Set in the northwestern side of Belgium, Bruges is a charming city that is also the official capital of West Flanders. It enchants you with its fascinating canal system, quaint cobbled streets, and breathtaking medieval landmarks. If you want to immerse in the city’s vibrant culture, explore the bustling markets in the heart of the city, and try some local culinary delights from restaurants in it. Also, don’t forget to take souvenir pictures with the iconic medieval Belfry of Bruges. You can also book one of the amazing tours of Bruges for added fun.
If you are planning to take the city by storm during the yuletide season, you will not be disappointed as it sparkles with illuminating Christmas lights and gorgeous ornaments. For your guidance, here is a list of the top Christmas markets in Bruges, Belgium, that you should not miss.
Upcoming events:
- Every year, Bruges celebrates Winter Glow with great pomp. Its Christmas markets are part of it, but there's a lot more to enjoy, such as a walking trail, ice rink, winter bar, special events, and lovely decorations.
- I'm really jealous of the travelers whose visits coincide with Bruges Triennial. This event only happens every three years and displays temporary art installations from national and international artists and architects.
Winter in Bruges:
- According to Visit Bruges, the city has a mild climate, so it won't be too cold in the winter. However, it may rain, so it's best to pack an umbrella if you come during winter or autumn.
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Christmas traditions in Belgium
Christmas joy comes a little early in Belgium according to The Brussels Times. Everyone gets to unwrap their presents on December 6, almost 20 days earlier than in other countries. Some unique Christmas traditions include:
- Attending Sinterklaas' (Saint Nicolas in French) annual entry in Antwerp around mid-November
- Placing a shoe with a carrot and a lump of sugar in the living room on the evening of December 5
- Opening presents from Sinterklaas on December 6
If you’re celebrating Christmas in Bruges, you’ll enjoy watching its streets light up with Christmas markets. For those wanting to know what to expect from a Christmas market, our handy guide is a great resource.
Christmas markets in Bruges
1. Bruges Christmas market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are planning to celebrate the Advent season in Bruges, I think this part of Belgium is well equipped to meet all your expectations, as it has one of the most festive celebrations. A testament to that is the Bruges Christmas Market that happens annually in the city’s historic center. With its quaint setting transformed into a winter wonderland, nothing comes close to what the magic yuletide season brings in. Hundreds of business stalls fill the place, and each one is adorned beautifully with Christmas ornaments and fairy lights.
Bruges Christmas market
Address: Markt 20, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please refer to Visit Bruges
Website: Bruges Christmas market
Market highlights: Traditional Christmas goods, Christmas hangers, Christmas gnomes, hats, and gloves
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2. Christmas Market Windroos in Major Seminary
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Another captivating Christmas festival that happens annually in the beautiful city of Bruges is the charity Christmas Market Windroos in Major Seminary. Prepare to have your wallet ready as you will surely spend some time browsing through toys, books, craftwork, floral arrangements, and many more. Not only that, but the festive atmosphere and the Christmas decors are other reasons to roam around the place. Have a glass of mulled red wine or gorge on delicious Belgian waffles and other culinary delights, as this place is not only for shopping but also for dining as well.
Christmas Market in Windroos in Major Seminary
Address: Potterierei 72, 8000 Bruges/Brugge
Bruges Tour Guide
Miriam Meda
I inspire and help you on your trips to Belgium with my project, Curiositas Mundus. My goal is to avoid you any surprises once you land in this beautiful and small country. Traveling with kids? No problem. Are you a high school teacher preparing for your next study trip? No worries. Families? Friends? Solo travel? VIP? Companies? Universities? Lost souls? Restless minds? Physical challenges or ... Read more
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3. Antwerp Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If I were to find myself walking on the cobbled streets of Antwerp while admiring the structures of this stunning port city during the Christmas holidays, I would definitely take some time to visit the astonishing Antwerp Christmas Market. During the season of lights and blessings, the medieval charm of the city along with the bustling area of Grote Markt200 will enchant you. Aside from numerous retailers’ cottages that will offer you specialty goods, you can enjoy some time ice skating in the rink or ogling at the picturesque views of the city from the top of the Ferris Wheel.
