Christmas Markets in Belgium
- rinkugupta08
- Dec 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2024
Experience the magic of Christmas where festive lights and cozy markets transform every corner into a winter wonderland. 🌟❄️ From twinkling streets to heartwarming traditions, it's the perfect holiday escape!
This winter I chose to explore a few Christmas markets in Europe, starting with Belgium.
Belgium's Christmas markets are a festive dream, with sparkling lights, cozy chalets, and the irresistible scent of warm waffles and hot chocolate. Landed in Brussels and chose that as the base to stay.
Day 1:
I kicked off my trip to Brussels by spending the first day exploring the city, wandering its streets and admiring the stunning architecture.
Since it was November, the Christmas lights were already on, and the festive season had officially begun with the Christmas market opening that very day.
It was magical to witness the grand lighting of the Christmas tree and the mesmerizing light show at the Grand Place—an absolute must-see! The light show runs every hour, every day, until January.
What’s unique about the Brussels Christmas market is that it isn’t confined to a single square; it spreads across the city, and the best part is that everything is within walking distance. Every year, they release a detailed map of the decorations and installations, which I’m sharing below for you to plan your visit.
The Ferris wheel and the whimsical carousel caught my eye, especially the little ones seated on fish, boats, and dinosaurs! The Ferris wheel itself was enormous and lit up in ever-changing colors, offering a panoramic view of the entire city.
Of course, no Christmas market is complete without the food. From hot chocolate to irresistible roasted almonds, I indulged in a variety of treats. There were also plenty of chocolates, mulled wine, and waffles to enjoy.
With Brussels’ Christmas market starting a bit earlier, at the end of November, it’s the perfect place to begin your holiday market adventures!
Useful Links:
Winter 2024: This winter, the Brussels Christmas Market Winter Wonders will be open between November 29th, 2024, and January 5th, 2025.
Day 2:
On my second day, I decided to take a morning train from Brussels to Ghent, despite feeling a bit torn about whether to stick to Brussels and Bruges, as I had four days to explore. But I’m so glad I chose Ghent!
The city has such a unique vibe, with its stunning architecture and charming canals. The view from Korenlei & Graslei was absolutely picturesque, offering a perfect scene of medieval buildings lining the water, making it ideal for photography or simply soaking in the beauty of the moment.
After spending some time taking in the view at Korenlei & Graslei, I wandered further into the city. While the Christmas market hadn’t officially opened yet, the festive spirit was already in full swing. Christmas trees and decorations were up, and the cozy cafes and shops exuded all the Christmas vibes.
Ghent’s Christmas market is spread out across several locations, with beautiful lights and festive stalls creating a magical atmosphere. The holiday spirit was everywhere, from the twinkling lights to the delicious aromas filling the air. The market has a wonderful blend of local crafts, holiday treats, and plenty of mulled wine, making it the perfect place to embrace the season. Even though the market was still building up when I was there, it was clear that Ghent offers a more relaxed, yet equally festive, holiday experience compared to its larger counterparts like Brussels.
If you’re visiting Ghent during Christmas, don’t miss out on the ice rink, beautiful light installations, and the charming holiday ambiance that fills the city streets!
Useful Links:
Winter 2024: This winter, the Brussels Christmas Market Winter Wonders will be open between December 5th till 31st December 2024
Day 3:
On my third day, I took a train from Brussels to Bruges, and from the moment I arrived, I was immersed in the magical holiday atmosphere.
The city was adorned with stunning lights, charming stalls, and the undeniable allure of its historic center. From the bustling Markt to the cozy Simon Stevinplein, the entire city radiated festive cheer.
Bruges is home to enchanting Christmas markets that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. Beautifully decorated stalls line the streets, offering seasonal treats, handmade crafts, and unique gifts. Set against the city’s picturesque medieval backdrop, these markets create a cozy winter-wonderland vibe, enhanced by twinkling lights and the scent of local delicacies. The warm atmosphere is further complemented by artisanal goods and charming cafes, where you can enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Some of the highlights include the Grote Markt Christmas Market, which is always bustling with activity, and the Simon Stevinplein Christmas Market, where you can find delightful local crafts and treats.
The markets also offer fun winter activities, such as ice skating and scenic light displays, making Bruges a perfect destination to embrace the holiday spirit. Whether you're indulging in Belgian chocolates, enjoying a ride on the festive carousel, or simply soaking in the stunning surroundings, Bruges offers a truly magical Christmas experience. It’s a beautiful mix of tradition and modern charm that makes it an unforgettable holiday destination!
Useful Links:
Winter 2024: This winter, the Brussels Christmas Market Winter Wonders will be open between December 22nd 2024 till January 5th 2025
Photos captured with an iPhone 14 - Brussels, Bruges, Ghent
Food & Drinks - Christmas Edition
Brussels
Hot Chocolate - at Christmas market in the special Christmas Mugs
Mulled Wine - at Christmas market
Waffles - all around the city. Vegan option - VeganWaf
Roasted Nuts - at Christmas market
Fries - all around the city, recommended - Frituur, Vegan option - Frites Atelier
Gelato - do try the flower shaped gelato at Amorino
Ghent
Apart from the waffles, chocolates, mulled wine; try below ones
Vegetarian Hot Dogs or Wraps – at Christmas market
Roasted Chestnuts – at Christmas market
Bruges
Apart from waffles, chocolates, mulled wine, chestnuts; try below ones
Hot Soup – at Christmas market
Cheese and Bread – at Christmas market
Dumon Chocolate - at the store
Hot Chocolate - at The Old Chocolate House
Time of Visit
November
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