Disclaimer: Traveling Ness contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my privacy policy for more information.
Best Christmas Markets In Belgium In 2023 To Attend
Have you always wanted to experience the Christmas markets in Belgium? Starting as early as late November, Belgium transforms each city with twinkling lights, garland, Christmas trees, and a festive spirit. Find the best Belgian Christmas markets to travel to and kick off the holiday season!
If you know that you will be traveling to Belgium in December, attending a Christmas market is a must.
Be ready to be dazzled with over-the-top Christmas decorations in Belgium and awe-inspiring architecture that will leave you speechless.
In the larger cities, the Christmas market stalls line the main squares, and a magical feeling arises as you find yourself with the biggest smile on your face.
The weather is crisp outside but that doesn’t deter you as the scent of hot mulled wine fills the air and warms you up with each sip.
Plus, the Christmas markets are the perfect place to get in all your holiday shopping. In between shopping, make time for indulging in mouthwatering Belgian food. Let’s be totally honest, the food and drinks are the main drive to visit the markets!
Each Christmas market in Belgium has its own unique appeal but overall, they all have one thing in common, the feel of stepping into a medieval fairytale…
Get ready to be spoiled with the scent of fresh-cut pine, warm waffles, and spiced gluhwein, not to mention the sparkling lights and decorated chalets that say the holidays have arrived!
Keep reading for a complete guide to visiting the top Christmas markets in anticipation of spending the Christmas holidays in Belgium.
Looking for more magical winter destinations in Europe? Search no further to find both snowy and beach-worthy destinations!
Don’t Have Time To Read It? Pin It!
Belgian Christmas Tradition
Did you know that in Belgium there are two Christmas figures? I was a bit confused when I first heard this, but it is a fascinating Christmas tradition in Belgium.
This makes for a busy gift-giving and festive December which would be awesome to experience as a child.
There is Sinterklaas also known as St. Nicholas who brings the children of Belgium presents on December 6th or St. Nicholas Day.
They leave their shoes out on the 5th and Sinterklaas fills them up with goodies the kids will love.
St. Nicholas Day is where the kids receive gifts and is more synonymous with Santa Claus coming on the 25th in the United States.
With Christmas in Belgium, there is less gift-giving on the 25th but more of a time to spend with family around a meal.
Although Santa Claus (Pere Noel) does appear around December 25th, he isn’t as popular as in other countries and his presence doesn’t revolve around gift-giving as on the 6th. This Christmas tradition is also seen in the Netherlands.
The anticipation and excitement for the arrival of St. Nicholas begins in November leading up to December 6th. I imagine that is why many of the Belgian Christmas markets open up in late November which is earlier than the rest of Europe.
Best Christmas Markets In Belgium 2023
1. Brussels Christmas Market
Most likely visiting the Christmas market in Brussels is on your list as it is the biggest with over 200 stalls or chalets lining a few squares during the holidays.
The three main areas of the Christmas markets in Brussels are located at the Grand Place, Place de la Bourse, and St. Catherine’s which are all in the heart of Brussels’ old town.
The Grand Place is the main square in Brussels and during any time of the year, this square is magnificent with the ornately decorated guildhalls and stunning architecture.
Brussels in winter, especially during the holidays in the Grand Place is over the top (in a good way) with lights and a huge Christmas tree in the center.
Oddly, there are no market stalls in the square, but they make up for that with a spectacular light show choreographed with music in the entire square. You can enjoy the light show every hour from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
If there is one thing you see while attending the Brussels Christmas market it is this! I felt like a giddy kid so excited for the holidays watching it as the whole square was illuminated with colors…
Just a short walk (about a block away) from Grand Place is the Bourse building where Christmas market stalls surround this area. And lastly, about an 8 – 10-minute walk over near St. Catherine’s church is where the most Christmas chalets can be found.
In front of the church, stalls, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel and more can be found along the mall from St. Catherine’s. The market area of St. Catherine’s is where you will see the most Christmas market stalls, food, and fun!
