With Christmas fast approaching, Belgium is once again transforming into a winter wonderland. From iconic city squares to secluded historical estates, Christmas markets across the country are welcoming visitors with steaming mulled wine, glowing lights and seasonal cheer.
Brussels leads the festive lineup with Winter Wonders, the capital’s globally celebrated Christmas market. Opening on 28 November, it spreads across several squares, offering a Ferris wheel, ice rinks and a life-size nativity scene. The Grand Place, adorned with its towering tree and nightly light shows, continues to be the event’s emotional centrepiece.
At Place De Brouckère and Sainte Catherine, wooden chalets invite visitors to enjoy tartiflette, mulled wine and artisanal gifts. The market runs daily until 1 January, making it one of Belgium’s longest seasonal celebrations.
Further north, Bruges becomes a scene from a snow globe. Its Winter Glow festival brings illuminated trails, a cosy winter bar and two enchanting markets centred around the Grote Markt. Wooden chalets offer Belgian beers, jenever, hot chocolate, crêpes and handmade glass ornaments, creating the perfect holiday day trip for families.
Charleroi, once labelled Europe’s “ugliest city”, is experiencing a cultural revival and its Christmas market mirrors this renewed spirit. Spread across Place de la Digue and Place Verte, it offers artisan crafts, champagne, waffles and a stunning covered ice rink. A central chalet serves as a festive dining and gathering spot.
For travellers seeking quieter settings, Namur’s Annevoie Gardens host a three-day market surrounded by illuminated water features and manicured landscapes. With more than 50 exhibitors offering wellness goods, crafts and local delicacies, the market blends natural beauty with festive warmth. Evening visitors are treated to hunting horn concerts, creating a magical atmosphere.
In nearby Floreffe Abbey, December weekends are dedicated to Le Temps des Cadeaux. Held entirely indoors, the market is ideal for rainy days. Dozens of local artisans display handmade pottery, jewellery, textiles and décor. The historic abbey adds a serene backdrop as visitors browse at their leisure.
Durbuy, famed as one of the “smallest cities in the world”, delivers a fairy-tale winter experience at its market on Place aux Foires and Roi Baudouin Park. Its large indoor ice rink and charming wooden stalls make it a top festive destination in the Ardennes.
For those wanting a winter adventure beyond Belgium, several major Christmas markets lie just across the border. Aachen’s historic market, with more than 120 vendors, fills the air with scents of marzipan, roasted chestnuts and the city’s famous Aachener Printen. The nearby cathedral’s stunning interior adds a spiritual touch to the visit.
Cologne, less than an hour from Aachen, dazzles with multiple Christmas markets framed by its iconic Gothic cathedral. Visitors enjoy Glühwein, Bratwurst and handcrafted decorations, while children flock to the carousels and expansive ice rinks.
Just to the west, Lille’s charming market on Place Rihour features 90 chalets, festive workshops and a towering Ferris wheel. The aroma of roasted chestnuts travels through the old town’s cobbled streets, where Flemish façades glow under twinkling lights.
Together, these markets offer travellers endless opportunities to embrace the magic of winter, taste regional delights and discover handcrafted treasures. Whether visitors prefer bustling city squares or peaceful historic estates, Belgium and its neighbours provide festive experiences for every holiday lover.
