Brussels Christmas Market: 2024 Dates, Walking Map & Insider Tips
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Are you planning to visit the Brussels Christmas market in 2024 (winter 2024-2025) and wondering what to expect, what to do, or where exactly to go? Or maybe you are researching the best Christmas Markets in Belgium or in Europe and wondering if the Brussels Christmas market is worth it? Read on!
This insider’s guide should give you a good idea of what to expect when visiting Winter Wonders – Brussels Christmas market this winter season. You can also find lots of practical information and pictures that will give you an even better idea of what the Brussels Christmas market is like.
Good to know: We live in Belgium and have lived in Brussels for many years. So we know the city quite well and we also visit Brussels Christmas Market pretty much every winter. So all the tips in this article/ review are based on our personal experience and are meant to help you make the most of your visit to the Brussels Christmas market. Find out!
TIP: If you are looking for a really nice place to stay in Brussels for the holidays, check out the boutique Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo, tucked behind the main square.
On a lower budget, Motel One is one of the absolute top picks in the center. It offers really good value, but, in some periods, it has a 2-3-night minimum stay requirement and is often fully booked. Alternatively, check out ibis Hotel Brussels off Grand’Place – it has a great price/quality ratio in the super central location.
PRO TIP: If you find a hotel you like, don’t wait to book! Brussels is unique in terms of hotels because of the EU and NATO headquarters. Normally, you can find nice accommodations at very good prices, but if any major events come up, the whole city can sell out in no time and prices soar.
READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Brussels
First, you’ll find some practical information for your visit to the Brussels X-mas market.
I also created a map indicating our favorite walking route and the best areas of the market. Because I know how confusing it is to arrive in an unknown city and try to figure out where exactly to go in order to visit a Christmas market that is not indicated on any map…
Further below, you can find more information and suggestions for what to see and do at the Brussels Christmas market.
And finally, at the bottom of the article, you can find some useful tips for your visit. Take a look!
TIP – My suggested experiences in Brussels this winter:
When is Brussels Christmas Market Open?
Brussels Christmas market is open daily from noon to 10 PM, starting on the last Friday of November and until the first Sunday of January. On December 24 and 31, it closes at 6 PM.
Winter 2024: This winter, the Brussels Christmas Market Winter Wonders will be open between November 29th, 2024, and January 5th, 2025.
If you have done some research, you probably already know that most Christmas Markets in Western Europe close just before Christmas. It’s not the case in Belgium where all the major Christmas markets stay open through the entire holiday period.
So if you are looking to visit a Christmas market during the Christmas – New Year period, Belgium in general, and Brussels, in particular, is a great choice.
TIP: If you are visiting Belgium right after New Year when Brussels Christmas Market is already closed, you’ll be glad to know that Antwerp Christmas Market and Bruges Christmas Market remain open during the first week of January.
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Brussels
Where Does Brussels Christmas Market Take Place?
Traditionally, the Brussels Christmas market is set in the area between the Grand-Place, Rue de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons – Vismet.
Recently, it has been expanded into surrounding streets crisscrossing a very big area in the center of Brussels. The ice skating rink can be found at Place De Brouckère. A part of Boulevard Anspach also has numerous market stalls, just as the area around the Tour Noire, and Place de la Monnaie.
We visit the Brussels Christmas market almost every year and I can’t remember that it would have been this big ever before. The whole town center felt like one huge celebration. Even the smallest streets are nicely lit, there are beautiful Christmas lights and decorations everywhere, and it really adds up to the great festive atmosphere.
Further below, you can find a map indicating all the main locations of the Brussels Christmas market and our suggested walking route. Read on!
Brussels Christmas Market Map & Suggested Walking Route
In order to make it easier for you to plan your visit, I created a map indicating the main areas where the Christmas market is located in Brussels and the walking route that we took.
I made this walking route as a circular walk, starting and ending at the Grand Place – the main town square of Brussels.
This route covers all the highlights of the Christmas Market and passes some beautiful places like the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert and Galerie du Roi. These stunning galleries aren’t part of the Christmas market but are definitely not to be missed when visiting Brussels. They are also beautifully decorated for the holiday season every winter.
You don’t have to follow the exact same route as I indicated, but it’s probably the most logical way to visit the entire Christmas market in Brussels. If you get confused, just follow the crowds and you can’t really go wrong. Every main area of the Christmas Market also has signs pointing to all the other places.
