Christmas Markets in Belgium 2025

Belgium’s Christmas markets are renowned for their beauty and atmosphere, making 2025 an especially magical year to visit.

Unlike many other European countries where Christmas markets close before the holiday, Belgium’s markets remain open throughout the festive season, including the days between Christmas and New Year. This makes Belgium an ideal destination for winter vacations.

Winter Wonders – Brussels

Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Hours: Daily from 12:00 to 22:00
Location: Grand Place and Brussels city center

Winter Wonders is the largest and most popular Christmas market in Belgium, located in the heart of the capital at the iconic Grand Place. The market spans 2 kilometers, connecting over 200 wooden chalets from Grand Place to Saint Catherine Square and the Fish Market.

Main Attractions:

• Light and Sound Show: A free evening light show transforms the historic architecture of Grand Place into a magical spectacle.
• Ferris Wheel: A large Ferris wheel at the Fish Market provides panoramic views of the festive city.
• Ice Skating: Two rinks are available—one at De Brouckère Square and another at Bois de la Cambre.
• Carousels and Attractions: Various festive entertainment options for the whole family.
• Christmas Tree: A massive holiday tree stands proudly in Grand Place.
• Nativity Scene: An impressive Christmas display.

Brussels’ Christmas market is likely the largest and busiest in Belgium, often resembling a vibrant multicultural fair rather than a traditional market.

Winter Glow – Bruges

Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (Fridays and Saturdays until 23:00; December 24 and 31 until 19:00)
Location: Historic center of Bruges

Bruges hosts what is arguably the best Christmas market in Belgium, if not all of Europe. The entire city transforms into a fairytale-like setting, adorned with Christmas trees, lights, and the delightful aromas of butter waffles and hot chocolate.

Winter Glow Features:

• Aurora Light Trail: A 2.5-kilometer trail showcasing 10 unique light installations inspired by the Northern Lights, with reflections from Bruges’ canals.
• Christmas Markets: Two charming markets—one at Market Square featuring traditional goods, and another at Simon Stevin Square with artisanal items.
• Ice Skating: A rink typically open daily from 11:00 to 21:00 (22:00 on weekends) at Lake of Love (Minnewater).
• Forst Winter Bar: Located at Lake of Love, offering eco-friendly drinks and food at fair prices.

The Bruges Christmas Market is an annual event; while names, locations, and decorations may change, visiting Bruges in winter is always a delightful experience.

Gentse Winterfeesten – Ghent

Dates: December 4, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Hours: Weekdays: 12:00-21:00; Weekends: 11:00-22:00. December 24 and 31: 12:00-17:00; December 25: 14:00-19:00
Location: Ghent city center – Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, Korenmarkt

Ghent’s Christmas market pleasantly surprises visitors with its size and cozy atmosphere. Over 150 wooden huts stretch from Sint-Baafsplein through Botermarkt and Klein Turkije to Korenmarkt.

Main Attractions:

• Scandinavian Atmosphere: The entire Winterfeesten area and squares radiate a northern charm, with the scents of pine, greenery, lights, and cozy chalets.
• Ferris Wheel: The 44-meter Grand Soleil ferris wheel offers sweeping views of the city.
• Ice Rink: One of Belgium’s largest skating rinksis featured.
• Moose Bar: A popular spot in recent years, perfect for celebrating with friends and family.
• Christmas Carousels: Including the famous “Sapin Magique” (Magic Tree) carousel.
• New Year’s Fireworks: The market concludes with fireworks at Portus Ganda arinaon New Year’s Eve.

Christmas Market – Antwerp

Dates: December 5, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Hours: Sun-Thu: 12:00-22:00; Fri-Sat: 12:00-00:00. December 24 and 31: 12:00-18:00
Location: Antwerp city center – Grote Markt, Groenplaats, Suikerrui, Operaplein, Hendrik Conscienceplein, Handschoenmarkt

Antwerp’s Christmas market is an annual event that typically runs from the first weekend of December to the first weekend of January. More than a hundred cozy wooden kiosks offer a wide array of festive goods, from artisanal gifts to delicious snacks.

