Before Christmas, we decided to start the festive season by visiting two Belgian Christmas Markets for the first time. Our first stop was Brussels Christmas Market where we spent two nights. Our second was Antwerp Christmas Market where we spent one night. We much preferred our visit to Brussels Winter Wonders compared to Antwerp. As one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets, I can see why it is so popular. We really enjoyed the atmosphere, everyone was so friendly not to mention the Brussels Christmas Market food. I was a little worried about taking the boys but they also had a great time. If you are thinking of doing the same then here is some practical information to help you make the most of your visit.
Brussels Christmas Market Guide
As I mentioned above we decided to stay for two nights in Brussels. When travelling with the boys and wanting to take things a little slower this worked perfectly for us. It gave us enough time to explore the markets fully at a relaxed pace. If you are planning on moving between all of the different Belgium Christmas markets. Then you could probably reduce this to one night or even a day trip.
Brussels Christmas Market Location
Located throughout the city center at each location you can scan a QR code which takes you to a webpage with an interactive map. It shows you all the different areas and what you can find at each. If you head towards the center of Brussels then you are bound to find one of the locations. Although when we visited the majority of the market was not in the Grote Markt by the Grand Place. Instead, it was located at the Place Sainte-Catherine, next to the church and along the Boulevard Anspach.
Before visiting I did worry about working out a walking the route to make sure we saw it all. However, the map really helps with this so I would not spend time on a route as such. There are also lots of signs around pointing you in the general direction. One thing I would make sure of is to wear appropriate footwear as the cobbled streets can get slippery in the wet. Although a lot of the market has been raised on wooden flooring which helps. We did a lot of walking during our visit clocking up well over 20,000 steps each day.
When is the Brussels Christmas Market open?
Normally Brussels Christmas Market opens late November and runs throughout the holiday season to New Year’s Eve. Open daily from midday onwards it is worth checking the official website as hours are reduced over Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day. Normally the market closes at 10 pm.
Some of the specific events such as the lighting up of the Grand Place and attractions such as the Ferris Wheel run until early January. Finishing on the 7th of January when we visited. The interactive map will tell you show times and opening times of specific attractions such as curling.
Brussels Christmas Market Food
Having not visited a European Christmas Market before I had no idea how much of the focus would be on delicious food and drink. I think we spent most of the time eating and drinking our way around the food stalls. It was cold but dry on our first day so a warm drink was much needed. Everything is provided in reusable cups which have an extra cost of 1€ deposit. You can return the cups to any of the stalls that offer a warm drink. For the adults mulled wine or glühwein for the children hot chocolate expect to pay around 4-5€ including the 1€ deposit. Although much of it is a specific brand of chocolate milk which the boys love. If you have a fuss pot like us then you will be pleased to know they also offer cold chocolate milk.
There are also plenty of festive treats. The boys enjoyed candy floss, toffee apples and much to Charlie’s delight toffee grapes. Along with all the wonderful Belgian chocolate. For the savoury, there were plates of cheese to supplement the Belgian beer. Wooden chalets with a wide range of cooked meats and salamis on offer. So many waffles! I had no idea that there was more than one type. The main two we found were Brussels and Liege. The latter being our favourite.
We tried out the tartiflette which was delicious and of course fries and mayonnaise. Although missed out on the fondue in a bread bowl, I am secretly wondering if this would good excuse to go back to try along with oliebollen. These are small doughnut balls covered in powdered sugar. There was also salmon cooking by flames and huge bratwurst on offer. Most of the food stalls looked like independent vendors.
What to expect when visiting Brussels Christmas Market
If you are planning on visiting the Christmas market and staying like we did then it doesn’t open until midday so you may want to give thought to things you can do in Brussels with kids. There is so much to do with many museums and inside attractions which are useful if the weather is not playing ball.
The same can be said for the market itself with things going on throughout the month including brass bands, Christmas carols and special Winter tunes events. I have listed below some of the best things we did and saw during our visit.
Wooden Chalets
It was exactly how I expected a Christmas Market to be with wooden chalet stalls lining each side of the main area. The food and Christmas stalls are mixed allowing easy browsing. Although I would suggest there are probably more food stalls than gift stalls. There are approximately 200 in total spread around the different areas. Although there is one main area such stalls can be found throughout the centre.
Ice Rink & Curling
Located in Place De Brouckère, one of the main attractions of the Brussel Christmas Market is the ice rink, it is not possible to book it in advance. Prices including ice skate rental were 10€ for adults and 5€ for children. You can buy a family ticket for 25€. They also offer a toddler area for younger children. As well as the ice skating there were also three curling lanes. We decided to opt for this over ice skating. We all really enjoyed it. Sessions are for half an hour and you can book these online. But through a banking system which I could not access. As we wanted an afternoon slot we turned up and booked onto the next one. It cost 8€ for adults and 4€ for children.
Ferris Wheel & Merry Go Round
It is hard to miss the giant Ferris wheel which is located at one end of the Christmas market. As soon as the boys saw it they wanted to go on it but we decided to wait until it was dark. So that we could see across the city with all the Christmas lights below. The big wheel is 55ft tall and costs 10€ for adults and 6€ for those under the age of 12. We got about three complete rounds before they started taking people off. The views were fantastic and the illuminated Ferris wheel looked really festive all lit up.