How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.
Music and Light Show at the Grand Place in Brussels
You can visit many Christmas markets in Europe, but nowhere you will find the same magical feeling that you get when you see the Sound & Light show at the Grand Place in Brussels. It will take your breath away!
The Grand Place (or Grote Markt) is the central square of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful town squares in the world and it’s stunning no matter when you visit. This is also where the Brussels Flower Carpet takes place in summer.
Grand Place is one of the top places to see in Brussels and is worth a visit at any time of the year! But seeing the incredible holiday music and light show here is so magical that it’s worth a trip to Brussels in winter in itself. No matter how many times I have seen it, it always gives me goosebumps.
The 360° Sound and Light Show is an unmissable part of the Brussels Winter Season. The show is different every year and it never gets boring. It’s my absolute favorite thing to do in Brussels in winter and the main reason why we visit Brussels Christmas Market again and again.
Practical information: The music and light show runs daily during the entire duration of the Brussels Winter Wonders period, except on December 24 and 31. The first show usually starts at 5 PM and runs on the hour every hour from Sunday to Thursday and every half an hour on Friday and Saturday. The last show is usually at 10 PM.
It’s free of charge and you can watch it as many times as you want. We usually start and end our Brussels Christmas market visit here.
Grand Place Christmas Tree & Nativity Scene
Apart from the amazing music and light show, Grand Place is also a place where you’ll find the Brussels Christmas Tree, as well as a big Nativity Scene.
I have to say that the Brussels Christmas Tree is a bit a hit or a miss, depending on the year. It’s huge and decorated, of course, but they don’t really give as much attention to it as some other places, where the Christmas Tree is the main attraction of the city during the holiday season. It’s not the case in Brussels, or anywhere in Belgium for that matter.
Having said that, the Grand Place square is stunning as it is and the Christmas Tree is just one of the many reasons to visit.
The Nativity scene on the Grand Place in Brussels is also quite impressive.
Usually, they have sheep and donkeys in there, but I didn’t see any this year. Either it was too early or maybe they have decided not to use real animals for this anymore – not sure.
Anyway, the Nativity scene is an unmissable part of Brussels’ winter season. The wooden stall is so big that you can’t really miss it.
Brussels Christmas Market – What to Expect
Many people wonder what Brussels Christmas Market is like. Well, it’s big and it’s busy, but it’s also very Christmassy and fun.
Brussels Christmas market is probably the biggest and the busiest in Belgium. In fact, it’s so busy that I really advise NOT to visit on a weekend unless you absolutely have no choice. Just like most locals who work and go to school during the week, we always end up going there on a Friday or Saturday evening and the crowds are just unbelievable…
In addition to the countless market stalls selling everything from woolen socks and home decorations to all kinds of food and drinks, the Brussels Christmas market has so much more going on.
There is also a big Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink, merry-go-round carousels, and lots and lots of other attractions. It sometimes feels a bit more like a big multi-cultural country fair than a traditional Christmas Market.
In addition to the light and music show at the Grand Place, there are light projections on the front facade of the Saint Catherine Church and also on the Casino on Boulevard Anspach.
There are shows continuously throughout the evening, so you can’t really miss it. If you’re too late for one, just get some warm drink and wait for the next one.
On the weekends, there are also concerts, parades, and other events. Too many to mention everything here. If you’re interested, you can find more information about all the events and their locations here.
Is Brussels Christmas Market Worth It?
With hundreds of market stalls spread all around the city center, Brussels X-mas Market is not for those looking for a small-town Christmas feel. That being said, I find that the Brussels Christmas market provides an amazing backdrop and the Christmas feeling is something you have to create yourself…
Get a glass of mulled wine (Glühwein), taste some warm Belgian waffles, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, or go ice skating… Before you know it, you’ll be in the Christmas spirit and having a great time despite the crowds.
If you are looking for a really nice European Christmas market that has it all, then you’ll definitely enjoy visiting Brussels in winter. There is so much going on, so much to see, do, experience, and taste… Brussels Christmas market truly has something for everyone.
That being said, we have some tips for you on how to make the most of your visit. Take a look further below!
TIP: In addition to the market area, the whole city center is nicely decorated for the holidays as well. Shops, restaurants, and streets – Christmas lights and decorations are all around you. If you have a couple of hours to spare, you may want to do some shopping at the Rue Neuve (Nieuwstraat). It’s the main shopping street in Brussels, where locals come to do their Christmas shopping.
