In this post, I want to give you an overview of the Christmas markets in Belgium and more specifically those in Belgium’s 10 province capitals and Brussels. We have Christmas markets starting in mid-November already, so you can take your pick and plan accordingly.
Not only will you find general information about each Christmas market, as well as when and where to find them, but also tips on how to travel to them and where to stay. After all, Christmas markets look their best in the evenings and you don't want to worry about catching a train when you're sipping something warm underneath the Christmas lights, now do you? :-)
DUE TO COVID, ALL THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN BELGIUM HAVE BEEN CANCELED. I will update this post with information about the 2021 Belgium Christmas markets once it's available.
Contents
- Christmas markets in Belgium 2020
- 1. Brussels Christmas market: CANCELED
- 2. Antwerp Christmas market: CANCELED
- 3. Ghent Christmas market: CANCELED
- 4. Bruges Christmas market: CANCELED?/h2> General information about the Bruges Christmas fair While there will be a route with light installations in the center of Bruges from November 27, 2020 until January 10, 2021, it seems that there won't be a Christmas market this year. The Bruges Christmas Market takes place at both the Market Square (one of thelocations in the movie “In Bruges”!) and the Simon Stevin Square. At the Market Square, you can usually find the food and drink stands, as well as Christmas decorations. At the Simon Stevin Square, you can find a bit of everything, including some fun souvenirs. Where? Market square and Simon Stevin Square Bruges Christmas market opening times Sunday – Thursday: 10.30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 10.30 a.m. – 11 p.m. Exception: On Christmas day and New Year's Day, stand keepers are free to decide whether they open or not. How to get to the Bruges Christmas market The Bruges train station lies right outside the historical old town, a pleasant 20-minute walk from the Christmas markets. Right next to the train station, there's also a big parking lot where you can park for just €3.5/day. Click here for train timetables and prices, including those for fast trains like Thalys and Eurostar. If you still need to book your flight to Belgium, I suggest checking Skyscanner for a good overview of your options. Where to stay during the Bruges Christmas market? Bruges is home to a lot of exquisite hotels and B&B's at varying price points, with most rooms costing between €100 and €200/night. The below is a very limited selection of what's available. For more options, you can always check Booking.com and filter according to your budget and needs. Luxury option: Hotel Dukes' Palace Brugge Hotel Dukes' Palace Brugge is a 5-star hotel housed in a 15th-century former ducal residence right in the historic center of Bruges. It has a spa, a terrace, a garden, and an on-site restaurant serving refined Belgian cuisine. There's also a wellness area, a gym, and a bar that serves both cocktails and high tea. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a minibar, a work desk and an en-suite marble bathroom. There's free WiFi throughout the property and the option to reserve a parking spot at the private on-site parking for an additional fee. Want to stay at Hotel Dukes' Palace Brugge? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability. Value B&B option: B&B ‘t Walleke B&B ‘t Walleke is located in the quiet St. Anne's district, right in the center of Bruges. It features three guest rooms, a kitchen, and a shared living room with adjoining terrace. Guests enjoy free WiFi and a delicious breakfast is included in the room price. Want to stay at B&B ‘t Walleke? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability. Special option: Hotel Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce Stay at the hotel featured in the movie “In Bruges”! The 4-star Hotel Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce was one of the many In Bruges movie locations and for good reason. This historical building lies directly at one of Bruges's canals, featuring a half-timbered exterior and stained-glass windows. Inside, you'll find precious antiques, exclusive art, luxurious fabrics, and beautiful flower bouquets. The breakfast room overlooks the water and the on-site restaurant serves Flemish and French cuisine. There's also a bar and on-site private parking can be reserved at an extra cost. WiFi is free throughout the property. Want to stay at Hotel Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability. Chain option: Crowne Plaza Hotel Brugge The Crowne Plaza Hotel Brugge lies right on the Burg in Bruges, just 220 meters from the market square. It features an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, fitness, and sauna. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a television, a minibar, a coffee/tea maker, and a private bathroom. Guests enjoy free WiFi throughout the property. The breakfast buffet costs extra. Want to stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Brugge? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability. Budget option: Snuffel Hostel Snuffel Hostel offers twin rooms and beds in 4-person or 6-person mixed or all-male/all-female dorms. It has a living area, a shared kitchen, and a bar serving various Belgian beers. Bikes can be rented at the reception and guests can enjoy free WiFi throughout the hostel. With breakfast included in the room/bed price, Snuffel Hostel offers great value. Want to stay at Snuffel Hostel? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability. 5. Leuven Christmas market: CANCELED
- 6. Hasselt Christmas market: November 23, 2019 – January 5, 2020
- 7. Wavre Christmas market: CANCELED
- 8. Namur Christmas market: November 29 – December 31, 2019
- 9. Liège Christmas market – November 29 – December 30, 2019
- 10. Arlon Christmas market: December 13 – 15, 2019
- 11. Mons Christmas market: December 14, 2019 – January 5, 2020
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Christmas markets in Belgium 2020
1. Brussels Christmas market: CANCELED
General information about the Christmas fair Brussels
Please note that the 2020 Brussels Christmas market is canceled because of COVID.
