Why the Bruges Christmas Market Is a Must-Visit This Holiday Season

Have you ever dreamed of strolling through a magical Christmas market in a medieval city? The Bruges Christmas Market, with its twinkling lights, cozy stalls, and the scent of waffles and mulled wine, brings that dream to life. Discover handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and a fairytale winter wonderland in the heart of Bruges!

SUMMARY: The Bruges Christmas Market is a must-visit destination during the holiday season, with two distinct markets offering traditional gifts, short-chain items, and handicrafts. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating on the Lake of Love, follow a spectacular light trail through the city, and take in the best views of the festive decorations from the Historium Tower.

Growing up just 15 minutes from Bruges, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the magic of the Bruges Christmas Market countless times. Bruges is always charming, but when the festive atmosphere takes over, it becomes next level.

Similar to other Belgian cities, it’s not just a Christmas Market anymore. Nowadays, it’s a full-on winter festival called “Winter Glow” that takes over the entire city.

From the cozy stalls serving up mulled wine and hot cocoa to the ice skating rink on top of the Lake of Love, there’s no shortage of fun things to do and see.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Bruges Christmas Market so special, explore the various locations, must-try food and drink, unique gift ideas, and other festive activities that make this event a true winter highlight.

Bruges Christmas Market in a Nutshell

👉🏻 Event: Winter Glow Festival

📆 Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Highlights:

• Two Christmas Markets: Market Square & Simon Stevin Square
• Ice skating rink on Lake of Love
• Cozy winter bar serving hot chocolate and jenever
• Spectacular light trail through the city

Where Can You Find the Christmas Markets in Bruges?

The main (and most traditional) Christmas market in Bruges is right where you’d expect it—the Market Square or Grote Markt.

This central square is always charming, but during the winter period, you’ll find the Christmas Market in the center of it. The black containers aren’t very traditional, but with some wood added to the sides, and plenty of Christmas trees and lights around, you’ll feel the holiday atmosphere anyway.

I have to admit, it was also fun to have the ice rink right under the Belfry’s watchful eye. But now that it’s moved to Minnewater Park, skating there, literally ON the lake, is so much cooler and fairytale-like.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, Simon Stevin Square is a great spot.

This smaller, cozy square has a market focused on local crafts and gourmet goodies. It’s a more relaxed version of the main Christmas Market on the Market Square with many more original products.

💡 Good to know: take some time to wander through the nearby streets. You’ll find charming pop-up stalls and festive window displays all around the city. I always love getting a bit more off the beaten path and I recommend you do the same.   

What To Eat, Drink, and Buy at the Bruges Christmas Market

For me, one of the absolute highlights of visiting the Bruges Christmas Markets is getting to enjoy all the amazing food and warm drinks, and finding those perfect little gifts. With so many choices, it can be hard to know where to dive in. So, here are a few of my personal favorites to get you started.

5 Things to Eat

• Belgian Chocolate: No visit to Bruges is complete without sampling some of the world-famous Belgian chocolate. Look for stalls selling handcrafted truffles, pralines, and chocolate bars in a variety of flavors. Just don’t be surprised if a few of those chocolates don’t make it back home—I speak from experience!
• Speculoos: These spiced shortcrust biscuits are a holiday favorite in Belgium. You’ll find them in various forms, from traditional cookies to spreads and even ice cream. TRY IT!
• Tartiflette: This hearty French dish, made with potatoes, bacon, and melted cheese, is a popular choice at the Christmas markets. It’s the perfect comfort food on a cold winter day.
• Sausages: Grilled sausages are a staple at any Christmas market, and Bruges is no exception. Look for stalls offering a variety of sausages, from classic bratwurst to spicy merguez.
• Belgian Waffles: Sweet, fluffy, and topped with powdered sugar or chocolate, Belgian waffles are a must-try treat at the Bruges Christmas Markets.

3 Things to Drink

• Jenever: This traditional Belgian liquor, similar to gin, comes in a variety of flavors and is served in small shot glasses. It’s a great way to warm up on a chilly evening.
• Glühwein: This hot, spiced wine is a Christmas market classic. Look for stalls offering both red and white versions, often served in festive mugs.
• Hot Chocolate: Rich, creamy, and sometimes spiked with a shot of Bailey’s or amaretto, hot chocolate is the perfect non-alcoholic option for a cozy drink at the markets.

5 Things to Buy

• Handcrafted Ornaments: Discover unique, artisanal Christmas ornaments to add a special touch to your tree or to give as gifts.
• Belgian Lace: Bruges is famous for its intricate lace-making tradition. Look for delicate lace tablecloths, doilies, and clothing items at the markets.
• Artisanal Candles: Find hand-poured, scented candles in a variety of festive fragrances to create a warm, inviting atmosphere at home.
• Wooden Toys: Discover charming, old-fashioned wooden toys that are both fun and eco-friendly, perfect for the little ones on your gift list.
• Local Crafts: Support local artisans by purchasing unique, handmade items like pottery, jewelry, and other handicrafts at the Simon Stevin Square market.

Other Things to Do During Winter Glow

While the Christmas markets are undoubtedly the main attraction of the Winter Glow Festival, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during your visit. Here are some of my favorite things to do during the festival.