READ ALSO: Manneken-Pis: How a Peeing Boy Became the Symbol of Brussels
Is Brussels Christmas Market Expensive?
I find this question very difficult because what’s expensive for one person, is completely acceptable to the other. Let’s just say that the prices at the Brussels Christmas Market are comparable to those in France and Germany.
Expect to pay around 5 EUR for a waffle or Belgian fries, 3-4 EUR for a bottle of water, soda, a cup of tea or coffee, 3-5 EUR for a shot of jenever or a glass of mulled wine.
Most attractions and activities like ice skating or a ride on the Ferris wheel cost around 10 EUR for adults with discounts for kids.
Tips for Visiting Brussels Christmas Market
- If you can, try to avoid weekends because Brussels Christmas market can get really packed.
- Try to do some research in advance (e.g. by reading this article :)) so that you have an idea of what there is to see and do and where exactly to go.
- Bring cash (we use Euro here in Belgium). While some stands take cards, it’s still more an exception than the rule. You will need cash for drinks, snacks, food, and most purchases.
- Use public transport if you are not staying in the city center. Traffic in Brussels is really bad and parking isn’t easy either. It’s best to come by train – Brussels Central Station is just a few minutes walk from the Grand Place.
- If you are coming by car (not a good idea, but we sometimes do it too and always regret it), make sure to research the addresses of the parking garages in advance (see map). Be prepared for the fact that most parking garages might be full so you’ll have to wait and be very patient. Did I mention that the train is so much easier?!
- As in any other bigger town or crowded place, watch out for pickpockets. For more information, read our guide to safety in Brussels, and Belgium.
- Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking a lot.
- If you are visiting with a baby, you may want to carry them in a baby carrier. For toddlers – you’ll probably need a stroller (+ a warm blanket), but it’s really not simple to navigate the crowds. So be prepared for that.
- For older kids – I recommend that they wear something colorful and bright so that you can easily spot them if they get separated from you for a second. It helps if you are easily visible too. If you have a white, a pink, or a yellow jacket, now it’s time to wear it. Hold on to your kids at all times because it’s so easy to get lost in the crowd.
- Don’t bring dogs to a Christmas market – it’s really much too busy for that. Every year, I see people carrying their dogs in their arms, to prevent that they would get trapped. Also, dogs get really anxious with so many people around them.
Where to Stay for Visiting Brussels Christmas Market
If you are looking for hotels near Brussels Christmas market, I recommend staying in the city center as close to the Central Station as possible.
Every time we visit Brussels, we see so many tourists dragging their suitcases on the cobbled pavements trying to find their way in the narrow busy streets. Add the crowds of a Christmas market to it and you really don’t want to walk far with your luggage…
Staying close to Central Station is ideal because it’s so easy to walk to Grand Place and to the Christmas market. Furthermore, it’s a perfect location if you want to visit other Christmas markets in Belgium. Antwerp, Leuven, Ghent, Brugge, Mechelen, Liege, and Hasselt are all very easy to reach from Brussels by train.
Below are some of the best-rated Brussels hotels that are easy to reach from the Central train station and are within walking distance of all the Christmas market attractions:
- €€€€€ Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo. This is the nicest 5* boutique hotel in the heart of Brussels.
- €€€€ Warwick Brussels Grand Place
- €€€ 9Hotel Central
- €€ Ibis Off Grand Place or – a bit further away, but still very central and extremely popular – Motel One.
READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Brussels (best neighborhoods and hotels for all budgets) & Most Popular Brussels Hotels
FAQ
Here are some questions people ask about the Brussels Christmas Market:
- Does Brussels have a Christmas Market every year? Yes, Brussels has an annual Christmas Market. It’s open daily from noon to 10 PM, starting on the last Friday of November and until the first Sunday of January. On December 24 and 31, it closes at 6 PM.
- Is Brussels good for Christmas? Yes, Brussels is one of the best Western European cities to visit at Christmas. While in many countries, Christmas markets close just before Christmas Eve, the Brussels Christmas Market remains open throughout the entire holiday season and is also open on Christmas day. In addition, there are many museums and other nice places that you can visit in Brussels and there are plenty of opportunities to do Christmas shopping.
