Brussels is one of Europe’s best winter city breaks. The city is home to great museums, concert venues, incredible Art Nouveau architecture and the hugely popular Brussels Christmas Market.
This guide includes confirmed market dates for 2024, opening times, locations and information about the 200 chalets.
Brussels Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Brussels Christmas Market dates: 29th November to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in April. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the organiser, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, Marché aux Poissons and Place de la Monnaie.
Opening times:
12pm to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 12pm to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: 12pm to 6pm.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: City highlights and food tasting walking tour.
Public transport: Widely available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: If you’re interested in architecture, Brussels is famous for its Art Nouveau mansions including the Horta Museum.
Where to stay: Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo is located just behind Hotel de Ville de Bruxelles (the Town Hall), steps from the square.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Santa: Yes, on some days.
Christmas tree: Grand-Place.
Ice skating: Yes, there is an 800sqm skating rink at Grand Place.
Sound and light show: Grand-Place.
Panoramic Views: Town Hall Tower. Friday to Sunday: 5pm to 10pm.
Activities: Carousels, Ferris wheel, curling, enchanted house.
Reason to visit: Grand-Place is one of the most beautiful historic squares in Europe. There is ice skating, curling rinks, a Ferris wheel, rides, exhibitions, brass bands, choirs and festive trails.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: So many incredible food specialties. Chocolate, waffles, beer, fries, mussels, pastries.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended.
Convenient Hotels
Brussels has several beautiful districts that are popular with visitors, but if you want to be near the Christmas markets, you’ll want to stay as close to the Town Hall and Grand-Place as possible.
I suggest staying at Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo, as it’s literally only one minute from Grand-Place. This is a great area to stay in, as there is so much going on, things to do and places to eat out.
I’ve listed several of the best hotels in Brussels if you’re still looking for somewhere to stay.
Recommended Tours
This walking city tour of Brussels is a good value option, particularly for those new to the city. Guided by a local expert, you’ll gain insight into many of the city’s highlights. It includes food tastings for a unique exploration of Brussels culture.
As Belgium’s largest winter market and the country’s capital, I rate it as the best. However, there are plenty of other great destinations. Read my Belgian Christmas Markets List to see where else to go.
Location Map
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
Christmas in Brussels
A winter visit to Brussels offers the chance to enjoy its renowned food scene, from top restaurants to street food like Belgian frites and some of the best chocolate in the world.
The city’s winter event, Winter Wonders, features over 200 wooden chalets across Grand Place and neighbouring squares.
Brussels is known for its light displays, including the “Brussels by Lights” installations, illuminating 142 streets and shopping areas, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The Grand Place is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It hosts the main market, surrounded by wooden chalets, colourful lights and seasonal decorations.
Discover Belgian Specialities
Start your visit with a Brussels food tour that includes 10 tastings of local specialties. This tour offers a great overview of the city.
Even if you’re not a foodie, you’ll want to try some of these local favourites:
- Belgian Chocolate: Brussels is famous for its chocolate. While you’ll find many well-known brands, smaller artisan chocolate shops are often the best. Visit Place du Sablon, the heart of chocolate in Brussels, or check out these shops:
- Mary – 23 Grand Place
- Wittamer – 6 Place du Grand Sablon
- Pierre Marcolini – Place du Sablon
- Frederic Blondeel – 39 Rue de Ganshoren
- Darcis – Boulevard Lambermont
- Galler – 44 Rue au Beurre
- Frites (fries) – Belgian chips or fries are one of the best street foods in Brussels. Look out for the famous friteries around the city; some are tourist attractions in their own right.
- Maison Antoine – Place Jourdan 1, Etterbeek. The most well-known, touristy and still one of the best.
- Fritkot Bompa – Avenue de la Couronne 71, Ixelles. A top suburban spot, ideal if you’re staying in Ixelles.
- Friture Pitta de la Chapelle – Place de la Chapelle. Known for crispy fries and a convenient location near many chocolate shops.
- Belgian waffles – Try the classic Brussels waffles with various toppings or the richer, sweeter Liege waffles, often enjoyed plain or with powdered sugar. Taste both and find your favourite.
- Locally brewed beer – I’m not much of a beer drinker, but Belgian beer is world-renowned. Even if you’re not a beer fan, consider visiting a brewery or picking up a few bottles from a local pub or supermarket to enjoy later.
Food at the Stalls
- Belgian Waffles: Freshly cooked Belgian waffles are probably unlike any other waffles you’ve tasted. Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they include toppings like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and fresh fruits.
- Frites: A visit to Brussels isn’t complete without trying the iconic frites, traditionally served in a cone with your choice of sauce.
- Mitraillette: This local speciality is essentially a sandwich but with a Belgian twist. Filled with a baguette, fried meat, and a generous portion of fries, then topped off with your favourite sauce.
- Belgian Chocolates: Renowned worldwide, Belgian chocolates are exquisite. Choose from pralines, truffles, and even hot chocolate drinks.
- Gluhwein: To warm yourself up, get your hands on a cup of gluhwein.
- Boudin: These sausages come in white or black versions and are often served with apples or mashed potatoes.
- Oliebollen: While not native to Belgium, Oliebollen are delicious Dutch deep-fried dough balls dusted with icing sugar.
What to Buy
- Artisanal Chocolates: Beautifully crafted Belgian chocolates made by skilled chocolatiers are in decorative boxes.
- Handmade Lace: Brussels is famed for its delicate, handmade lace. Market stalls carry lace items, from doilies to scarves and more. I have lace from my trip to Brussels in the 90s, and it’s still going strong.
- Craft Beers: Belgium is known for its rich beer culture. You can find a selection of locally brewed craft beers, ranging from the famous Trappist beers to lesser-known but equally delicious varieties.
- Local Artwork: Look out for stalls showcasing artwork from local artists.
- Glühwein Mugs: Just like in other winter markets, ceramic glühwein mugs are popular in Brussels too. Often decorated with festive themes and city scenes commemorating the year’s event.
- Comic Strips: Brussels has a deep-rooted comic strip culture, being the birthplace of Tintin and The Smurfs. You can find comic strip merchandise in books, prints, and collectibles.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Stay in hotels. Short-stay apartment accommodation can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
- Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.
Here are some actions the City of Brussels is taking towards sustainability.
- LED bulbs are used for the Winter Wonders illuminations.
- Reusable cups have been used throughout the market;
- The Christmas tree is recycled.
- Electric heaters have been banned to conserve energy.
- Reduction of street lighting hours: from 5 pm to 1 am (instead of 1 pm to 1 am).
- Monitoring and raising awareness among traders to reduce energy consumption.
- Surplus food recovery and redistribution to reduce food waste.
- Collaborations with local artists and associations from Brussels and Belgium.
- Support for the campaign against street harassment.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
—
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.
Leave a Reply