What could be more fun than enjoying mulled wine and oliebollen? These are the 6 most impressive Christmas markets in Belgium.
In our country we know how to make the Christmas period as pleasant as possible – despite the cold. There are so many cozy and atmospheric Christmas markets in Belgium, both in small villages and big cities. Here are some of the largest and most popular Christmas markets you can visit. Which stall will you soon be at, well wrapped up and warming up with churros, tartiflette and hot chocolate?
1. Brussels – Winter fun
The Brussels winter market runs for almost 2 km through our capital. Start your walk on the Grote Markt where you will see a beautiful music and light show and continue walking along the beautifully lit Stock Exchange towards Sint-Katelijneplein. Along the way you will come across numerous stalls selling hot chocolate, pancakes and other winter sweets. It is not without reason that this is the most visited market by locals and tourists.
Opening hours Winter Wonders Brussels
- 24.11.2023 – 31.12.2023
- Monday to Sunday from 12 noon to 10 pm
More info
2. Bruges – Winter Gloed
Bruges, that scone… especially during the Christmas period. There is no more beautiful Christmas decor than the gingerbread facades on the Grote Markt. Take a few steps on the skating rink before enjoying a few glasses of gin. The picturesque city center is completely transformed into a Christmas paradise, complete with an ice rink, two (!) Christmas markets and light installations that illuminate the historic buildings.
Opening hours of the Bruges Christmas market
- 24.11.2023 – 07.01.2024
- Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm
- Friday and Saturday from 10:30 am to 11 pm
More info
3. Ghent – Ghent Winter Festivities
Bruges may be world famous for its medieval facades, but the city of Artevelde is not inferior in terms of its beautiful historic buildings. The large Christmas market on and around the Korenmarkt deserves a big 10 for atmosphere and conviviality. You will discover a wide range of Christmas items, local delicacies and mulled wine. All the lights and decorations make the magical center even more atmospheric.
Opening hours Ghent Winter Festivities
- 7.12.2023 – 31.12.2023
- Monday to Thursday: 12 noon to midnight
- Friday: 12 noon to 1 am
- Saturday: 11am to 1am
- Sunday: 11am to midnight
More info
4. Antwerp – Antwerp Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Antwerp is a real winter wonderland with stalls winding their way through the city. The ice rink and the Ferris wheel are real eye-catchers. End your walk along the various stalls and attractions with a drink in the Winter bar on the Groenplaats. Extra tip: if you want to score last-minute Christmas presents in December, you can shop in the city 7/7 especially for the holidays.
Opening hours Christmas market Antwerp
- 8.12.2023 – 7.01.2024
- Sunday to Thursday: 12 noon to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12 noon to midnight
More info
5. Liège – Village de Noël
This Christmas market is known as the oldest and largest in Belgium and is also called the ‘European Christmas capital’. The chalets and craft products provide an authentic Christmas atmosphere.
Opening hours Christmas Village Liège
More info
6. Leuven – Leuven Christmas Market
This one is slightly smaller, but no less cozy. It is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Belgium and is known for its artisanal gifts and warm atmosphere. The place to be is Leuven’s Ladeuzeplein and Hooverplein, but there is also a lot to listen to, watch, shop and experience in other places in the city.
Opening hours Leuven Christmas Market
More info
Bonus: Village de Noël in Lille
Do you want to take a trip abroad, but don’t feel like spending hours on the road? Just across the border you will find a very nice Christmas market in the former capital of French Flanders. This way you get that city trip feeling without having to travel too far. The 89 stalls are varied and there is always something special going on: live music, children’s activities, performances…
Opening hours Village de Noël in Lille
- 22.11.2023 – 31.12.2023
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 8:30pm
- Friday to Saturday: 11am to 10pm
- Sunday: 11am to 8:30pm
More info
In addition to Christmas shopping, each of these markets also offers a range of activities, from concerts to workshops and from culinary treats to entertainment for children. It’s the perfect way to ring in the festive season and find unique gifts for friends and family.
ELLE › Lifestyle › These are the 6 largest and nicest Christmas markets in Belgium
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