Tip: For more details on what to see and do in Brussels, read my post How To Spend The Best Weekend In Brussels.
Brussels Christmas Market Dates & Hours 2023
Usually, the Christmas markets in Brussels open up the third week of November and goes through the end of December.
The markets are open Monday – Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The only exception to this is on Dec. 24th and 31st when the festivities close at 6:00 pm.
For 2023, the Brussels Christmas market begins on Friday, November 24th, 2023 and ends on Sunday, December 31st, 2023.
Where To Stay In Brussels
For the best location and close access to the Christmas markets and sights in Brussels, I would recommend staying near the Grand Place (Grote Markt). That way you can rely on walking to almost everything near all the market stalls, cafes, shops, and chocolatiers.
As another option, I stayed in the European Union (EU) district at the Courtyard Marriott Brussels EU that is about a 20-minute walk or quick metro ride to the Grand Place. A few hotels that are close proximity to the Grand Place, are:
- Hilton Brussels Grand Place – if you are coming into Brussels by train, this Hilton property is next to the Brussels Central Train Station.
- Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
- Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Brussels
Train Stations In Brussels
There are three main train stations in Brussels, which are Brussels North, Brussels Central, and Brussels South. At first, knowing which train station to go to can be confusing as there are often a few different names for each station.
For example, Brussels South (English) is Bruxelles-Midi (French) and Brussels-Zuidi (Flemish). They are all the same location, just a different name depending on the language. The train station closest to the Christmas market areas is Brussels Central.
Tip: I highly recommend taking the metro if you choose not to walk. Very easy to navigate and gives your feet a rest. Plus, wearing comfortable shoes for walking all day is a must!
Top Tours In Brussels
Brussels Private Walking Tour With A Local
City Highlights Walking Tour & Food Tasting
Belgian Beer Tasting Experience
2. Ghent Christmas Market
I loved every city I visited in Belgium, but Ghent captured my heart. It has the perfect combination of having a smaller city feel, medieval architecture, fascinating history, lovely canals, and a castle. It doesn’t get much better than that, right?
Then you throw in a Christmas market and fun holiday activities and wow! Although they are all wonderful, I found the Ghent Christmas market to be my favorite Belgian Christmas Market. If you only have time to visit one, then this is it.
Officially, the Christmas market in Ghent is referred to as Gentse Winterfeesten or Ghent Winter Festival.
The Ghent Winter Festival has that magical winter wonderland vibe with over 150 market stalls all located in the center of the historic old town.
In this area, you will find most of the Ghent attractions to see during your visit. Within Ghent’s Christmas market there is a Ferris wheel, an ice-skating rink, a Moose bar, and numerous delicious food options. And don’t miss trying some spicy South American hot chocolate too.
Most of the Ghent festivities can be found from St. Bavo’s Cathedral to St. Michael’s bridge near Korenmarkt.
This includes the area around St. Nicholas Church and the Belfry. If you want to get an aerial view of the Christmas market in Ghent, then climb the steps up to the top of the Bell Tower (Belfry).
Overall, Ghent at Christmas is a fantastic time to visit and check off your bucket list!
Tip: For more information on what to do in Ghent, read my post on the best Things To Do In Ghent.
Ghent Christmas Market Dates & Hours 2023
The Christmas market in Ghent starts a little later than Brussels, kicking off on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 and running until Sunday, Dec. 31st, 2023.
Weekdays the markets are open from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the hours are from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
The exception to the hours above is on Dec. 24th and 31st, which are open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. And on Dec. 25th you can attend the markets from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Where To Stay In Ghent
Staying near the Graslei section of historic Ghent is the best location to stay as you are literally steps from everything to see. I stayed at the Ghent Marriott Hotel and loved it especially for its perfect location on the Korenlei and along the canal across from the Graslei.
