Bruges has a reputation as one of the most beautiful small cities in Europe. It’s a hugely popular destination in Belgium, only second to the capital Brussels in terms of visitors.
In winter, the Bruges Christmas Market becomes a major draw for visitors. In this guide, you can find the dates for 2024, opening times and what to look out for in terms of local specialties and things to buy.
Bruges Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Bruges Christmas Market dates: 22nd November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in August. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office website, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Market Square (Grote Markt) and Simon Stevinplein.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10:30am to 11pm.
Christmas Eve: 10:30am to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Open, but limited offerings and limited opening hours.
New Year’s Eve: 10:30am to 5pm.
New Year’s Day: Open, but limited offerings and limited opening hours.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: This guided rickshaw tour is one of the most highly rated in Bruges.
Public transport: Trains and buses available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: Bruges has some of the best restaurants in all of Belgium. If you can, try to budget for one or two nice meals out.
Train travel: Eurostar tickets from London to Brussels (and return) include onward travel to Bruges or any other station in Belgium.
Where to stay: The Boutique Hotel Sablon is located 5 minutes from Market Square near the Zand district.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: 22nd November (confirmed).
Ice skating: Yes, at Minnewater. Price: €7 for adults and children. View opening hours.
Santa: Yes.
Reason to visit: The unique light installations, light trails and winter bars.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialties: Street food, particularly frites (Belgian chips/fries), beer from local breweries and ‘brown cafes’.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Convenient Hotels
You’ll most likely want to stay in the pedestrianised streets of the old town near Market Square. This area comprises two districts called Steenstraat Quarter and Burg Quarter.
I suggest staying at Boutique Hotel Sablon in Steenstraat Quarter as this is a 4-minute walk to Market Square.
Bruges is a very popular tourist city, and it can be difficult to find a good hotel at the best of times, but it’s challenging over the holiday period. I recommend booking your place to stay as early as possible.
This list of hotels in Bruges lists several alternatives if my recommended hotel is unavailable.
Recommended Tours
A city tour is an excellent way to start your exploration of the city. One of the most popular and highly-rated tours is this city tour of Bruges, which takes you around in an eco-friendly rickshaw.
When taking a tour, you’ll pass by iconic landmarks such as the historic Market Square with its medieval Belfry and the Minnewater Lake, which becomes an ice skating rink in winter. Additionally, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a pilgrimage site, is not to be missed.
As an alternative, you might like to take a food tour or cooking class. This Belgian waffle-making and beer-tasting tour is particularly popular.
Read my Belgian Christmas Markets List for more places to visit this year.
Event Location
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
What to Expect
This historic city is famed for its incredible architecture, including stepped-gable rooftops and the scenic Rozenhoedkaai. The Market Square and the picturesque canals form the heart of its appeal.
In Bruges, the winter festival is known as Winter Glow, and Christmas markets are integrated into this festival experience.
Winter Glow transforms the city with various light installations and winter activities. Expect to see light sculptures, illuminated pathways, and projections on buildings that tell stories.
The ice skating rink is a central feature, set up in a picturesque location, providing a space for recreation and enjoyment amid the winter scenery. The cosy winter bar serves hot drinks and snacks, offering a place to relax and socialise.
Food Stalls
- Belgian Waffles: When you walk through the markets, I always find Belgian waffles impossible to resist. They are a delicious treat, usually served with a dusting of icing sugar.
- Flemish Stew: This hearty dish is a local favourite in the colder months. Flemish stew, or ‘stoofvlees’, is made with beef, slow-cooked in Belgian beer.
- Moules Frites: Bruges is known for its fantastic seafood, and moules frites is a local speciality. These fresh mussels, cooked in a pot with herbs and white wine, are usually paired with frites, the famous Belgian chips.
- Chocolates and Truffles: Bruges has a strong chocolate-making heritage. Shops sell exquisite chocolates and all kinds of truffles, perfect for treating yourself or as a gift for someone back home.
- Gluhwein and Jenever: To warm yourself in the chilly winter air, grab a mug of mulled wine or a shot of Jenever. Jenever is a juniper-flavoured liquor from Belgium that, if you’re like me, you might find quite strong.
What to Buy
- Bruges Lace: You’ll spot stalls selling intricate Bruges lace across the old town. This handmade lace is a Belgian tradition, with each intricate design reflecting hours of painstaking work. I bought a lace tablecloth on my first trip to Belgium, and I still have it after more than 20 years. They’re a great investment!
- Belgian Chocolates: When in Bruges, indulging in local chocolates is almost obligatory. Packaged in decorative boxes, they make an excellent gift.
- Beer Gift Sets: Belgium’s beer culture is deeply ingrained, and Bruges is no exception. You’ll find beer gift sets containing a selection of locally brewed beers, often accompanied by a unique glass.
- Ornaments: Traditional ornaments are a common sight. These are often hand-painted and reflect themes of the season or aspects of Belgian culture.
- Artisanal Cheese: Belgium has a long tradition of cheese-making. Artisanal cheeses can be a unique gift or a delicious treat for yourself.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Support Local Artisans: Purchase gifts made by local craftspeople. This not only supports the regional economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transport of goods.
- Walking or Cycling: Bruges is a compact city that is ideal for walking or cycling. Choose these low-impact modes of transport over cars to navigate the city’s cobbled streets.
- Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Book a hotel that uses renewable energy sources. There are several sustainable hotels in Bruges.
- Mindful Dining: When eating out, choose reasonable portions to avoid food waste.
- Thoughtful Consumerism: Buy only what you need. Bruges markets sell artisanal goods, but only purchasing items you’ll use avoids the excess of holiday consumerism.
- Sustainable Eating: Select plant-based or locally sourced foods.
Worth Visiting?
Bruges at Christmas is truly special and worthwhile visiting. My first European trip with my family took me there, and the experience left me in complete awe. Glancing back at the photos, I’m reminded of those unique experiences and treasured memories I’ll always hold close.
If you have any questions or comments about visiting the Xmas market or Bruges in winter more generally, please comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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