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If you are looking for the most festive place to visit, then you should absolutely not miss Bruges at Christmas. Seriously, skyrocket this place to the top of your Christmas travel bucket list. It is nothing short of a fairy tale, from the cobblestone streets, the medieval architecture, the famous swans, and the cutest shops. And in December, it is almost impossible to describe how magical and charming it is.
Why Visit Bruges at Christmas?
I think the above said it; do I need to say more? Well, I will. Just in case you need any further convincing… It is beyond charming, and the entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This means the buildings and layout have remained the same for centuries, with many buildings hundreds of years old. The city centre isn’t huge, making it very walkable and easy to navigate. Perfect for a quick historic, charming and Christmassy mini break.
It has often been likened to visiting Disneyland, in that it is busy and often very crowded. I didn’t actually find that to be the case. Visiting on the first weekend of December, and with the weather not being amazing, it didn’t feel half as busy as the Christmas markets I visited in Vienna. Plus, the description of Disneyland doesn’t feel that far off the mark – it has that fairy tale charm!
What to do in Bruges at Christmas
When visiting Bruges at Christmas, there are many things to see and do to get your fill of the Christmas charm. Start with simply wandering the streets, popping into cosy cafes and restaurants and taking in the sights. There are Christmas decorations on every corner. But after this, make sure to check out the following:
Browse the stalls in the Markt Christmas market
The first place you need to visit in Bruges at Christmas is the Markt Christmas market. This is the largest of the two Christmas markets in Bruges and is found right in the centre. The square is filled with little wooden stalls that sell Christmas decorations and gifts, as well as lots of food and, of course, mulled wine. While the wares aren’t necessarily handmade local produce, a lot of it is imported; it is a unique experience to shop in a market that has stood there since the 11th Century!
Right in the centre is a covered area lined with Christmas trees. The perfect place to enjoy the food you have bought at the market. Especially if it is raining, like it did (a lot!) when I was there.
Grab a beer with a view from the Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar
For an excellent view of the Markt Christmas market, make sure to grab a drink from the Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar. It is free entry and has terrace views of the Market Square, and therefore of the Christmas market. It can get busy, so you might have to wait to get a seat at the bar along the edge of the viewing platform. There is an excellent selection of beers on tap, and it is open every day.
Eat a Waffle on a Stick
Not necessarily specific to visiting Bruges at Christmas, but honestly, this was one of my favourite snacks. You can’t visit Bruges and not eat a waffle on a stick. Go.fre is the place to go, and there are two in the city. The waffles are handmade in Bruges and are fully customisable. Start by choosing your favourite type of chocolate: white, milk or dark. Then, choose from a huge range of toppings, everything from Belgian cookies, hazelnuts, salted caramel pearls, Smarties, sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate pearls or shavings.
The festive streets of Bruges look even prettier when wandering around eating a yummy waffle on a stick! Make sure to take a snap in front of a Christmas tree for the perfect festive photo. They were so yummy, I ended up having them twice! There were just too many topping options to have just one!
Go Ice Skating in the Koning Albert I-park
Swap gluhwein for skates and take a twirl around the ice. The ice rink in the Koning Albert I-park is open from mid-November until early January and is the perfect activity for Christmas, especially if it’s raining. You don’t need to book that far in advance; in fact, we just turned up, and the ticket prices include the skate hire. There is no time limit on your ticket, so you can spin and twirl for as long as you want!
Warm Up With a Glühwein at the Winter Bar
After spending some time ice skating, the perfect way to warm up is to treat yourself to a glühwein at the Winter Bar. This temporary Christmas bar overlooks the ice rink, so it could not be more conveniently located. It has a wooden chalet vibe, with lots of stools and tables dotted around. A full bar that also offers beer, wine and spirits. But really, at this time of year, it has to be glühwein!
Explore the Simon Stevinplein Christmas Market
The second of the two Christmas markets in Bruges is the Simon Stevinplein Christmas Market. This is the smaller of the two markets, and has some great food options. I had some of the best carbonara ever from a stall here. It is just a two-minute walk from the Markt Christmas market and is set up in a tree-lined square. This was actually my favourite of the two markets, not only for the food, but it also has more of a focus on unique, handmade gifts, artisan goods and local crafts. And of course, many food and drink stalls selling world cuisine, gluhwein, hot chocolate and sweet treats.