Other excellent hotels are:
- 1898 The Post next to St. Michael’s Bridge and Graslei
- Hotel Harmony near the Gravensteen Castle
Train Station in Ghent
When purchasing your train ticket to Ghent, book it to Gent Sint Pieters station. Once you exit the train station, there are taxis to take you to your hotel. The drive to the historic area where the Ghent Christmas markets are is about a 15-minute ride.
Top Tours In Ghent
Guided Walking Tour & Canal Boat Ride
Private 2 Hour Ghent Walking Tour
Guided City Tour With Food & Drink Tastings
Beer And Sightseeing Adventure In Ghent
3. Bruges Christmas Market
Bruges is commonly referenced as a medieval fairytale-like city with its endless canals, bridges, and romantic charm that makes it a popular place to visit.
The Christmas market in Bruges is much smaller than Brussels and Ghent yet it has a very cozy and quaint ambiance.
The majority of people only visit Bruges for the day but there is so much to see and do in Bruges that I recommend staying a few days at least.
There are two main areas where the Bruges Christmas Market takes place, in the Markt in front of the Belfort and in Simon Stevinplein just a few blocks from the Markt.
Both of these sections of the market have artisanal items, food, and gluhwein of course! Be alert as you walk around the Markt as horse-drawn carriages are everywhere.
Hop in for a ride around the idyllic cobblestoned streets and bridges as you enjoy the abundant beauty of Bruges at Christmas.
For those that love taking to the ice, you can find an ice-skating rink over at Minnewater Park that is a beautiful area filled with wandering swans.
Of all the cities I visited, Bruges is the most crowded as everyone is in search of that fairytale! For that reason, try to visit during the week if you can, to have a little more of Bruges to yourself.
Tip: Staying longer in Bruges? Explore my post The Best Weekend In Bruges.
Bruges Christmas Market Dates & Hours 2023
The Christmas markets in Bruges open on Friday, November 24th, 2023 and runs through Sunday, January 7th, 2024.
It is the first Christmas market in Belgium to open up for the season on this list in case you want to get a head start on the holidays in Bruges.
The market is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the hours are from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
The only exception is on Dec. 24th with hours from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Dec. 25th when it is only open a few hours in the afternoon.
Where To Stay In Bruges
Staying close to the main town square (Markt) where the Christmas markets in Bruges are located is an ideal place to get a room.
It is super convenient as you are steps from many of the sights and attractions in Bruges.
Martin’s Brugge – I planned my trip last minute but was lucky to get a room at Martin’s and couldn’t be happier. The location was perfect (next to the Belfry and one block to the Markt). The rooms were comfortable, clean, and pleasant during my stay.
The following are all within a few blocks of the main Markt square and beautiful. I popped in to take a look as I had considered staying based on recommendations.
Train Station In Bruges
When traveling by train from a nearby city such as Ghent or Brussels, book your train ticket for Brugge Station.
Bruges is one city that you don’t want to drive to as I did not see much parking and the train is very easy. It is about a 5 – 10-minute taxi ride to the main square or Markt area.
Best Bruges Tours To Take
Bruges Boat Cruise And Guided Walking Tour
Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop With Beer Tasting
Bruges Guided Rickshaw Tour Of The City
4. Antwerp Christmas Market
With over 100 market stalls, the Antwerp Christmas market is another favorite that is fun for everyone. The Christmas market stalls can be found at Groenplaats, Grote Markt, Handschoenmarkt, and Steenplein all in the central area of Antwerp’s old town.
Twinkling in lights, Antwerp’s decorations light up the night from the Central Station over to the Schelde River oozing with holiday energy!
For a higher up perspective, take a spin on the Ferris wheel overlooking the Schelde River and the bustling Christmas market in Antwerp below.
For those wanting to give skating a try, the ice-skating rink can be found at Groenplaats including several food stalls to choose from. As with other Belgian Christmas markets, waffles, chocolate, and gluhwein flow in abundance at every turn.