As well as the wheel there are two merry-go-rounds. The boys chose to try out Andrea’s Merry Go Round which is full of wonderfully different creatures. Such as giant fish, an ostrich and flying machines. It was a very reasonable 3€ a ride.
Light Show
The other thing which I would suggest you do not miss is the Grand Place in the Grote Markt. Although there were no wooden cabins in the main square there is a large Christmas tree and nativity scene. However, the main reason for visiting the main square. On the hour during the week and the half-hour during the weekends the Grand Place is lit up with colourful lights. The show lasts around five minutes and each year it is different.
Our verdict of Brussels Christmas Market
We had such a brilliant time visiting the Brussels Christmas Market, it is definitely worth visiting. There was plenty to keep the kids entertained as well. Brussels has a lot to offer families and we combined our visit with a trip to our favourite museum. But even just wandering the cobblestone streets there is a lot to see. Including of course the peeing statutes. Did you know there are three and not just the well-known Manneken Pis? However, if you can squeeze in a visit to see him while at the markets then you will find him in his Santa Claus suit during the Christmas market season. If you are on a short time frame then try to catch the majestic grand-place in the evening. When the square is all lit up, even without the light show it is magical and an unforgettable experience.
Things we loved
It is the perfect place to try out a Christmas Market for the first time. Everything is within a short walk and so really easy to navigate and great for kids. The fact that there is an easily accessible map to point you to the best places is well thought through. There is so much fun to be had with all the extra attractions and we loved the big Ferris wheel and the views across the whole market and Brussels itself.
Brussels by Lights shows these streets lit up by magical lights and artworks that run throughout Christmas time to the New Year. Many of the the shop windows are decorated adding to the Christmas spirit. The wide choice of food vendors all serve delicious food. We all opted for something different and shared our choices. We also had some mulled wine in little ceramic barrels which ended up being our souvenirs.
There are plenty of gift and chocolate shops that line the little streets that add to the festive spirit.
Things we were not keen on
If you are planning on doing some Christmas shopping when visiting then you are more likely to find gifts in the shops rather than the stalls. Since there is so much focus on the food and drink element of the Christmas Market. I was a little disappointed that there was not an opportunity to buy Christmas decorations. We found one market stall but it was very overpriced.
The only other thing I was not keen on was the number of people who were looking for reusable cups and dishes. Instead of begging for money, they would beg for the cups. Although it you were firm they did not bother you again. One person overstepped the mark asking the boys for their hot chocolate cups.
Where did we stay during our visit to Brussels
We stayed in a central B&B called DRUUM* where it was only a ten-minute walk to the Brussels Christmas Market. It came with secure parking and breakfast was included in the price. The room was large with a good size family bathroom. Although the bed for the four of us was a little strange, made of cast concrete with a double on one side and two singles the other. Wifi was good and meant that we could stream films and you also have access to a kitchen during your stay. Check-in is from 1.30 pm, so it works well if you are driving from Calais as you can drop your bags ahead of going out to explore the with early check-in.
Other Belgian Christmas Markets
During our stay in Belgium, we also visited Antwerp Christmas Market. I would suggest that Brussels has the best Christmas markets for what we were looking for. However, if you are looking to extend your visit further then you may also want to consider some of the Belgium Christmas Markets as many are close to each other.
Bruges Christmas Market
The historic city of Bruges hosts a traditional Christmas market set against the backdrop of its medieval architecture, with stalls offering seasonal treats, crafts, and gifts. With the intoxicating scent of fresh waffles lingers in the air and the streets are dressed like gingerbread houses with festive fairy lights reflected in the canal.
Antwerp Christmas Market
Located in the city centre and spread over six different areas. Live music, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel and illuminated decorations, and an array of stalls offering local crafts, food, and drinks.
Ghent Christmas Market
Roller skating, a Ferris wheel, lots of decorations and over 150 market stalls to browse in the historical city centre of Ghent. Even open on Christmas Day!
Leuven Christmas Market
In its 35th year, as well as live music most evenings and festive market stalls you have the chance to visit Santa Claus. He is based in his pine forest in the middle of the Ladeuzeplein and can be visited every day in the afternoon.
Liege Christmas Market
One of the longer-running Belgium Christmas markets, that has also been running for over 30 years. Comprising of over 200 wooden chalets, an ice rink, and a festive program of events, making it a popular destination for holiday cheer.
Namur Christmas Market
A smaller market in comparison to the others with around 70 market stalls. With an ice rink, the festivities focus around the Place de l’Ange. Santa’s house is open every Wednesday and Saturday at Place du Théâtre, under the shade of a sparkling fir tree.
Mons Coeur en Neige
Features a festive Christmas village with artisanal products, culinary delights, and a range of activities for the whole family. Including roller skating, ice skating, a toboggan run and strolling entertainment.
Winter in Ostend
Creating a Winter wonderland by the sea, open Christmas Eve and Day. This traditional market is on the smaller side with around 50 wooden chalets in the park which is transformed with lots of Christmas trees. An indoor ice rink is also available.
Have you been to a European Christmas Market? Please let me know your suggestions in the comments below. We definitely have the bug and looking for a wonderful Christmas Market to visit next year for the Christmas holidays.
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