Antwerp Christmas Market
Address: Grote Markt 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Antwerp’s official tourism website, Visit Antwerp
4. Leuven Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Leuvense Kerstmarkt on Sunday, December 10, 2023
Fall in love with the charming town of Leuven even more by experiencing the delightful festive atmosphere in the Leuven Christmas Market - one of the oldest and grandest Christmas markets in all of Belgium. With stunning medieval structures as the perfect backdrop of the trade fair, you will surely be walking on cobbled streets with a lifted spirit once you get to explore the market. Its lights and decors will enchant you, and a plethora of gifts ideas await for you to purchase them and be gifted to the ones you love. Although it has a lower footfall compared to other Christmas markets in the country, it will provide you with a cozier and less chaotic shopping experience.
Leuven Christmas Market
Address: Ladeuzeplein, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official page for Leuven Christmas Market
Website: Leuven Christmas Market
5. Ghent Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
I don’t think there’s anything better than sampling as many Belgian culinary delights as you can in the dreamy Christmas market of the lovely city of Ghent. Just like most of the cities in Brussel, the architecture and landmarks in Ghent will take your breath away. This dreamy winter wonderland is set in the heart of the city, close to most of the excellent restaurants and cafes in the area. It is a spectacular gathering of exquisite businesses that will dress their cabins tastefully to attract potential buyers. Here, you can have as many gingerbreads as you like or taste some authentic Hungarian sausages to your heart’s content. Pair your meals with a hot choco or a mulled brandy, totally up to you.
Ghent Christmas Market
Address: Groentenmarkt, Korenmarkt, Emille Braunplein, St.-Baafsplein
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please refer to the city’s official tourism page, Visit Ghent
Website: Ghent Christmas Market
Highlights: Mulled wine, snacks and drinks, trinkets, crafts
6. Magical Christmas market in Anderlecht
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Be swept away by the whimsical setting of the magical Christmas market in Anderlecht. A place that looks taken out straight of a fairy tale book, characterized by snow-covered cabins adorned with Christmas ornaments illuminated by fairy lights that brighten the dark evening skies. This is what the astonishing Place de la Vaillance looks like during the yuletide season. Tourists and locals alike are treated to a show of fireworks and a palatable adventure of culinary delights. Not only that, but here, you can purchase excellent crafts that you can give as gifts to the important people in your life, from home decors to jewelry, artwork to knitted jackets, personalized gloves, and a lot more.
Magical Christmas market in Anderlecht
Address: Place de la Vaillance , Anderlecht, Belgium
7. Mechelen Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nestled in the charming courtyard by the town’s city hall, filled with illuminating lanterns and leafy Christmas ornaments, Mechelen Christmas Market is a captivating festival that reflects the authentic Belgian tradition of the yuletide season. There will be lots of cabins selling foods, from trendy sweaters to gorgeous jewelry to home decors, glassware, and other artisan products. Also, a plethora of food stalls will fill the area with the aroma of freshly cooked goodies. Ready your list as you will surely find fabulous items for everyone.
Mechelen Christmas Market
Address: Veemarkt, Befferstraat and the inner courtyard of the Town Hall
Fall in love with Bruges this Christmas season
Bruges is a gorgeous city in Belgium that will captivate you with its old town charm. Walk on cobbled streets, visit medieval landmarks, and admire quaint homes while in the city. Surely, it is a fantastic vacation destination all-year-round, but it is even more magical during the Christmas season. Whether you’re planning to just pass through during the yuletide holidays or stop and stay in one of its top Airbnbs, make sure to visit these magical festivals in the city that we have narrowed down on this article for your guidance.
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