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Although it's normally the standard to escape the cold British winter by going somewhere hot in December, in this blog we're going to inspire you to try something different this year and head to stunning Belgium for a truly festive Christmas holiday featuring Belgium's best Christmas markets including:
- Leuven Christmas Market
- Ghent Christmas Market
- Antwerp Christmas Market
- Bruges Christmas Market
- Liege Christmas Market
- Ostend Christmas Market
- Louvain-La-Neuve Christmas Market
- Hasselt Christmas Market
- Ypres Christmas Market
- Brussels Christmas Market
- Mechelen Christmas Market
- Mons Christmas Market
- Namur Christmas Village
- Spa Christmas Market
- Durbuy Christmas Market
But we're not just going to give you a rundown on the best Christmas markets in Belgium 2024, we'll also give you hotel recommendations and the best things to do in each Belgian city beyond the Christmas market.
Planning Your Trip To The Best Belgium Christmas Markets
When do the Belgium Christmas Markets Start?
Belgium’s Christmas markets usually begin in late November and run through December, with some extending into early January.
Which is the biggest Belgium Christmas market?
The Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas market is the biggest Christmas market in Belgium, featuring over 200 stalls, an ice rink, and light shows across multiple locations.
What is the oldest Christmas market in Belgium?
The Liege Christmas Village, established in 1987, is the oldest Christmas market in Belgium. We definitely recommend paying a visit, as at the Christmas market you can go sledging, take snaps in the souvenir photo booths and take a ride on the Ferris wheel.
Which is the most unique Christmas market in Belgium?
We have to say that the Liege Christmas Market is the most unique in Belgium thanks to its age and festivities steeped in age-old traditions,
Where is the most Christmassy place in Belgium?
Bruges is considered the most Christmassy place in Belgium, with its medieval charm, canals, and festive lights creating an authentic Christmas atmosphere.
Which Christmas market is better, Brussels or Bruges?
It depends on what you're looking for! The Brussels Christmas Market is larger and has more activities but the Bruges Christmas market is smaller but more cosy and atmospheric. If you really can't decide which one to visit, why not both?
1. Leuven Christmas Market
Dates: December 11th - 22nd 2024
Leuven's city centre is the host to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Belgium, the Leuven Christmas market 2024. Expect the usual Christmas market fare like mulled wine, stalls selling artisan gifts and delicious local food.
What to do beyond the Leuven Christmas Market 2024
Once you're done with the Leuven Christmas market, we recommend exploring Leuven's historic Grand Beguinage by candlelight. The Grand Beguinage is a picturesque UNESCO world-heritage community consisting of alleys, courtyards, gardens and parks and at Christmas, it's lit up by thousands of candles. To mark the occasion (December 12th), there'll also be bell-ringing and a festive choir.
Where to stay near the Leuven Christmas Market 2024
Martin's Klooster | Onze-Lieve-Vrouwstraat 18, Leuven, 3000 | ★★★★
An authentic but expertly modernised hotel with state-of-the-art rooms and incredible bathtubs.
2. Ghent Christmas Market
Dates: December 5th - 31st 2024
At Christmas, Ghent's historical centre gets decked out with over 150 wooden huts spreading from Sint-Baafsplein to the end of the Korenmarkt making up the infamous Ghent Christmas Market. Ghent is one of the most popular places to visit in Belgium but at Christmas, it's even more charming thanks to the following:
If you're planning a trip to some of Europe's best Christmas markets with the kids, this is a great option. Ghent's Christmas markets have plenty to entertain the whole family.
What to do beyond the Ghent Christmas Market 2024
After you've had your fun at the Ghent Christmas Market, enjoy dinner at the Korenmarkt. This historic square in Ghent is bursting with authentic pubs and restaurants where you can people-watch and marvel at the beautiful architecture of the surrounding buildings.
Where to stay near the Ghent Christmas Market 2024
Hotel Gravensteen | Jan Breydelstraat 35, Ghent, 9000 | ★★★★
A central hotel close to shops, transport links, restaurants and of course, the Ghent Christmas Market. Previous guests have raved about the friendly staff.
3. Antwerp Christmas Market
Dates: December 6th to January 5th 2025
Another of the best Christmas markets in Belgium for 2024 is Antwerp which bursts with fun Christmas activities to enjoy in December and is spread across various key sites in the city like:
- The Grote Markt
- Suikerrui
- Handschoenmarket
- Groenplaats
- Steenplein
So you can wander the Antwerp Christmas markets at your leisure without being stomped on by fellow Christmas lovers.
When are the Antwerp Christmas Markets 2024 open?