Features:

• Ice Rink at Groenplaats: The rink, set against the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady, creates a fairytale atmosphere.
• Ferris Wheel: Located at Koningin Astridplein, it offers panoramic views of the Christmas markets.
• JOE Christmas House: A special Christmas house providing entertainment.
• Nativity Scene and Musical Performances: Found at Handschoenmarkt.
• Light Tunnel: Located at Suikerrui.
• New Year’s Fireworks: A grand fireworks display on December 31.

Village de Noël – Liège

Dates: November 28 – December 30, 2025. Ice rink operates until January 5, 2026
Hours: Mon-Thu: 11:00-19:00; Fri: 10:00-20:00; Sat-Sun: 10:00-22:00
Location: Place St. Lambert & Place du Marché, Liège

Liège’s Christmas market combines Belgian, German, and French traditions. As one of Belgium’s oldest markets, it has been operating for over 30 years and attracts around 2 million visitors each season.

Highlights:

• More than 200 Stalls: Featuring artisanal items, Christmas decorations, and local delicacies.
• Local Specialties: Including forest mushrooms on hot toast, oysters, various chocolates, mulled wine, and Christmas beer.
• Liège Waffles: Famous sweet waffles that are a must-try in this region.
• 30-meter Ferris Wheel: Offering a panoramic view of the market.
• Ice Rink: An opportunity to skate under the starry sky.

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Kerstmarkt – Leuven

Dates: December 9 – December 21, 2025
Hours: Typically daily, depending on weather
Location: Mgr. Ladeuzeplein and H. Hooverplein

Leuven’s Christmas market is one of Belgium’s oldest, taking place in the city center 10-14 days before Christmas. It is considered the coziest market in the country, featuring 140 white stalls.

What’s Special:

• Coziest Atmosphere: Recognized as the coziest Christmas market in Europe.
• University Library: A stunning backdrop with historic architecture.
• Santa Claus: A regular presence, making it a great spot for expats and families.
• 20-meter Christmas Tower: A new addition this winter.
• Local Vibe: Much more of a local event compared to markets in Antwerp or Bruges.

Additional Christmas Markets

Tournai

Dates: December 2025
Location: Grand-Place, Tournai
Previous Years: Typically early to mid-December

This market offers family entertainment, local crafts, and cultural events in one of Belgium’s oldest cities.

Mons (Cœur de Neige – “Heart of Snow”)

Dates: December 6-31, 2025
Location: Grand Place, Mons
Previous Years: Usually from early December to early January

Mons transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland with festive stalls, an ice rink, and light shows. The Christmas pyramid in the square is particularly beautiful.

Ostend (Winter in Ostend)

Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Location: Wapenplein and Leopoldpark, Ostend

Ostend boasts two cozy Christmas markets. A highlight is the illuminated tunnel on Adolf Buylstraat shopping street, which stretches 188 meters and features an impressive canopy of 232,500 lights! It’s perfect for those looking to combine Christmas festivities with a seaside experience.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Culinary Delights

Must-try:

• Belgian waffles, chocolate, and mulled wine (glühwein).
• Liège waffles—especially in Liège.
• Unique seasonal Christmas beers.
• Hot chocolate, perfect for warming up on chilly winter days.

Shopping and Souvenirs

• Belgian Chocolate: Beautifully packaged for the holidays.
• Lace: A traditional Belgian craft.
• Christmas Decorations: Handmade by local artisans.
• Beer: Special Christmas varieties.

Accommodation

• Brussels: Stay near Grand Place for easy access to Winter Wonders.
• Bruges: Choose the historic center for maximum convenience.
• Ghent: The Graslei area is close to all attractions.
• Antwerp: The old town is near Christmas events.

Transportation Between Cities

• Train: The most convenient way to travel between Belgian cities.
• Car: Suitable for visiting multiple markets, but be aware of parking restrictions in city centers.
• Public Transport: Well developed in major cities.

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