Christmas in Belgium is magical! From twinkling lights to cozy markets, it’s packed with festive cheer. In this blog post, we’ll take you through what to do during Christmas in Belgium in the top cities—Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges. Each city has its own special charm, offering everything from sparkling light displays to delicious winter treats and unique Christmas markets. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a holiday getaway, here’s your guide to soaking up all the festive magic that Belgium has to offer this season!
Discover the best of Belgium this Christmas! From magical markets to useful travel tips, our guide covers everything you need for the ultimate festive trip. Watch now and plan your perfect holiday!
What to do in Brussels, Belgium at Christmas
Brussels Christmas Market
“Winter Wonders” or “Plaisirs d’Hiver”
Winter Wonders is already set from November 29th, 2024, to January 5th, 2025! It is a 2 km (1.2 mile) long Christmas market with over 200 stalls and entertainment. Starting at Grand Place with a tall sparkling Christmas tree and finishing at Place St-Catherine with a long line of stalls and a carousel and a ferris wheel. You can find more markets and festive entertainment in Place de la Monnaie, Bd. Anspach and Place de la Brouckère.
Food in Brussels
Where to get the best Belgian Waffles
Maison Dandoy is a popular place to get Belgian waffles in Brussels, and they are delicious, but it missed the “wow factor” for us. The best ones we had were at Belgian Waffles, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with lots of delicious toppings. Both of these options are by the Grand-Place, so if you’re in the area, why not try both?
If you would rather make your own, you might want to try this Waffle Making Workshop where you learn to prepare, bake and enjoy as many Belgian Waffles you can.
What are the difference between Belgian Waffles and Other Waffles?
The main difference between Belgian waffles and other waffles lies in their texture, shape, and batter:
- Texture: Belgian waffles are lighter, airier, and crispier on the outside compared to regular waffles, which tend to be denser and softer.
- Batter: Belgian waffle batter often contains yeast, which helps it rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture. Regular waffles usually use a baking powder-based batter, which results in a slightly denser consistency.
- Shape and Size: Belgian waffles are typically larger and have deeper pockets, which can hold toppings better. They often come in a round shape or a rectangular grid pattern. In contrast, regular waffles tend to have a more compact grid pattern and are usually smaller.
- Serving Style: Belgian waffles are often served as a dessert or with toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, or syrup. Regular waffles, particularly the American-style waffles, are typically eaten as a breakfast dish and are often paired with butter and syrup.
Belgian Chocolate in Brussels
A popular place to buy Belgian chocolates in Brussels is Mary. Located in many different cities in Belgium, Brussels is home to five Mary chocolate shops. There is one inside the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, one in the Freedom Quarter, one in between the Royal Palace and the Palace of Justice, one in Grand-Place, and one close to the Manneken Pis.
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Tourist Attractions in Brussels
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
While in Brussels, you must visit the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. It’s a small but stunning mall where you can find shops and restaurants to buy Belgian chocolates, Christmas gifts or grab some waffles. You will also find a Maison Dandoy and Mary Chocolate Shop inside this mall.
Light Show in Grand Place
The Sound and Light Show at Brussels’ Grand Place is a magical highlight of the Christmas season, transforming the historic square into a dazzling wonderland. They project colorful lights onto the Town Hall and guildhalls, choreographed to music that blends classical and modern sounds. Each year, there’s a unique theme, featuring a different artist. It’s a free, must-see spectacle that captures the festive spirit of Brussels.
The shows run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., starting every hour Monday to Thursday and every 30 minutes Friday to Sunday. Please note there will be no shows on Saturday, December 24, or Saturday, December 31.
Atomium
A unique building shaped like an atom, built for the 1958 World Expo. You can go inside and visit exhibits, enjoy views from the top, and learn about science.
How to get there: Take the metro to Heysel station (Line 6).
Manneken Pis
A small statue of a boy peeing, famous for its quirky charm. It’s a symbol of Brussels’ free spirit.
How to get there: It’s located near Grand Place; you can walk to it in about 5 minutes.
Royal Palace of Brussels
The official palace of the Belgian king and queen. In summer, you can explore the palace’s interiors. But in the winter, visit the Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels’ Park) that right next to it. It is beautiful former hunting ground with statues a cute kiosk called Woodpecker Parc Royal. They serve great food and warm drinks that are perfect during the winter.
How to get there: Take the metro to Park station (Line 1 or 5), then walk to the palace.