Make sure to visit and kiss under the giant mistletoe, cuddle up by a fire at the Winter Bar, and indulge in plenty of irresistible Belgian treats…
Antwerp Christmas Market Dates & Hours 2023
The Antwerp Christmas market opens on Friday, December 8th, 2023 and runs through Sunday, January 7th, 2024. Hours to visit are from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday.
On Friday and Saturday, the markets will be open from 12:00 pm to midnight. The only exceptions are Dec. 24th, Dec. 31st and Jan. 3rd where hours will be shorter from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Where To Stay In Antwerp
When staying overnight, the best place to stay is near the Antwerp Christmas market so that you have easy access to all the holiday fun.
Train Station In Antwerp
When booking your train ticket to Antwerp, select Antwerp Central Station which is the main train station in the city. This train station is known for its architecture and beauty so, take a few minutes to enjoy it!
From Antwerp Central Station, it is about a 10-minute drive by taxi to the old town area where the Christmas markets in Antwerp will be held.
Best Antwerp Tours To Take
Antwerp 2 Hour Highlights Walking Tour
Private 3 Hour Tour Of Antwerp
Full Day Antwerp & Ghent From Brussels
Antwerp City Highlights Tour By Bike
5. Leuven Christmas Market
The Leuven Christmas market is much smaller than the markets already listed with about 150 stalls. Its small size packs a punch as it has an incredible amount of charm with a warm and homey feeling to it.
The Christmas market in Leuven is also one of the oldest in Belgium which makes it a little more special. This is one Belgian Christmas market that you can easily visit on a day trip from Brussels.
But if you want to enjoy seeing other attractions in Leuven and maybe go on a beer tour at Stella Artois, give yourself one night and 2 days.
Leuven is a university town that is a wonderful place to slow down and explore. It has hidden gems, fewer crowds, and you can enjoy a pint at the longest bar in Europe (50 bars in one area of Oude Markt).
The star of the Leuven Christmas market is the colorful lighting of its Town Hall. I have never seen a more beautiful and ornately crafted town hall that is an amazing piece of art to see on any day. But once the holiday lights come on at night, it is a breathtaking sight.
All the Christmas festivities in Leuven will be in the surrounding area of the Town Hall and St. Peters Church.
Between the gothic Town Hall and St. Peter’s Church is where kids can visit Santa’s cottage, sit on his lap, and whisper what they want for Christmas! And lined up against the church is a live manger where you can see animals too.
Leuven Christmas Market Dates & Hours 2023
The Christmas Market in Leuven runs shorter than the markets mentioned above from Thursday, December 7th, 2023 to Thursday, December 21st, 2023.
Monday – Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Thursday and Friday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Where To Stay In Leuven
I visited Leuven from Brussels on a day trip but next time I would like to spend a night and two full days. If you want to spend a few days, then the hotels with the best location and near both the train station and Leuven Christmas market area are:
- The Fourth – Tafeirond
- Pentahotel Leuven
- Park Inn by Radisson Leuven – the closest to the train station, steps away.
- Theater Hotel Leuven
Train Station In Leuven
When booking a train ticket, select arrival at Leuven Station. The train station is very close to the city center and Leuven Christmas market with about a 10-minute walk. But if you have a lot of luggage then you can hop in a taxi.
Top Leuven Tours To Go On
Special Christmas Journey Walking Tour Of Leuven
Leuven Highlights Of Hidden Gems Tour
6. Dinant & Namur Christmas Market
Both the towns of Namur and Dinant are south and slightly east of Brussels or about 1.5 hrs by train.
These towns might not see as much tourism as the other cities above but don’t let that stop you from visiting the quaintest towns and the Christmas festivities they offer.
Both towns are located along the Meuse River with Dinant further south of Namur by about 40-minutes. Dinant is very close to the French border, so locals predominately only speak French.
In each town, there is a citadel overlooking the river, a casino, and idyllic streets to wander. For those reasons alone you want to visit and even more so for their cozy and whimsical holiday merriment.
You can find around 75 stalls at the Namur Christmas Market and probably a quarter of that at the Dinant Christmas market.