The Antwerp Christmas Markets 2024 open from the first weekend in December and run until the first weekend of January 2025. The opening times for the Christmas market in Antwerp are as follows:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: Noon to 10 pm daily
- Friday and Saturday: Noon to midnight
- December 24th and 31st: Noon to 6pm
What to do at the Antwerp Christmas Markets 2024
At the Groenplaats, you can go ice skating around the Rubens statue or view Antwerp from above from the Ferris wheel. Along the River Scheldt, you can go on fun fair rides and to warm up, pop into one of the cute traditional bars that are tucked away on every corner if you're visiting with your other half. At Handschoenmarket, you can wander through the Magical Winter Forest where trees are covered in glittering Christmas lights, You also shouldn't miss the chance to try some delicious Belgian winter treats like:
- Spekpatatjes: small fried potatoes with bacon
- Hot Belgian chocolate
- Fresh Belgian waffles
- Cramique: A soft, fluffy brioche with raisins slathered with salted butter
- Mulled wine
- Cougnolle: Tender sweet bread nicknamed 'the bread of Jesus'
What to do beyond the Antwerp Christmas Market 2024
Light Festival Alice in Wonderland | Antwerp Zoo
Each year, the Antwerp Zoo hosts a themed Christmas light event with this year having an Alice in Wonderland theme. It's great for families but also couples, as you can wander the zoo, lit up with over 14,000 breathtaking lights and also take a ride on the event's Ferris wheel.
Where to stay near the Antwerp Christmas Market 2024
Botantic Sanctuary Antwerp | Leopoldstraat 26A, Antwerp, 2000 | ★★★★★
For an extra special hotel near the Antwerp Christmas market, stay at the Botanic Sanctuary. It's a 15th-century hotel housed in a former monastery. Breakfast is delicious, the spa is world-class and the service is attentive and friendly.
4. Bruges
Dates: November 22nd - January 7th 2025
Bruges’ Christmas market is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the charm of a fairytale town at Christmas. Set in the stunning medieval city centre, the Bruges Christmas market spreads across Market Square and Simon Stevinplein. Expect twinkling lights, charming wooden stalls, and local specialities like hot chocolate and speculoos biscuits. This is one of the best Christmas markets in Belgium for those who want a cosy more traditional atmosphere.
What to do beyond the Bruges Christmas Market 2024
Once you’ve explored the Christmas market, take a canal boat tour to enjoy Bruges from the water, where the city's cobbled streets and Gothic architecture are especially magical at Christmas. If you're a fan of history, don’t miss a visit to the Basilica of the Holy Blood or the Belfry of Bruges for breathtaking views over the city.
Where to stay near the Bruges Christmas Market 2024
Hotel Dukes’ Palace | Prinsenhof 8, Bruges, 8000 | ★★★★★
For a luxurious stay, the Hotel Dukes’ Palace offers royal comfort just a short walk from the market. The hotel has beautiful rooms, a lovely garden, and exceptional service.
5. Liege Christmas Market
Date: November 29th to December 30th 2024
The oldest and largest Christmas village in Belgium, Liege’s Christmas market is a vibrant celebration of local tradition. With over 200 stalls, it’s a bustling place to shop for unique gifts, sip mulled wine, and sample regional delicacies like boudin blanc. You can also enjoy sledge runs and ice skating if you're seeking a more high-energy experience at the Christmas market.
What to do beyond the Liege Christmas Market 2024
Take a walk to the famous Montagne de Bueren, a long flight of stairs offering a panoramic view of the city. In December, it’s beautifully decorated with festive lights. If you’re a fan of history, the Grand Curtius Museum is another excellent stop.
Where to stay near the Liege Christmas Market 2024
Van der Valk Hotel Liège Congress | Esplanade de l’Europe 2, Liège, 4020 | ★★★★
A modern, comfortable hotel with spacious rooms and stunning views of the Meuse River. It's well-located for exploring the city and the Christmas market.
6. Ostend Christmas Market
Dates: December 1st 2024 - January 7th 2025
Ostend’s seafront Christmas market is a unique mix of festive fun and a coastal breeze. The Ostend Christmas market boasts an ice rink, festive lights, and plenty of local food, including seafood specialities. If you’re looking for something different, Ostend is a great pick.
What to do beyond the Ostend Christmas Market 2024
Take a stroll along the beach or visit the Mercator, a historic ship-turned-museum. Ostend also has a fantastic art museum, the Mu.ZEE, showcases Belgian art from the 19th century to the present.
Where to stay near the Ostend Christmas Market 2024
Thermae Palace Hotel | Koningin Astridlaan 7, Ostend, 8400 | ★★★★
A stylish hotel offering direct beach access, spacious rooms, and sea views. It's perfect for those looking to combine a seaside getaway with their Christmas market visit.
