgium
An art installation by the German artist Victoria-Maria featuring the nativity scene with faceless characters. The anonymous figures called ‘zombies’ have sparked resistance, vandalism and debate over faith and tradition. (EFE via Reuters Connect.)
Across Europe, a growing number of local authorities, schools and publicly funded institutions are facing a backlash over changes in the way Christmas is presented, as officials promote a more ‘inclusive’ approach to the holidays.
Controversy erupted in Belgium this month after Brussels unveiled a modern reinterpretation of a traditional nativity scene on the city’s Grand Place. The installation features faceless figures and was promoted as a contemporary and inclusive artistic exhibition. According to the Catholic, the scene has since been vandalized and sharply criticized by local politicians and residents Press agency.
The installation also provoked immediate reactions online. Player of the Belgian national football team Thomas Meunier sparked widespread reaction to
TEXAS CHURCH STATUE HOLY FAMILY IN CAGE WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE IN NATURAL VIEW
On November 28, 2025, a work of art by the German artist Victoria-Maria will be shown on the Grand Place in Brussels, featuring the nativity scene with faceless characters. (Nicolas TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, a member of the Socialist Party, defended the decision at a news conference on Friday, arguing that the city was trying to achieve balance during the holidays. “This Christmas season we have to slow down a bit,” Close said, adding that while Brussels chose to keep a nativity scene, other cities had removed theirs completely.
“The old nativity scene had been in use for 25 years and had many defects,” Close said. “It was time to take a new direction. We are very happy with Victoria-Maria’s creation and we want to ensure that the artist is not personally attacked.”
The dispute in Brussels reflects a broader pattern emerging across Europe as institutions rethink traditional Christmas symbols and language.
Decolonizing Santa Claus
In the UK, a government-funded museum sparked outrage after publishing a blog suggesting Santa should be ‘decolonised’, according to reports The sun. The blog post, originally published two years ago, was written by Simone LaCorbinière, Joint Head of Culture Change at Brighton and Hove Museums. She argued that the traditional image of Santa Claus was “too white and too male” and criticized the idea of one figure judging children against a “naughty or nice” list.
CHURCH RAISES CONTROVERSY WITH EMPTY NATURAL Nativity AND ICE ENFORCEMENT MESSAGE: ‘POLITICIZING CHRISTMAS’
People take part in the unveiling ceremony of the cradle in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, on December 24, 2011. (Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images)
LaCorbinière urged parents to imagine Santa Claus as a more diverse figure who “celebrates cultural exchange.” “Let Santa learn about different cultures instead of judging them,” she wrote, suggesting that stories could show him how he experiences different traditions. She also suggested including “Mother Christmases,” arguing that “patriarchy and colonialism went hand in hand.”
The comments drew condemnation from politicians. Senior Conservative Party MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke said the initiative was misleading, stating: “At a time of goodwill and festive cheer, it seems that do-gooders would rather everyone was miserable. This is the worst possible use of taxpayers’ money.”
No more Christmas sweaters
Elsewhere in Britain, schools have also faced criticism for restricting Christmas-themed clothing or renaming holiday events, according to GB News. Several schools have reportedly replaced the days of Christmas jumpers with more generic ‘winter’ or ‘seasonal’ clothing to avoid religious references.
People participate in an Ugly Christmas Sweater Run on December 16, 2017 in the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. (Koen Van Weel/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Christmas music in danger
The debates have also extended to holiday music. According to The Telegraph, Labour’s controversial Employment Rights Bill, which came into force last week, imposes a legal duty on employers to prevent harassment by third parties in relation to protected characteristics such as religion. Critics say the law could impact Christmas music in the workplace, including songs like “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and “Jingle Bells,” all of which have faced renewed criticism in recent years.
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In a statement on Xthe head of Britain’s Free Speech Union, Lord Young, was quoted as saying: “The government didn’t listen and insisted we were alarmist, but a ban on Christmas music and carol singing will be the least of it. Prepare to live in a country where every hospitality venue is a micromanaged ‘safe space’, overseen by lanyard-wearing bouncers. Welcome to Starmer’s Britain.”