As you explore the markets you will be greeted with many artisan gifts and food items, concerts, musical animations, and more!
And of course, warm up with some hot spiced mulled wine, buy some unique items to take home, and bask in the glow of holiday lights.
Tip: Spending a few days in the picturesque town of Dinant? Find out what to do in my post Fun Things To Do In Dinant.
Christmas Market Dates & Hours
The Namur Christmas market opens up for the season on Friday, November 24th and runs through the end of December. Hours are:
Sunday thru Thursday, open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Friday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
The only exception is for Dec. 24th and Dec. 31st the market will close at 6:00 pm and on Dec. 25th the market will open up later at 3:00 pm.
In Dinant, there is a tiny stretch of Christmas market stalls lining the Meuse River. As it is a small town it’s only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during December.
Where To Stay In Namur & Dinant
Although you can stay in Namur, I would recommend staying in Dinant at least one night. It is a fascinating city and full of charm.
- La Merveilleuse Hotel – Iocated in Dinant and I can’t recommend it enough. Located along the river and in an old monastery with the Leffe beer museum and tasting room onsite.
- Chateau De Namur – located in Namur
- NE5T Hotel & Spa – located in Namur
Train Station Info
The train station in Namur is the Namur Railway Station and the station in Dinant is the Dinant Train Station. Both are a reasonable walk from most attractions (~ 10-min) or a short drive.
Taking the train is the easiest and most relaxing way to travel to Namur and Dinant. The exception would be if you want to see nearby castles, wineries, and the countryside. In that case, then renting a car is a better option.
Top Dinant Tours To Take
Private Walking Tour Of Dinant
Dinant & Luxembourg Tour From Brussels
Foods To Eat At Belgian Christmas Markets
If I’m being completely forthcoming, one of my main drivers for wanting to experience a Christmas Market in Belgium was for the food and beverages! There are so many delicious options to choose from that it can be overwhelming at first.
You will find foods from around the world such as pasta, burgers, and great Asian noodles but make sure to leave room for some Belgian cuisine!
By no means is this all the food but a small selection of Christmas food in Belgium to highlight so that you don’t miss out…
Festive Adult Beverages
Gluhwein
Having a cup of gluhwein is known as mulled wine and is enjoyed partly for its flavor and a lot to do with keeping you warm in the crisp outdoors.
For those that have never tasted it, gluhwein is hot mulled wine that is infused with spices such as cloves and cinnamon.
If smells much like the holidays and after drinking a few cups you will be feeling the holiday joy! Mulled wine is one thing that can be found at practically every Christmas market in Europe. You might also see it referred to as Vin Chaud.
Genever
If you enjoy gin, then you will be happy to sip some juniper-flavored Genever as it is comparable to a gin spirit.
It can be found in both the Netherlands and Belgium as a popular type of alcohol to be found at the Christmas markets. You will see it in a variety of flavors such as vanilla and apple.
Beer
This one should be pretty obvious as Belgium is famously known for making incredible beer. Sipping on a cold beer might not sound super appealing while standing out in freezing temps, but thankfully there are beer bars that are covered to make mini beer halls.
You can sample Belgian beer any time of the year but going into the beer bars at various Christmas markets has its own merry holiday atmosphere you don’t want to miss. Every city has some good breweries to visit too.
Tip: If you visit Leuven, take a tour of the Stella Artois beer factory. At the end, you get plenty of beer tastings and some to take home!
Savory Belgian Food Bites
Raclette Baguette
Raclette is an amazingly tasty cheese that oozes deliciousness. It is a mild and creamy hard cheese that comes in the format of a wheel. A chunk of raclette cheese is cut and melted onto a grill.
Once fully melted, the cheese is scraped off the grill and topped onto a baguette that can have meat, possibly potatoes or pickled onions.
