Bruges Christmas Markets: Your Ultimate Holiday Guide

Bruges looks like a fairytale all year round, but it becomes even more magical during the holiday season! The streets are lined with twinkling lights, the shopfronts and houses are beautifully decorated, and the whole city feels cozy and festive.

The Christmas markets in Bruges may not be the biggest in Europe, but they’re definitely among the most charming. Between the festive stalls in Markt Square and Simon Stevinplein, there’s plenty to explore, from handmade gifts to rich Belgian chocolate and cozy spots for a warm drink.

In this Bruges Christmas Markets guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the best markets to visit, what to eat and drink, where to stay, and plenty of practical tips to make the most of your festive getaway.

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Good to Know Before Visiting Bruges at Christmas

Dates and Opening Hours

The Bruges Christmas markets will run from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, as part of the city’s Winter Glow festival.

Most stalls open around 10:30 am and close around 9 pm, while food and drink stands often stay open a bit later, especially on weekends when the squares are busiest.

How Many Markets Are There?

You’ll find two main Christmas markets in Bruges, both in the historic center. The largest is in Markt Square, set beneath the Belfry, and the second one is just a few minutes away at Simon Stevinplein.

There are also a few smaller festive spots, like the light installations and skating rink near Minnewater, which are part of the Winter Glow events.

How Long to Stay?

You can see both main markets and the nearby lights in one day, but staying overnight is much better.

Once the day-trippers leave, Bruges feels peaceful again, and you can enjoy wandering the streets and canals after dark with everything beautifully lit up.

Best Time to Visit

If you can, visit earlier in the season or on a weekday. December weekends get busy, especially around the main square.

Late afternoon is the best time to arrive. You’ll catch the markets in daylight, then see them light up after sunset without fighting through the thickest crowds.

Weather in December

Bruges in December is cold and damp, with average temperatures between 3–6°C (37–43°F). Snow is pretty uncommon, but it can drizzle or stay misty for much of the day.

It might not sound too bad, but standing outside for hours can get chilly, so warm layers, gloves, and waterproof shoes are a must!

Best Christmas Markets in Bruges

Bruges may be a small city, but it really goes all out for the holidays. The two main Christmas markets are both in the historic center, just a few minutes apart, so it’s super easy to visit both on the same stroll.

Each has a slightly different vibe, one more lively and central, the other smaller and cozier.

1. Christmas Market on Markt Square

The main Bruges Christmas market takes place right in Markt Square, at the foot of the Belfry. This is the city’s most festive spot, surrounded by colorful old houses that look even prettier with all the Christmas lights.

The whole square fills with wooden chalets selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and warm winter food.

This is also where you’ll find the biggest crowds, especially in the evenings, but the atmosphere makes it worth it! Grab a mulled wine, try a waffle or some fries, and enjoy the music and lights all around you.

For the best view of the market, head up to the tower of Historium Bruges just off the square, as it overlooks the stalls and rooftops from the perfect angle.

Read more: 17 Best Christmas Markets in Europe You Can’t Miss

2. Christmas Market on Simon Stevinplein

Just a short walk from Markt Square, the Christmas market at Simon Stevinplein is smaller but just as busy. The layout of the stalls can feel a little cramped, especially on weekends, so don’t expect it to be much quieter.

Still, it’s a really charming spot with trees wrapped in lights and wooden stalls selling local crafts, candles, scarves, and plenty of Belgian chocolate.

The area around the square is lovely to wander, with cozy cafés and chocolate shops tucked along the nearby streets. Since it’s only a few minutes away from Markt, it’s easy to visit both markets in one walk.

What to Eat and Drink at the Bruges Christmas Markets

One of the best parts of visiting the Bruges Christmas markets is all the food! You’ll find plenty of local Belgian classics mixed with a few international favorites, perfect for snacking as you wander between the stalls.

• Frites (Belgian fries) – Crispy fries served in a paper cone with generous scoops of mayonnaise or sauce andalouse.
• Waffles – Freshly made and piled with toppings like chocolate, strawberries, or whipped cream.
• Belgian chocolate – Many of Bruges’ famous chocolatiers set up stalls at the markets, selling pralines, chocolate lollipops, and truffles.
• Jenever – A traditional Belgian gin that comes in lots of flavors and is served in small shot glasses to keep you warm.
• Mulled wine and hot chocolate – The perfect drinks for cold evenings. Look out for stalls selling rich, dark Belgian hot chocolate.
• Pasta al formaggio – Fresh pasta tossed in the middle of a huge wheel of melted cheese. It’s rich, creamy, and surprisingly popular in Bruges.
• Pretzels and sausages – Savory snacks you’ll find at most food stalls around Markt Square, great for balancing out all the sweets.