With a large part of the center of Brussels that is car-free, the Brussels Christmas market expands from the Grand Place until Place St. Catherine, also including the Vismarkt, de streets around the Beurs and the Muntplein. It has an ice-skating rink, a Ferris wheel, a light show, a huge Christmas tree and, of course, the Christmas market with over 200 stands.
Where?
Center of Brussels: Grand Place, Place St. Catherine, Vismarkt, Bourse, Muntplein
Christmas market Brussels opening hours
Monday – Sunday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Exceptions: December 24 and December 31 the Christmas market closes at 6 p.m.
Read more about the Brussels Christmas market.
How to get to the Brussels Christmas market
The easiest way to get to Brussels to visit the Christmas market is by train. Brussels has three train station – North, Central, and Midi. Central is the one closest to the Brussels Christmas market, as it's only a short walk down to the Grand Place.
You can take the train to Brussels regardless of if you're coming from elsewhere in Belgium, from another European city or if you're flying into Brussels Airport first. There's a direct connection between Brussels Airport and Brussels Central train station.
Click here for train timetables and prices, including those for fast trains like Thalys and Eurostar.
If you're coming from London, keep your eye out for Brussels Christmas market Eurostar deals. They usually launch them a few weeks to months ahead.
And if you still need to book your flight to Belgium, I suggest checking Skyscanner for a good overview of your options.
Where to stay during the Brussels Christmas market
The below are all hotels close to Brussels Christmas market that get great reviews.
Luxury option: Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo
The 5-star Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo lies right at the corner of the Grand Place, boasting modernly-designed rooms in a historical setting. All of those rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a flat screen tv, a minibar, a seating area, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with mosaic details.
Guests can use the gym before they have dinner at the award-winning on-site Ristorante Bocconi. There's also a bar and WiFi is free throughout the property.
Want to stay at the Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
B&B option: Art de Sejour – B&B
Art de Sejour – B&B is located in a 19th-century townhouse with terrace in the historic center of Brussels. All of its rooms have air conditioning, wooden floors, a flat screen tv, a work desk, and a coffee/tea maker. They also all have an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower.
Guests can enjoy free WiFi and a delicious included breakfast.
Want to stay at Art de Sejour – B&B? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
Apartment option: Grand Place The Looks Apartment
Grand Place The Looks Apartment is located just 100 meters from the Grand Place, in a car-free street. It has a living room with a flat screen tv, a dining area, a fully-equipped kitchen and a bathroom with shower. There's also a little balcony and free WiFi throughout the apartment. Private parking is available nearby at €15/day.
Want to stay at Grand Place The Looks Apartment? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
If you're looking for more apartment options, check out Airbnb. While I use Booking for hotels, I always check Airbnb for apartments as they have such a large selection.
If you found this post helpful, please consider booking your next Airbnb through my link. I'll earn a small commission while the price for you stays exactly the same. Income like this helps me travel independently and create new content.