Really it doesn’t matter what else is in it as long as the melted raclette is on top! Imagine the most delicious gooey cheese melted on a crisp baguette that is absolute perfection for any cheese lover…
Grilled Wurst
Especially common at Christmas markets, the smell of a grilled wurst is one of the first foods I think of when visiting a Belgian Christmas market.
Served on a baguette, a wurst sandwich is quite yummy, super easy to eat as you walk around and it is served hot which is a plus on a cold day!
Mussels & Frites
Having a meal of mussels & frites (fries) isn’t super common to find at a Christmas market stall but sampling this Belgian staple is necessary.
Most restaurants that serve traditional Belgian food will have mussels & frites on the menu.
Usually, you don’t have to go too far away from the market areas to find tasty mussels that are commonly cooked in white wine and garlic.
But sometimes you might see it served in a tomato base too. Oh and with mussels or not, hand-cut Belgian frites are amazing on their own!
Tartiflette
Tartiflette is one of those cozy and hearty meals that completely fills you up with warmth and satisfaction. The dish is seen at every Christmas market in Belgium and easy to spot as it is cooked in a huge pan. It almost looks like the large skillets they cook paella in.
Tartiflette is comprised of white wine, cheese, potatoes, onions, and bacon. It is without question the perfect comfort food on a cold winter day and a top pick for Christmas food in Belgium.
Mustard
An East Flemish specialty in Belgium is the yummiest mustard. Although you can find throughout the country, Ghent has one particular shop that stands out for having exceptional mustard. The tiny shop of Tierenteyn-Verlent looks like an old apothecary and has specialized in mustards since 1883.
I personally don’t like mustard in general but I love the mustard from Tierenteyn-Verlent as it has incredible flavor and is spicy! Buying a jar makes for a great gift or a souvenir for yourself.
Delightful Belgian Sweets
Belgian Waffles
Coming from the United States, I wasn’t very big on waffles but how I love Belgian waffles! Waffles are very popular and can be found on practically every street.
There are two types of waffles, the style that comes from Brussels or Liege style waffles that are common in the Ghent and Bruges regions.
The Brussels style waffle is light and airy with various toppings such as powdered sugar, chocolate or strawberries and usually eaten with a fork.
In contrast, the Liege style waffle is warm with no toppings other than the insanely delightful caramelized sugar within it.
This kind of waffle you can carry in your hand and eat as a snack! Waffles are not considered a breakfast food in Belgium but more of a snack or dessert. If you don’t have at least one waffle during your visit, it’s as if you never went…
Sneeuwballen
Only available in the winter months is my new favorite sweet treat, Sneeuwballen also known as Snowballs! It is by far the best sweet Christmas food in Belgium option.
They are so incredibly good that I wish I could’ve transported cases of these home with me. Since I couldn’t, I may have had several a day so I wouldn’t forget the flavorful dessert…
Snowballs (Sneeuwballen) are between a cookie and a candy, but I think officially considered a candy.
Made in the shape of a cookie ball, it is vanilla coated with dark chocolate and sprinkled with icing sugar. They are most commonly seen in Ghent so don’t miss out on trying them!
Speculoos Biscuits
Speculoos biscuits are a very popular treat you will see at the Christmas markets and in shops throughout Belgium.
They are crisp and light biscuits (cookies) that are made with speculoos which is a combination of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and possibly anise.
Speculoos biscuits have a similar taste to a gingerbread cookie and are so delicious! During the holidays you will see speculoos biscuits of all sizes and shapes too.
Chocolate
Belgian chocolate is beyond incredible and some of the best chocolate in the world. I knew that Belgians were known for their chocolate making but I was pleasantly amazed at how delicious and decadent it really is.
There are a number of top Belgian chocolatier’s that require a visit to their shops. There is a chocolate shop on every corner so you won’t have a hard time finding chocolate! The chocolate that Belgium is famous for is the praline, so make sure to taste one of these delights.
Tip: If you are visiting Brussels, find out where the best chocolate shops in Brussels are!
Where Is Belgium?