- How to get to Brussels Christmas Market? Brussels Christmas Market is spread out in the city center. You can easily get there on foot from Brussels Central Station, which is less than 5 minutes walk from the Grand Place where the main Christmas tree of Brussels can be found.
- Does it snow in Belgium at Christmas? While there is always a small chance for a white Christmas in Belgium, it hardly ever snows at Christmas. So don’t count on it. If you are looking for snow at Christmas in Belgium, your best bet is to visit the Ardennes, aka ‘Belgian hills’, in January or February.
- How cold is Brussels in winter? Average winter temperatures in Brussels are between 1 and 7° C (34-45°F). It can freeze once in a while, but temperatures lower than -5°C (23°F) are very exceptional.
READ ALSO: What It’s Like to Visit Belgium in Winter
More tips for your trip to Belgium:
- Where to go: Belgium Itinerary (best suggestions for 3-4 days)
- Brussels: Best Things to Do in Brussels
- Antwerp: Best Things to Do in Antwerp & Antwerp Hidden Gems
- Bruges: Best Things to Do in Bruges
- Christmas markets: 7 Best Christmas Markets in Belgium + Bruges Christmas Market + Antwerp Christmas Market + Leuven Christmas Market
- WWI Battlefields: Visit Ypres & WWI Battlefields in Belgium
- WWII Sights: Bastogne War Museum
- With kids: Best Theme Parks in Belgium & Antwerp with Kids
- Wallonia: Best Things to Do in Bastogne & Dinant
- Fun read: Facts About Belgium
READ ALSO: Best Lesser-Known Christmas Markets in Europe
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Travel inspiration for the Netherlands:
- AMSTERDAM:
- More of the NETHERLANDS:
Thank you! This was very helpful!
Happy to help. Enjoy Brussels!
Hi I wondered if the Christmas market is open on the 26th, 27th and 28th? If you know please respond ASAP! Planning itinerary! Thanks!
Hi Leah, this information is literally in the article. The market is open daily.
Hello! I wm travelling to brussels (and Bruges) last week of december/first week of january but have been seeing some diferent information. Brussels market closes on january 1st ir january 5th 2025? Thank you
Hi Mariana, as indicated in our article, this year the Brussels Christmas Market will be open from 29 November to 5 January. It’s open every day from noon to 10 pm except on 24/12 & 31/12, when everything closes at 6 pm.
@Jurga, thank you, i’m sorry i saw some contradicting information on other websites. And just to be sure i dont think i saw any information about closing on the 1st of January. We were thinking about visiting that day, will it all be open since its probably a holiday?
And do you have a recomendation on where the best place to be at midnight for new years? Thank you 🙏🙏
Hi Mariana, the Christmas Market is normally open on January 1. It might be a bit quiet in the morning though.
As for New Year’s celebrations, it depends on where they’ll have fireworks this year. They normally only announce it a few days in advance, so ask your accommodation when you get there – they should know it at that time.
Hey there!
Great post about Brussels ☺️
Just wanted to know if I go from 24th – 27th Dec if the shops and market will be open? Or do they have specific shut dates. As well as the main attractions such as museums?
I don’t want to be wasting a trip to somewhere I’ve not been if everything will be mostly shut down due to holidays.
Thanks!
Hi Helaina, the Christmas Market is open daily, but it normally closes a bit earlier on December 24. Most other places like museums and shops will be open every day except on December 25. Contrary to some other countries, December 26 is not a public holiday in Belgium so everything is open as usual.
Thank you for this information. Can you recommend 2-3 of your favorite Belgium Chocolates? Want to purchase chocolate for Christmas gifts while we are visiting from the US at Christmas…..from sunny Florida!
Hi Kim, you can’t really go wrong with Belgian pralines from the following brands: Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, Godiva, or Leonidas. Our personal favorites are Manon Café White by Leonidas. Alternatively, anything from Neuhaus. If you want to buy simple chocolate bars at the supermarket, then anything from Côte-d’Or.
@Jurga, Perfect, thank you!
Thank you for your helpful information about the Christmas market experience in Brussels! We are visiting over New Year’s, and see that the fireworks will be at the Place des Palais. We are staying near the EU Parliament, so we are wondering if there is a place we would be able to see the fireworks without being at the Place.
Many thanks!