Chain option: Motel One Brussels
Motel One Brussels is located just a 10-minute walk from the Grand Place and Brussels Central Station. It has air-conditioned, soundproof rooms with a flat screen tv and an en-suite bathroom. WiFi is free throughout the property while breakfast comes at a small extra cost.
Pets are welcome at this hotel.
Want to stay at Motel One Brussels? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
Budget option: 2GO4 Quality Hostel Brussels Grand Place
2GO4 Quality Hostel Brussels Grand Place is a fully-air-conditioned hostel located just a few steps from Brussels' famous Grand Place. It offers beds in mixed or all-female dormitories which are all equipped with a private bathroom. WiFi is free throughout the property and guests can use the shared kitchen and living room.
Want to stay at 2GO4 Quality Hostel Brussels Grand Place? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Antwerp Christmas market: CANCELED
General information about the Christmas market in Antwerp
PLEASE NOTE THAT BECAUSE OF COVID, THE 2020 ANTWERP CHRISTMAS MARKET IS CANCELED.
It’s always fun to attend the Antwerp Christmas market as there’s something new every year. One year there are dancers, the year after there’s a choir… but the huge Christmas tree, the ice rink, the Ferris wheel and the stalls on different squares are guaranteed.
Read more about the Antwerp Christmas market.
Where?
Steenplein, Suikerrui, Grote Markt, Handschoenmarkt and Groenplaats
Antwerp Christmas market opening hours
Monday – Thursday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 11.00 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11.00 a.m. 9 p.m.
Exceptions: December 24 and 31: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
How to get to the Antwerp Christmas market
If you're visiting the Antwerp Christmas market, I highly recommend visiting by train. That way, you'll also get to see the beautiful Central Station. It is a bit of a walk from the train station to the start of the Christmas Market at the Groenplaats (about 20 minutes) but you can always take the tram or make a day out of it and slowly make your way through the center so that you arrive at the Christmas market by the time it gets dark to enjoy the lights :-)
Click here for train timetables and prices, including those for fast trains like Thalys and Eurostar.
And if you still need to book your flight to Belgium, I suggest checking Skyscanner for a good overview of your options.
Where to stay during the Antwerp Christmas market
Luxury option: Cabosse, Suites & Spa
Cabosse, Suites & Spa is a 5-star luxury guesthouse located in a renovated mansion from 1864 and a 15-minute walk from the heart of Antwerp-s historic center. It features a garden, a Bamboo Spa with hammam and sauna, a and natural outside swimming pool. There's also a wine bar that does afternoon tea in the afternoon.
Guests can enjoy free WiFi throughout the property and an exceptional breakfast at an extra cost. All rooms come equipped with a flat screen tv, a fridge, a coffee machine, a work desk, and a private bathroom.
Want to stay at Cabosse, Suites & Spa? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
B&B option: B&B [email protected]
B&B [email protected] features modern design suites in a historic building close to the famous MAS Museum. All rooms have design furniture, a Nespresso machine, private spa baths, and flat screen tv's. WiFi is free throughout the property and a complimentary breakfast can be enjoyed in your suite.
Want to stay at B&B [email protected]? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
Apartment option: Alesia AT Friday
Alesia AT Friday is an apartment right in the historic center of Antwerp. It offers free WiFi, a flat screen tv, a bathroom with free toiletries, a fully-equipped kitchen, and two bedrooms with double beds. The apartment is soundproof, has a high chair for kids and welcomes pets.
Want to stay at Alesia AT Friday? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
Chain option: Hampton By Hilton Antwerp Central Station
The Hampton By Hilton Antwerp Central Station is located right next to Antwerp Central Station and provides both free WiFi and a complimentary breakfast including vegan and gluten-free options.
All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a flat screen tv, a work desk, and a private bathroom. There's also a lounge, a gym, a business center, a bar, and a restaurant.
