Belgium: For U.S. forces in Europe, 1944’s Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, the last major Nazi offensive against the Allies, was the largest and bloodiest battle in World War II. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the battle, and if you would like to commemorate the date in the outdoors, you can join the annual Bastogne Historic Walk on Saturday.
Distance options are eight, 12, 16 and 23 kilometers. Registration at the event is 2 to 6 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Registration costs 6 euros. You receive a certificate signed by the mayor, a souvenir 65th-anniversary patch and free hot drinks at rest stops. A parade and commemorative service are planned for the afternoon. Find details at www.bastognehistoricwalk.com/documenten/Flyer_English.pdf and on this week’s volksmarch page.
• In Malmedy, the Baugnez 44 Historical Center is commemorating the Battle of the Bulge by organizing an exhibition of pieces and sale of mementos relating to the Malmedy Massacre. On Dec. 17, 1944, more than 80 American prisoners from the 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion were killed in a mass execution after they had surrendered to the German 1st SS Panzer Regiment at the crossroads of Baugnez. On Saturday, a historic rally will trace the route of the German forces from Losheim to Stoumont, and on Sunday, a commemorative ceremony will be held. Find details at www.baugnez44.be.
Netherlands: If places like Alfa Romero Netherlands, Rhapsody Yachts, the Amsterdam Diamond Center, the International Butler Academy or Riviera Maison are on your list of shopping stops for Christmas gifts — or you wish they were — head to the annual Millionaire Fair in Amsterdam RAI conference center.
Through Monday, you can discover how the other half lives at what is called the most "exclusive and prominent luxury fair in the world." From cars, jewelry and fashions to travel, real estate and wealth management, the fair promises the "absolute cream" of the international luxury industry’s products and services. Mingle among the rich and famous and attend fashion shows, workshops and sessions with beauty consultants.
The fair is open noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and noon to 9 p.m. Monday. Dress is office or business attire. Tickets cost 35 euros per person (free for children younger than 4) Friday through Sunday and 75 euros Monday. For more information, go to www.miljonairfair.nl.
