Last Updated on 9th December 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
While Germany and the Alsace region of France may be world-famous for their annual Christmas markets, several other places in Europe host markets not to be missed, including several towns and cities in Belgium. Here’s your guide to the best of Christmas Markets in Brussels (known as Winter Wonders- Plaisirs d’Hiver), including travel tips, and what to know before visiting the city in winter!
2023 Brussels Christmas Market dates: 24th November – 31st December
Market open times: Noon to 10 pm, Monday to Sunday, Noon to 6 pm on the 24th and 31st of December
Brussels in winter is a veritable winter wonderland, with markets spilling out onto the streets, delicious food at every turn, and lights illuminating even the darkest nights and rainiest days in Brussels (and there are a fair few rainy days in Brussels during the colder months of the year!)
It’s estimated that around 2.5 million visitors head to the Brussels Christmas Markets on an annual basis! Indeed, such is the size of the annual festive event, that the Christmas Market is one interesting Belgium fact is that the Christmas Market is one of the biggest in Europe.
What’s more is that Brussels is home to hidden gems, is a great base from which to experience day trips to the wider region of Belgium and beyond, and is the perfect place to sample local cuisine.
The symbol of Brussels is actually the Manneken pis, which is the statue of a small boy urinating (and even he is dressed up for Christmas!). For more information, check out our Manneken pis guide. For more inspiration, check out how to spend one day in Brussels and how to spend 4 days in Belgium.
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Brussels Christmas Market Locations
There are several Christmas Markets spread across Brussels city centre, with many just a few minutes walk from one another. If you’re looking to explore every market that the city has to offer, then I recommend setting aside a long afternoon or entire evening.
All in all, there are over 250 wooden stalls selling everything from unique gifts to ornaments for your Christmas tree to delicious food and drink.
The main locations of the Brussels markets at Christmas are Marché aux Poissons, around la Bourse de Bruxelles, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Place de la Monnaie. Since 2021, the Place de Brouckère has been added as yet another Brussels Christmas market location. Here’s a further breakdown of the markets you can visit:
- Place de la Bourse- This is one of the most impressive markets and the actual market is located within the square directly in front of the former stock exchange, as well as around the streets surrounding it. There are goods such as hand-poured candles and jewellery for sale. There are a number of foodie stalls including vin chaud and raclette.
- Place de la Monnaie- The former mint is pretty beautiful and while the square in front of it doesn’t boast a great number of stalls, it is home to a handful of pop-up bars where you can enjoy drinks in a heated dome.
- Place de la Brouckère- This is home to the second largest market in Brussels, as well as the ice skating rink. There’s no real standouts here, though I do love the ambiance so it’s a pretty nice spot to enjoy a mulled wine.
- Place Sainte Catherine- This market is located right next to the Marché aux Poissons and so you may as well see it if you’re already in the area! There are only a few stalls here, though what is unique about these ones is that there is a focus on Canadian food and drink, and you can purchase treats like maple syrup, Canadian beers, and ice wine.
- Marché aux Poissons- This is the largest Christmas Market in Brussels and is the one location that you shouldn’t miss out on. I noticed that the food offerings were way more varied at this market than the others and you could find everything from empanadas to udon noodles! There are a number of pop-up bars and this is also where you’ll find a giant Ferris Wheel.
Food at the Brussels Christmas Markets
When it comes to Christmas Markets there is no shortage of delicious food on offer. There are both sweet and savoury options, as well as a wide array of drinks. The most notable drink is ‘vin chaud’ (mulled wine- check out our Christmas Market wine recipe here).
There are several foodstuffs that Belgium is particularly known for and so be sure to look out for these while wandering around the city. These include fries (typically served with a mayo-like sauce), chocolates, and waffles. Brussels, and Belgium as a whole, is also well-known for its heavy beers (check here for our Belgian beer guide).
Christmas Activities in Brussels (that aren’t the markets)
Ice skating
One of the top Christmas activities in Brussels is ice skating. The main ice skating rink in the Belgium capital is located at Place de la Brouckère. Please note that this certainly isn’t the largest ice skating rink in the world and so it can get pretty congested, especially during the evening and at weekends!
