Best Brussels Christmas Markets: The Ultimate Guide

Brussels might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Christmas markets in Europe, but it honestly deserves way more credit! I was really surprised by how festive and fun it felt, and the whole city truly comes alive during the holidays.

Every winter, the Winter Wonders event transforms central Brussels into a huge Christmas village with twinkling lights, ice skating, and rows of wooden stalls selling food, drinks, and local crafts.

You can wander between the squares, grab a cup of mulled wine, snack on Belgian waffles, and just enjoy the cozy vibe.

It might not have the same old-town charm as places like Bruges, but Brussels makes up for it with its energy and size. In this guide, I’ll take you through the best Brussels Christmas markets, share other festive things to do in the city, and give you practical tips to plan your visit.

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Good to Know Before Visiting the Brussels Christmas Markets

Dates and Opening Hours

The Brussels Christmas markets are part of the city’s Winter Wonders event, which in 2025 will run from November 28, 2025, to January 1, 2026.

The markets open at noon and stay open until 10 pm every day, except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when they close at 6 pm.

How Many Markets Are There?

Brussels has several Christmas markets spread across the city center, all connected through the Winter Wonders event.

The biggest and most popular areas are Vismet and Place Sainte-Catherine, where you’ll find most of the food stalls, crafts, and entertainment, along with the Ferris wheel and ice skating rink.

There are also smaller markets at Place de la Bourse and Place de la Monnaie, which are just a short walk away and worth checking out if you want to explore more of the festive route.

While there isn’t a market in Grand Place, it’s still one of the most beautiful spots to visit during Christmas. The square has a massive Christmas tree and hosts a sound and light show every evening, making it one of the most magical sights in the city.

How Long to Spend in Brussels at Christmas?

If you only want to see the Christmas markets, one full day is enough to enjoy the main locations. But spending two days gives you time to see the lights, go ice skating, and check out some of Brussels’ other festive spots without rushing.

If you have more time, I definitely recommend taking a day trip to see the Bruges Christmas markets too!

Weather in December

December in Brussels can be cold, gray, and damp, so make sure to bundle up. Even though temperatures usually stay a few degrees above freezing, the mix of wind and humidity makes it feel colder than it looks.

Snow is pretty rare, but light rain is common, so a warm coat and waterproof shoes will make a big difference.

The markets stay lively regardless of the weather, but after a couple of hours outside, you’ll be happy to duck into a café for a hot chocolate or Belgian beer to warm up.

Best Christmas Markets in Brussels

The Brussels Christmas markets are all part of the city’s Winter Wonders event, which stretches across the city center.

You can easily walk from one to another, passing through light displays, street performers, and food stalls along the way. Each market has its own vibe, some are perfect for grabbing a drink and people-watching, while others are great for food or local crafts.

1. Vismet and Place Sainte-Catherine

This is the biggest and most popular Christmas market in Brussels and the main hub of the Winter Wonders event. The area is filled with festive lights, cozy food stands, and the smell of waffles, fries, and mulled wine drifting through the air.

The highlight here is the Ferris wheel towering over the market. It looks incredible at night, and I definitely recommend going for a ride because the view of the markets and city lights from the top is amazing!

You’ll also find plenty of stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and local treats, so it’s a great place to do a little shopping too.

If you only have time for one Christmas market in Brussels, make it this one. It has the best mix of atmosphere, food, and festive energy.

2. Place de la Bourse

Located right in front of the Brussels Stock Exchange, this Christmas market is one of the liveliest spots along the Winter Wonders route.

It’s smaller than the main one at Vismet, but it has a great atmosphere and a beautiful central setting surrounded by historic buildings.

If you’re already here, it’s worth popping inside the Stock Exchange building itself. The interior architecture is stunning, and they usually set up a big Christmas tree inside for the season.

The building also houses The BeerLab Rooftop, where you can warm up with a drink and enjoy a nice view of the square below.

Outside, the area is packed with wooden chalets offering all kinds of food and drinks, from local specialties to international street food. It’s a great spot to grab a bite and soak up the festive vibe before heading to the next market.

3. Place de la Monnaie

Place de la Monnaie is a cozy food-focused market located right between Place de la Bourse and Place de Brouckère. It’s all about eating and drinking here, with chalets serving hearty mountain-style dishes and plenty of sweet treats for dessert.

You can warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine while trying local comfort foods like raclette, tartiflette, or waffles.

The square smells amazing and has a lively but relaxed feel, making it a nice stop for a snack before continuing your walk through the other Brussels Christmas markets.

4. Place de Brouckère

Place de Brouckère marks the northern end of the Winter Wonders route and has become one of the liveliest parts of the event.

This is where you’ll find the city’s ice rink and curling rinks, surrounded by plenty of food stalls and covered terraces that give the square a cozy, village-like feel.

It’s a great spot to take a break, grab a drink, or warm up with something to eat while watching skaters glide across the ice.

The atmosphere here is festive but more laid-back than at the main markets, making it a nice way to wrap up your Christmas market stroll through Brussels.

5. Grand Place

While there isn’t an actual Christmas market in Grand Place, it’s still one of the most magical places to visit during the holiday season.