Follow the Winter Glow Light Trail
Winter Glow, or Wintergloed, is the winter festival to descend upon Bruges during the festive season, and includes the Christmas markets, the Winter Bar and the ice rink. One of the most spectacular parts of this is the Glow Light Trail. This Light and Music Spectacle features various light installations that are dotted throughout Bruges.
There is a walking loop you can follow to make sure you see all the installations. These range from projections on churches and historic buildings, light shows on bridges and rivers, and, when I visited, the most incredible holographic wolf. When it gets dark, make sure to walk the trail to see them all. Also a great way to see some of the sights in Bruges!
Shop in All the Chocolate Shops
Nothing could be more synonymous with Bruges than chocolate, as we all know Belgium is famous for it’s high quality chocolate. There are chocolate shops dotted all around the city, with high concentrations on streets like Mariastraat and Steenstraat. At Christmas, these are the perfect places to pick up some delicious gifts, with all the Christmassy-themed chocolates for sale. And, of course, make sure to treat yourself. I had great fun choosing from the huge selection of flavours.
Top Tip: Take your love affair with chocolate to the next level with a chocolate-making class such as this one. Here you can learn to craft the perfect chocolate, Belgian style.
Find the Famous Bruges Swans
When in Bruges at Christmas, make sure to find the ‘seven swans a-swimming’, or just the famous Bruges swans. Swans are a famous symbol for the city because of a 15th-century legend. In 1488, the city of Bruges executed a harsh royal ally, and Maximilian I of Austria ordered the city to keep white swans on its lakes and canals forever as punishment for the execution. It is said that if the swans ever leave, or if there are too few of them, the city will fall into ruin.
Troubling folklore aside, the place to see them is Wijngaardplein, the only place in Bruges where the swans are fed, so there is often a high concentration of them in this spot.
Drink a Belgian Beer
Because how can you not? Quite simply, one cannot come to Bruges, Belgium and not drink a Belgian Beer. One of the best places to do this is the bars and restaurants around the main square. I completely understand that these are potential tourist traps. However, they are so beautifully decked out in Christmas cheer and decorations that it feels like a cosy winter must-do. We sat outside under the heaters and also enjoyed some biterballen. It was perfect!
Visit the Christmas tree in Burg Square
Burg Square is a minute’s walk from Markt Square, and at Christmas is home to the most stunning Christmas tree. It is set against the stunning backdrop of the Stadhuis, the medieval Gothic City Hall found in Bruges Old Town. This spot is quieter than the squares that are home to the markets; however, thanks to the tree, it is no less impressive. And certainly no less festive!
Climb the Belfry tower
There is something very special about seeing a city from a bird’s-eye view, and climbing to the top of the Belfry Tower in Bruges provides just that. The tower is around 800 years old, and sits 83 metres above the city. There are 366 steps to reach the top and, thanks to its age, no lift! If you feel up to the climb, then it is so worth it for the spectacular views over the Christmas markets.
The line to get up the tower can be very long, sometimes hours, so get there first thing before the ticket office opens to try and reduce your waiting time.
How to get to Bruges at Christmas
From the UK, Bruges is one of the easiest Christmas markets to get to, and there are multiple ways to arrive here:
- By train: Catch the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels. From Brussels, it is then an hour’s train journey from Brussels to Bruges. The trains leave from the same station and run frequently. An incredibly easy trip to take by train.
- By car: It is only 4 hours of driving time from London to Bruges, making this such an easy road trip. Drive to Dover, and then catch the Eurotunnel to Calais. From Calais to Bruges, it is a 1-hour 20-minute drive.
- By plane: The nearest airports to Bruges are Brussels Airport or Brussels South Charleroi Airport. You can take a direct train from Brussels Airport. However, from Charleroi you do need to get a bus into Brussels to then catch a train to Bruges.
Where to Stay in Bruges at Christmas
If you are only spending a day or two in Bruges, I would recommend staying in the city centre. We were only a 5-minute walk from the Markt Christmas market, and it was perfect.
HOTELS IN BRUGES
Budget – Hotel Aragorn: It is simple and clean, and walkable to Markt. Frequently recommended as being good value for money considering the location.