If this is your first time visiting Belgium, you might be wondering where exactly in Europe it is.
Belgium is part of the European Union and bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, France to the southwest, and Luxembourg to the southeast.
The North Sea borders Belgium in the north and the main reason Belgium has so much fresh and delicious seafood available. Being centrally located to neighboring European countries makes it very easy to travel to Belgium by train or plane.
How To Get To Belgium
If you are flying in from abroad, the largest airport to fly into would be in Brussels at the Brussels Airport (BRU). From there you can travel to various cities within the country.
A second option would be to fly into Antwerp at the Antwerp International Airport (ANR).
I would check flights to both to see where you can get the better fare, but likely Brussels will be the best option as it is the largest airport in Belgium.
Start Searching The Best Flight Deals To Belgium!
If you are traveling in Belgium or coming from neighboring countries, taking the train is the easiest option.
Note: For train transportation info, see notes for each corresponding city above.
Tip: For checking train schedules to each town listed, visit Belgium’s official train site.
Tips For Visiting Christmas Markets In Belgium
- The majority of vendors accept card cards but not all. So, always carry some cash.
- Prevent being cold with wearing a base layer of thermal top and leggings! They make the world of difference as they are thin under clothes and wick away moisture.
- Bundle up! Wear plenty of layers, a warm jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves as it does get very cold in December.
- Even after wearing good winter clothes, I can’t recommend enough having hand and toe warmers handy. You will likely spend the majority of your day wandering the market stalls and want to keep warm!
- The weekends will be very busy but that comes with a very merry and festive appeal. If you want to avoid the crowds, go during the weekdays.
- The Euro is the currency used in Belgium so make sure you change money at the airport or when you take out from an ATM machine.
- Don’t be surprised when they ask you for a deposit (~1 Euro) for your cup when you get a beer or drink. Once you finish, take the cup back and you get the Euro in return.
- Although pretty much everyone in central and northern Belgium speaks English, Belgium has three official languages that are Dutch, French, and German.
- Make sure you have an umbrella or rain jacket in case it rains. I preferred a rain jacket with a hood so my hands were free to eat and drink!
- Just as with any big festival or crowded event, always keep an eye on your belongings. Keep your most valuables in a concealed travel pouch or use this crossbody bag.
- Carry a power bank so that you can keep your phone charged all day no matter where you are.
- Keep your electronics charged with this international adapter.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet the majority of the day.
- Have plenty of travel wet wipes with you for after you eat or use the restroom.
- Make travel easier and bring lightweight luggage for your trip!
Map Of Belgian Christmas Markets
Belgium In December Weather
If you are visiting Belgium in December, then expect it to be cold! Depending on where you are coming from, being cold is relative. But coming from California it was very chilly, ranging in the temperatures of 30 F to 50 F.
I didn’t find it that cold at the higher temps but around 30 F it was a bit challenging at times. Since you will be spending most of the day outside the key is having warm clothes, layering, a good jacket, gloves, boots, and a scarf. If you have these items, then it isn’t bad at all.
On many days, the sun will come out but do expect some overcast days, some rain, and wind.
Wear the proper clothes and you won’t really notice the freezing temps. Don’t let the weather deter you as it is part of feeling the winter wonderland of the Christmas markets!
Tip: Having these hand warmers made the cold days quite enjoying or should I say bearable…
Note: Although not common in the past few years, it can snow in Belgium during December. But more than likely you will experience rain instead.
FAQs About The Christmas Markets In Belgium
Depending on the city, Christmas markets in Belgium start from November 24th, 2023 and run through to December 31st, 2023 or the beginning of January, 2024.
The larger cities such as Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges open on November 24th, 2023. The smaller markets will open the first week of December on either Thursday, December 7th or on Friday, December 8th, 2023.
There is no way to pick one as the best Christmas market in Belgium as they each have their own holiday festivities that make them unique. The Christmas market in Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges will have the most vendors, activities, and decorations. But don’t overlook some of the small but charming Christmas markets such as Leuven and Namur. Overall, I would suggest the Brussels and Ghent Christmas markets for your first trip.