The entire square is beautifully decorated, with a huge Christmas tree standing in the center and lights illuminating the surrounding historic buildings.

Every evening, the square hosts a stunning sound and light show set to festive music, and it’s truly one of the highlights of Brussels at Christmas. The show runs several times each night, so you can easily plan your visit around it.

Even without market stalls, Grand Place is worth visiting just to soak up the atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to start or end your evening before heading to one of the nearby Christmas markets.

Secret tip: Don’t miss Christmas Fairies, The Secret Kingdom while you’re there! Once inside, you’ll walk through beautifully decorated rooms before reaching the top of the building, where there’s a cozy bar and even a chance to meet Santa. From here, you’ll have an amazing view over Grand Place and can watch the light show from above, away from the crowds.

What to Eat and Drink at the Brussels Christmas Markets

Food is one of the best parts of the Brussels Christmas markets. You’ll find plenty of options to keep warm and full while exploring, from Belgian classics to cozy winter dishes. Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss.

• Belgian waffles – Freshly made and perfectly crispy, usually topped with chocolate, whipped cream, or fruit.
• Belgian fries (frites) – Served in a paper cone with a big spoonful of sauce. Mayonnaise is the local favorite, but you’ll find lots of other choices too.
• Raclette and tartiflette – Melted cheese scraped over potatoes or baked into a cheesy potato dish. Both are warm, comforting, and perfect for cold nights.
• Sausages and grilled meats – A quick and filling meal you’ll smell before you see. Bratwurst and merguez are the most common.
• Sweet treats – Crepes, chocolate-covered fruit, and of course, traditional Belgian chocolates make for the perfect dessert stop.
• Mulled wine and hot drinks – The classic Christmas market drink, often joined by hot cider or Belgian beer.

Other Festive Things to Do in Brussels at Christmas

There’s so much more to enjoy in Brussels at Christmas beyond the markets. The whole city gets into the festive spirit, with lights, music, and cozy spots to warm up between market visits. Here are a few fun things to add to your Brussels Christmas itinerary.

• See the light and sound show at Grand Place – A must-see during the holidays, with colorful lights dancing across the historic buildings to festive music.
• Ride the Ferris wheel at Vismet – The best way to take in the city from above, especially at night when everything is glowing.
• Visit Christmas Fairies: The Secret Kingdom – Walk through beautifully decorated rooms, meet Santa, grab a drink at the rooftop bar, and enjoy the view over Grand Place.
• Admire the Christmas lights on Rue Neuve and Boulevard Anspach – These streets are covered in twinkling decorations and make a great evening walk.
• Go ice skating at Place de Brouckère – Rent skates and glide across the rink surrounded by festive lights and music.
• Warm up with Belgian hot chocolate – Brussels does it best, especially at spots like Pierre Marcolini, Elisabeth, or Maison Dandoy.
• Visit the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert – The glass-roofed arcade looks stunning when it’s all lit up for Christmas and is perfect for a short stroll or souvenir shopping.

Getting Around Brussels at Christmas

Brussels is easy to explore on foot, especially during Winter Wonders, since most of the Christmas markets are located close to each other in the city center. You can walk between Grand Place, Bourse, Sainte-Catherine, and Brouckère in just a few minutes.

For longer distances, the metro, trams, and buses are all reliable and run frequently, even during the holidays. The city center can get busy in the evenings, so public transport is usually faster than driving or taking a taxi.

If you plan to use public transport more than once or twice, it’s worth getting a 24-hour or 72-hour unlimited ticket, which lets you hop on and off as much as you like.

Where to Stay in Brussels at Christmas

The best place to stay in Brussels at Christmas is in or near the city center, close to Grand Place and the main Winter Wonders route. From here, you can easily walk to all the markets, restaurants, and light displays without needing public transport.

If you prefer something a bit quieter, look for hotels around the Sablon or European Quarter areas, which are still central but less crowded in the evenings.

For more details and hotel recommendations, check out my full guide on where to stay in Brussels, and for a quick solution, here are my top picks below.

• Luxury: Radisson Collection Grand Place Brussels
• Mid-range: Hotel Hubert Grand Place
• Budget: Boutique Hotel Saint-Géry

Tips for Visiting the Brussels Christmas Markets

• Visit on a weekday if you can – The markets are packed on weekends, especially in the evenings. Weekdays are still lively but much easier to enjoy.
• Stay until after dark – The lights and decorations completely transform the city, especially around Grand Place and Sainte-Catherine.
• Try local food instead of eating at restaurants – The food at the markets is genuinely good, and you’ll find everything from cheesy raclette to traditional Belgian fries.
• Warm up indoors when needed – It can get chilly, so pop into a café or chocolate shop between markets. There are plenty around, and it’s part of the experience.
• Take the train instead of driving – You absolutely do not need a car to explore Brussels! Parking in the city center is limited and expensive. Even if you’re planning to visit more cities in Belgium during Christmas, trains are more efficient than cars.
• Watch your step on cobblestones – Many streets in the center are uneven, especially if it rains, so good shoes are a must.