Mid-range – Martin’s Brugge: Only 200m from Markt, and it is comfortable and well located. A good mid-range option that won’t break the bank.
Luxury – Hotel Dukes’ Palace Brugge: The only 5* hotel in Bruges, and it is tucked away in a quiet spot close to Markt. It does get very booked up, so make sure to book in advance for December.
How Long Do You Need in Bruges at Christmas?
The ideal amount of time to spend in Bruges at Christmas is 2 days. It allows you to take in the markets and explore all the other festive things the city has to offer, without feeling too rushed. I spent two nights in Bruges at Christmas, and it was perfect.
It is also possible to do Bruges as a day trip, and this would absolutely give you enough time to visit the Christmas markets and take in the festive sights.
If you want to spend a third night, I would recommend combining it with a day trip to Ghent or Brussels.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bruges at Christmas
To help you enjoy your visit, here are some practical tips for visiting Bruges at Christmas:
- What to wear: Bring layers! December in Belgium is often damp rather than cold (I definitely experienced damp!), so make sure to have a waterproof. A lot of the streets are cobbled, so good footwear with grip is useful on slippery cobbles.
- Time of day: The city gets busy by late morning, as people arrive on a day trip. So make sure to get up early to wander the streets when it is quiet. The markets open at 10 am and close at 10 pm on a weekday.
- Cash: Some of the smaller stalls are cash-only, or they have a minimum spend on card, so it is worth carrying some euros with you.
- Walkability: The whole old town is compact and very walkable. So there is no need for taxis or trams between the main sights, particularly if you are staying close to the Old Town.
FAQs about Bruges at Christmas
When are the Christmas Market dates in 2026?
In 2026, the Christmas markets open on 20th November and close on 3rd January.
What time are the markets open?
From Sunday to Thursday, the markets are open from 10 am to 10 pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 10:30 am to 11 pm. Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve: from 10:30 am to 5 pm.
Is the Bruges Christmas market open on Christmas Day?
Yes, but with limited opening times and fewer stalls. Many of the vendors open later, into the afternoon and expect significantly fewer food and drink options. Likewise with New Year’s Day.
Is Bruges expensive at Christmas?
It is moderately expensive at this time of year. Expect to pay around €140 to €150 per night for accommodation. Typical market snacks are priced between €4 and €6, and €6 to €8 for a beer on the Markt square. However, a lot of the sights are free – the swans, the light trail and wandering around the old town.
What is Winter Glow?
Winter Glow, or Wintergloed as it is known locally, is the umbrella term for the winter festivities that are held in Bruges during this time. It includes the light trail, the Christmas markets, the ice rink and all the festive decor. While individual attractions may open and close on different dates, the Winter Glow officially runs from November 20, 2026, to February 14, 2027.
Looking for more festive getaways, here are some other Christmas guides:
Christmas Markets in Vienna: The Ultimate Perfect Festive City Break
Bratislava Christmas Market: All You Need To Know
Christmas in the Peak District: Amazing Festive Things to Do
And if you are visiting Belgium, use this guide to help plan your trip:
Useful travel tools and links
To help you plan your trip, here are some of my favourite useful travel tools and links I use on a daily basis to travel:
- Hostelworld: The place to book hostels and cheaper accommodation. Perfect for backpacking trips. With 24 hour cancellation options, and easy to manage from your account.
- Booking.com: One of the largest places to search for hotels around the world. Often with free cancellation options.
- Hotels.com: Also a fantastic place to source hotels, and they offer a loyalty programme.
- Expedia: Another option for hotels as well as a great place to search for flights, car hire and more.
- Skyscanner: The best place to search for flights to find the best rates.
- GetYourGuide: Easy access to book a wide range of curated tours, activities, and experiences around the world.
- Viator: A great place to search for group tours and day trips. Part of the TripAdvisor brand.
- KnowRoaming: eSIMs are a game changer for travel. Purchase before you go and be connected as soon as you land. KnowRoaming eSIM plans keep you and your devices seamlessly connected in 200+ international destinations.
- G Adventures: The ‘go to’ for all group travel tour adventures. Perfect for solo travellers.
- Amazon: Link to my storefront with ALL the useful gadgets and items I couldn’t travel without.
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