7. Louvain-La-Neuve Christmas Market
Dates: December 12th - 22nd 2024
This relatively new Christmas market in Belgium is small but lively, with local vendors selling handcrafted gifts and delicious food. It’s a more intimate experience compared to the bigger markets, ideal if you prefer a quieter festive atmosphere
What to do beyond the Louvain-La-Neuve Christmas Market 2024.
Take a walk through the town’s modern centre and visit the Hergé Museum, dedicated to the creator of Tintin. Louvain-la-Neuve is a student town, so there are plenty of bars and restaurants to explore.
Where to stay near the Hasselt Christmas Market 2024
Hotel Hassotel | Sint-Jozefstraat 10, Hasselt, 3500 | ★★★★
A stylish and modern hotel offering a great location in the city centre, close to the Louvain-La-Neuve Christmas market and other attractions.
8. Hasselt Christmas Market
Dates: December 1st 2024 - January 7th 2025
Hasselt’s Winterland is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Belgium, with a magical ice village, carnival rides, and an alpine-inspired bar. It’s perfect for families and anyone looking for a full day of festive fun.
What to do beyond the Louvain-La-Neuve Christmas Market 2024
Visit the Jenever Museum to learn about Belgium’s traditional spirit, or take a stroll through the Japanese Garden, which looks stunning when dusted with snow.
Where to stay near the Louvain-La-Neuve Christmas Market 2024
Ibis Styles Louvain-la-Neuve | Boulevard de Lauzelle 61, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348 | ★★★★
A comfortable, family-friendly hotel with modern amenities and a relaxed atmosphere. It's just a short walk from the Christmas market.
9. Ypres Christmas Market
Dates: November 29th - December 29th 2024
Ypres may be best known for its WWI history, but it also has a lovely Christmas market. Located in the Grote Markt, the market is full of festive cheer, with wooden stalls selling everything from local crafts to mulled wine.
What to do beyond the Ypres Christmas Market 2024
Make sure to visit the Menin Gate for the Last Post ceremony, which takes place every evening at 8 pm. It’s a moving tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during
Where to stay near the Ypres Christmas Market 2024
Albion Hotel | Sint-Jacobsstraat 28, Ypres, 8900 | ★★★★
A charming, family-run hotel just a stone’s throw from the market and the Menin Gate. Guests praise the friendly service and cosy atmosphere.
10. Brussels Christmas Market
Dates: November 29th 2024 - January 5th 2025
The Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas market is the largest and most famous in Belgium, spanning several locations across the city, including:
- The Grand Place
- Place Sainte-Catherine
- The Bourse
With over 200 stalls, an ice rink, a light and sound show on the facade of the Maison de la Création and a Ferris wheel, it’s a true winter wonderland. Take a selfie by the Christmas tree at the Grand Palace and go Christmas shopping on the Brussels shopping streets beautifully lit up by the Brussels by Lights organisation.
What to do beyond the Brussels Christmas Market 2024
Visit the stunning Grand Place, which is transformed with dazzling lights for Christmas. The Royal Palace and the Atomium are also worth visiting. Don't miss the city's famous chocolate shops, where you can pick up delicious festive treats.
Where to stay near the Brussels Christmas Market 2024
Warwick Brussels – Grand Place | Rue Duquesnoy 5, Brussels, 1000 | ★★★★★
This luxury hotel is located just steps from the Grand Place and offers stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a fantastic breakfast buffet.
11. Mechelen Christmas Market in Belgium 2024
Dates: December 13th to December 24th 2024
One of the smaller Christmas markets in Belgium but definitely worth a visit, the Mechelen Christmas Market is cute, cosy and easily reachable by train from Antwerp or Brussels. Although we wouldn't recommend planning your whole Christmas trip to Belgium around a visit to this market (there are less than 20 stalls), if you're staying in a bigger city and fancy a change of scene, definitely consider Mechelen.
What to do at the Mechelen Christmas Market 2024
The Mechelin Christmas markets 2024 are spread across several key spots: Ismarkt, Haverwerf, Van Beethovenstraat and Korenmarkt.
You'll be able to shop all the usual Christmas goodies from the chalets but can also find some unique stalls selling:
- Vegan Belgian Christmas treats
- Homemade cinnamon rolls
- Fresh Belgian waffles
To keep warm, you can huddle around firepits as you toast smores before you hit the ice on the ice rink at Vismarkt, where you can skate surrounded by twinkling lights and traditional Belgian buildings.
Where to stay near the Mechelen Christmas Market 2024
Martin’s Patershof | Karmelietenstraat 4, Mechelen, 2800 | ★★★★
Stay in this converted church-turned-hotel for a unique experience. With its stunning stained-glass windows and comfortable rooms, it’s a short walk from the market and offers a memorable festive escape.