Musical Instruments Museum (Musée des Instruments de Musique)
Art nouveau museum with exhibits including traditional & mechanical instruments & a concert hall. Its façade features a captivating blend of Art Nouveau and Old England architectural styles, making it a fascinating lankmark.
To reach the Museum of Musical Instruments in Brussels, take Metro Line 1 or 5 to Central Station (Gare Centrale) and walk 7 minutes. Alternatively, take Tram 92 or 93 to the Royal Palace (Palais) stop, just a 3-minute walk away.
Public Transport in Brussels
Brussels has an easy-to-use public transport system. The metro, trams, and buses are all run by STIB/MIVB. We highly recommend downloading their app, where you can buy and validate tickets, see departures in real time, check out the best lines to take, timetables…
The metro is the quickest way to get across the city, with four main lines operating from 5:30 AM to midnight. Trams are great for scenic routes, and buses cover areas the metro doesn’t reach. A single ticket is €2.60, but if you’re sightseeing, consider a day pass for €8.
Every STIB-MIVB metro station, tram, and bus in Brussels has a contactless payment machine specifically for bank cards and mobile payment. This machine is separate from the regular red MOBIB card readers. You can use any contactless bank card you’ve previously set up, as well as Google Pay, Apple Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Garmin Pay on your smartphone or smartwatch.
Hotels in Brussels
B&B Hotel: B&B Hotels are known for offering clean, comfortable, and affordable stays, making them a great choice for budget travelers who still want quality accommodations. The B&B Hotel Brussels Centre Louise is located near Metro Line 2 and 6 (stop: Louise) and Tram Lines 92 and 93, giving you easy access to explore the city.
Radisson RED Brussels: a trendy hotel known for its modern design, fun vibe, and focus on art and creativity, perfect for travelers looking for a stylish stay. It’s conveniently located near Trône Metro Station (Lines 2 and 6) and Ixelles-Elsene Tram Stop (Lines 93 and 94), making it easy to get around Brussels.
NH Collection Brussels Centre: an elegant hotel known for its spacious rooms and rooftop terrace with stunning city views, perfect for travelers seeking a touch of sophistication. The nearest metro stop is De Brouckère (Lines 1 and 5), just a 2-minute walk away. It’s also a 5-minute walk to Grand Place, Brussels’ famous central square, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.
What to do in Bruges, Belgium at Christmas
Bruges Christmas Market
Bruges feels like stepping right into the pages of a fairytale. If you’re after a more relaxed, less crowded spot, Bruges is perfect with its quaint, cozy streets and enchanting Christmas market in the main square called Market Square and another one in Simon Stevinplein (which is a just a 3 min walk away through Steenstraat. In the main square you’ll find plenty of delicious bites at the market itself, plus lit up restaurants all around it.
Dates: 22 November until 5 January 2025
Sunday to Thursday – 10am to 10pm
Friday & Saturday – 10h30 to 23pm
24th and 31st only until 5pm
You’ll find beautiful nativity scenes illustrating the Christmas story scattered throughout the area.
Tourist Attractions in Bruges
Beer Experience Bruges
The Beer Experience Bruges is an interactive museum that explores the history of Belgian beer and how it’s made, with fun exhibits and activities. You can even try some beers in their tasting room! It’s open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. Tickets cost €16 for adults, €14 for students and seniors, and €8 for kids aged 5-12 (children under 5 enter for free). It’s a great way to learn about Belgium’s beer culture in a fun and family-friendly way.
Adornesdomain & Jerusalem Chapel
Only a 12 minute walk from Market Square, visit and learn about the history of the Adormes Domain and enter the private residences of the Count and Countess. Here you can learn about the 15th century knight, Anselm Adornes. Book your ticket here.
Public Transport in Bruges
Bruges doesn’t have trams or a metro, but the city is very walkable. In fact, it only takes around 40 mins to walk from one side of the center to the other. If you need to travel further, buses run by De Lijn cover the city and nearby areas, with most routes operating from 5:30 AM to 11 PM. Tickets are €2.50 for a single ride, and day passes are available for €7.50. For exploring the historic center, walking or biking is usually the best option.
Hotels in Bruges
Hotel Bryghia: Hotel Bryghia in Bruges is a charming, family-run hotel with a cozy atmosphere, located in a quiet area near the canals, perfect for a peaceful stay. The nearest bus stop is Brugge Schaarstraat (served by lines 4 and 14), about a 4-minute walk away. It’s also just a 10-minute walk to Market Square, the heart of Bruges’ historic center.
