Most magical Christmas markets in Belgium
The Christmas season in Belgium is truly magical, with charming Christmas markets popping up across the country. From bustling Brussels to picturesque Bruges, Belgian Christmas markets offer a festive atmosphere filled with twinkling lights and delicious seasonal treats (with waffles). Whether you’re looking for the best Christmas markets in Belgium to visit with family or want to discover hidden gems off the beaten path, this guide will help you plan your perfect winter getaway. Get ready to explore the most enchanting festive markets Belgium has to offer!
Christmas market in Brussels: Plaisirs d’hiver
Plaisirs d’hiver in Brussels is the largest Christmas market in Belgium. There are more than 200 stalls scattered throughout the city center with all kinds of products and delicious food. On the Grand Place of Brussels, there is a beautiful big Christmas tree and also a sound and light show.
When can you visit the Brussels Christmas market?
28/11/2025 until 4/1/2026
Christmas market opening hours
- Monday to Thursday: 11 to 21h
- Friday: 12-22h
- Saturday: 11-22h
- Sunday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- On 24 and 31 December: 12-17h
- On December 25 and January 1: 14-12h
Where can you find the Brussels Christmas market?
Grote Markt, Beurs, Muntplein, Sint-Katelijneplein, Vismarkt
Accessibility to the Christmas market
The Brussels Christmas market is easiest to reach by public transportation. You can get to Brussels-Central by train, and from there you will be on foot at the Grand Place in a few minutes.
Coming by car? Then park in one of the various paying car parks in Brussels
Hotel tips Brussels: Motel One | Chic Cocoon Guest House | 2go4 hostel
More information: https://www.plaisirsdhiver.be/
Christmas market in Bruges: Winter glow
In the cozy city of Bruges, there are two Christmas markets again, located on two different squares. The two Christmas markets each have a distinct character: the Market Square features everything you would expect to find at a traditional Christmas market, while the Simon Stevin Square focuses more on craft products.
When can you visit the Christmas market in Bruges?
21/11/2025 until 4/01/2026
Christmas market opening hours
- Monday until Thursday: 11-21h
- Friday: 12-22h
- Saturday: 11-22h
- Sunday: 11-21h
- On 24th and 31st of December: 12-17h
- On the 25th of December and the 1st of January: 14-12h
Where can you find the Bruges Christmas market?
Market en Simon Stevinplein
Accessibility to the Christmas market
The Bruges Christmas Market is easily accessible by train. From Bruges station, it is a 10-minute walk to the market square.
Coming by car? Then park at the Magdalenastraat and Interparking ‘t Zand.
Hotel tips Bruges: B&B Canal Deluxe | Dukes Palace | Crowne Plaza Brugge | Snuffel Youth Hostel
More information: https://www.visitbruges.be/en/winter-glow
Christmas market in Ghent: Gentse Winterfeesten
During the Ghent Winter Festivities, you can enjoy yourself among more than 150 wooden Christmas stalls scattered throughout Ghent’s city center. In addition to the traditional food and drink stalls, there is also a Ferris wheel and, this year, the largest mobile roller skating track in the country.
When can you visit Ghent’s Christmas market?
4/12/2025 until 31/12/2025
Christmas market opening hours
- Monday until Thursday: 12-24h
- Friday: 12-01h
- Saturday: 11-01h
- Sunday: 12-24h
- On December 24 and 31: 11-18h
- On December 25 and January 1: 14-24h
Where can you find Ghent’s Christmas market?
Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Gouden Leeuwplein, Klein Turkije, Korenmarkt, Email Braunplain
Accessibility to the Christmas market
If you live in or around Ghent, the easiest and fastest way to get there is on foot or by bike. Ghent is also easily accessible from all over Belgium by train. From Gent-Sint-Pieters station, you can take the streetcar to the center, and from Gent-Dampoort station, you can walk to the center.
Coming by car? Then park at a free park-and-ride (P+R) and then continue by streetcar or bus.
Hotel tips Ghent: Pillows | The boatel | Yalo | KaBa Hostel
More information: https://visit.gent.be/en/calendar/christmas-market
Christmas market in Leuven: Wintertime
Unlike other Christmas markets, you can only enjoy the Christmas market in Leuven for 2 weeks. The Christmas market consists of 140 stalls with gifts and good food.
On the Herbert Hooverplein, there is a spruce forest where you can visit Santa and his elves. In addition, there is also the Winter Garden next to the beautiful town hall.
When can you visit Leuven’s Christmas market?
9/12/2025 until 21/12/2025
Christmas market opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11-21h
- Friday: 12-22h
- Saturday: 11-22h
- Sunday: 11-21h
- On December 24 and 31: 12-17h
- On December 25 and January 1: 14-12h
Where can you find Leuven’s Christmas market?
Grote Markt, Ladeuzeplein, Herbert Hooverplein
Accessibility to the Christmas market
The Leuven Christmas market is easy to reach by train. From Leuven station, you can walk to the center of Leuven.
Coming by car? Then pay to park at Parking Ladeuze or Parking Center.
Hotel tips Leuven: Martin’s Klooster | De Hoorn | Park Inn | Pentahotel
More information: https://www.leuvensekerstmarkt.com/
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Christmas market in Hasselt: Winterland
At Hasselt’s Christmas market, you can find about 80 stalls with handmade products from other countries. And of course, no stalls should be missing delicious food and drinks.