12. Mons Christmas Market in Belgium
Dates: December 1st to December 31st 2024
The Mons Christmas Market, held in the Grand Place, brings festive magic to this historic city. With over 100 wooden chalets, a Ferris wheel, and an ice rink, it’s the perfect destination for both families and couples.
What to do at the Mons Christmas Market 2024
Soak up the festive atmosphere by sampling Belgian chocolates and mulled wine as you browse for unique gifts. For kids, the carousel and puppet shows add a touch of whimsy, while adults can enjoy live music performances in the evenings.
Where to stay near the Mons Christmas Market 2024
Hotel Dream | Rue de la Grande Triperie 17, Mons, 7000 | ★★★★
Housed in a former chapel, Hotel Dream combines modern luxury with historic charm, making it an excellent base for exploring the festive delights of Mons.
13. Namur Christmas Village
Dates: 1st December to 31st December 2024
Namur's Christmas market offers a smaller, more relaxed alternative to the bigger Christmas markets in Belgium, making it a great choice for a low-key festive getaway. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers a pleasant mix of traditional Belgian stalls and local specialities.
What to do at the Namur Christmas Market 2024
The Namur Christmas market is set around Place de l’Ange, where you’ll find Christmas gifts, from handcrafted trinkets to local artisanal goods but also find Christmas activities like:
- Concerts, folkloric groups, marching bands
- Street entertainers
- Roller skating
- Stilt walkers’ parade
Families can enjoy the carousel, while couples might appreciate a stroll along the river or popping into one of the local cafés for a cosy treat. Be sure to try boulets à la liégeoise (meatballs in a rich sauce) and enjoy a warming mulled wine to get into the Christmas spirit.
Where to stay near the Namur Christmas Market 2024
The Royal Snail Hotel | Avenue de la Plante 23, Namur, 5000 | ★★★★
A modern boutique hotel by the River Meuse, just a short walk from the Namur Christmas market. With its stylish rooms, spa facilities, and excellent dining, it’s a great choice for a relaxing stay after exploring the market.
14. Spa Christmas Market
Dates: 6th December to 31st December 2024
Another hidden gem in the Belgium Christmas market scene is the Spa’s Christmas Market. Set on Place Royale, this Belgian Christmas market brings together local artisans, traders, and festive cheer, all against the backdrop of the town’s famous thermal baths.
What to do at the Spa Christmas Market 2024
The Spa Christmas market in Belgium is home to around ten chalets, each offering a variety of local products and festive treats, from handcrafted Christmas gifts to warming drinks like hot apple juice. There’s also an ice rink, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm starting 13th December. For families, Santa pays a visit on the 14th and 21st of December. Expect plenty of Christmas music and beautiful Christmas light displays that will make the whole town sparkle.
Where to stay near the Spa Christmas Market 2024
Van Der Valk Hotel Spa | Place Royale 39, Spa, 4900 | ★★★★
Conveniently located just a short walk from the market, this hotel offers the perfect mix of comfort and luxury. After exploring the Christmas market, relax in the hotel’s own spa facilities or enjoy a cosy meal at one of its restaurants.
15. Durbuy Christmas Market
Dates: 29th November to 31st December 2024
Durbuy, known as 'the smallest town in Belgium', hosts one of Belgium's best Christmas markets, set in its picturesque medieval streets. This tiny Belgian town, located in the heart of the blissful Ardennes, offers a magical atmosphere with beautifully decorated streets, wooden chalets, and a cosy vibe that feels like stepping into a Christmas card.
What to do at the Durbuy Christmas Market 2024
The Durbuy Christmas Market 2024 sprawls across three locations:
- Parc Roi Baudouin
- Allée Verte
- The Anticlinal site
You'll be able to wander around tons of craft stalls, try delicious food and drink, and shop for artisanal Christmas gifts. But the Durbury Christmas market is most famous for its gorgeous nativity scene and the warm glow of its wooden kiosks draped in twinkling lights. For families, the Christmas storytelling sessions are a great way to get into the festive spirit. After exploring the stalls, take a spin on the ice rink or enjoy a wintery treat as you soak in the magical atmosphere.
Where to stay near the Durbuy Christmas Market 2024
Hotel des Comtes | Rue de la Madeleine 12, Durbuy, 6940 | ★★★★
This hotel is the perfect base for exploring the Christmas market, and after a busy day, you can relax in comfort, enjoy a festive meal, or cosy up by the fire.
Will You Visit One of The Best Belgium Christmas Markets?
Have you been captivated by any of these Belgium Christmas Markets? From the stunning Bruges Christmas market that exudes historic charm to the bustling stalls of Brussels, we hope you've been inspired to visit Belgium this Christmas. And if you can't choose just one Christmas market in Belgium, this pint-sized country makes it easy to explore multiple in one trip.
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