Other Festive Things to Do in Bruges at Christmas

The Bruges Christmas markets are the main draw, but there’s plenty more to see and do during the festive season. Here are some of the things you can’t miss:

• Explore Winter Glow – The city’s big Christmas event includes light installations all around Bruges. You can follow the light trail that winds through the old town and see the canals, squares, and bridges beautifully illuminated.
• Go ice skating at King Albert I Park – The rink moved here from Minnewater Park and has a gorgeous backdrop of trees and lights. It’s a great spot for families or just to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
• Walk through Minnewater Park – Even without the rink, this area is beautiful in winter. The lake, bridge, and swans look extra pretty surrounded by the Christmas lights.
• See the Christmas lights on Steenstraat – This is one of the main shopping streets, connecting the two Christmas markets, and it’s beautifully decorated with glowing arches and twinkling lights.
• Visit the Burg Square and City Hall – The square is decorated for Christmas, and the Gothic City Hall looks amazing lit up at night. It’s a nice, quick stop between the markets.
• Warm up in a café or chocolate shop – Bruges is full of cozy spots to escape the cold. Grab a hot chocolate at one of the local cafés or try a tasting at a chocolatier like The Chocolate Line or Dumon.
• Climb the Belfry or Historium Tower at night – Both towers give you beautiful views over the Christmas lights and the market in Markt Square.
• Have a beer at Duvelorium – Located inside the Historium building, this bar has a great selection of Belgian beers and a perfect view of Markt Square below.
• Shop at Käthe Wohlfahrt – This charming Christmas store is filled with handmade ornaments and festive decorations. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere alone!

Getting Around Bruges at Christmas

Bruges is small and walkable, so you won’t need any public transport to explore the Christmas markets or main sights. The two main markets in Markt Square and Simon Stevinplein are just a few minutes apart, and most other attractions are within easy walking distance too.

If you’re arriving by train, the main station is about a 15–20 minute walk from the city center. You can also hop on one of the local buses that stop near the Markt if you’re carrying luggage or the weather’s bad.

Cycling isn’t ideal in winter since the streets can get wet and crowded, but taxis and ride apps are available if you want to get around late at night. For most visitors though, wandering on foot is the best way to soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy all the decorations.

Where to Stay in Bruges

If you’re visiting Bruges for the Christmas markets, staying near the historic center is ideal. You’ll be within walking distance of both Markt Square and Simon Stevinplein, as well as most restaurants, shops, and festive events.

Bruges is small enough that you won’t need to worry about transport, and wandering through the quiet cobblestone streets at night is part of the magic.

Keep in mind that December is one of the busiest times of the year, so hotels fill up quickly and prices rise closer to the holidays. It’s worth booking your stay well in advance to get the best deals and availability.

Here are a few great options to start with for different budgets:

• Luxury: Luxury Boutique Hotel De Castillion
• Mid-range: Dukes’ Palace Brugge
• Budget: Hotel Het Gheestelic Hof

Tips for Visiting the Bruges Christmas Markets

• Visit during the week if you can – Bruges gets packed on weekends, especially in December when tour buses arrive from Brussels and Paris. Weekdays are much quieter and easier to enjoy.
• Arrive in the afternoon and stay after dark – The markets look pretty in daylight, but the real magic starts once the lights come on. Arriving mid-afternoon lets you see both.
• Book your hotel early – Bruges is small, so accommodation sells out quickly for December. The earlier you book, the better your options will be.
• Wear warm, waterproof shoes – The cobblestones get slippery, and the weather can be damp. You’ll spend most of the day walking, so comfort is key.
• Try food from different stalls – Some vendors focus on local dishes while others serve international favorites. Split a few portions and try a bit of everything!
• Take a canal walk at night – Even though the markets are the main event, Bruges’ canals look incredible under the Christmas lights. The reflections are perfect for photos.
• Expect early evenings – The city tends to quiet down earlier than big capitals. Most stalls close around 9 pm, so plan your evening meals or drinks accordingly.