Best of Belgium – Bruges & Brussels Christmas Markets
-
Shopping in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
-
Christmas Market on Markt and Simon Stevin Square ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan Darthet
-
Bruges Canal ©Emma Beard
-
Atomium in Heysel Park, Brussels ©VisitBrussels - Global View - S. Schmitt
-
Grand Place, Brussels ©PT Wilding
Medieval Bruges turns into a fairy-tale city during the festive period. Bruges is thought of as one of the best preserved cities in Europe and is extremely popular throughout the year. However, during this period, visitors can experience the true Belgian lifestyle. Indulge in their famous food and beers along with all the merriment of the Christmas season. Christmas music fills the air along with the aromas of mulled wine and winter spices. Trees are strung with fairy lights and piles of Christmas trees for sale add to the Christmas atmosphere.
The main square, Grote Markt is where the main market takes place. With its pretty, wooden chalets surrounding a glittering ice rink, skaters swish and stumble in the shadow of the 83m-high belfry. If you can face the 366 steps to the bells at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the chocolate-box city below. There’s another market in smaller, tree-lined Simon Stevinplein but, with no shortage of tempting chocolatiers and cosy cafés en-route, the short walk might take longer than you’d expect. Furthermore, fans of art will also find numerous fine examples of Flemish Art in the city’s many museums that are open during this time. Beautiful the year round, what better location than Bruges for a festive Christmas market?
Why not also enjoy a day in Brussels to experience their fantastic markets as well. On arrival, meet up with a local guide for a panoramic city tour by coach before heading to the main attraction of the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dates
November - December 2026
Suggested Excursions
Day 1
Travel to Bruges
Drive to Dover and take the ferry crossing to Calais or Dunkerque. Continue through France and over the border into Belgium and on to the medieval city of Bruges for the next 3 nights. After check-in the rest of the day and evening is at leisure.
Day 2
Bruges Sightseeing, Xmas Markets and Ice Sculptures
A full day to explore Bruges at your own pace. The Christmas Market stalls open daily from 10:00 am to 10 pm Sunday – Thursday, extended to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It happens in two squares: Grote Markt and Simon Stevinplein. Grote Markt features wooden chalets selling Christmas items and local food. An ice rink and large Christmas tree are central attractions. Simon Stevinplein offers a less crowded market with crafts and carnival games for kids. It is part of a larger winter festival called “Winter Glow”, a light experience trail through the historic centre with atmospheric lighting and decorations, ice rink with unique decor on the Minnewater (Lake of Love) and a cosy winter bar.
Why not also visit the Bruges Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival which is a yearly tradition that takes place from November to January in Station Square, directly in front of the main station building. During this festival, visitors are treated to a number of well-made and detailed sculptures just a 5-min walk from the city centre.
If you want to take a break from the markets, why not visit the Historium and look back at the history of Bruges from 1435 in 5S, a new concept that stimulates the five senses. From a cinematic panorama to breathing in different aromas you will have a magical experience (entrance not included) or take a relaxing canal cruise (subject to canals not being frozen!) and see the town from a different angle or visit one of the many museums housing some of the finest examples of Flemish Art. Enjoy the many tourist attractions including the brewery, chocolate museum or just wander the cobbled streets filled with tempting shops, bars and restaurants.
Bruges Market dates 22 November 2025 – 07 January 2026 (subject to confirmation)
Day 3
Brussels Sightseeing and Xmas Markets
Make an excursion to the capital of Belgium and a city of many contrasts. On arrival meet up with a local guide for a panoramic city tour by coach where you can see the famous Atomium structure built for the 1958 World Fair, the triumphal Cinquantiare and the Palace of Justice amongst others.
After being dropped off in the centre, head for the main attraction of the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Winter Wonders festival takes place from the end of November until early January and the Christmas villages and markets are open daily from 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm daily and are spread throughout the city with the largest being on Place St Catherine along with its ice rink and ferris wheel. The market is bursting with continental atmosphere and quaint wooden chalets offering an array of festive delights.
The Grand-Place, the city’s iconic square, surrounded by opulent historic buildings, is the heart of the Winter Wonders Festival. This is where you’ll find the biggest Christmas tree in Brussels. Also, a large nativity scene is set up here, with real sheep and donkeys! Note, that there is no actual market here, no mulled wine or vendors. Yet, the square is a must-see because of its festive atmosphere! Moreover, this is the place where the spectacular sound and light show takes place every evening.
Brussels Market dates 29 November 2025 – 05 January 2026 (subject to confirmation)
Day 4
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast for the journey back to Calais/Dunkerque and take the ferry crossing to Dover, and home.
Featured hotel:
4* Dukes Academie, Bruges
The Dukes Academie is less than 100 metres from the famous Minnewater in a scenic and peaceful area of Bruges. The hotel includes a cosy bar and a terrace garden with a fish pond. Air conditioning, a TV and refrigerator are provided as standard in the rooms at Academie. Each room also has a private bathroom with a shower and a bath. The Beguinage is less than 150 metres away and a 10-minute walk from both the Grote Markt and coach parking area. A daily buffet breakfast is served in the cellar of the hotel. There is also a lounge with tourist information and computers with free internet access. Coaches can drop off passengers on arrival 100m away from hotel.
This tour can also be based in Brussels – Greatdays can offer a good selection of 3* and 4* hotels.
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| November/December 2025 | From £ | From £ |
