Guide to Brussels at Christmas: the best Christmas lights and Christmas markets

The Christmas in Brussels It left us with unforgettable memories: its lights, markets, and that special atmosphere that can be felt in every corner. It's not the typical destination you think of for Christmas markets But we assure you that it is worth it and you will not be disappointed.

We bring you this guide based on our experience a couple of years ago, when we explored every square and street decorated during a long December long weekend. From the giant market in Marché aux Poissons, where we tasted Belgian beers, to the peaceful walk of lights in the Place Royale, we tell you the plans that we liked the most and those corners where one really lives Christmas spirit.

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1. Winter Wonders (Winter Pleasures)

Winter Wonders is the Brussels Christmas market, and one of the best in Europe, without a doubt. We were lucky enough to visit it a couple of years ago, and honestly, we loved it. The entire city center becomes a kind of Christmas story, with more than 200 wooden huts distributed between the Grand Place, Place de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons.

In it you will find everything: typical sweets (that hot chocolate and waffles are unmatched), handcrafted products and many food and beer stalls. In addition, there is a skating rink outdoors and a giant Ferris wheel which is quite a spectacle when it gets dark, perfect for seeing the market illuminated from above.

We leave you the location and dates for the next edition, and below we'll tell you in detail about each of the sites that make up this macro-Christmas market:

• Location: Downtown Brussels, encompassing the Grand Place, Place de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons.
• Dates: From November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
• Schedule:
  • Monday to Thursday: 12:00 - 22:00
  • Friday to Sunday: 12:00 - 23:00

2. Grand Place: Sound and Light Show

The Grand Place light show It is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of Winter Wonders, and if you are in Brussels during Christmas, it is impossible to miss it. We were lucky enough to see it just before the start of a free tour around the city, and it was the perfect welcome. Imagine: as night fell, all the historic buildings of the square - those same ones that are already impressive during the day - are illuminated with a play of lights that goes synchronized with Christmas music.

Every corner of the square is tinged with color, and every detail of the historic buildings stands out with a spectacular lighting effect. It's one of those moments when you really feel the Christmas spirit at full speed, and if it also coincides with the fact that there has been snowy The square looks like a movie set! The Christmas magic here is real, and the blend of history, lights, and music creates a special atmosphere that makes the Brussels experience even more unique.

• Location: Grand Place
• Schedule: From 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, every half hour.

3. Place de la Monnaie: Quiet market and family activities

The Place de la Monnaie It is another of those charming corners in the Winter Wonders of Brussels. This square, which is quieter at other times of the year, is filled with food stalls and activities which gives it an incredible life. There is less hustle and bustle than in the Grand Place, which is appreciated if you want to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in a more relaxed place.

We had dinner there one night, and we really made the right choice. We ordered a raclette sandwich which was pure delight, with the cheese freshly melted on the bread, and also a hamburger which tasted like heaven after spending the day exploring the city. In addition to the food stalls, the Place de la Monnaie also tends to organize activities for the little ones, so it's ideal if you go as a family.

• Location: Place de la Monnaie
• Schedule: 12:00 - 22:00 every day.

4. Place Sainte-Catherine: Charming Christmas carousel

The Place Sainte-Catherine It is one of the charming corners within the Winter Wonders in Brussels. This square has a unique Christmas atmosphere, with its wooden huts that they offer crafts, decorations and typical food that makes you stop every few meters. Here you will find a beautiful carousel, which is loved by both children and adults for its retro and fantasy-inspired design. It really adds a special touch to this square, which already has a strong Christmas atmosphere.

We took a freshly made vanilla waffle as we walked around the stalls, and the truth is that with the cold weather, it felt wonderful! At the back of the square, the illuminated church It adds a very special touch, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for a Christmas night. We also tried the mulled wine, ideal for warming up, although not one of our favorites. Keep in mind that they charge you for the glass, and when you return it, they'll refund your money, so don't waste it!

Place Sainte-Catherine is an ideal place to stop and enjoy Brussels' Christmas atmosphere without rushing. Despite not being the largest market, there's something captivating about it that makes you want to stay a little longer, enjoying the surroundings.