Hi Liz, while you will be able to see some fireworks from multiple locations in the city, if you are standing on the ground, then the view from the Place des Palais is by far the best. Otherwise, trees and buildings will obstruct the view so you won’t catch the entire show.
Alternatively, you would have to be in a tall building with a good view toward the city center.
Just a note – the area where you are staying is only 15-20 minutes walk from where the fireworks will be. So if you don’t mind the crowds, just go there.
Have a great time in Brussels!
Hi there,
Thank you for a very informative article.
I am travelling with two pre/teens to Brussels to spend the last days of 2023 there. The hotel we’re staying at said there’s not information released on the fireworks.
I would like to make sure that on the 31st we have a good spot to see them. Where should I expect the info to show up, if you know please.
And also, if you have any other suggestions of how to spend the last day of the year (I’ve also booked a chocolate workshop in the morning) as I’ve covered the other days.
Thank you!
Hi Anna, indeed, there is no official information yet about the location of the fireworks. It’s quite different each year – sometimes, they are at the Atomium, sometimes in front of the Royal Palace in the center… I would just google it a few days in advance – once it’s announced, all the local newspapers will write about it. Or simply ask at your hotel when you get there – they will know. Keep in mind that it sometimes happens that fireworks get canceled – that’s if there is too much wind or the weather is really bad. Doesn’t happen often, but you never know.
As for other activities, it all depends on your interests. Chocolate and waffles are always a good idea in the winter and the Christmas Market will also be open that day, although shorter than normally.
There are also many museums, including Magritte Museum which is really a must (and the kids should enkjoy it too), or the Musical Instruments Museum just nearby. The recently-opened Belgian Beer World Experience might also be nice, even if just for the city views.
It’s a bit difficult for me to suggest much without knowing what else you already planned. Be sure to also take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Brussels for more ideas.
Have a great trip!
@Jurga, I appreciate the suggestions and I had no idea about the Musical Instruments museum, one more thing was added to my list :). One day trip to Bruges and Ghent as well :).
Hallo, are the shops and Christmas Market open on monday 25 December ?
Thank You
Hi Handy, yes, the Christmas Market is open daily (normally, from around noon to late evening). However, most shops in the city will be closed on Christmas Day.
Hey Is the Market open / worth visiting on a Monday?
Hi Mackenzie, yes, the market is open daily and it’s worth visiting on any day. It’s usually very busy on weekends, so going on a Monday is great if you don’t like big crowds. Normally, the market is livelier in the evenings and you can also enjoy the music and lights show on the main square starting from 5pm, so I would advise going in the late afternoon/early evening.
Thanks for the great article – we arrive in Brussels from the US on November 24th just in time for the festivities to begin!
Have a great trip, Genevieve!
Trying to decide between a few days in Paris vs Brussels this Christmas & you REALLY sold me… sounds exciting!!
Hope you’ll enjoy it. Both – Paris and Brussels are beautiful at Christmas, so you really can’t go wrong with any. There is also a lot more to see and do beyond the Christmas Markets. I guess you know that the train between the two cities takes just 1h20 (you have to book ahead though!), so if you have a few days, you could easily visit both.
Have a great trip!
Hello how to have reservations for Christmas booth at. Brussels.
Hi, you would have to check the official website of the city of Brussels to check when they start with the registration.
Thank you SO much for this Jurga! This is all amazing information and such helpful guides! I saw this earlier in the year and was hoping you would update for this year and you did already! My hubby and I are going on a roadtrip across several countries to go to the Xmas markets! Belgium is our final stop and we can’t wait!
Glad to help, Kate. Have a great trip!
Hi
Thanks for all the information
What’s the best way to get from eurostar terminal to our hotel ….30mins too far to and will need to go back the next day to go to bruges for the day. Just trying to plan as there is 8 of us thanks
Hi Namita, as you can imagine, it’s impossible to answer your question without knowing where you are staying. But there is a good metro and tram network in Brussels, and there are taxis too. So it shouldn’t be a problem getting where you need to be.
And if you are going to Bruges, you better take a train from Central Station – no need to come back to the South Station for that.
You may also like to read our guide on where to stay in Brussels – it has more info about different areas.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi,
What a great article, thank you. I have been tasked with organising dinner (early ish because of 4 children ) in our party of 9. We are staying centrally – is there somewhere you’d really recommend.
