Best Christmas markets in Belgium 2023

This winter, discover the Most Beautiful Christmas markets in Belgium. Take a stroll on the Grand-Place in Brussels and marvel at its Christmas tree, ranked among the best Christmas trees in Europe. Enjoy a romantic Christmas getaway in Bruges and go ice skating with your loved one or hop aboard the Ghent Ferris Wheel and taste its local specialties. Want to pay the Walloons a visit? Stroll through the charming city of Liège and discover its Christmas village which grows bigger and more and more magical every year.

Don't  just visit one Christmas market  in Belgium: there are very lively other ones in Louvain-La-Neuve and Leuven for example. Enjoy their festive and student atmosphere. For a more cozy, chic atmosphere, stay in Ostend, this thermal destination is very much appreciated by royal families at Christmas time.

From North to South, from East to West, the most beautiful Christmas markets in Belgium await you this winter.

Book your flights, accommodation, tours and activities and discover the most best Christmas markets in Belgium for 2023.

1. Brussels

From 24th November to 31st December 2023

Winter Wonders is your favourite Christmas market in Belgium followed by Ghent, Antwerpen, Brugge and Liège. With its 2.5 million visitors, "Winter Wonders" is the unmissable end-of-year event in Brussels which, for the occasion, dons its festive costume and pulls out all the stops on the menu.

The warm and joyful atmosphere of ‘Winter Wonders’ will surround visitors from all over the world: magical lights from the Great North, cultural and fun activities, original gift ideas and other novelties are awaiting you, making for unforgettable shared moments.

Book your flights to Brussels as well as your hotel/apartment and your tours and activities in Brussels such as a Chocolate tasting tour.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price.

 Opening dates: From 24th November to 31st December 2023 (Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels, Amsterdam (1H).

 Where to stay: Novotel Brussels City Centre, located in the heart of Brussels where the Christmas Market is held.

2. Bruges

From 24th November 2023 to 7th January 2024 

From the end of November the historic city centre of Bruges will be transformed into a giant Christmas market.

From 24 November through 7 January 2024, a unique light experience walk, an artificial ice skating rink, a cosy winter bar, two Christmas markets and some atmospheric Christmas lights will make Bruges a fairy-tale city. The Warmest Week (18 through 24/12), VRT's annual solidarity action with non-stop live radio from 't Zand Square, completes the winter picture. 

The light walk 'Aurora', inspired by the Northern Lights, is a 2.5 km trail along 10 unique light installations that make full use of the reflections along the canals of Bruges.

At the Lake of Love, you will find Winter Bar Vorst offering sustainable and flavourful offerings at a fair price. Again, some Handmade in Bruges label-holders are participating. At the Market Square, stalls will feature traditional Christmas offerings, while at Simon Stevin Square, short chain and crafts will take centre stage. Immerse yourself in enchanting Bruges during Winter Glow. 

 Opening dates: From 24th November 2023 to 7th January 2024 (Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels (Zaventem Airport - 1h30 by car or public transport).

 Where to stay: "Relais Bourgondish" 200 m from the Christmas Market.

3. Ghent

From 7th December to 31st December 2023

The Gentse Winterfeesten is an authentic Christmas market right in the enchanting heart of Ghent.

The entire Winterfeesten area and all squares will ooze the atmosphere of the Nordics. Just imagine the smell of pine, lots of green, cosiness, lights, northern lights, moose, chalets, homeliness, warmth...

Everyone feels welcome, and it's just great to spend a fun and heartwarming time with friends and family. You can just picture yourself walking through a Scandinavian Christmas village, right in the middle of a wintery pine forest.

When visiting the stunning inner city centre of Ghent, plenty of magical moments will cross your path. The smell of a snowy pine forest, northern lights, the moon peeking through the stars... Winter 'chill' becomes winter 'warmth'.

 Opening dates: From 7th December to 31st December 2023 (Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels and your accommodation in Ghent. 

 Where to stay: "Ghent Mariott Hotel" 500m from the Christmas Market.

4. Liege

From 25th November to 30th December 2023

Liege more lit up and convivial than ever. A variety of events to please young and old alike: the biggest Christmas village in Belgium, a Christmas skating rink, the European Circus Festival, etc.