Giant Ferris wheel
For those who wish to get a bird’s eye view of the city, there is perhaps no better way to do this during the Christmas Markets than by riding the Giant Ferris wheel. The ferris wheel is one of the pricier Brussels market activities and costs around €10 for an adult, though it does offer gorgeous views of the Marché aux Poissons spread out below.
Rides and other attractions
If you head to Place de la Brouckère then there are fun activities for all the family. As well as a giant Santa-themed floating merry-go-round, there’s also a virtual reality dome where you can immerse yourself in a themed virtual reality space.
Head inside the Bourse
The former stock exchange has recently been renovated and you can now head inside to admire the gorgeous neo-Classical architecture. If you head to the top floor (via a lift to the side of the building), then you can experience the rooftop bar.
As well as selling a number of beers and other drinks, the bar boasts an outdoor terrace offering views onto the Christmas Markets below, as well as onto Grand Place and as far away as the Cathedral.
Nativity scenes at the Cathedral
Located just a few minutes walk away from Mont des Arts, the cathedral of Brussels is dedicated to St Michael and St Gudula. Easily one of the best free things to do in Brussels, the cathedral finds its roots as far back as the 9th-century, when a chapel to St Michael likely existed on site.
The church you see today was built between the 11th and 15th centuries, with the twin towers on the front façade having been constructed in 1485. At Christmas, the cathedral is home to several amazing life-sized Nativity scenes which have been created in various countries from across the world.
Grab a beer at Delirium
Though Delirium is probably one of the most touristy places to visit in Brussels, it’s definitely worth checking out, if only to see the thousands of beers on offer at this 1996-established business. They even have several festive and Christmas beers for sale. If you want to avoid the largest of the crowds, then plan a visit mid-afternoon during the week.
Mont des Arts
Mont des Arts is one of the most iconic places to visit in Brussels thanks to the gorgeous views you can enjoy over the city. Each winter, there’s a winter activity and this year it’s some swings which are free to go on!
Where to see Christmas Trees and Christmas lights in Brussels
Of course, Christmas Markets aside, there are several other stunning festivities and decorations to enjoy while in the Belgian capital city. The illuminations are actually classed as their own event separate from Winter Wonders and are known by ‘Brussels by Lights’.
Among these are some seriously amazing beautiful lights (which are obviously best seen at night). Here’s where to find the best lights and most illuminated Christmas trees in Brussels:
The Grand Place Tree (Grote Markt)
There is perhaps no tree that can quite match up to that found in the Grand Place in the very heart of Brussels. This is the main central square of Brussels and where visitors can find the City hall and the Maison du Roi. The market is also where the Brussels Flower Carpet takes place in the summer.
Each year for Christmas, a tree is installed in the great square from the end of November until the beginning of January. There is also a giant Nativity scene. The tree is lit up with LED lights, including 1.3 km worth of glowing red lights.
I recommend heading to Grand Place both during the day and in the evening during your Brussels visit. After all, in the day you’ll be able to spy all of the intricate details, while at night you can enjoy the lights and night show.
A free evening sound and light shows take place on the Grand Place throughout each night of the Christmas season and the spectacle is easily one of the best free things to do in Brussels.
The light show starts at 5 PM and runs on the hour, every hour from Sunday – Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, the light show runs once an hour for five to ten minutes. The last light and sound show at Grand Place typically takes place at 10 PM.
Street Lights around Grand Place
Of course, as one of the most central and touristic locations in town, the streets around the Grand Place are also lined with beautiful illuminations that glitter and twinkle overhead. Other spots in town with overhead lights include Boulevard Anspach and on Salzgasse.
Fontainasplein
All around the city, you’ll find a number of art installations and Christmas decorations. One of the larger ones can be found on Fontainasplein, overlooking the lights on Boulevard Anspach. Here, you’ll find life-sized illuminations of animals such as penguins and bears, as well as baubles.
The Royal Saint-Hubert Galeries
Yet another beautiful location that’s not too far away from Grand Place is the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries. This is a set of covered passages that are reminiscent of the covered passages in Paris and date back to the mid 19th-century.