Thanks so much
Hi Peta, it’s difficult to recommend much since there are tons of options and so many different cuisines, price ranges, etc. We usually just check Google Maps for the restaurants near the place where we’ll be, read reviews, and pick one that looks good. With 9 people, you definitely want to book in advance!
If you’re going to the Christmas market, a good are with some restaurants is around St Catherine Square. For a simple meal, try Frites Atelier. For meat and other Belgian dishes, Amadeo in the same area.
For traditional Belgian food, we also quite like ‘t Kelderke on Grand Place – even if just for the ambiance. Fancier – Le Marmiton nearby.
If you want to go where all the tourists go, try seafood restaurants on Rue des Buchers. One of the oldest restaurants in the city Chez Léon is also in that area.
Good luck!
@Jurga, thank you so much for taking the time to help. Your posts have been invaluable & your Instagram account has been inspiring.
Best wishes
Peta
So Helpful! Thank you. Any advice you could provide on transportation would be so appreciated. We are flying into Brussels then would like to immediately train to Brugge for a night then train back to Brussels for 2 nights before flying back out. Is there a recommended website for booking trains in advance? Is it necessary to book in advance? Thanks again for all the tips!
Traveling December 28-31. Thanks!
Hi Meghan, I already answered your comment under the other article, but here it is once again. Yes, you can purchase your train tickets online, but it’s not a must. Just be sure to get your ticket before you get to the train. There are ticket machines at the railway station level at the airport and also a couple of manned desks. You can buy a one-way ticket or a return ticket; the price should be the same.
Have a great trip!
Hi I wants to come to Brussels on December 24, will music and light show at the Grand Place also take place on December 24? if so, please write at what times.
Hi Wojcieh, yes, normally there should be a light show. It’s usually on the hour every hour in the evenings after dark.
We will be in Brugges and Brussels the week before, departing on Friday Nov 25th.
Will there be much lights or decorations up the few days before that we can enjoy?
Hi Vanessa, the Brussels Christmas Tree is going to be set up on November 17-19, so there should be some lights and decorations already. I’m not sure about Bruges, but the buildings are always nicely lit, so it’s very nice anyway.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi, I can’t seem to print this article and I don’t have Facebook. Can you provide a pdf or a link?
Also, how cold will the markets be? Do they have any outdoor heat lamps set up? I am imagining with all the people milling about and all the shopping stalls, it won’t be too cold??? I really want to enjoy myself and not freeze to death…..LOL
Hi Janet, nobody can tell you in advance how the weather will be, but Belgium is really not cold in the winter. We rarely ever get snow anymore in the last years, and practically never in December. Most likely, it will be somewhere around 5-12°C. And indeed, it’s always warmer at a Christmas market and you can often find fire pits to warm (or get a glass of mulled wine).
You can find more information about the weather and what to expect in our guide to visiting Belgium in winter.
As for printing, try Ctrl+p. But you really don’t need to print this. Internet works well in Belgium 😉 and if you need to refer to this article, you can always bookmark it on your phone and check whatever info you need.
Have a great trip!
@Jurga, Thank you!!!!!!
Thanks a lot for this writeup. I’m coming to Brussels 28 December for a couple of days before New Years, and this has been really helpful for planning.
It will be my first time in Brussels, so I am curious to know if the big sites tend to still be open during the holiday week (like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, St. Michael’s Cathedral, etc.).
Hi Eki, normally, everything is open at the end of December. It’s the school holidays and so the prime season for many museums and indoor activities (and also shopping :)).
Most places will close a few hours earlier on the evening of December 31 and almost everything will be closed on January 1. But apart from that, everything is as usual.
If you are looking to visit a certain place on a specific date, be sure to check the official websites for up-to-date information. It’s always possible that one or the other museum will close for renovation or some other reason, but it’s an exception and has nothing to do with this specific time of the year.
Hope this helps.
Hello
I am looking to visit the Brussels Christmas Market this year in November.
I’m conscious some european countries are cancelling Christmas market and or Christmas lights.
Can you please advise if the Christmas lights and the light show will be on this year?
Thank you very much
Caroline
Hi Caroline, I wouldn’t be able to tell you this with 100% certainty. The only thing that many Belgian Christmas Markets are canceling this year is the ice skating rink. It requires a lot of energy to keep it cold, and since our winters are usually quite warm, this looked like the most logical thing to save on this winter.
