Dreaming of a winter escape to a European fairytale-like destination during one of the most magical times of the year? The Christmas Market in Bruges is your answer! Known for its fairytale vibes, charming medieval streets, and enchanting canals, this city in Belgium becomes a festive wonderland during the holiday season.
As European Christmas markets grow in popularity, drawing visitors around the globe to experience the festive spirit, planning your visit in advance can make a big difference. To ensure you make the most of your visit to the Christmas Market in Bruges, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Below, you’ll find practical advice from my own visits to Bruges, covering what to expect, top things to do, can’t-miss spots, and essential tips to make your trip smooth and memorable.
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Christmas Market in Bruges FAQs
When does the Christmas Market in Bruges open?
Unlike many European Christmas markets that wrap up around Christmas, the Christmas Market in Bruges remains open into the new year. This gives you plenty of opportunities to visit, even as the holiday season winds down and comes to an end.
For the 2024 season, the market is set to open on November 22, 2024, and will run until January 5, 2025. Daily hours are 10 am to 10 pm, with extended hours until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
To keep in mind: The market hours on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day are different (they close at 5 pm) and you should expect fewer stalls to be open on these days.
Where are the Christmas Markets in Bruges?
Bruges hosts two Christmas markets. The main and most popular one is in the Grote Markt Square, the city’s historic center, where you’ll find plenty of market stalls, holiday music, and Bruges’ stunning architecture as a backdrop.
The second, smaller market is located at Simon Stevinplein Square, a short 4-minute walk from Grote Markt. Though it’s smaller, Simon Stevinplein is beautiful, with tree-lined paths and a variety of craft vendors and market stalls.
PRO TIP: Bruges is very walkable, so you shouldn’t have to worry about taking public transportation or driving once in the city – parking and driving can be difficult.
How many days is enough in Bruges?
Despite Bruges being a major tourist destination in Belgium, it really isn’t that big. I’ve been lucky enough to visit at least five different times, and with each visit, I discover something new.
That being said, I recommend that you only need one full day to explore the Bruges. You can easily see the main sights and enjoy the Christmas Market in a day, but an overnight stay allows you to explore even more—especially if you’re interested in tours or day trips. I include all of my favorite spots and tips on getting to Bruges in my day trip guide below!
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What to eat at the Christmas market in Bruges?
At the Bruges Christmas Market, you’ll find the standard Christmas Market snacks such as Bratwurst, Glühwein, Raclette, and crepes. However, here are some local Belgian specialties you should definitely keep your eyes out for as you wander:
🧇 Waffles: You can’t visit Belgium without trying the legendary waffles! Typical Belgian waffles are known as Liège waffles but did you know there are also Brussels waffles? Brussels waffles have a crispier exterior, and a very light, airy interior, while the Liège waffles are smaller and thicker. I’ve had both, and you can’t go wrong with either one!
✨ My recommendation: Chez Albert is my go-to for waffles in Bruges!
🍟 Frites: Another Belgian specialty are fries. Many market stalls offer fresh, piping hot fries in a cone, often with a variety of unique dipping sauces—great for snacking as you stroll through the market.
PRO TIP: I’ve never seen a selection of sauces like I have at the Belgian friteries – they offer a wide range of flavors, from spicy to sweet, so my best advice is to try something new!
🍻 Beer: I can’t talk about local specialties without mentioning beer! You can really get a sense of the country’s passion for beer by visiting the Beer Wall on your visit to Bruges. Belgian beers are iconic and if you’re up for it, the best quality beers are most likely found outside of the actual Christmas Market area and in the local pubs.
✨ A big beer fan? Check out the Bruges Beer Experience on your visit to Bruges – a museum dedicated to Belgian beer heritage!
🍫 Chocolate: Last but definitely not least, Belgian chocolates. Another icon of Belgium, you should definitely pay a visit to some local chocolatiers! This is probably the best and easiest souvenir to take home, and everyone will love it! BUT you have to make sure you are buying authentic Belgian chocolates!
There are many chocolate stores around Bruges so knowing which are the right ones can be really hard to determine. After a chocolate walking tour I took in Brussels, I now know which brands to look out for when choosing Belgian chocolate.
For example, the brand Leonidas is no longer an authentic Belgium chocolates brand and mainly caters to tourists. Galler, on the other hand, is more authentic, while still being quite affordable!
Where to stay in Bruges
Booking accommodation close to the historic center is ideal for easy access, though it can be pricier. To secure a good spot, book early—especially for holiday-season visits. Here are some top recommendations:
✨ Where we stayed: Hotel Biskajer was an adults-only hotel, beautifully situated within walking distance of all the main sights. We really loved our stay here!
The Chocolate Suites ($): The place looks so fun, each room is decorated in a chocolate theme, right in the historic center of Bruges!
