Best Christmas Markets in Belgium 2026: Which One?

Carousel with string lights at a Belgian-style Christmas market

❄🎄❄🍫⭐❄🎄❄🍫⭐❄🎄❄🍫

Belgium · Winter 2026-27

Best Christmas Markets in Belgium 2026: Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp or Ghent?

📅 4 cities compared🎄 Dates 2026-27🍫 Taste the cities

The best Christmas market in Belgium depends on what you want: Brussels for the biggest programme, Bruges for the fairy-tale setting, Antwerp for rides and bonfires, and Ghent for a lively city-centre market. All four are listed to run until 3 January 2027. Bruges is listed from 20 November, Brussels from 27 November, Ghent from 3 December and Antwerp from 4 December.

🏰Bruges

From 20 Nov 2026

🎄Brussels

From 27 Nov 2026

⛪Ghent

From 3 Dec 2026

🎡Antwerp

From 4 Dec 2026

Cold outside, warm inside

Hot chocolate
Waffles
Festive lights

Which Belgian Christmas market is right for you?

🎄

Brussels: the big one

Around 238 chalets across several squares, with a Christmas tree on the Grand-Place. Best for a first visit.

🏰

Bruges: the postcard

Smaller and cosier, with the Winter Glow light trail until 14 February 2027. Best for couples.

🎡

Antwerp: the fun one

More than 100 stalls, a tubing slide, bonfires and a big Ferris wheel. Best for groups and families.

⛪

Ghent: the local one

More than 150 wooden stalls, a Christmas tree merry-go-round and a large ice rink. Best for a lively evening.

What is included

10 chocolate tastings at the best chocolatiers of Brussels
1-hour chocolate workshop: make your own creations
Take your chocolate creations home
Guided walking tour past the major sights
Entry and admission fees
A live guide in English or French

Not included: tips or gratuities for your guide.

See dates & prices →

Can you visit more than one?

Yes. Belgium is small and the four cities are connected by train, so many travellers base themselves in Brussels and add one market as a day trip. Because the dates differ, check which markets are open on your days: late November only has Bruges and Brussels, and early December adds Ghent and Antwerp.

Dates and programme can change: check the official website of each market before you travel.

Add a tasting to your market day

A market is easier to enjoy when you know what to taste. Each of our tours is a guided tasting walk: chocolate in Bruges, beer in Antwerp, beer and sightseeing in Ghent, and chocolate and a workshop in Brussels. Check live availability for your dates on each booking page.

Is this tour right for you?

Great if you

are choosing between Belgian cities for a winter trip
want a plan that mixes a market with a tasting
travel as a couple, with family or with friends
would rather book a guided activity than search for one

Think twice if

you need a single exact date: markets publish final dates close to the season
you dislike crowds: afternoons and weekends are the busiest
you want a market without any walking: all four are outdoors

Practical tips before you book

Check each market's official site for dates and hours before you book trains.
Go on a weekday or early in the day to avoid the crowds.
Wear warm layers and comfortable shoes: the old towns are cobbled.
Hours are usually shorter on 24 and 31 December.

Where the tour starts

The tour starts at Grand Place 23, 1000 Brussels. Meet your guide outside Mary Grand'Place at least 15 minutes before departure. Open the meeting point in Google Maps.