Bruges Christmas Market
Where better to get into the seasonal spirit than in one of Europe’s most beautiful, historic cities, which really comes into its own at Christmas time?
Cobbled streets, twinkly lights, delicious smells and chocolate box scenes – the Bruges Christmas market is like something out of a festive fairytale. It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Belgium, if not the whole of Europe. What’s more, it’s only around an hour and a half’s drive from our terminal in Calais, making Bruges the perfect festive getaway.
Book your trip to the Bruges Christmas market with LeShuttle – it’s just a 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais.
Bruges Christmas market at a glance
| when is it? | locations | what to see |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 21 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026 | Markt | Christmas trees, cosy bars, cafés & restaurants, gift stalls, Christmas lights |
| Simon Stevinplein | Artisan craft stalls, food and drink stalls, Christmas lights | |
| Koning Albert I-park | Ice rink, Winter Bar |
Is Bruges worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes, because it is so beautiful, especially at Christmas time. In fact, it’s hard to stop waffling on about Bruges - the medieval architecture, winding canals, bridges and perfectly preserved buildings seem to take you back in time. The ‘golden age’ of Bruges was in the 14th and 15th centuries, when it was a trading and artistic power. Walking around the city today, or seeing it from the water, you are steeped in reminders of that incredible history.
Where is Bruges Christmas market?
The main Bruges Christmas market is held in the Markt, the city’s market square, but there are several different locations around the city.
The Christmas market in Bruges is called ‘Winter Glow’, and celebrates all the different things you can do in Bruges during the festive season, in an inclusive winter festival event.
The Markt and Burg - festive stalls and Christmas trees
The main Bruges Christmas market is held in the Markt, the city’s market square. Here you'll find Christmas trees, chalets selling everything from food and drink to clothes and souvenirs, as well as all the cosy cafés, bars and restaurants that are lit up like gingerbread houses. You can even climb the 366 steps to the top of the 83-metre belfry and look down on everything from on high. The largest Christmas tree in Bruges can be found in the Burg, a nearby square.
Savour the atmosphere in one of Markt square’s numerous bars and cafés
Simon Stevinplein - artisan crafts and local treats
Wander over to the smaller square of Simon Stevinplein if you are looking for artisan crafts. Pick up a special souvenir at one of the many stalls showcasing hand-made gifts, like Christmas decorations. There is also a good range of food stalls here too.
The Ice Rink
Always a popular place in Bruges during the Winter Glow festival is the ice rink, which is open every day during the event - even Christmas Day! You can't miss it - it's in Koning Albert I-park (King Albert I Park), a large municipal space in the south-west of the city centre. There is a Winter Bar next to the ice rink where you can regain your composure after skating, or get some Dutch courage before you take to the ice!
Top things to do at and around Bruges Christmas market
Family-friendly fun at Bruges Christmas market
There is plenty of things going on in Bruges to entertain the family while you’re there for the Christmas market. The ‘Light Experience Trail’ features 10 different light installations around the city, and is a really special experience for the children. The kids will also love the special appearances from Saint Nicholas, the first by boat at the start of the Winter Glow festival, and then on December 6th, when he gives presents to the city’s children on Saint Nicholas Day.
Winter bites and beverages
The waffles, the hot chocolate, the sweet treats and alcoholic pick-me ups – we can’t lie, Bruges Christmas market is a delight for those who love their food and drink. It can get very cold in Bruges in December, which is great for the festive feels, but you’ll really appreciate the warm mulled wine or glühwein, so delicious with a chocolate-covered waffle (or any kind of waffle really). There is also nothing better than sneaking into a friendly bar to warm up. If you’re confused by the beer menu the bar tender will help you out. Belgian beer is full of flavour but much stronger than typical draught beers in the UK.
Tuck into a warming waffle as you browse the market stalls
Christmas shopping
Bruges is famous for its lace and chocolate shops, so when you’re exploring the city, pop into a few traditional stores and get gifts for loved ones back home. Look out for the independent shops selling real artisan chocolate, like The Chocolate Line, which is where many of the locals get their chocolate fix. This shop is famous for its innovative flavours, such as chocolate and bacon, bitter ganache, marzipan and wasabi. Away from the Christmas market squares you’ll find boutique stores in the main shopping streets of Noordzandstraat, Zuidzandstraat and Steenstraat.