Martin’s Brugge ($$): A central, budget-friendly choice with spacious rooms and a terrace on site!
Relais & Chateaux Hotel Heritage ($$$): A beautiful hotel equipped with a restaurant, a spa, and beautiful elegant rooms.
If you are looking for budget-friendly accommodations, check out these cool hostels on Hostelworld.
Is the Bruges Christmas Market worth visiting?
Having visited the Christmas Market in Bruges multiple times, I can say it’s well worth it—even if it’s smaller than other European markets. Despite being smaller, visiting the Christmas Market is an amazing excuse to visit Bruges, a town in Belgium I personally believe should be on everyone’s bucket list! Plus, everything always looks more magical when it’s covered in Christmas lights and decorations so I truly don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
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What to do at the Christmas Market in Bruges?
Christmas Shopping
One of the highlights of any European Christmas market is the chance to shop! At the Christmas Market in Bruges, you can find everything from handmade goods to local specialties to decorations and more! And if you’d like even more shopping options, Bruges has plenty of charming shops and boutiques where you can find unique holiday gifts and souvenirs, perfect for everyone on your list.
Go ice skating
During the holiday season, you can find an artificial outdoor skating rink at Minnewater Park, also known as the Lake of Love! This is not only a fun romantic activity but is also perfect for families and kids! The rink is open most days from 11 am until 9 pm, except Friday and Saturday where it’s open until 10 pm. It costs 7 euros to skate, with skates included in the price and you can pay in person using a credit or debit card.
PRO TIP: Hours for the rink may vary on Christmas and New Year’s, so check the official site here closer to your visit to stay up to date.
Take a boat tour
Bruges’ iconic canals give the city its charm, similar to Amsterdam and Venice, and taking a boat tour is one of the best ways to experience it. I waited a few visits before trying it myself, and now I’d recommend it as a must-do! It’s the perfect way to get yourself acquainted with the city and to learn a bit about its history! From my experience, boat tours are reasonably priced and are usually under an hour long, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the rest Bruges has to offer!
Check out a museum
If you need a break from the winter chill, Bruges has several museums worth checking out. For food lovers, there are museums dedicated to Belgian specialties like fries, chocolate, and beer. For art and history enthusiasts, Groeninge Museum showcases Flemish and Belgian paintings, while Saint John’s Hospital offers a glimpse into one of Europe’s oldest hospitals.
For a list of other museums and monuments to visit in Bruges, check out their official site here!
Admire the Christmas Tree
Burg Square is home to Bruges’ most beautiful Christmas tree, right in front of City Hall. Not only is this square housing festive decorations, but its also one of the most beautiful, photographed squares in Bruges. Its definitely a spot not to be missed!
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Walk the Light Experience trail
For the past six years, the Light Experience trail has been a family-favorite activity in Bruges during the holiday season. The trail follows a series of 10 light installations that winds its way through the city, bringing you often to new and unexpected places! You can find more information about the trail, a map, and the installations here. The trail is free to visit and is open for the same duration as the Christmas market. The trail is lit every day from 5:30 pm until 11 pm.
PRO TIP: For +25 recommendations in Bruges, check out my Bruges Day Trip Guide!
Tips for visiting
🧤Dress for the weather. While you won’t face extreme cold in Bruges, temperatures can drop as low as 5°C, so be prepared to layer up! Rain and wind are quite common, so remember to pack a raincoat and umbrella to stay comfortable while exploring the market.
📍Book in advance! It’s worth repeating that Bruges is a popular tourist destination, and the Christmas season is no exception. To avoid missing out, book your accommodation, tours, and any must-do experiences early.
📆 Weekends are more expensive. If you have flexibility in your schedule, visiting during the week can help you save on accommodation costs. Hotel prices tend to be higher on weekends, especially during the holiday season, so opting for a weekday stay can hopefully make your trip more budget-friendly.
💵 Bring cash for the market, just in case. While most places in Bruges accept cards, it’s wise to have cash on hand for small purchases or in situations where cash is the only option—like public washrooms and certain market stalls. A small amount of euros can go a long way in making your visit smoother.
Are you ready for the festive season in Bruges!?
I hope this article has inspired you and provided some helpful tips for planning an unforgettable visit to the Christmas market in Bruges. No matter how many times I visit Bruges, it always surprises me with its charm and medieval atmosphere! It is definitely one of my most visited European cities so I really hope you fall in love with Bruges as I did!
If you’re looking to explore beyond the Christmas festivities, my Day trip guide to Bruges has all my top +25 recommendations from over five visits! While it isn’t holiday-specific, it covers the best of Bruges—from hidden gems to must-see landmarks—that will make your trip truly special.