The Liege Christmas Village is not only the biggest in Belgium, but the oldest too. Loyal to the long-standing Germanic tradition of Christmas markets, in the very heart of the city, the Liege Christmas Village reproduces the special, magical and fairy-tale atmosphere of the Christmas festivities. Yet also loyal to its Latin character, with the aid of its Village Council and its many food-serving chalets, the Christmas Village boasts an innovative festive and friendly atmosphere that has become its distinguishing feature, helping it to stand out from its Germanic and Alsatian counterparts.

 Opening dates: From 24th November to 30th December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels (1h by car or public transport).

 Where to stay: "Amosa Liège City Centre" 70 m from Liège Christmas Market. 

5. Ostend

From 1st December 2023 to 8th January 2024

If you are into art, cosiness, shopping, ice skating, Santa Claus, Christmas presents and/or delicious food, you should definitely pay a visit to Ostend this winter. Christmas is the perfect time to take a trip to Belgium and explore the City by The Sea. Ostend doesn't have one but two (!) cosy Christmas Markets. Another eye-catcher during the ‘Winter in Ostend’ event is an illuminated tunnel in the Adolf Buylstraat shopping street. This tunnel will be covering the entire street for a distance of 188 meters with a breath-taking canopy consisting of 232,500 lights! 

And why not combine your visit to the city with a search for the ideal Christmas gift? The biggest advantage of shopping in Ostend is the fact that shops are also open on Sundays and bank holidays! Moreover, your presents will be packaged in the special Ostend Christmas gift wrapping.

 Opening dates:  From 2nd December 2023 to 7th January 2024 (Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels Airport (1h by car or public transport).

 Where to stay: "Upstairs hotel". Stay in the heart of Ostend. 

30 years young already this year and definitely the cosiest Christmas market in the country. 140 white stalls are waiting for you in the heart of Leuven, at H. Hooverplein and Mgr. Ladeuzeplein. 

You are met by wonderful aromas from an array of delicacies and whilst strolling about you will most certainly find that ideal Christmas gift you had been searching for so long, or pick up  ideas for your own lovely Christmas decoration.

Do not forget to visit Father Christmas with the kids. He is dwelling in his marvelous little cottage in the middle of the wood.  A ride on our nostalgic children’s carrousel will make the child’s heart beat faster! Enjoy Winter tales for young and old.

 Opening dates: From 6th December to 21st December 2023 (Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels Airport (20 min by car or public transport).

 Where to stay: "Pentahotel Leuven" located right in Leuven's historical centre.

7. Louvain-La-Neuve

From 24th November to 20th December 2023 

 20 days to enjoy the Magic of Christmas in Louvain-la-Neuve!

Spread over the two main squares, the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas market brings a real touch of magic to the town. 

Louvain-la-Neige welcomes more than 80 craftsmen, producers and creators. For sure, you will find something to spoil or surprise the ones you love : atypical presents, art objects of traditional manufacture, unique affordable items, poetic and original toys, jewelry, Christmas wreath tinsel and lights, candles and decoration…

 Opening dates:  From 24th November to 20th December 2023 (Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels (Zaventem Airport - 40 min by public transport).

 Where to stay: "Ibis Style Louvain-la-Neuve". Offering a restaurant and bar with an à la carte menu. 

8. Antwerp

From 8th December 2023 to 7th January 2024 

The best time of the year for a visit to Antwerp. Enjoy a unique winter break that is just a little bit different.

Skate around the brand-new ice-skating rink, play miniature golf in a fire forest, shop for Christmas gifts at over 90 stalls, warm your hands to the roaring fire in the winter bar, kiss under the giant mistletoe and enjoy a magnificent sweeping view of the city from the giant Ferris wheel. What's more, you can also take home a fun souvenir of your visit from one of the many photo booths.

This winter, Antwerp is the place to go for anyone who enjoys the ultimate holiday experience.

 Opening dates: From 8th December 2023 to 7th January 2024 (Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels (Zaventem Airport - 30 min by car or public transport).

 Where to stay: "Hampton by Hilton Antwerp Central Station" Situated right next to Antwerp Central Station.