The Brussels Christmas Market 2026, called Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d'Hiver in French), runs from Friday 27 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. For five weeks, the historic centre fills with more than 200 wooden chalets, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and a sound and light show on the Grand-Place. Entry is free.
Here is everything you need to plan your visit, plus the best Christmas day trips from Brussels.
Brussels Christmas Market 2026: key facts
- Dates: 27 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Opening hours: every day from 12:00 to 22:00, closing at 18:00 on 24 and 31 December (check the official website for any change)
- Price: free entry; you only pay for food, drinks and rides
- Where: Grand-Place, Place de la Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, Place Sainte-Catherine, the Marché aux Poissons and Place de Brouckère
Where to go: the Winter Wonders route
Grand-Place: the Christmas tree and light show
Start at the Grand-Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. In December it holds a giant Christmas tree, and in the evening a sound and light show plays on the gilded guildhouses. Come just after dark for the best atmosphere.
Place de la Bourse and Place de la Monnaie
A short walk away, the Bourse and Monnaie squares are lined with chalets selling gifts, decorations and hot food.
Sainte-Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons
The heart of the market. This is where you find most of the chalets, the Ferris wheel and the ice rink. It is also the best place to try Belgian winter specialities.
What to eat and drink
- Hot waffles, both the crunchy Liège waffle and the lighter Brussels waffle
- Vin chaud (mulled wine) and Belgian Christmas beers
- Tartiflette, croquettes and Belgian fries
- Pralines and hot chocolate from the chocolate shops around the Grand-Place and the Sablon
Tips for visiting
- Go on a weekday afternoon if you can. Saturday evenings are very busy.
- Dress warmly: December evenings in Brussels are often around 0–5 °C.
- Book your hotel early: late November and December weekends fill up fast.
- Combine the market with the city: the Manneken Pis, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and the Sablon are all within 10 minutes' walk.
Christmas day trips from Brussels
Belgium has some of the most charming Christmas markets in Europe, and several are less than an hour and a half from Brussels.
Bruges
Bruges's Christmas market on the Markt is announced from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with an ice rink and the Winter Glow light trail around the city. With the canals and medieval houses, it is the most romantic Christmas setting in Belgium. Read our guide: Why is Bruges famous? 12 things to see in one day.
Ghent
Ghent's Christmas market runs from 3 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with more than 150 chalets from Sint-Baafsplein to the Korenmarkt, right next to St Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry.
Bruges and Ghent in one day
The two cities are about 50 km apart, so a private day trip from Brussels can include both markets: Bruges by day, Ghent's lights in the evening, and back to your Brussels hotel without train timetables.
See Brussels and Belgium at Christmas with a private guide
With a private certified guide and a professional chauffeur, you can enjoy the Christmas markets at your own pace: hotel pickup in a warm luxury Mercedes, the best spots without the crowds, and drop-off at your hotel at the end of the day.