We were so excited to visit the Christmas markets in Belgium during the Christmas holidays. We were looking for the most beautiful Christmas markets with lots to do for families. Making the decision that we should visit both the Brussels Christmas Market and Antwerp Christmas Market. For the first time over the festive season. Both are popular Christmas markets although we definitely had a favourite. In this post, I am going to compare the two Christmas destination s should you be considering doing the same.
Antwerp Christmas Market or Brussels Christmas Market
Location
Both Christmas markets are located in their respective city center. Which makes both of them easy to reach on public transport or visit on foot. However, we did find that the Antwerp Christmas Market was a lot more spread out. While in Brussels each area was a short walk from each other it was a more compact setting. Making it much more easy to navigate with children.
To navigate the Brussels Christmas market you can scan a QR code which then shows you what you can do and see at each location. It is really easy to navigate with the different types of attractions having different logos. There are also signposts pointing you in the right direction. Generally, if you wander you will come across most of it.
To navigate the Antwerp Christmas market you need to open Google Maps. Although there are boards in each of the areas which list the different areas. It took us over thirty minutes to walk from the Grote Markt or market square where the main area was. To the big wheel which was located by the train station. That was just too much really for the boys. Especially when we arrived and it was not operating. The squares were also quite empty.
Dates & Times
Normally Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas Market opens late November and runs throughout the holiday season to New Year’s Eve. Generally, the stalls are open between midday and 10 pm, Antwerp generally starts a bit later towards the end of the first week of December and is open from around midday to midnight. However, we found that it did not actually open until a lot later.
If you would like to travel between the two, you can do so on public transport. It is a relatively short train ride of around forty minutes between the two cities.
How long do you need to visit?
We spent two nights in Brussels and one night in Antwerp. It would be easy to see everything that Antwerp has to offer at Christmas time on a day trip. While I think we really did need two nights in Brussels. It is a much bigger town with a much bigger market with a lot more to do. Otherwise, I think we would have felt rushed. Antwerp could easily be combined with some of the other Belgian markets (or missed altogether).
One of our best insider tips when visiting a European Christmas Market is to try and visit during the week. At the weekends and after around 4 pm you are likely to find the crowds of the Christmas market. We went once the children had broken up from school and the week before Christmas it was still quiet when they opened around midday until it went dark. Making it a lot easier when visiting with children.
Wooden Chalets
One of the biggest draws for the traditional markets for me is the market stalls and wooden chalets. Both markets had small wooden chalets. Antwerp in particular had some pretty decorations. With fairy lights and nutcrackers. Antwerp should have had around 70 but it felt like less. Some of the squares only had two and others a handful. With the majority located in the Grote Markt. It could be just an odd year but there looked like there was space for many more. What was there was generally the same sorts of things, scarves, gloves and various foods stuffs.
Brussels on the other hand had over 200. Many were located next to the cathedral with a big long line of them. There were also others located in different areas too. Selling a mixture of handmade crafts, Christmas gifts, different food and drinks. There was a lot more variety in all categories. I do not think we even managed to see them all.
Food & Drink Options
I was surprised by just how many different options for delicious food there were at the Brussels market from all the different food stands. With everything from wood smoked salmon, to fondue in a bread bowl to tartefit in a crepe bowl. There were also lots of treats for little children, candy floss, toffee apples and even toffee grapes. There was mulled wine and delicious hot chocolates. Normally served in plastic beakers which you paid a euro deposit for. However we did find one place where we could get a ceramic cup which we brought as a souvenir.
In our opinion, we got the best food at the best price in Brussels when comparing it to Antwerp. Because there were not so many stalls there did not seem to be as much choice. Those stalls that were there looked like to be the same sort of thing with the same advertising boards. We found their prices to be slightly higher and the deposits for the cups were 2€ each with mulled wine also being more expensive. In the end, we decided to eat in the many restaurants that surround the square. Which although a little disappointing also meant we kept out of the rain. On the plus side, there is a wide selection of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Things To Do at the Christmas Markets
Both markets had some other things to do along with the actual market. Both had a giant Ferris wheel. We only managed to go on the one in Brussels since the one in Antwerp was not operating when we visited for some reason. The Brussels one overlooked the market and so you could see it all lit up which was really nice. Brussels also has a light trail and a geocaching route for children.
Both also had an ice rink each. Prices we comparable between the two. The Antwerp one looked a bit smaller but it had a central island which meant that you could hold on both sides! It also looked like there were more penguins in Antwerp. However, they did not have the curling lanes which Brussels had. We had a go at this with the boys and they both loved it. It was one of the best things we did.
