Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a perfect destination for experiencing Christmas with its festive year-end events counting down to the most blissful time of the year. The joyful atmosphere is very much alive in this capital during the season of Christmas, making you feel the warmth of the holiday spirit. With lively Christmas markets such as Plaisirs d'Hiver and magical lights illuminating the city, Brussels remains unmatched in highlighting the vibrant European Christmas.
Are you planning to celebrate Christmas in Belgium’s capital city and wondering how to make the most of your time? Continue reading to find out about the best things to do at Christmas in Brussels, Belgium.
1. Witness the sound and light show at the Grand Place
The majestic Grand Place stands tall on a cobbled market square in Brussels. From the end of November to January, the architectural heritage site is adorned with a beautiful display of lights adding a magical glow to the historical setting. While here, do not forget to take a snap with the gigantic Christmas tree to complete your holiday!
Witnessing the sound and light show at the Plaisirs d'hiver festival is an experience you do not want to miss. The theme for this event changes annually, so you can expect something new every year. The show runs every hour from Monday to Thursday, while the remaining days have a shortened interval of just 30 minutes between shows. The festival starts on 25th November and ends on 1st January, 2023.
Sound and light show at the Grand-Place
Address: Carr de l'Europe, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Website: Plaisirs d'hiver Winterpret
Opening hours: 5pm - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Find the perfect gift in the Christmas Market (from USD 527.0)
Winter Wonders and Plaisirs d'Hiver are held in the center of Brussels from the last week of November to the end of December or the first week of January. The event sets forth a large Christmas market with over 200 pop-up stores dubbed as chalets.
Treat your inner child with the fairground attractions offering theme park rides. Stroll along the market and find treasures along the way to fill your Christmas stockings. Enjoy a tour of the Christmas market and get the most out of your holidays in Brussels.
Private tour : Christmas market in Brussels
Duration: 6 to 8 hours
3. Watch a carol concert at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Brussels Carol Concert on Tuesday, December 19, 2017
The carol concert at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel connects individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. This annual tradition is staged by a devoted group of musicians. This year’s event is expected to happen on December 18 at 5 pm.
Watch the fantastic performances of Christmas carols and jingles from the choir members consisting of adults and children. You will not only be entertained, but you can also make a difference just by simply participating in this charity event that can help hundreds of lives. The net proceeds of the concert will be donated to children’s hospitals and the Fetal Medicine Foundation Belgium.
Brussels Carol Concert
Address: Koninklijk Conservatorium, 30 Rue de la Régence, Brussels
Website: Brussels Carol Concert
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4. Sample some Vin Chaud or Chocolat Chaud
The best way to warm up after hours of strolling along the glittering stalls in the Christmas market is by sipping a hot beverage. Brussels prides itself as one of the capitals of street food, and Christmas in Brussels will not be complete without you trying the traditional winter drinks, Chocolat Chaud and Vin Chaud.
You can satisfy your sweet tooth with the Chocolat Chaud (hot chocolate), a classic European beverage, to replenish your energy after braving chilly temperatures. Grab a Vin Chaud or mulled wine to spice up your day a little if you prefer something with an extra kick.
Brussels 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
5. Explore Brussels with a local (from USD 189.03)
If you want your Christmas holiday in Brussels to be hassle free, you can match with a local host who will introduce you to the city’s wonders. Enjoy customized experiences and see the best version of the city with a guide’s help. Wandering through the city with a local also helps bridge language barriers and makes communication effective, especially if you are not fluent in French.
Do not fancy following rigid itineraries? Hiring a local host is different from having a tour guide because you can conveniently make adjustments and move around at your own pace. The private tour package includes an efficient local host, a cup of hot chocolate and mulled wine, accommodation meet-ups, and walking tours.
Private Tour: Experience the Christmas Magic in Brussels
Duration: 3.0 hour
Celebrate Christmas in the capital of Europe
There is something heartwarming whenever we hear the carols and witness the Christmas spectacle of lights glowing on the vibrant streets. It marks the beginning of the season of giving and being kind. If Brussels is your chosen destination to spend Christmas, you will be blessed with a plethora of activities to enjoy. Make sure to tick off this list of the best things to do at Christmas in Brussels for a merry holiday.
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