Ice Skating on a Lake

If there’s one thing that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a winter romance movie, it’s ice skating on the Lake of Love. The lake is transformed into a glistening ice rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and Bruges’ charming architecture.

Now, whether you glide gracefully or do more of a wobbly shuffle (like me), it’s all part of the fun. Trust me, there’s something pretty magical about skating in such a picturesque setting. And even if you spend more time holding onto the railing, it’s still an experience you won’t want to miss!

💡 Good to know: Unlike most ice skating rinks in Belgium, the one in Bruges isn’t covered, which means you better wait for a dry day to try it out.   

Have a Jenever at the Winter Bar

After a day of exploring the markets and ice skating, there’s nothing better than warming up with a delicious jenever at the winter bar. Located next to the ice rink, this cozy spot offers a variety of flavored jenevers, as well as other hot drinks and snacks. It’s the perfect place to relax, chat with friends, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Light Trail Walk

The light trail is one of those things that turn Bruges into a true spectacle. It’s fairly new, but each year, new installations are added – one more spectacular than the other. I love how the familiar streets take on a completely new look and honestly, no matter how many times I do this walk, I’m always in awe of how magical it feels.

Bruges Christmas Decorations

You know that feeling when a city just pulls out all the stops for the holidays? That’s Bruges during the Winter Glow festival.

The whole place is covered in twinkling lights, and there’s a giant Christmas tree in the Burg Square that pretty much demands a photo.  

💡 Good to know: if you want the best view in the house, head up to the top of the Historium Tower. From up there, you get an incredible view of the Market Square and beyond, all dressed up in its holiday finest.    

4 More Things to Do in Bruges During the Christmas Period

So, you’re in Bruges for the Winter Glow festival? That’s awesome! But trust me, there’s a lot more to do here during the holidays. Let me give you a few ideas to make your visit even better.

Boat Tour

You know how Bruges is known as the “Venice of the North”? Well, one of the best ways to experience that is by hopping on a boat tour. The canals are beautiful any time of year, but during Christmas, you get all the cute lights on top of it. Just make sure to bundle up—it gets chilly out there!

Chocolate or Waffle Workshop

Okay, you can’t leave Bruges without diving into the world of chocolate and waffles. But instead of just eating them (which is still totally valid), why not learn how to make them yourself?

There are these great workshops where you can get hands-on with the goodies. It’s a lot of fun, and honestly, the best part is getting to taste everything you make. Plus, you’ll have a cool story to tell when you get home.

💡 Good to know: Traveling with smaller kids? Book a waffle workshop rather than a chocolate one!  

check out one (or more) of the museums

Bruges has some really cool museums, and Christmas is the perfect time to explore them – especially if the weather isn’t that nice.

My favorite is the Historium which honestly, doesn’t feel like a museum at all.

If you’re into chocolate (and who isn’t?), you’ve got to visit Choco-Story. You’ll learn all about the history of chocolate, and there’s even a live chocolate-making demo. Plus you get all-you-can-eat chocolates!

Climb the Historium Tower or the Belfry

If you’re up for a bit of a climb, the view from the top of the Historium Tower or the Belfry is worth it. You can see the whole Christmas market from up there, with all the twinkling lights and festive stalls. It’s a great spot for photos, and it gives you a real sense of just how magical Bruges is during the holidays.

Seriously, whatever you do, just soak it all in. Bruges at Christmas is something special, and you’ll want to make the most of every minute.

Enjoy the food, the sights, and all the festive vibes—it’s what the season is all about.

Tips for Visiting the Bruges Christmas Markets

If you want to make the most of your visit to the Bruges Christmas Markets, here are a few things I’ve picked up over the years:

• Best times to visit: The markets are open every day from late November to early January, but trust me, weekends and evenings can get pretty packed. If you’re like me and prefer a more relaxed vibe, try going on a weekday or during the daytime. Personally, I think there’s something special about wandering the stalls in the early afternoon when the crowds are smaller—you can really take your time and soak it all in.
• What to wear: Bruges in winter is difficult to predict. It can be cold and sunny, or not-so-cold and rainy. Or everything in between. So layer up! A warm coat, scarf, hat, gloves, and an umbrella are must-haves. You might not need them, but better to be safe than sorry. And yes, comfortable shoes are key—those cobblestone streets are beautiful, but not exactly foot-friendly. I always make sure to wear a good pair of boots with thick socks to keep my feet warm while I’m out exploring.
• What to bring: Besides dressing warmly, I recommend bringing a reusable shopping bag for all the goodies you’ll pick up. It’s handy, and you’ll look like a seasoned market pro. Also, have some cash on hand—some vendors might not take cards. And if you’re planning on staying out after dark, a small flashlight can be a lifesaver for finding your way through the quieter, dimly lit streets.

Wrapping up: Bruges Christmas Market

So there you have it—a guide to making the most of your time in Bruges during the Christmas season.

Take your time to explore, try something new, and enjoy the simple pleasures—like a warm drink at a cozy bar or the view from the top of the Historium.

The charm of Bruges at Christmas is something special, and I hope these tips help you make the most of your visit.

If you’re looking for more things to do during your stay, check out our guide to 25 Incredible Things To Do in Bruges.