• Location: Place Sainte-Catherine
• Schedule: 12:00 - 22:00 every day.

5. Marché aux Poissons: flea market with ferris wheel and skating rink

This square is undoubtedly one of the coolest areas of the Winter Wonders Christmas market in Brussels. It's the largest market we saw in the entire city, and the atmosphere is simply fantastic. The square fills with wooden huts with all kinds of things, from gifts artisanal to food stalls where they tempt you with everything imaginable. Here is the famous Ferris wheel which can be seen from the entire square and which, illuminated At night, it creates an incredible atmosphere. It's one of those places you can't miss if you're in the city at Christmas; the mix of lights, decorations, and stalls make it a magical place.

Despite the cold (it was freezing!), we couldn't help but try some Belgian beer as we strolled through the stalls. In addition to the shops and food, this market has a outdoor skating rink which is a great plan for those looking for a little more fun.

The square is packed with families, friends, and couples who come to enjoy the atmosphere and the views from the Ferris wheel. If you love Christmas and markets, the Marché aux Poissons is a must-see for soaking up the festive spirit in Brussels.

• Location: Marché aux Poissons
• Schedule:
  • Skating rink: 12:00 - 22:00
  • Ferris wheel: 12:00 - 23:00

6. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: elegant decorations and lighting

The Royal Galleries Saint-Hubert We found them to be a perfect respite from the Christmas hustle and bustle of Brussels. As soon as you step inside, it feels like you've stepped back in time with that such classic 19th century architecture. The lightning in golden tones and the garlands hanging from the glass ceiling create an elegant and warm atmosphere.

There isn't a Christmas market here, but it's a great place to get lost for a while, escape the cold, and do some shopping (if you're prepared) or just take a stroll. We just browsed the luxury showcases, which are decorated with great care for the occasion.

Did you know they're the oldest shopping arcades in Europe? The arcades have a special touch and are one of the must-see spots in Brussels, whether it's Christmas or not.

• Location: Royal Galleries Saint-Hubert
• Dates: From the end of November to January 1st.
• Schedule: Open all day, lights are usually on from 4pm to 10pm.

7. Rue Neuve lighting: shopping street with Christmas lights

The Rue Neuve is one of the shopping streets Brussels' busiest streets and, at Christmas, it transforms into a promenade filled with lights and a festive atmosphere. During these dates, the Christmas decorations They light up the entire street, creating a cheerful, Christmassy atmosphere.

We strolled through here at the end of the day, and although it's usually full of people doing last-minute shopping, the atmosphere is super cozy hanging lights who cross the street, along with the decorated shop windows, make Rue Neuve a perfect place to enjoy the Christmas spirit in the center of Brussels.

It is ideal for those looking for a festive atmosphere and take advantage of do some shopping, whether in fashion stores or in one of the chocolate shops that appear strategically along the way (impossible to resist trying something!).

• Location: Rue Neuve
• Dates: From November 24, 2023 to January 1, 2024.
• Schedule: The lights are on all day until 10:00 p.m.

8. Place Royale and Parc de Bruxelles: Illuminated walkway

The Place Royale and the Parc de Bruxelles These are two of the most beautiful spots to enjoy the Christmas lights in Brussels. This walkway connects the Place Royale with the park, creating a path decorated with Christmas lights Standing out among the trees and historic buildings, we loved strolling through it at dusk, when the lights begin to shine and the cold weather invites us to bundle up and hold something warm.

The Place Royale, with its classic elegance, is illuminated in soft tones, highlighting the imposing architecture of the surroundings. From there, the path to the Parc de Bruxelles It's a marvel, especially if you're looking for a quieter plan surrounded by nature without leaving the city center. The park's trees and paths are also decorated with lights, creating a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a relaxing stroll with your partner or friends.

This walk is ideal if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas markets. The Christmas lights here are more subtle, but have a special charm.

• Location: Between Place Royale y Parc de Bruxelles
• Dates: From November 24, 2023 to January 1, 2024.
• Schedule: The lights are on from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement Guide to Brussels at Christmas: the best Christmas lights and Christmas markets you can visit our posts about Belgium.