Each town has beautiful scenery in their main squares. They look stunning all lit up. Both also have live music although Antwerp seemed to be better set up for this. With a radio station and stage in the main square. It felt like Antwerp was more of a party town with the market getting much busier but this could be because it is closer to Christmas when we visited. The bars were also busier and yet it was still midweek. I also felt that the market was much closer to where the main shopping areas were in Antwerp losing some of the cuteness.
Lights & Christmas Decorations
There are Christmas lights and decorations all over the centres. Although I think that Brussels probably had more in the streets. the best places to see the lights is the light show which was projected onto the Grand Place in the main square. Although a little shorter than we expected it was still worth seeing especially as it was free. There were several other festivities ongoing while we waited including the bagpipes and also a visit from Santa hanging out of the window. There are also other light trails during the Winter Wonderland which run until early January. The big wheel also looks very pretty and you can not help but feel some of that festive cheer.
Both cities have the most beautiful Christmas trees in their squares. Although Antwerp doesn’t have a light show there are many fairy lights that create its namesake – Winter Glow. The historic buildings in the main square are all covered in them and the soft glow it creates is really pretty. There are also a couple of large archways which look nice lit up.
Atmosphere & Festive Spirit
I think if we had visited Antwerp before Brussels we probably would not have been quite so disappointed with it. Both cities have beautiful main squares and stunning historic architecture. This adds to the festive atmosphere in both nice Christmas markets. Although I do feel that for us Brussels had the best atmosphere there was just not a lot going on in Antwerp.
At the Brussels Christmas market, there were undercover eating areas which created more of a community spirit. We did not see these in the Antwerp market. But this could be because of all of the different bars around the outside. Everyone was so friendly in the Brussels market, nothing was too much trouble. The only thing we did not spot was Christmas carols.
Other things to do and see
When visiting the Christmas markets with the young children we were keen to find other things to do. With the markets not opening until at least lunchtime it is a good idea to find something to fill the mornings. Both cities have lots to do and lots of suitable activities for kids which is key when visiting a smaller Christmas market such as Antwerp.
We went to our favourite museum in Brussels – the Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences which we have visited before. It is a good value attraction which you can easily spend half a day at. While in Antwerp we had less time but still managed to squeeze in a visit to the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library. Perfect for our book-mad children.
There are of course lots of other things to do such as river cruises, hire bikes for a bike ride or go on a guided tour. For more inspiration see Things to Do in Brussels with Kids. Or Things to Do in Antwerp with Kids. Both towns would make a good destination for a city break in Europe.
Other Belgian Christmas Markets
I think I have probably made it clear. In our opinion, Brussels has the best Christmas markets for what we were looking for. However, if you are looking to extend your visit further then you will be pleased to know that Belgium has even more Christmas markets.
- 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. It is more of the more famous Christmas markets.
- 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 for extra festive cheer.
- 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 – One of the smaller Belgian Christmas markets 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.
Summary – Antwerp Christmas Market or Brussels Christmas Market
When I first booked a Christmas market trip I had intended on going to the German Christmas Markets. However, it was only on reflection and the need for snow tyres did we ended up in Belgium instead. Since we had already booked the Eurotunnel crossing. It turned out to be a happy accident.
With such a big variety of Christmas markets to visit, I am glad we chose Brussels. In hindsight because of what we were after we probably should have gone to Ghent or Bruges over Antwerp. I have heard that these two offer the very best Belgian Christmas markets. So we may end up there next holiday season. If I do then I will update this blog post with more information.
For us, Antwerp just wasn’t interesting enough for the boys. Everything was too spread out and the lack of wooden chalets surprised me. Especially since it is meant to be Belgium’s second city as such. I have realised that smaller markets are not right for us at the moment. Or if we do visit them then it would need to be for a few hours when passing through. I definitely didn’t feel like we needed to stay in Antwerp to experience it.
I also think that perhaps three nights in total was too much. Two nights in Brussels would have been sufficient especially at a busy time of year. Saying that we have really fallen in love with the idea of visiting a traditional market at Christmas time. Having visited several in the United Kingdom including Winchester Christmas Market. We are now on the lookout for those in European countries. Please let me know your favourite locations in the comments below.
Which one would you choose? Brussels Christmas Markets or Antwerp Christmas Market?
If you’ve liked this post please follow me on my social media channels:
Mudpie Fridays: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest |LinkedIn
PIN for later – Brussels Christmas Markets or Antwerp Christmas Market
