Christmas markets in Belgium: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp
Belgium is great for a Christmas trip – historic squares, chocolate shops, cosy cafés and the smell of waffles and hot chocolate everywhere. Best of all, the cities are less than an hour apart by train, so you can easily combine them in one trip. For other countries, see our guide to Christmas markets in Europe.
When and how to go
- Season: Brussels' Winter Wonders runs from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, and Bruges celebrates from 20 November to 3 January.
- Getting there: there are direct flights from Sofia to Brussels. Bruges is about an hour by train, Ghent about 30 minutes and Antwerp about 40 minutes from the capital.
- Documents: Belgium is in the EU and Schengen – Bulgarian citizens travel with an ID card.
Brussels
The capital of Belgium and of the European Union hosts one of the country's biggest winter festivals – Winter Wonders.
Christmas markets
- Grand-Place – one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, with a huge tree and a light show on the façades of the historic buildings.
- Place Sainte-Catherine and the Fish Market – the main market areas, with dozens of stalls, food, drinks and gifts.
What else to see
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert with their glass roof and chocolate shops, Manneken Pis, the Atomium, the Royal Palace, the Mont des Arts with views over the old town, and comic-strip murals on building façades.
What to eat
Belgian waffles, chocolate, moules-frites and speculoos – spiced biscuits.
Bruges
Perhaps Belgium's most fairy-tale city, called the "Venice of the North" – a UNESCO-listed medieval centre, canals and stone bridges. In December it looks made for Christmas.
Christmas markets
- The Markt – the main market with stalls, handmade gifts, chocolate, waffles and an ice rink.
- Simon Stevinplein – smaller and cosy.
- Winter Glow – a winter festival with a light trail across the whole city.
What else to see
The Belfry on the square with panoramic views, the Rozenhoedkaai – one of the most photographed views in Belgium, the Lake of Love, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Groeningemuseum with Flemish masters and the Choco-Story chocolate museum.
What to eat
Pralines from small chocolatiers, hot chocolate and carbonnade flamande – Flemish beef and beer stew.
Ghent
Livelier and younger than Bruges, with medieval canals, Gothic churches and a buzzing cultural scene – one of Belgium's most underrated cities.
Christmas markets
- Korenmarkt – one of the main areas, with stalls and local crafts.
- Sint-Baafsplein – around the cathedral, with festive decorations and attractions.
- Ghent Winter Festival – music, lights and ice attractions, including around the medieval castle.
What else to see
Gravensteen Castle in the city centre, the Graslei and Korenlei quays, St Bavo's Cathedral with the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers, the Belfry and the old Patershol district.
What to eat
Waterzooi – a creamy chicken or fish stew-soup, Ghent stew and cuberdons – cone-shaped fruit sweets.
Antwerp
Belgium's fashion capital, known for diamonds, its port and Rubens – a more modern city with a magnificent historic centre.
Christmas markets
- Grote Markt – the main market among historic buildings and the Brabo fountain.
- Groenplaats and Handschoenmarkt – festive areas with stalls and decorations next to the cathedral.
- The ice rink – one of the most popular winter activities.
What else to see
The Cathedral of Our Lady with Rubens' paintings, Central Station – one of the most beautiful in the world, the MAS museum with its panoramic terrace, Meir shopping street and the MoMu fashion museum. Rubens House is being renovated – check which parts are open.
What to eat
Antwerpse handjes – hand-shaped biscuits and chocolates, the city's symbol.
Tip: stay in Brussels or Ghent and visit the other cities by train. Belgian trains are frequent and fast, and in the evening you can come back for a hot chocolate in your own neighbourhood.
Dates are based on information available in November 2026 and may change – check the city's website before you travel.
Need help planning?
The Clio Travel team will help you with your flight to Brussels, a convenient hotel and the route between Belgian cities. For more ideas, see our guide to Christmas markets in Europe.