You can also find Santa’s house, which was recreated like Santa’s house in the Christmas village of Lapland. You can also skate on the ice rink or take a ride on the Ferris wheel.
When can you visit Hasselt’s Christmas market?
14/11/2025 until 4/1/2026
Christmas market opening hours
- Friday until Sunday: 11-22h
- Monday until Thursday: 12-22h
- December 24 and 31: Everything open until 18h
- December 25 and January 1: Everything is open from 12h
- Skating rink: daily from 10-22h
- Grand Café: daily from 10-24h
Where can you find Hasselt’s Christmas market?
Kolonel Dusartplein
Accessibility to the Christmas market
Hasselt’s Christmas market is an easy one to reach by train. From Hasselt station, you can walk to the Kolonel Dusartplein.
Coming by car? Then park your car in the Dusart parking.
Hotel tips Hasselt: Het Menneke | Charmehotel Villa Saporis | BareFood | Park Inn | Hostel H
More information: https://www.winterland.be/nl
Christmas market in Antwerp
At the Antwerp Christmas market, you can enjoy specialties from all over the world. Or take a ride on the Ferris wheel, go ice skating, or explore the magical winter forest.
When can you visit Antwerp’s Christmas market?
5/12/2025 – 4/01/2026
Christmas market opening hours
- Sunday until Thursday: 12-22h
- Friday and Saturday: 12-24h
- December 24 and 25 + January 7 12-18h
- January 1: 14-22h
Where can you find Antwerp’s Christmas market?
Grote Markt, Suikerrui, Groenplaats, Handschoenmarkt, Hendrik Conscienceplein, Operaplein
Accessibility to the Christmas market
The Antwerp Christmas market is an easy one to reach by train. From Antwerp Central Station, you can walk to the Christmas market.
Coming by car? Park in the car parks of Linkeroever or 1 of the different P+Rs around the city.
Hotel tips Antwerpen: Hotel Pilar | Sapphire House | Hampton by Hilton | Antwerp Central Youth Hostel
More information: https://visit.antwerpen.be/en/this-is-winter-in-antwerp
Christmas Market in Ostend: Winter in the Park
Ostend’s Christmas market takes place entirely in and around Leopold Park. There is an indoor ice skating rink as well as 50 chalets and lots of Christmas trees.
When can you visit the Ostend Christmas market?
28/11/2025 – 4/01/2026
Christmas market opening hours
- Monday until Thursday: 12-21h (max until 24h)
- Friday: 11-22h (max until 1h)
- Saturday: 11-22h (max until 1h)
- Sunday: 11-22h (max until 24h)
- December 24: 11-17h
- December 25: 14-21h (max until 24h)
- December 31: 11-17h
- January 1: 14-21h (max until 24h)
Where can you find the Ostend Christmas market?
Leopoldpark
Accessibility to the Christmas market
The Ostend Christmas market is an easy one to reach by train. From the station you can walk to the market.
Coming by car? Then park your car in the parking Zeeparking.
Hotel tips Oostende: Maison Rebelle | Upstairs | Cocoon | De Ploate Hostel
More information: https://winterinhetpark.be/
Christmas market in Liège: Village de Noël
The Christmas market is spread over 2 squares and is the oldest Christmas village in Belgium. There are about 200 stalls with Christmas decorations, gifts, and delicious food and drinks. In addition, there is also an ice skating rink.
When can you visit the Liège Christmas market?
28/11/2025 – 29/12/2025
Christmas market opening hours
- Sunday until Wednesday: 11-22h
- Thursday until Saturday: 11h-23h
- December 24: 11-18h
- December 25: 13-23h
Where can you find Liege’s Christmas market?
Place du Marché, Place St Lambert, Place de la Cathédrale (ice skating ring)
Accessibility to the Christmas market
The Liège Christmas market is easy to access by train. From Liège-Guillemins station, you can get to the Christmas market on foot.
Coming by car? Then pay to park in one of the various car parks throughout the city.
Hote ltips Luik: Faubourg Saint Martin | B&B N5 | Pentahotel | Liège Youth Hostel
More information: https://www.villagedenoel.be/
Which Christmas market will you go to?
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Markets in Belgium
When do Christmas markets in Belgium usually open?
Most Christmas markets in Belgium open in late November and run through December, often closing just after Christmas or New Year’s. Exact dates vary per city, so it’s good to check ahead for each market’s schedule.
Are Belgian Christmas markets family-friendly?
Yes! Many Christmas markets in Belgium are perfect for families, offering activities like ice skating and festive rides alongside the traditional stalls.
What can I expect at Belgian Christmas markets?
Belgian Christmas markets feature beautifully decorated stalls selling handcrafted gifts and local delicacies like waffles and mulled wine.
Which Christmas markets in Belgium are the most popular?
Brussels Winter Wonders is the largest and most famous, but other favorites include the Bruges Christmas Market, Ghent, and Leuven. Each has its unique charm and specialties.
Is it free to enter Christmas markets in Belgium?
Most Christmas markets in Belgium are free to enter. However, some activities within the markets, like ice skating or special exhibitions, may require a ticket.
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