They contain a series of shops (including a number of artisan chocolatiers) and are the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two during your time in the Belgium capital city. What’s more is that the passages are decorated for Christmas with a number of beautiful lights and illuminations!
If you’re looking for a gift for a literary lover, then I highly recommend heading into Tropismes. As well as Flemish and French books, there are also a number of English language books for sale, not to mention a number of books about the history of Brussels!
Christmas Market travel tips
It’s interesting to know that, while many Christmas Markets across Europe close on the 24th December, the Christmas Markets in Brussels continue on into the new year.
This means that, if you’re planning a Christmas trip through Europe, then you can put Brussels later on the itinerary and still be able to enjoy the Christmas Markets right through until the New Year.
The easiest way to get around the markets is on foot (so be sure to wear comfortable footwear as there’s lots of cobbled lanes), and you might consider starring on maps where you want to go ahead of time so that you don’t miss out on anything. If you get lost/ are unsure where you are, then every Christmas market has signs which mark out other Christmas locations in the city.
When visiting any Christmas Market, I would personally say that the best time to visit is during the evening as this is when the illuminations and Christmas lights appear this best. Any time you visit the markets, it is sure to be cold. Be sure to bundle up with a warm scarf, hat, gloves, and multiple layers.
I would also be sure to bring cash. In the majority of Christmas Markets across Europe, cash is king. The currency used in Belgium is the Euro (€). Even stalls that accept card will often have a minimum card payment, and so it’s better to take cash, just to be on the safe side.
As when visiting any Christmas Market, be sure to keep an eye on your valuables and belongings at any given moment. With any large crowd, you can expect a number of pickpockets! I highly recommend bringing along a bag that zips up and personally always wear a crossbody bag like these ones.
If you’re thinking about seeing a lot of attractions and monuments while in Brussels, Consider purchasing the Brussels City Card, which includes free access to 49 museums in Brussels.
To work out whether or not the pass is worth it for you or not, add up the cost of the individual attractions you wish to visit and see if you’ll save money. Find more details here.
Where to stay in Brussels
Though Brussels is a capital city, it is rather compact, meaning that almost all of the major tourist attractions are typically just a short walk away. If visiting during the Christmas market season, be sure to book your accommodation well ahead of time as places tend to fill up fast!
Latroupe Grote Markt: There is no two ways about it: Brussels is quite a pricey city so wherever you stay may well cost more than you are used to. However, one of the more affordable options in town is the Latroupe Grote Markt, which has amenities such as free Wi-Fi and a bar on-site. Check prices and availability here.
Aparthotel Adagio Brussels Grand Place: Those in search of mid-range accommodation when in Brussels should check out this three-star establishment. Highlights include baggage storage and breakfast for an extra fee. Check prices and availability here.
Juliana Hotel Brussels: For an extra luxurious stay during your time in Brussels, consider checking out this five-star hotel. Located on the neoclassical square of Place des Martyrs, this accommodation boasts a spa, indoor pool, and bar onsite. Check prices and availability here.
What to wear when exploring Europe
In the summer, you can’t go wrong by pairing a cute midi dress with classic white tennis shoes for a laid-back smart casual look that’s just as chic for walking around a city’s cobbled lanes as it is for wandering coastal paths. I love this dress and have it in several colour ways. In terms of tennis shoes, this is my go-to shoe.
When it comes to winter in Europe, most places (with the exception of a few islands) can get pretty cold and so warm layers is a must. I find that cute ankle boots like these ones are the perfect mix of practical meets cute.
Shoulder seasons (spring and summer) in Europe tend to come with a mix of rainy and sunny days and so, again, layers are a must. Trench coats and sneakers are the best uniform to explore the continent in.
Finally, a cross-body bag like these ones is a must. I personally use a crossbody bag by this brand and love its shape, size, and versatility. As well as being convenient and compact, it’s one of the safest ways to transport your valuables, all the while looking chic. I also recommend bringing along a travel adapter like this one so you can charge all of your electronics during your stay!
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.