However, the official sites for Brussels Christmas market still talk about ice skating and sound and light show on the Grand-Place this winter, so I guess they are planning on keeping at least one major Christmas Market intact. At least that’s the info I can find now.
Hope this helps.
Great Review! Is there a layout or list of stalls as this gets closer to happening? This way I could target any specific stalls to make sure to visit? IE where the food & restroom are located?
Hi Jeremiah, it would never occur to me to look for this kind of info in advance (and I really don’t think it’s available to the public). The whole fun of visiting Christmas Markets is just walking around and checking out the market stalls that you come across.
There will be a mix of food, drinks, and other items all over the place. So it’s not like all the food stalls are together.
As for the restrooms, that’s a bit trickier. Usually, you can ask to use a restroom at one of the other restaurant/cafe nearby (carry some change since restrooms are almost never free in Belgium, unless you are a client, and even then…). There might be some temporary restrooms installed here or there too, but I don’t know where exactly.
You are overthinking it. Just go and have a great time!
Hi! I came across this article when looking into visiting Brussels over Christmas 2023 (to attend a cyclocross event on 26 December!). If we were to arrive on Christmas Eve, would public transport likely be running? And supermarkets open? I imagine we’d like book an Air BnB or similar. Sounds like we should be able to entertain ourselves with the Christmas market on Christmas Day (are museums/art galleries likely to be open on Christmas Day? I’d guess no, but you never know!), but wanted to consider the practicalities, especially considering we’ll have children with us! Thank you!
Hi Angela, as a general rule, public transport is always running, on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year.
For the shops, most will close a bit earlier on the 24th (most supermarkets might close at 5-6 pm) and will not be open on the 25th. In Belgium, 26/12 is normally a regular working day unless it’s a Sunday.
You should be able to find some restaurants open on 24 or 25th. Ideally, you reserve in advance, since many will be closed indeed.
I’d opt for a hotel rather than an apartment, just because there will always be things to do at the hotel, and their restaurants will be open, etc. But I guess it depends on the exact hotel too.
For Christmas markets, they close a bit earlier on the 24th and are generally open in the afternoon on the 25th.
Most other places (museums, etc.) will normally be closed on the 25th.
Hope this helps.
Hi Jurga, thanks for the article, it is really informative.
How long do you think it will take to follow the route that you created? We are coming for the weekend and for a planner like me, I would like to plan everything in advance so we can visit more places around 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Lorena, it depends on how fast you walk. 🙂
It’s really hard to say. If you don’t stop anywhere, you can probably see everything in an hour. But the whole idea of a Christmas market is to stop at the stalls, get something to eat or drink, maybe buy some gifts, etc. So it’s really difficult to say or plan. Also, during the day it’s usually not as busy as in the evening, and that will also determine how fast you walk…
All in all, count at least 1.5-2 hrs, but you can also spend half a day if you also do activities like ice skating and similar.
Enjoy it!
Great, informative article – thank you! My fiance surprised me with a trip to Brussels. We will be staying over New Year’s Eve. Do you have any recommendations for New Year’s Eve? Many thanks!
Hi Mandy, normally, there are really nice fireworks in Brussels on New Year’s Eve (usually, around the Atomium). But nobody knows what will or will not actually be happening this year.
The covid situation is getting worse all over Europe and Belgium is no exception. So you’ll just have to see how it all pans out. Ask your hotel for up-to-date recommendations at the moment when you are actually here. They should know what’s going on.
At the moment, pretty much all official websites in regards to fireworks/ New Year’s activities in Brussels seem to show outdated information, so I guess everyone is waiting a bit to see how the situation will be.
TIP – If you are planning to have dinner at a nice restaurant, be sure to book it well in advance!
Hi, love your page thanks for all the info! me and my friend have booked to come for the first weekend the Christmas market is open. We are coming from England and have seen a lot of different information with regards to entry to Belgium and also covid tickets. Do you know what the rules are currently? We are both fully vaccinated and have the NHS app with QR code. Thanks
Hi Ellie, if you are fully vaccinated, normally you only need to fill in this form before you arrive (ideally, do it online and keep the QR-code you get with you because they might check it at the border). You’ll also need a face mask and your covid pass (vaccination proof/app) when entering restaurants and some other places in Belgium. That’s pretty much it at the moment.
