Bruges & Brussels Christmas Markets
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Shopping in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
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Christmas Market on Markt and Simon Stevin Square ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan Darthet
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Bruges Canal ©Emma Beard
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Atomium in Heysel Park, Brussels ©VisitBrussels - Global View - S. Schmitt
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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 2025 and 2026
Suggested Excursions
Day 1
Travel to Bruges
Drive to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais. Continue through France and over the border into Belgium and on to the 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 and Xmas Markets
A full day to explore Bruges at your own pace. The Christmas Market stalls open daily from 10:30 am to 10 pm, extended to 11 pm on weekends. 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”, which includes festive lighting displays and other holiday attractions around the city.
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.
Day 3
Brussels Sightseeing and Xmas Markets
Make an excursion to the capital of Belgium and a city of many contrasts. On arrival, take 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.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast for the journey back to Calais and take the short sea ferry crossing to Dover, and home.
Suggested hotels
Academie Hotel, Bruges – Inspected by Greatdays Staff October 2019
The Academie Hotel is less than 100 metres from the famous Minnewater in a scenic and peaceful area of Bruges. The hotel includes a cosy bar, underground parking 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 and De Halve Maan Brewery are less than 150 metres away. Academie is a 10-minute walk from the Grote Markt. A daily buffet breakfast is served in the cellar of the hotel and includes pastries, breads and fresh coffee. There is also a lounge with tourist information and computers with free internet access. Bruges’ coach drop-off area is just a few minutes walk from the hotel, and the main coach parking is a 10 minute walk from the Academie.
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- Duke’s Academie Bruges
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- Duke’s Academie Bruges Double Bedroom
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- Duke’s Academie Bruges Breakfast Area
Le Bois De Bruges (formerly Parkhotel, Bruges) – Inspected by Greatdays staff in October 2019
The Le Bois de Bruges is located in the centre of medieval Bruges, a 10-minute walk from the Market Square with the Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the shopping district. Guests can benefit from free WiFi and bicycle rental services are available. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar and a safety deposit box. The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a bath or shower and free toiletries. Guests of the hotel can enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar. A wide choice of eating facilities can be found in the immediate surroundings of the 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 |
| November/December 2025 | Price on request |
Single supplement available on request
