Interested in checking out some Belgian Christmas markets but don’t know where to start or which ones to prioritise? Visiting a Belgian Christmas market is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. Some of the more well-known ones take place in Brussels and Bruges, but they are hosted all across the nation, and each city has its distinct style and vibe.
Belgium comes to life during the holiday season with choirs, carousels, and cute small wooden kiosks selling all kinds of delicacies. Enjoy a mug of glühwein while shopping for gifts, thrill to the attractions at the fair, or just take in the festive atmosphere at one of Belgium’s fantastic Christmas markets.
Winter Wonders, Brussels
The Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas market, formerly heralded as Europe’s most unique by British travel companies, is a lot of fun. Belgians refer to this as the “most renowned” Christmas market in the country. More than three million people annually stroll the 2.5-kilometre-long road lined with 260 wooden chalets in the heart of the city.
The market’s Grand Place has a huge ice-skating rink, several carnival attractions, and a spectacular sound and light show. Here you can find an abundance of festive goodies and charming gifts. Ride the Big Wheel in Place Sainte-Catherine for breath-taking panoramas of the city.
Antwerp Christmas Market
Opening on the first Friday of December and closing on the first Sunday of January, the Antwerp Christmas market is a popular destination for holiday shoppers. This year, the dates for the Antwerp Christmas Market are December 9, 2022, through January 8, 2023.
There are hundreds of choirs, gospel groups, and classical music orchestras performing in the historic city centre of Antwerp throughout the winter. From Groenplaats to the Grote Markt, through Suikerrui and Steenplein, the market is alive and well and stretching to accommodate its many customers. There are over a hundred stands offering a wide variety of goods, from handmade jewellery to gourmet snacks from around the world.
When the holidays roll around, the Groenplaats is decked up in twinkling lights and filled with the sounds of live music. For the kids, there is a nearby ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, and mini golf course. Many festivals and art shows are also held in the city during this season.
Christmas Village of Liège
The city of Liege hosts its annual Christmas market from the end of November until the end of December. The Liege Christmas Market is scheduled to run from November 26, 2022, to December 30, 2022.
For over 30 years, the city of Liège has played home to a spectacular Christmas Village, bringing with it the centuries-old German custom of holiday markets. About two million people come each year to see the Saint Paul Cathedral and its lit landmarks and purchase at the 200 different booths that line the square. The main stage features performances by choirs, musical ensembles, and folk-dance groups.
Kids can enjoy themselves on an ice-skating rink, a thrilling Toboggan Run, and a Ferris wheel that is 30 metres tall. There are also several gift booths selling traditional Walloon and French wares. Conversely, gourmets may sample a wide variety of regional delicacies, from marzipan creations and salted delights to black pudding, at the speciality food stands.
Winter Season Leuven
Leuven has one of the country’s oldest annual Christmas markets. It’s also hailed as one of the friendliest places in Europe.
Enjoy the city’s mobile restaurants against the romantic background of a candlelit promenade around the downtown district. About 170 vendors offering seasonal decorations, local wares, and delicacies set up shop on Hooverplein and Ladeuzeplein. Visitors may also stop by one of the many glühwein bars or knitwear booths to warm up. Even more intimate Christmas concerts and shows help keep the spirit high among the crowd. Due to its growing popularity, Leuven festive program also includes a visit to the Winter Garden in the Grote Markt.
Bruges Christmas Market
Usually opening in the 3rd week of November and lasting until the first or second weekend of January, the Bruges Christmas Market is a must-visit vacation destination. The dates for this year’s Bruges Christmas Market are from November 25th, 2022, through January 8th, 2023.
Bruges, a lovely mediaeval city, is beautiful year-round. However, the Bruges Christmas Market transforms into a spectacular sight when thousands of lights are strung around it. The old area is turned into a magnificent fantasy with festive foliage and beautiful holiday decorations lining the streets. The atmosphere is made even more heart-warming by the smell of chocolate shops and the soft rumbling of horse-drawn carriages. The Markt and Simon Stevinplein are surrounded by many sellers hawking a wide variety of handicrafts and ornamental products. You can get your hands on some authentic Belgian lace, hot waffles, and some of the best beer in the world. The market is a great spot to spend the day with the kids since it has an ice-skating rink and hosts the magnificent Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival.
Written by Bernard de Laguiche