Green Park Hotel Brugge: Green Park Hotel Brugge is a peaceful hotel surrounded by greenery, offering a relaxing stay with family-friendly facilities. The nearest bus stop is Sint-Michiels Kerk (served by line 5), about a 1-minute walk from the hotel. To reach Market Square in Bruges’ city center from this bus stop, take bus line 5 and get off at Brugge ‘t Zand perron A2, 13 mins on foot away from Market Square.
B&B Snelleghem: If you are looking for something more intimate, although further away and less accessible by public transport, if you have your own car or rental, it’s only a 20 min drive away from the city center.
What to do in Ghent, Belgium at Christmas
Ghent Christmas Market
The Christmas market here feels cozy, with charming wooden stalls and twinkling lights along the canals and features a huge ferris wheel. There are more than 150 wooden huts spread out from Sint-Baafsplein, along the Botermarkt and Klein Turkije to the end of the Korenmarkt. Try some mulled wine or warm Belgian beer. Plus, Ghent’s medieval architecture and the tram passing by the market gives the whole scene a fantastic vibe.
Christmas Markets in Ghent Opening Hours: The Ghent Christmas market will take place from Thursday December 5th up to and including Saturday December 31st. You can visit the Ghent Christmas market stalls daily from noon on weekdays and from 11.00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
There’s a Ferris wheel, ice skating rink, and plenty of stalls selling holiday gifts and treats like Speculoos cookies and chocolate-covered marshmallows.
Tourist Attractions in Ghent
Gravensteen
Gravensteen, or “Castle of the Counts,” is a medieval castle in the heart of Ghent. Built in the 12th century, it has thick stone walls, towers, and even a moat! Inside, you can explore the castle, see old weapons and armor, and enjoy great views from the top.
Saint Bravo’s Cathedral
This stunning cathedral is famous for its tall spire and incredible artwork, including the famous “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” painting by the Van Eyck brothers. It’s also a peaceful place to admire beautiful stained glass windows and history.
Belfry of Ghent
The Belfry is a tall, historic tower in the city center. It’s a symbol of Ghent’s freedom and power during medieval times. You can climb to the top for amazing views of the city.
The Post Plaza
The Post Plaza is a former post office building turned shopping and dining area. With its grand architecture and cozy cafés, it’s a great spot to relax, grab a coffee, or do some shopping.
Saint Nicholas Church
This is one of the oldest churches in Ghent, known for its Gothic style and blue-gray stone. Its central location and peaceful interior make it a must-see when exploring the city.
Public Transport in Ghent
Public transport in Ghent includes trams and buses, all run by De Lijn. Trams cover most of the city’s main areas, with frequent stops near attractions like Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Buses fill in the gaps, and some run late into the night. Single tickets are €2.50, and day passes are €7.50. Download the De Lijn app to check schedules and buy tickets, and within one hour, you can hop on any other bus or tram for free.
If you’re taking the De Lijn buses or trams, you can easily pay using contactless methods. Just hold your debit card, smartphone, or smartwatch in front of the white terminal when you get on. Just a heads-up: each person needs their own payment method—whether it’s a card, phone, or smartwatch.
Hotels in Ghent
Het Rustpunt: Het Rustpunt in Ghent is a cozy and welcoming bed-and-breakfast known for its peaceful ambiance and personalized service, perfect for travelers seeking a quiet retreat. The nearest tram stop is Burgstraat (served by tram line 1), just a 5-minute walk away. From there, you can reach Korenmarkt, the heart of Ghent’s historic center, in about 10 minutes by tram or a 15-minute walk.
Christmas traditions in Belgium
Belgium has some unique and charming Christmas traditions that blend local customs with a European holiday spirit. Here are a few you might enjoy:
St. Nicholas Day (Sinterklaas) – December 6
In Belgium, St. Nicholas Day is especially popular for children and is celebrated 9earlier in the holiday season, on December 6. The night before, kids leave out their shoes, hoping St. Nicholas will fill them with treats like speculoos cookies, chocolate, mandarins, and small gifts. In Flemish regions, Sinterklaas is the main gift-bringer, while Santa Claus is more popular in the French-speaking parts and for Christmas Day.
