Bruges Christmas Market 2026: Dates & Winter Glow

Historic brick buildings along a Bruges canal in winter

❄🎄❄🍫⭐❄🎄❄🍫⭐❄🎄❄🍫

Bruges · Winter 2026-27

Bruges Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Winter Glow and a Chocolate and Beer Tour

📅 From 20 Nov⏱ 4-hour tour📍 The Burg, Bruges

The Bruges Christmas market is listed for 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, and the Winter Glow light trail runs until 14 February 2027. The market is smaller and cosier than the big-city ones, which is its charm. Pair it with our 4-hour chocolate and beer tour: 3 chocolate tastings, 4 local beers with small plates, a brewery visit and a tower climb.

📅Market dates

20 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027

✨Winter Glow

Until 14 Feb 2027

⏱Tour

4 hours, from the Burg

🍫You taste

3 chocolates + 4 beers

Cold outside, warm inside

Hot chocolate
Waffles
Festive lights

A winter day in Bruges

🏰

Meet at the Burg

The tour starts on the Burg Square, in the heart of the old town.

🍫

Chocolate first

3 handcrafted chocolates at a renowned chocolate atelier.

🍺

Warm beers and small plates

4 local beers, including a visit to the Straffe Hendrick brewery.

🗼

Climb a tower

One of the three towers of Bruges (366 steps) for a view of the city.

✨

End with the lights

Come back in the evening for the Winter Glow trail.

Brown buildings beside a calm canal in Bruges

What is included

3 chocolate tastings
Selection of 4 local beers
Visit of the Straffe Hendrick brewery
Gourmet small plates paired with the beers
A visit to one of the three towers of Bruges (366 steps)
Entry and admission fees
A live guide in English or German

Not included: tips or gratuities for your guide.

See dates & prices →

How do you avoid the crowds in Bruges at Christmas?

Bruges is small, and day-trippers arrive by coach in the afternoon. Visit on a weekday if you can, take the guided tour in the part of the day that suits you, and keep the evening for the lights. Staying overnight is the easiest way to see the city when it is quiet.

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

From Brussels to Bruges

Bruges is roughly an hour by train from Brussels. Check the start time of the tour on the booking page before you choose your train, and leave time to reach the Burg at least 15 minutes before departure.

Is this tour right for you?

Great if you

visit Bruges in winter and want more than the market
love chocolate, beer or both
travel as a couple, with friends or in a group
want to eat and drink well without researching places

Think twice if

you cannot climb stairs: the tower has 366 steps
you do not drink alcohol (tell us before you book)
you prefer to explore completely on your own

Practical tips before you book

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure at the Burg.
Wear comfortable shoes: the centre is cobbled and the tour includes a tower climb.
Booking closes 2 hours before the start, but busy dates fill earlier.
Public transportation is nearby. From Brussels, Bruges is roughly an hour by train: check the tour start time on the booking page before choosing your train.
Tips for the guide are not included.

Where the tour starts

The tour starts at the Burg Square, Burg 12, 8000 Bruges, in the heart of the city. Meet your guide at least 15 minutes before departure. Open the meeting point in Google Maps.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Bruges Christmas market in 2026?

The market is listed from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The Winter Glow light trail runs from 20 November 2026 to 14 February 2027. Check the Visit Bruges website for the final programme.

How long is the chocolate and beer tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

Where does it start?

At the Burg Square in Bruges. Meet your guide at least 15 minutes before departure.

Does the tour include a tower climb?

Yes, one of the three towers of Bruges, with 366 steps.

Which languages are available?

English and German.

Can I book at the last minute?

Booking closes 2 hours before the start. Check live availability on the booking page.