Want to stay at the Hampton By Hilton Antwerp Central Station? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
Budget option: Antwerp Central Youth Hostel
Antwerp Central Youth Hostel is located in Antwerp's fashion district. It has twin and quadruple rooms as well as all-male and all-female dormitories. All rooms and dorms have private bathrooms and guests can use the free WiFi. Breakfast is included in the price, making this a good value stay.
Want to stay at Antwerp Central Youth Hostel? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
3. Ghent Christmas market: CANCELED
General information about the Ghent Christmas markets
PLEASE NOTE THAT BECAUSE OF COVID, THE 2020 GHENT CHRISTMAS MARKET IS CANCELED.
At the Ghent Christmas market, you can go ice skating, ride the Ferris wheel, watch street performances and wander along the more than 150 stands. There’s even a special Moose bar and a Children's Village.
Where?
Groentenmarkt, Korenmarkt, Emille Braunplein, St.-Baafsplein
Ghent Christmas market opening hours
Monday – Thursday: 12 a.m. – between 9 p.m. and midnight
Friday: 12 p.m. – between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – between 9 p.m. and midnight
Exceptions:
December 24 and 31: 12 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 25 and January 1: 2 p.m. – midnight
How to get to the Ghent Christmas market
Ghent has two train station: Gent-Sint-Pieters and Gent-Dampoort. Gent-Sint-Pieters lies outside of the historical city center and you'll need to take public transportation to get to the Christmas markets or walk for half an hour at a decent pace. Gent-Dampoort lies at the edge of the center, a 20-minute walk away.
Click here for train timetables and prices, including those for fast trains like Thalys and Eurostar.
And if you still need to book your flight to Belgium, I suggest checking Skyscanner for a good overview of your options.
Where to stay during the Ghent Christmas market?
Luxury option: Hotel Harmony
Hotel Harmony is a luxurious 4-star family-run hotel right in Ghent's quaint Patershol District. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a work desk, a minibar, a television, a coffee/tea maker, and a private bathroom. They also have views of the city.
Guests can enjoy a drink in the lounge or grab a meal on the terrace. The hotel also has a swimming pool and paid on-site private parking. WiFi is free throughout the property.
Want to stay at Hotel Harmony? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
Boutique option: Hotel The Boatel
Hotel The Boatel is a boat hotel just 700 meters from the Christmas market featuring a terrace, free WiFi, and rooms with river views and a private bathroom. A fabulous breakfast is included and public parking is available nearby for just €6/day.
Want to stay at Hotel The Boatel? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
Chain option: Ghent Marriott Hotel
The 4-star Ghent Marriott Hotel offers great value for money. It overlooks the famous Korenlei and boasts a trendy lobby, fitness center, and bar. All rooms have air-conditioning, a seating area, and a flat screen tv as well as a private bathroom.
WiFi is free throughout the property while private parking is available at an extra cost.
Want to stay at the Ghent Marriott Hotel? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
Apartment option: Chocolou
Chocolou lies just 3-minutes walking from the Ghent Christmas market, making it ideal if you'd rather stay in an apartment during your visit. It has one bedroom, a living room with a sofa bed, a dining area, and a fully-equipped kitchen. WiFi is free and guests can also use the lovely terrace.
The best part? Chocolou is located above a chocolate store :-)
Want to stay at Chocolou? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
Budget option: KaBa Hostel
KaBa Hostel has a garden with a terrace, a shared kitchen, and a dining area. There's the choice between booking a 6-person family room or a bed in a 3-, 4- or 6-bed dorm. WiFi free and breakfast is included in the room/bed price. Nerby public parking is available for just €7/day.
Want to stay at KaBa Hostel? Check here for more reviews, prices, and availability.
Tom Blackwood says
Good luck with all the Christmas markets. All the hard work makes it worthwhile at this time of year. Merry Christmas
Sofie says
Thanks Tom!
Chris says
Thanks for the great information on Christmas fairs, Sofie!