Seasonal events and entertainment
Winter is a great time to visit Bruges for the Christmas market, as you avoid the summer crowds while enjoying the many winter events taking place. Bruges is quieter still after Christmas but this is often a good time to visit, as accommodation is cheaper. Each January, Les Costumés de Venise takes place, with people dressed in elaborate baroque costume parading the streets, accompanied by music, shopping stalls and children’s entertainment, such as face painting.
Spoil yourself or a loved one with some artisan chocolates
Plan your visit to Bruges Christmas Market
Getting to Bruges
Travelling to Bruges with LeShuttle could not be easier. Driving from our Calais terminal is a simple 1 ½ hour journey on the A16 and E40 motorway, and there are no tolls to pay. Find out more about driving in France and driving in Belgium.
Where to stay
There is no shortage of accommodation in Bruges, but if you are looking for a more unique experience why not try a guest house? Anna’s B&B is a beautifully-decorated bed and breakfast right in the heart of the city. The host provides guests with brilliant insider-information on where to go in Bruges. It’s possible to park outside, too, which is handy when you’re travelling with a car.
If you prefer to stay in a larger hotel, Hotel De Orangerie is housed in a beautiful 15th-century cloister, overlooking the Dijver canal, with crackling fireplaces to welcome you after a long day walking around the city.
When does the Bruges Christmas market start?
This year’s Winter Glow Christmas Market in Bruges opens on Friday November 21st 2025 and runs until Sunday January 4th 2026. The Christmas Market in Bruges is open from 10am to 10pm on Sundays to Thursdays, and 10.30am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve it is open from 10am to 5pm, and there are limited opening hours on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Is public transport free in Bruges during the Christmas market?
During the 19 festive shopping days of the Winter Glow event, bus transport is free in Bruges. At other times normal fares are charged. The festive shopping days are every Saturday and Sunday during the Christmas market season, plus every day from 25-31 December:
- 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th November
- 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st December
- 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st December
- 3rd, 4th January
Take a carriage ride through beautiful Bruges
Beyond the market: Exploring Bruges and its surroundings
If you’re visiting Bruges for the first time, you’ll want to explore all the delights of the city, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Christmas market is open during the daytime, but that will probably be when you want to do things like take a boat cruise round the famous canals, which seem to have breathtaking views around every bend and has given Bruges a reputation as ‘the Venice of the North’.
Horse-drawn carriage rides through the cobbled streets are a wonderful way to see the city, while the Groeningemuseum houses works by the most famous Bruges artist, Jan van Eyck, as well as Renaissance and Baroque masters. If you’ve developed a taste for Belgian beer, why not take a brewery tour? Bruges has some of the most famous breweries in the country.
Make this Christmas one to remember with LeShuttle
If you’ve ever wanted to go to Bruges, do it at Christmas time. The city is at its most beautiful and magical, and it’s so close to Calais! With just a 35-minute crossing from Folkestone on LeShuttle, make this the year you unwrap Bruges.
Bruges Christmas market FAQs
Is Brussels Christmas market better than Bruges Christmas market?
The ‘Winter Wonders’ in Brussels is another of Belgium’s most popular Christmas markets. Brussels is a much bigger city than Bruges, but while its seasonal spectacular offers attractions like a ferris wheel and fairground, the Christmas market in Bruges does have a more intimate, cosier atmosphere.
Does it snow in Bruges at Christmas?
It does not often snow in Bruges, but it can get very cold, so make sure you wrap up well and bring lots of warm clothing on your trip to Bruges.
How many days should I spend in Bruges?
Most people come to Bruges for a city break, so spend 2-3 days here.
Is Bruges Christmas market suitable for families?
Yes, children will love it! They can see Saint Nicholas, go skating on the ice rink and feel the magic of the Light Experience Trail.
Is parking available near Bruges Christmas Market?
The best place to park in Bruges is probably the Interparking car park at Bruges Railway Station. This is cheaper than the underground car parks closer to the city centre, and is still only a 20-minute walk to the historic old town where the Christmas market takes place.
