Belgium's Christmas Markets 2024-2025

Christmas-time Belgium is a real winter wonderland with the smell of cinnamon and glühwein! Its iconic Christmas markets are among the best in Europe to indulge in delicious foods, like waffles, pancakes, and smoutebollen. Christmas beer is another good reason to make a trip to Belgium in the winter!

Bruges Christmas Market (November 22, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Bruges is one of the most beautiful Belgian cities. From late November, the historic center looks simply stunning thanks to holiday illumination on medieval facades, a new Light Trail, an ice rink, and a festive Bruges Christmas market. The Bruges Christmas Market is located in central Markt Square, where you can enjoy a traditional market experience, and at Simon Stevin Square, featuring specialty products and crafts. Bruges is renowned for its delicious food, so don’t miss out on trying the local chocolate and Christmas beer. The market also offers authentic crafts, including Belgian lace and festive decorations.

Opening Hours

The Bruges Christmas Market is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm and Friday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 11 pm. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, it closes at 5 pm. It is open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day with limited hours and offerings.

Ghent Winter Festival (December 5–31, 2024)

Ghent Christmas Market stretches from Sint-Baafsplein to Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, and through the end of Korenmarkt. The whole area is brightly illuminated with Christmas lights and beautifully decorated. The market consists of about 150 wooden stalls offering snacks and drinks, spreading delicious smells across the medieval city center. Visitors can shop for unique Christmas gifts, decor items, and crafts, while children enjoy some festive activities when visiting Santa in his ice cave. In the heart of Glent, visitors can also enjoy the roller rink, winter wonderland castle, and Christmas tram. The Ghent Winter Festival is open from noon to midnight.

Brussels Christmas Market (November 29, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Winter Wonders Christmas Market transforms the center of Brussels into a fairytale town, visited by over 2 million people annually. One of the most beautiful winter markets in the world takes place on the majestic Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons. This UNESCO heritage site dates back to the 17th century, with baroque and neo-gothic facades accentuated by the amazing holiday illumination. Brussels Christmas Market features over 200 stalls, an impressive Christmas tree with a huge nativity scene, a Ferris wheel, and an ice rink. Kids would certainly appreciate old-fashioned carousels and various entertainment.

Antwerp Christmas Market (December 6, 2024–January 5, 2025)

The beautiful Christmas market in Antwerp stretches from the Groenplaats to the historic Grote Markt. The market consists of about 100 stalls, offering delicious food, warm beverages, decor items, apparel, and various arts and crafts. Groenplaats hosts most Christmas celebrations in the city: an ice skating rink, mini-golf, a Ferris wheel, and a live music stage. During the first weekend after opening, there's always plenty of entertainment, like music and fireworks. Groenplaats is a perfect place to have a glass of Glühwein by the open fire watching the bustling life around you. The Ferris wheel provides one of the best views of Antwerp city center and river Scheldt. Some amusement rides and kids' activities are also available.

Liege Christmas Village (November 29–December 30, 2024)

For five weeks, Village de Noël transforms Liege into a festive wonderland. Located in Place Saint-Lambert and Place du Marché, this charming market features streets, alleys, a town hall, a church, and even a mayor and council, with vendors in 200 wooden chalets representing the village inhabitants. Each year, around 2 million visitors flock to experience the magical atmosphere, complete with a giant Christmas tree, carols, and the enticing aroma of holiday treats.

The market offers a range of gifts, Christmas decorations, and local products. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, Christmas beer, chocolate, marzipan, gingerbread, and more. A special chalet is set up for donations, where you can contribute clothes, toys, or food for those in need. Stretching from the Market Square near the Town Hall and Ferris wheel to the ice rink (€7-9) on Cathedral Square, and the toboggan run (€6) on Dalle Saint-Lambert to the artisans' alley in front of the Galeries Saint-Lambert and department stores, the Liège Christmas Market creates a magical holiday experience throughout the city center.

Thanks to its beautiful medieval and Flemish Renaissance architecture, Belgian cities are among the most romantic winter destinations in Europe. When cozy Christmas markets light up with twinkling lights after dusk, they spread their unique holiday atmosphere and old-world charm throughout Belgian cities.