Nativity Scenes (Kerststal / Crèche)
Nativity scenes are a big part of Belgian Christmas traditions and can be found in homes, churches, and even some city squares. In some regions, live nativity plays are performed, bringing the story of Christmas to life.
Three Kings Day (Driekoningen) – January 6
Some regions in Belgium celebrate Three Kings Day on January 6. Children dress up as the Three Wise Men, singing traditional songs as they go from house to house, sometimes receiving treats in return. It’s also customary to enjoy a special cake called galette des rois (Kings’ cake), often with a hidden charm or trinket inside.
Decorating with Belgian Chocolates
Belgian chocolates are an essential part of the holiday season, and they’re often used to decorate tables, Christmas trees, or as a special treat for holiday guests. Chocolate shops across Belgium create holiday-themed chocolates and pralines, and gift boxes of these are popular Christmas presents.
Lighting Candles for Loved Ones
In some parts of Belgium, it’s a tradition to light candles in the window on Christmas Eve. This can be a symbolic way of remembering loved ones who have passed away, and it creates a warm, inviting glow in the home.
Traditional Belgian Food
For traditional Belgian food in Brussels, we recommend ‘T Kelderke and Fin de Siècle. ‘T Kelderke is located in the Grand-Place and Fin de Siècle is about an 8 minute walk from the square.
Stoofvleees
Stoofvlees, also known as carbonade flamande, is a traditional Belgian dish of hearty beef stew. Made with slow-cooked chunks of beef simmered in a rich sauce of dark Belgian beer, onions, mustard, and seasonings, it’s a comforting favorite, especially in winter. Often slightly sweetened with a touch of brown sugar or bread spread with mustard, stoofvlees has a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with crispy Belgian fries or mashed potatoes. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring Belgian cuisine!
Waterzooi
Waterzooi is a creamy Belgian stew traditionally made with fish or chicken. Originating from Ghent, the dish features tender meat or fish simmered with vegetables like leeks, carrots, and potatoes in a flavorful broth thickened with egg yolks and cream. Served with crusty bread, waterzooi is a comforting dish that showcases Belgian culinary creativity.
Lapin à la Kriek
Oliebollen are deep-fried dough balls, similar to doughnuts, often enjoyed in Belgium and the Netherlands during winter festivities. The dough, sometimes studded with raisins or apple pieces, is fried to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. These sweet, crispy treats are a staple at Christmas markets and New Year’s celebrations.
Oliebollen
Lapin à la Kriek is a classic Belgian rabbit stew cooked with Kriek, a cherry-flavored lambic beer. The dish balances the rich, tender rabbit meat with the tart sweetness of the beer, often enhanced with cherries, onions, and herbs. It’s a festive dish that perfectly highlights Belgium’s unique pairing of beer and cuisine.
How to get from one city to another
We recommend using the Omio app. It lets you book trains, buses, flights, and ferry tickets all in one place, offering real-time updates. You can easily compare prices and routes, manage all your bookings, and even access mobile tickets offline, it’s something we never travel without.
Of course, you can use your own car or a rental. It takes around 40 to 50 minutes to get from Brussels to Ghent and around the same time from Ghent to Bruges.
From Brussels to Ghent
You can travel easily by train between Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges with Belgium’s national railway, SNCB/NMBS. Trains run frequently throughout the day, making it simple to hop from one city to another. The journey from Brussels to Ghent takes about 30 minutes and costs around €9-€11.
From Ghent or Brussels to Bruges
Ghent to Bruges is also a 25-30 minute train ride from each other, but costs about €7-€9.
Direct trains from Brussels to Bruges, which often stop in Ghent, take about an hour and cost roughly €14-€15. Trains depart every 10-20 minutes, giving you plenty of options to plan your trip without much wait time.
How to travel to Belgium from neighboring countries
You can also take the Eurostar train from London to Brussels. It takes about 2 hours and costs anything from 40 to 100£. Booking in advance usually means lower prices.
Or, if you’re traveling from Paris, you can take the Eurostar or TGV trains.
You can book any of these trips through the Omio app, as well.
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Top European Destinations to Visit at Christmas
Looking to make this Christmas unforgettable? Europe has some of the most magical places to celebrate the season! From charming Christmas markets to historic towns filled with festive lights, here are the top spots to visit. Explore my blog posts on each destination below for more tips and ideas.
- The Best Places in Europe to Experience the Magic of Christmas
- Basel at Christmas, Switzerland
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- Top Things to Do at Christmas Time in Paris, France
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