I think that if you have to do anything else (like a test upon arrival), you’ll get an SMS telling you so (that’s why they ask for your phone number when submitting the form). Since the UK is now outside the EU, I’m not 100% sure if you’ll need to do a test. For that, try filling in the form now already and see what they send you (maybe they already let you know in advance what will be needed). But it’s also possible that they’ll only send you something once you are already traveling – I’m not sure how it works for non-EU residents.
For the up-to-date official info, see this website. And this is also where you can contact the official sources with any questions you have: +32 781 517 71 or [email protected]
Hope this helps.
Hi,
Me and my partner are coming in December for a weekend trip to see the Christmas market. Are there any tickets we have to get/purchase to enter the Christmas market? Also, with activities such as ice skating, would we need to book that in advance online?
Thanks
Hi Ria, someone just asked the same question a few days ago. No, normally you don’t have to (and can’t) pre-book anything. There are no tickets to visit the Brussels Christmas market. It’s spread out over the city center and they just announced that this year, it will be bigger than ever before (I think they are trying to spread the crowds that way). So you just go wherever you want to and for any activities (ice skating, Ferris wheel, or similar), you just pay when/if you decide to do them. The ice skating rink also has skates that you can rent, usually included in the ticket price.
Hope this helps.
PS Expect it to be VERY busy, this year probably even more than ever before. So for the activities like ice skating, maybe try to do them during the day. It’s usually quieter than in the evenings. They also said that face masks will be obligatory this year.
Enjoy your stay!
Hi – can I pre book ice skating?
Hi Lisa, normally no reservations are needed/possible. You just show up and can go skating. I don’t think it will be any different this year.
Thank you so much, Jurga! This post is so useful & helpful! Was the Brussels Christmas market open last year? How much rain can we expect in December? We’re thinking of going over Christmas & spend Christmas there 🙂
Hi Yin, glad you found it useful!
None of the Christmas markets in Western Europe were open last winter and neither was Brussels. This year, everyone expects that everything will be open. Fingers crossed! You’ll likely need a covid-safe ticket (proof of a vaccine, a recent test, or a previous infection) for the restaurants and maybe some other places.
As for the weather, you really never know in Belgium. It can be beautiful and sunny the whole week and then it can rain the next one and there are no patterns at all. We had the most beautiful February this year and then the summer was really rainy. So you just never know. In general, it’s chilly and wet during that time of the year, but not overly cold (usually around 0-10°C).
But Brussels has so many indoor activities (some really good museums, shopping, restaurants, etc.) that I wouldn’t worry about it. You’ll find plenty to see and do. And if you have a day or two to spare, be sure to also take a train to Bruges and/or Antwerp. Both – Bruges and Antwerp – will also have Christmas markets this winter and both also have a lot more to offer. We have more info about these cities on the blog as well.
Enjoy your trip!
hi – love this post, it’s so useful! we’re looking at places to travel this December, and were wondering if the Brussels markets will still be held despite the coronavirus situation? many thanks, hope you can help us out! 🙂
Hi, I really don’t know what to tell you. Some Belgian Christmas markets (like the one in Brussels) already announced their opening dates for this year. So it seems that they are planning to open. But the reality is such that nobody knows how the situation will be in December and what will be allowed or not.
For example, the bi-annual Flower Carpet in Brussels was canceled this summer, just as pretty much all other bigger events. So nobody knows. I also heard that Christmas Market in Cologne, Germany, is canceled already.
On the other hand, Belgian cities have a lot to offer in winter even without the Christmas Markets, so if you decide to come to Brussels, you can probably still have a very nice time here. Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges are just a short train ride away and there’s a lot to do everywhere – museums, nicely lit buildings, shopping, etc. Brussels city usually has a nice light and music show and this summer when they didn’t allow the Flower Carpet, they still had the music and light show on some nights.
At the moment, everything is open in Belgium, but most places require advance booking. Usually, it’s sufficient to just book a.g. museum tickets the day in advance; it’s not busy at all.
The only tip I can give you is to book accommodations that offer flexible cancelation. So that in case you have to cancel, you don’t take too much risk. Take a look on booking.com – many hotels there offer free cancelation up to 24 hrs in advance. It’s also useful in case there would be an obligatory quarantine and you couldn’t come because of that.
Hope this helps.
Thank you so much that’s very useful information! Yes it is a very uncertain time. We will have a look at some flexible options, looking forward to our trip to Brussels!
Hope it works out well for you!