Belgium is one of the best countries in Europe for Christmas markets, and the reason is simple: it is small. From Brussels, you can reach the medieval squares of Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp, the festive streets of Liège, and even the famous German markets of Aachen and Monschau in a single day.
Here are the best Christmas markets in and around Belgium for 2026, with their dates, what makes each one special, and how to combine them on a day trip from Brussels.
Christmas markets in Belgium 2026: dates at a glance
- Brussels (Winter Wonders): 27 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Bruges: 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Ghent: 3 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Antwerp (Winter in Antwerpen): 4 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Liège (Village de Noël): 27 November – 30 December 2026
- Durbuy: Fridays to Sundays from 20 November, then every day from 18 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Mons (Cœur en Neige): from early December 2026 (dates to be confirmed)
- Hasselt (Winterland): 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Aachen, Germany: 20 November – 23 December 2026, generally every day 11:00 – 21:00
- Monschau, Germany: Fridays to Sundays only, 27 November – 20 December 2026
Dates can change, especially for the markets that announce their programme late. Always check the official city website a few days before you travel.
Brussels: Winter Wonders
The capital's Christmas market stretches from the Grand-Place to Place Sainte-Catherine, with more than 200 chalets, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and a sound and light show on the guildhouses of the Grand-Place. If you are staying in Brussels, it is the perfect way to end each day. We cover it in detail in our Brussels Christmas Market 2026 guide.
Bruges: the most romantic Christmas market in Belgium
Bruges opens its market on the Markt, under the Belfry, from 20 November 2026. This winter, a new light and music show inside St Salvator's Cathedral replaces the former Winter Glow light trail. With its canals, horse-drawn carriages and medieval houses lit up at dusk, Bruges is the setting most people imagine when they think of a Belgian Christmas.
- Don't miss: the Markt and the Simon Stevinplein, the canals at dusk, and a hot chocolate in one of the many chocolate shops.
- From Brussels: about 1 hour by train, 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
New to Bruges? Read Why is Bruges famous? 12 things to see in one day.
Ghent: Christmas in the shadow of three towers
Ghent's Christmas market runs from 3 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 in the historic centre, around St Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry and the Korenmarkt. Ghent is livelier and less touristy than Bruges, and its illuminated medieval waterfront, the Graslei and Korenlei, is magical on a winter evening.
- Don't miss: the view from the Saint Michael's Bridge after dark, and a glass of jenever, Belgium's traditional juniper spirit and the ancestor of gin.
- From Brussels: about 35 minutes by train, 50 minutes by car.
Antwerp: Winter in Antwerpen
Antwerp's Christmas market spreads across the Grote Markt, in front of the City Hall and the Brabo fountain, and the Groenplaats, under the spire of the Cathedral of Our Lady. Combine it with the Rubens paintings in the cathedral, the shopping streets and Antwerp Central Station, often called one of the most beautiful stations in the world.
- From Brussels: about 40 – 50 minutes by train, 45 minutes to 1 hour by car.
- Discover more: Antwerp: the Diamond City and Flemish Heritage.
Liège and Durbuy: Christmas in Wallonia
Liège calls its Village de Noël the largest and oldest Christmas village in Belgium, with around 200 chalets around the Place du Marché and the Place Saint-Lambert, from 27 November to 30 December 2026. Try the local specialities: péket (a juniper spirit) and the famous Liège waffle, the original one.
Durbuy, often called the smallest town in the world, turns into a little Christmas village in the Ardennes: open from Friday to Sunday from 20 November, then every day from 18 December to 3 January 2027. With its cobbled lanes and stone houses on the river Ourthe, it is pure charm, especially if there is snow.
Across the border: Aachen and Monschau
Two of the most beautiful German Christmas markets are closer to Brussels than many people think.
Aachen
The Aachen Christmas market (20 November – 23 December 2026, generally every day from 11:00 to 21:00, but only from 18:00 on Sunday 22 November) fills the streets around the cathedral and the town hall. Aachen Cathedral, where Charlemagne is buried, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest cathedrals in northern Europe. Don't leave without tasting Aachener Printen, the city's spiced gingerbread.
Monschau
Monschau is a fairytale town of half-timbered houses in a narrow valley of the Eifel, about 40 minutes south of Aachen. Its Christmas market is small and very atmospheric, but it only opens from Friday to Sunday: 27–29 November and 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20 December 2026. Plan your trip on one of those days.
Aachen and Monschau together make a wonderful day trip from Brussels. There is no direct train to Monschau, so a private car is by far the easiest way to see both.
Three Christmas day trips from Brussels
1. Bruges and Ghent in one day
The classic. Bruges by day, when the light is best for photos, then Ghent's illuminated waterfront in the late afternoon, and back to your Brussels hotel in the evening. From 3 December, both markets are open. See our private tour Ghent & Bruges: Two Medieval Masterpieces.
2. Aachen and Monschau (Germany)
Aachen's cathedral and market in the morning, then the half-timbered lanes of Monschau as the lights come on. Choose a Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 27 November and 20 December.
3. Liège and Durbuy
A Walloon day: Liège's big Christmas village, then the Ardennes and the little streets of Durbuy. Choose a weekend, or any day from 18 December, when Durbuy's market opens daily.
Tips for visiting Christmas markets in Belgium
- Go on a weekday if you can. Saturday afternoons and evenings are the busiest, especially in Bruges and Brussels.
- Arrive in the afternoon and stay until dark. The markets are at their most beautiful when the lights come on, around 16:30 – 17:00 in December.
- Dress warmly. December temperatures are often between 0 and 5 °C, and it is colder after dark.
- Book early. Hotels in Bruges and Brussels fill up fast on December weekends.
- Check the 24 and 31 December hours. Most markets close early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and some close on 25 December.
See the Christmas markets with a private guide and chauffeur
Trains between Belgian cities are frequent, but in December they are also crowded, and combining two markets in one day means a lot of timetables. On a private tour, a certified guide shows you the best of each city, and a professional chauffeur drives you door to door in a warm luxury Mercedes. You set the pace, you stay for the lights, and you are back at your Brussels hotel for dinner. Up to 6 guests, 100% private.
Want Aachen and Monschau, or Liège and Durbuy? We design it for you: see our custom private tours.