For a more intimate but really fun Christmas market in Brussels, I strongly recommend the Erzgebirgische Weihnachtsmarkt at the Office of the State of Saxony (this year, Nov. 19-22):
When you think of German Christmas handicrafts, they come from the Erzgebirge region of Germany, You can find them at that fair in abundance, as well as great German food and Gemuetlichkeit. I didn’t discover this gem until my second year here, and I am so glad I did!
Another good, small-scale fair is at the Swedish Church (near the Merode metro station), but I haven’t seen details for it yet.
– Chris
Sofie says
Thanks for the tip, Chris!
Isabel says
Hi Sofie,
Thank you so much for this post. I was thinking about visiting Belgium in December and this guide is really helpful. I found your other posts about Belgium also very useful.
I was thinking exploring Benelux by train for a week. Is it achievable or should I just explore Belgium? I did a recent quick search for the cost of the train between Brussels and Amsterdam it was about 90 euros. Are train fares this prohibitive or just this particular fast train?
I would love to hear from you.
Isabel
Sofie says
Hey Isabel!
Happy that you found it useful :)
In terms of traveling around, it depends a bit on the places you want to visit. You could do Brussels > Amsterdam > Luxembourg city, but then you’d be missing out on a lot of places in Belgium and I always kind of regret that most people only visit Brussels and/or Bruges.
The Thalys to Amsterdam can indeed be expensive, but you should be able to get return tickets for a bit less on the normal train. Take into account that if you leave from Brussels, it’ll be longer than 3 hours on the train so that might be a bit much to do as just a day trip.
I’d say it depends on whether you really want to see Amsterdam or not. If it’s not a must, you could do three days in Brussels, one day in Bruges, one day in Ghent and one or two days in Antwerp. Or you could go to the southern part of the country and visit the biggest Christmas market, the one in Liège :-)
Hope this helps!
Stephanie Craig says
Looks awesome! I’m really excited to go to Christmas Markets in Austria and Bulgaria this year. I’ve never been before.
Sofie says
The Austria ones are supposed to be great. I’m really curious as to how Bulgaria does Christmas markets!
catrina says
very dissapointed in the2016 Brussels Christmas market ! Most of the huts selling fast foods or unrelated to Christmas ware, plus the shops are not decorated except in the Sabon area just think my next trip will be to germany next year
Sofie says
So sorry to read that. I had a great time there last year but haven’t been yet this year.
Stefan Ikelman says
hi sofie, just wanted to say thanks for the great summary, you really helped my christmas season belgian road trip. had an absolute blast, thanks again!
stefan
Sofie says
Hey Stefan,
Thanks so much for letting me know. I really appreciate that! Now I’m a bit curious about which Christmas markets you decided to visit :-)
aijaz mir says
hello i m from kashmir and i want to partcipate in any of the market how can i participate please assist.
Sofie says
You’ll have to get in touch with the Brussels city council about that.
Yamily says
I love Christmas markets, last year I went to Germany, but this year I am planning in go to Belgium (by car), thanks for sharing those markets, I will check them out!
Sofie says
My pleasure! I hope you have a great time when you visit :-)
Theresa says
What a great resource! I love holiday markets. I briefly visited Belgium with a friend a few years ago (though unfortunately only Brussels as we only had three days, and it was winter) and now we’re considering another trip together this holiday (she’s in Switzerland & I’m in France). Maybe we’ll have to revisit Belgium?
Sofie says
I think you should! :) There’s so much more to Belgium than Brussels (even though Brussels is cool) and the biggest cities are so easy to reach by train. I may be biased, but I think you should come back :p
Julie says
Hi. I want to bring my teenager daughter to a Belgium Christmas market for a 1 night stay over. Which would be the best and closest to an airport
Thankyou
Sofie says
Hey Julie,
Depends which city you want to visit, but in most cases, Brussels Airport will be your best option.
Kind regards,
Danielle says
Hi!
I will be in Bruge the weekend of November 22nd. Have been regularly checking to see if the dates for the christmas markets have been announced. Do you have a link for where you saw the date?
Thanks!
Sofie says
Hey Danielle,
I always get my info from the city or tourism board websites, or from contacting them directly.