Yes! The Christmas markets in Belgium are incredible and markets to experience for their beautiful holiday décor, medieval architecture, numerous Christmas market stalls, delicious food, and fun holiday festivities.
Both the Brussels and Bruges Christmas markets are amazing and worth going to. But if you can only pick one, start with the Christmas market in Brussels as it is the largest and has the holiday light show in the main town square which is magical to experience.
It depends on the number of cities you plan to visit. You can easily spend 3 – 5 days in each city but if you only have a week, consider visiting no more than 2 – 3 cities so that you can see the main attractions and not feel too rushed. On your first trip to Belgium, I would suggest visiting the cities of Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges as you can get to each of them by train with ease.
Yes, many locals speak English, but the three main languages spoken in Belgium are Dutch, French, and German. After these three languages, English is the most common. In most hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions people speak enough English to converse. Using Google Translate App comes in handy when there is a language barrier.
Before You Go…
Read about another stunning location to visit in Europe in winter by exploring the top things to do in Brasov, Romania!
Got Travel Insurance?
Don’t leave home without travel insurance as you never know what might happen on a trip! It is always when you least expect it that something can go wrong like getting sick, in an accident or cancellation of some sort.
Get a no-obligation quote from two trusted travel insurance companies for peace of mind on your next trip!
Get A Quote From SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Get A Quote From World Nomads Travel Insurance
Looking For More Travel Inspiration?
How To Spend The Best Weekend In Brussels
19 Amazing Things To Do In Ghent
The Best Way To Spend 3 Days In Bruges
How To Tour The Best Chocolates In Brussels
7 Best Filtered Water Bottles For Travel And Hiking
12 Best Things To Do In Bucharest
15 Ultimate Things To Do In Dubrovnik
10 Fantastic Places To Visit In Transylvania
15 Top Things To Do In Split, Croatia
Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.
I got to visit Belgium in June 2019 and it was incredible. I wished I had chanced your detailed blog post before! Looking forward to your future posts.
Thank you! Oh that is wonderful you got to visit Belgium last year! I’m sure it is different during the holidays and something you will have to go back and experience one day. 🙂
I feel like I appreciate Christmas markets even more since we moved to North America. They seem so normal in Europe…but they are just so crammed with history, tasty food and beautiful lights. Hopefully they’ll all be back by winter 2021.
I have to admit, I had no idea Belgium had so many good’uns! I will HAVE to visit next time we live that side of the pond. <3
The European Christmas markets are so special, nothing like them! It’s funny last year I made the commitment that I would attend a different Christmas market each year, but I guess that goal is being postponed… Lol. Yes, the next time you are in Europe definitely visit Belgium during the holidays as they won’t disappoint! 🙂
Love this! It’s so sad that everything is different this year but these Christmas markets look amazing. I would love to visit Belgium during the holidays
The Belgium markets are so beautifully decorated and have such a festive vibe that will be great to see next year! 🙂
I’m so sad the Christmas Markets aren’t going ahead this year! Normally we’d take a European trip at the end of November to visit the Christmas markets so we’re missing out this year! Belgium isn’t a county we’ve been to, to see the Christmas markets but you’ve bumped it up my list! I’d love to go back to Bruges so I think a Christmas trip is in order! Thanks for the great guide, fingers crossed a 2021 trip might be on the cards!
I know I was hoping to visit some this year too. Now we can plan for next year! If you like Bruges then you will love visiting all the Christmas markets in Belgium as they are magical. 🙂
Wow! The Belgian Christmas markets look so magical! Now, I have to put these markets on my bucket list for the future. I usually do a Christmas market trip every year, but due to obvious reasons, I had to cancel this year. Thank you for the inspiration! 🙂
You’re welcome! Yes, the Belgium Christmas markets are indeed wonderful and ones I think you will love if you enjoy going to the markets each year! 🙂